Photojournalism - The spirit of endurance

Behance.net

A photojournal on the sport of Endurance riding with horses in South Africa

Project by Anzel Potgieter

Endurance riding is the fastest growing Equine sport in South Africa, but it is also much misunderstood by those who do not carry enough knowledge about it. Many people do not understand the great work and effort that goes into completing a 201 km horseback race through the Freestate and Karoo. For others, the mere thought of riding an animal through such harsh terrain over three days may sound like nothing else but animal abuse. This book aims to eradicate these ideas, by informing and educating the reader about the hard work and determination involved in keeping and riding edurance horses, as well as the emotional bond that arises between man and horse. This book will be published at the end of 2011. Below are some pages from this 140 page book.



More...
http://www.behance.net/gallery/Photojournalism-The-spirit-of-endurance/1613111

Arabian horse breeders ready for challenges

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

Hisham Al Gizouli


16 June 2011,
Leading UAE Arabian horse breeders said they don’t see any good reasons to shift their operations outside the UAE despite unfovourable and tough weather conditions.

“It’s a challenge, and we are determined to take it,” said Khalid Al Naboodah told during the opening session of the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference at the Hilton Hotel here on Thursday morning.

The conference is held as part of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. It was officially inaugurated by the UAE ambassador to Netherlands, Ali Thani Al Suwaidi.

“We have no plans to breed our horses away from home. There’s no doubt that the weather conditions and surroundings in some neighbouring countries like Syria and Lebanon are more promising, but the tight rules and regulations coupled with the non-availability of flat races there make our job very difficult.

“This in addition to the fact that the home-bred Arabians have made their mark and with the exception of the Dubai Kahayla Classic, the UAE-bred horses have won all the other major races beating French, American and British-bred horses,” Al Naboodah said.

Faisal Al Rahmani, a prominent UAE Arabian horse breeder and owner, echoed the same opinion adding that they understand that the hot and humid weather conditions as well as the water shortage represent a real obstacle, but they are working hard to conquer the impossible.

American Arabian horse breeders’ representative Deborah Mihaloff didn’t hide her intentions that she’s breeding the Arabian horses for their beauty, agility and stamina...

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/horseracing/2011/June/horseracing_June34.xml§ion=cricket

Cal Rei announce sponsored British Rider

FHCCommarketing.com

Written By: FHCcom - Jun• 06•11

PRESS RELEASE

Cal Rei sponsors Alice Beet British No 1 Endurance Rider.

Cal Rei, are pleased to announce the first in their Cal Rei Team of British Sponsored Riders. The Endurance rider, Alice Beet, ranked British No 1 and World FEI No 11.

Cal Rei, produce innovative equestrian equipment, using the ground breaking and unique ‘3D Spacer Fabric’. We are very positive and excited to be able to offer this sponsorship opportunity to Alice. We wish to encourage and support riders who demonstrate ability and determination yet ride with sensitivity and skill. Alice and her supportive crew were put forward by the highly respected Nicky Freud. Cal Rei prides itself on high standards and superior performance. We could not think of a better ambassador in Endurance to match these standards with us than Alice Beet and we are looking forward to supporting Alice in the future. We are thrilled that Alice has just won first place in her 120km race ride at the Dukkeries in her Cal Rei equipment. It’s a superb result.

The fabric created by Cal Rei is revolutionary. We are starting in the equestrian sector although the fabric is extremely versatile for many industries. Maximum performance of horses is afforded and their comfort and well being ensured. This 100% recyclable fabric is very durable yet comfortable and light, affording total breathability with excellent pressure distribution whilst memory retaining. This is positive for the horse and aids performance naturally. After use it can be either cold hosed or machine washed being quick drying then reusable. There is no build up of sweat & moisture, no weight in liquid retention and easy to clean instantly.

Cal Rei products are the essential ‘must have’ items, to afford maximum equestrian performance whilst saving time and finances in care and maintenance.

Cal Rei products are available through www.Horserei.com in Spain and additionally www.FHCcommarketing.com

Great Britain: Bipeds Make a Horse Race Out of Contest of Man vs. Beast

Online.wsj.com - Full Article

By JOHN W. MILLER

LLANWRTYD WELLS, Wales—Just three miles from the finish line, Duke's Touch of Fun bumped into John Terry, a 34-year-old, pony-tailed marathoner from Bristol.

Mr. Terry stumbled. And Duke's, a 12-year-old gray mare, galloped past in hopes of taking her fourth career title in the Man Versus Horse Marathon.

The only two victories by human runners in the 32-year-old race have come in the past seven years, inspiring Mr. Terry and a record 286 fellow runners to pit themselves against 50 horses this year. Both wins came on hot days, where people have an evolutionary edge: People sweat more easily than horses because they lack the heavy horsehair.

Matching man and beast is as old as Roman gladiators fighting lions. Olympian Jesse Owens once beat a horse in a 100-yard dash...

Read more here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303714704576381593288615606.html

Jose Luis Ruiz Hidalgo and Al-gharbe win Spanish Championship

El Raid Blog

June 11 2011

José Luis Ruiz Hidalgo and Al-gharbe re the Gold medal winners of the XXX Spanish Championship at El Paular. They covered the 160 km in 9:49.15, at 16.5 km/h with a total recovery time in the vet gates of 9.50. Al-gharbe also won the Best Condition award.

Second across the finish line was Pedro Godinho riding Olimpico da Ameira in 10:03.20, at 16.13 km/h.

Third place, and Silver medal in the Spanish Championship went to Anna Maria Yebra Altamira and Calzadilla, with a time of 10:03.33, at 16.10 km/h.

Fourth place, and Bronze medal went to Oriol Casals and Zazha of Vilaformiu in 10:07.34, at 16 km/h.

Complete results can be seen here:
http://www.endurancetiming.com/1008e2/

More photos can be seen here:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/

XXI Brazilian Championship

Enduroonline.com.br

Step 3 of the Championship of Endurance 2011
Free Speed ​​and Regularity

Interstate Cup Teams (Regulation at the end)

Regional directors and team leaders from each state.

As has been widely reported, starting this year we will have with the Brazilian Championship, Copa Interstate Teams and the regulation will be awarded as the best teams entered in the trials of 160 km and 120 km (Adults and Young Rider)

Teams from each state can be formed with up to 06 sets of these,
05 and 01 will participate in joint assembly is discarded after the initial inspection of the trot.

Will be required a minimum of 03 teams entered in each category (160km and 120km) to happen for the dispute.

The CBH will make a cash prize for the Champion Team and Vice-Champion of 160 km and 120 km-adult.
The Young Riders category will not receive prize money.

We ask interested parties to form their teams and forward to the director on behalf of CBH enduro, Olaf Maciel. The deadline for these entries is displayed up to 20 days prior to.

For more information see:
http://www.enduroonline.com.br/cbee2011.asp

KER Participates in Australian Endurance Festival

KER.com

Australia's endurance riding industry will be showcased at the inaugural Endurance Festival June 11-13 in Queensland. The event will include the Australian FEI*** 160km National Championship, as well as several shorter rides. It is being held in conjunction with the June 8-10 Australasian Endurance Forum.

Kentucky Equine Research (KER) equine nutritionist Clarissa Brown-Douglas, Ph.D., will be presenting two seminars on feeding the endurance horse at the event, which was organized by the Toft family's Oz Endurance.

Peter Toft has been a member of several Australian endurance squads, and is a long-time supporter of KER and its goals. Penny Toft was among the Australian endurance riders who trained at KER's research facility in Kentucky prior to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
See a video featuring Penny Toft at KER.