All-Female Line-Up of Winners for FEI Awards

Horse Sport Canada| November 15, 2011

Five women were rewarded for their outstanding contribution to equestrianism at the FEI Awards ceremony on Monday, November 14th in the superb setting of Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Palace Hotel.

The FEI is proud to announce that the winners of the FEI Awards 2011 are:

Development Award – Soraya Ourrais (FRA/MAR)
Soraya won this awards for her enormous contribution to the revival of equestrian sport in Cambodia, where it disappeared in the 1970s in the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge regime.

A Level 1 FEI coach, Soraya trained more than 350 beginners, as well as grooms and Cambodia’s first instructor and judge. In the absence of any equine veterinarians, she travelled to neighbouring countries for advice and technical solutions to recurrent problems and established a network for the provision of medicine and vaccines. She also organised school trips, youth camps and courses to promote equestrianism and was the brain behind Horse Future, a programme that benefits underprivileged children and has provided Cambodia with its national equestrian team.

Best Groom Award – Alice Gaillard (FRA)
Alice’s equestrian adventures began more than 50 years ago at Etrier de Bourgogne, a riding club in Dijon, where, she still grooms nearly every day at the age of 75.

For decades, Alice juggled her job at a mustard manufacturer with grooming at the club and for top Eventing riders Marie-Christine Duroy, Bruno Bouvier and Jean Teulere. Her work with Duroy and Teulere took her to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ and the Olympic Games.

Alice continues to groom for young athletes such as Astier Nicolas, whom she accompanied to Badminton this year. The riders consider it an honour to work with this emblematic figure of French Eventing.

Against All Odds Award – Meg Wade (AUS)
Until Meg’s fall from her horse at an Australian Endurance race in 2009, she was one of the discipline’s leading international riders. She had competed in 65 160km events and won 25 of them.

Meg’s accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. She remembers nothing of the accident or the six weeks she spent in Canberra hospital. Out of a coma but in Post Traumatic Amnesia, she was airlifted to another hospital for rehab. She spent 255 days there.

In November 2010, Meg rode a horse for the first time since her accident with Riding for the Disabled. A few weeks later, she was riding in her home arena.

Meg’s driving licence was reinstated in January, meaning she can drive to events and ride a quad bike onto courses to monitor the horses that she continues to train and enter into competitions with other riders. In October, she completed a 5km celebrity ride at the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, the Australian National Endurance Championship.

HSBC Rising Star Award – Nina Lamsam Ligon (THA/USA)

Based in the USA, dual national Nina Lamsam Ligon rides for the Kingdom of Thailand.

At the age of 15, Nina rode on the USA junior team at the FEI North American Juniors and Young Riders Championships. Her successes prompted the Thai National Team to invite her to compete with them at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya. As the Thai Eventing team’s youngest and first female rider, she won Individual Gold and contributed to Thailand’s Team Gold win.

Nina’s fourth place at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou led the Thai team to a Silver medal. She has become an inspiration for young riders in Thailand and her success and hard work are significantly contributing to the Thai Equestrian Federation’s leadership efforts to develop Eventing, nationally and throughout Asia.

Reem Acra Best Athlete – Adelinde Cornelissen (NED)
The Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2010/2011 series proved to be a spectacular season for Adelinde and her powerful chestnut gelding Jerich Parzival. The Dutch duo won all five qualifiers they competed in before dancing to victory to the sound of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite at the Final in Leipzig (GER).

Success has continued to smile on the talented young Dutchwoman. At the FEI European Dressage Championships in August, she carried off the Individual Freestyle and the Individual Grand Prix Special titles in front of the elated crowd in Rotterdam.

Commenting on the winners, FEI President Princess Haya said:

“Equestrianism is one of the only sports in which men and women compete as equals and we are proud of that. But the accomplishments, dedication, determination and courage of our winners really stood out among the many nominations – male and female – that we received. Adelinde, Alice, Nina, Meg and Soraya are an example and an inspiration to the entire equestrian community.”

Zuma ask review of UAE livestock ban

14 November, 2011 18:36

President Jacob Zuma has asked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to review its ban on the import of South African horses and meat produce, the presidency said.

During a meeting with UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Hahayn Zuma raised concerns that the export restrictions had not been resolved, the department said in a statement.

Zuma is in the Gulf States on State visits in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Muscat in Oman.

The department said the Middle East was South Africa's biggest trading partner for horse exports -- the majority being endurance horses -- and on average exports 100 horses a year to the Middle East.

"The UAE suspended direct imports of horses from South Africa following the outbreak of African Horse Sickness in 2004 and since then all exports had to be routed via the EU or Mauritius, which increased costs by about 150 percent and made South African horses less competitive."

The UAE has also banned the importation of South African livestock and meat (fresh and frozen meat products) due to the prevalence of Foot-and-Mouth disease and Rift Valley Fever.

"President Zuma said the two governments should intensify discussions to resolve the matter," said the presidency.

It said South Africa and the UAE maintained a good defence relationship characterised by the exchange of high-level visits and joint training.

Zuma requested the UAE government to send a delegation to South Africa to conduct an inspection visit and to investigate the country's control systems.

"In June 2011, a protocol was submitted to the UAE government to propose direct export of horses following a 40-day quarantine period at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station in Cape Town."

South Africa: Zuma ask review of UAE livestock ban

Citizen.co.za - Full Article

President Jacob Zuma has asked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to review its ban on the import of South African horses and meat produce, the presidency said on Monday.

14 November 2011 | Sapa

JOHANNESBURG - President Jacob Zuma has asked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to review its ban on the import of South African horses and meat produce, the presidency said on Monday.

During a meeting with UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Hahayn Zuma raised concerns that the export restrictions had not been resolved, the department said in a statement.

Zuma is in the Gulf States on State visits in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Muscat in Oman.

The department said the Middle East was South Africa's biggest trading partner for horse exports -- the majority being endurance horses -- and on average exports 100 horses a year to the Middle East.

"The UAE suspended direct imports of horses from South Africa following the outbreak of African Horse Sickness in 2004 and since then all exports had to be routed via the EU or Mauritius, which increased costs by about 150 percent and made South African horses less competitive."

The UAE has also banned the importation of South African livestock and meat (fresh and frozen meat products) due to the prevalence of Foot-and-Mouth disease and Rift Valley Fever.

"President Zuma said the two governments should intensify discussions to resolve the matter," said the presidency.

It said South Africa and the UAE maintained a good defence relationship characterised by the exchange of high-level visits and joint training.

Zuma requested the UAE government to send a delegation to South Africa to conduct an inspection visit and to investigate the country's control systems.

"In June 2011, a protocol was submitted to the UAE government to propose direct export of horses following a 40-day quarantine period at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station in Cape Town."

Ireland: Endurance Riding in Focus

Independent.ie - Full Article

Tuesday November 08 2011

The Irish Long Distance Riding Association (ILDRA) organises numerous long-distance riding events throughout Ireland each year.

Most rides involve a Pleasure Ride for both members and non-members, normally of about eight miles.

Competitive Trail Rides are run over a number of distances, starting from 20 miles for members. Some events also feature Endurance Races, which start at 50 miles and are for experiences horses and riders only.

The Endurance Rides present the toughest challenges, where riders are competing against each other, rather than the clock. The highest level of competition is the 160km (100-mile) endurance ride, the International Senior championship distance.

Endurance riding is a uniquely competitive challenge and regarded as the supreme sport for learning about equine fitness. Veterinary checks before and after competitive rides -- and in the middle, too, for longer distances -- ensures the best possible care of your horse is taken and any problems can be picked up earlier rather than later.

As a rider, you learn more about the way your horse functions and how to regulate your riding to suit conditions that will affect the way your horse behaves and how it presents to the vet. Key factors for riders to assess are the terrain, the weather and the route.

Your job as an endurance rider is to assess your ride, read your map, decide on your tactics, plot your directions and work out where your back-up crew will meet you on long rides.

The sport is known for its camaraderie and the ILDRA is happy to put you in touch with a more experienced rider who can advise you. The organisation also stages talks, seminars and demonstrations across the regions.

Perhaps the best reason of all for taking up endurance riding is the partnership built up with your horse over many miles of new riding ground. You guide your horse and it carries you. It has to trust you to lead it back home, and you have to trust it to get you there, forging a relationship between rider and horse that is hard to equal in any other sport.

Originally published in
FARMER

Abu Dhabi: Taking on world's best in horse riding

Portstephensexaminer.com.au

BY DANIEL MILLS
09 Nov, 2011 01:00 AM

TWO Bobs Farm horse riders will make a journey to the Middle East in December to compete in a prestigious horse riding event.

Allix Jones, 18, and Brooke Warner, 20, will form one half of the Australian Young Riders Endurance squad to travel to Abu Dhabi to compete against the world's best in endurance horse riding.

More than 25 countries are expected to take part.

Only four riders will represent the Australian team at the championships, with most other nations nominating six.

Both Warner and Jones rode distances of more than 360 kilometres this year during three endurance riding events to qualify. A ride of 120 kilometres usually takes around seven hours, however, on the fast and flat terrains of Abu Dhabi, whichWarner said has some of the world's best riders, the journey is cut by a third.

"It would usually only take about four and a half, or five and a half hours," she said.

Both riders will take one horse each on their trip.

Riding before they learnt to walk, it's been a journey both have had the privilege to enjoy since beginning their riding career together as six and eight year olds.

Some $20,000 has been spent between both families to get to this stage, and they are making a call to help fund their travel and accommodation expenses.

Phone on 0488470049 or 0413067624 to help.

USEF Drugs and Medication Rule Changes Effective Dec. 1

November 08 2011

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is reminding members and competitors of the rule changes surrounding drugs and medications in competition horses.

The new competition year begins December 2011. With all of these important rule changes taking effect, the USEF encourages every exhibitor, trainer, coach, and owner to take the time, prior to competing, to carefully review the "Guidelines for How Long Drugs Remain Detectable" which can be accessed online or by calling 800/633-2472 to request a copy of the 2012 USEF Drugs & Medications Guidelines.

Administration of NSAIDs

Motivated by its commitment to the welfare of the horse, the USEF Board of Directors voted to amend its therapeutic drug rule and restrict use to a single non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) beginning Dec. 1, 2011. Both the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association supported the rule change, and USEF now joins other organizations including the American Quarter Horse Association and Equine Canada in implementing this rule change.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2011, only one of the seven approved NSAIDs listed in the USEF Rule GR 410.4 will be permitted to be present in the same plasma or urine sample. Revisions have been made regarding detection times of some of the therapeutic drugs used on competition horses.

Most notably, the detection time for the seven NSAIDs currently approved for use with quantitative restrictions, has been reduced from seven days to three days, when administered according to the dose and time recommendations found on pages 12-14 of the 2012 Guidelines for Drugs & Medications.

Emergency Use of Flunixin

Following the move to allow only one NSAID to be present in the same plasma or urine sample of a horse in competition, and acting on the USEF Veterinary Committee's recommendation, the USEF Board of Directors approved a rule provision allowing for the emergency administration of flunixin by a veterinarian to treat colic or an ophthalmic emergency. Filing a USEF Medication Report Form is required if an NSAID listed in GR410 (a) through (g), other than flunixin, has been administered to the horse within the three days prior.

It will additionally require that the Medication Report Form be signed by the veterinarian who administered the flunixin and the same medication report should document a 24-hour withdrawal from competition following administration. It is important to note that compliance with this rule is dependent upon the flunixin being administered by a licensed veterinarian following a physical exam.

Anabolic Steroids Re-Classified as Forbidden Substance

Also effective Dec. 1, 2011, anabolic steroids will be considered a forbidden substance under the USEF therapeutic drug rule. No anabolic steroid is to be administered to a horse or pony in the time before competition such that it, or any metabolite of it, might be present in the animal, or might be detectable in its blood or urine sample at the time of competition. This means that, if anabolic steroids are administered and/or any surgical implants are removed, the administration and/or procedure occurs sufficiently in advance of competing to ensure these substances are not present in the blood or urine at the time of competition.

To comply with this new change, it is important to review "How Long Drugs Remain Detectable" on page 15 and 16 of the 2012 USEF Drugs & Medications Guidelines.

FEI Banned Substances

Understanding Equine Medications is your A-Z guide to learning more about generic and brand-name pharmaceuticals, possible side effects and precautions, and proper dosage.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Clean Sport initiative inspired changes to USEF GR 409, which affect the rules governing FEI discipline competition at USEF licensed competitions. It is important to carefully review the FEI rules at this link and the FEI Forbidden Substance list.

Please pay special attention to the FEI listing of banned substances. While alleged violations of USEF GR 409 will still be heard by the USEF, sanctions potentially imposed for violation could result in assessment of a $15,000 fine and a two-year suspension (consistent with FEI Sanctions).

Be particularly cautious with respect to the use of medicinal preparations, tonics, pastes, and products of any kind (even those labeled "natural," "herbal," or "holistic," as the ingredients and their quantitative analysis are not specifically known. Many contain one or more banned substances under the FEI rules. There are therapeutic exceptions, however, which allow for the use of anti-infectious substances and the anti-ulcer medications ranitidine and omeprazole. It is important to note that these anti-ulcer medications are forbidden in endurance rides governed by American Endurance Ride Conference.

Great Britain: Abbi Tennant amongst 10 starters in the 160km race in South Africa

Wayne Webb Photo

Endurancegb.co.uk

4th November 2011

We had 6 loops to ride and I finished at 4 in the afternoon, riding through the main heat of the day.

22nd October I rode in my first ever 160km FEI *** on Perseverance Liberty (the horse I had previously done well on at the 200km race in Fauresmith coming 10th in July) at Schanskraal. It was also Liberty's first 160km.
It was a very early start of 2am due to the temperatures getting so hot here and even though it was dark it was already warm. There were 12 starters in the 160km with 3 of those being from Perseverance stud; Laura Seegers riding PSV Jedi, Franscois Seegers riding PSV Mauser and myself on PSV Liberty. We had 6 loops to ride and I finished at 4 in the afternoon, riding through the main heat of the day. Although I have been in Africa for 5 months now riding in the heat is very tough for both horse and rider and was a great experience to have. I even joined Liberty in drinking out of a trough on route as to avoid dehydration, now thats a new experience!...

Read more here:
http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/item.asp?ItemId=2548