Australia; History of The Tom Quilty Gold Cup Endurance Ride

Equestrianlife.com.au - Full Article

With the 160 km Tom Quilty Endurance ride commencing midnight on the 8th June in Tassie , read a quick history of the event.

Endurance riding has been an organised sport in Australia since 1966. Reports of the Tevis Cup endurance ride in the USA began reaching Australia. One person inspired by the concept of a long distance competitive horse ride was R. M. Williams, editor of Hoofs and Horns, a pioneer horse magazine in this country. An invitation was extended through the magazine for people interested in conducting Australia's own 100 miles in one day ride.

It was decided if the Americans could do it, so could the Aussies! The venue would be in the Hawkesbury district, near Sydney, New South Wales, being a relatively central, scenic location, with the support of the University of Sydney's Rural Veterinary Centre, Camden. A committee was formed to organise the first 100 mile ride.

R. M. Williams wrote to his friend Tom Quilty, a great horseman and cattleman in the Kimberly area of Western Australia. Williams asked for his support for the 100 miles ride, and Quilty donated $1000. This was used to make a gold cup, the prize for the winner of the event. This is a perpetual trophy, and the ride was named the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in his honour. The original Gold Cup now resides in the Stockman's Hall of Fame, in Longreach, Queensland.

Cash prizes were originally offered as incentive for competitors, however, at the last minute it was pointed out that local by-laws prohibited racing for money, over public roads. A meeting of riders and officials was held, and all resolved to ride for the satisfaction of simply participating, and for the honour of wearing the handsome silver Quilty buckle. The Quilty buckle is still a highly regarded prize in endurance with those who earn one treasuring it as equivalent to an Olympic Gold Medal.

The winner of the first Quilty was Gabriel Stecher, who rode his Arabian stallion ‘Shalawi' bareback the full 100 miles...

Read more here:
http://www.equestrianlife.com.au/articles/History-of-The-Tom-Quilty-Gold-Cup-Endurance-Ride

Great Britain: Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor gives a challenge and a lot of cheer for riders

Thisissomerset.co.uk - Full Article

May 25 2012

The Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor is well known as the toughest challenge on the endurance calendar. It certainly lived up to its reputation this year, with only two horses successfully finishing the 160km (over two days) class, out of six starters.

David Yeoman from North Brewham, Somerset, on his 12-year-old French part-bred Arab Marlouf de Norvavre, won a silver medal, and Linda Kidd, from Marlborough, on her Anglo Arab mare Drastik with AK, also 12-years-old, a bronze.

Both riders are Golden Horseshoe veterans, having completed the ride several times before on different horses.

David won the Golden Horseshoe 100-mile cup, the Saxon Trophy for the Highest Place part-bred Arab and the Top Man Award. Linda won the Handling & Presentation Award, the Showgirl Trophy for the highest-placed mare, the Dunlop Heywood Veterans’ Award for the highest- placed horse whose rider is 55 or over on the day of the ride, and the Top Lady Award.

Successes for South West Group members included three out of the six gold medals in the Exmoor Experience class and a silver in the Exmoor Eighty.

Torrential rain for several weeks before had put the whole event in doubt as flood water poured down the Exmoor rivers and washed out some of the tracks. At one point even the venue field looked unusable...

Read more here:
http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Golden-Horseshoe-Exmoor-gives-challenge-lot-cheer/story-16185184-detail/story.html

Netherlands: Carmen Romer is New Dutch Champion

20 May 2012

Carmen Romer became Dutch Champion when she won the CEI*** 160 km Championship, riding Gitana, at Leersum, Netherlands on19 May 2012. With a finish time of 9:59.55, they were almost 20 minutes ahead of the nearest competitor, Raphael Van Cauter of Belgium, ring Taborah De Sier. Linda Cowperthwaite of Great Britain, riding Marady Mystharon, was third. Five riders out of 10 completed the 160 km.

The Netherlands' Daphne Sloots won the CEI** 126 km on Kain in 7:20.53, ten minutes ahead of second place Andre Vidiz and Negreplise. Belgium's Kristel Van Den Abeele and Tizghi de Florival was third. Ten of 15 completed the race.

Seven juniors and young riders competed in the CEIJYR** 126 km, with The Netherlands' Marijke Visser winning the ride on Nib Karaskan Star, in 7:20:25. Belgium's Olivia Antoine and Wigor Za came second just 38 seconds later, with Belgium's Romane Yernaux and Gazelles du Bosphore 34 seconds behind in third. Five of 7 completed the race.

Ten riders competed in the CEI* 91 km race, with France's Vincent Dupont and Khandjar du Boulve finishing first in 5:47.15, 25 minutes ahead of second place Danny Droghini and Caprice, of Belgium. The Netherlands' Esther Groen and Zakholy's Shadiya were third. Nine riders finished.

Caledon Equestrian Park Named Host Venue for 2015 Pan American Games

USEFNetwork.com

RELEASE: May 19, 2012
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Jennifer Ward for Starting Gate Communications

Palgrave, Ontario - Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, Ontario, was the first sport venue to be named for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games in a special groundbreaking ceremony held May 18. TO2015, the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the Town of Caledon joined together to announce Caledon Equestrian Park as the official venue for equestrian sport, while also unveiling plans for facility improvements and community legacy.

Held during the Caledon National show jumping tournament, competition was halted to allow athletes and their families and friends to gather for the groundbreaking ceremony. Canadian Equestrian Team members Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, and 2008 Olympic Team Silver medalist Jill Henselwood participated in the on-site announcement.

“After years of preparation and planning, we are honoured not only to have Caledon Equestrian Park named as the official host of equestrian sport for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, but to also be selected as the very first sport venue announced by the TO2015 Organizing Committee,” said Craig Collins of Equestrian Management Group (EMG), a funding partner and the operating group of Caledon Equestrian Park. “To make the announcement in front of hundreds of our competitors, whether they are children on ponies or junior riders with international aspirations, really underlines the legacy that hosting the Pan Am events will create for the future of our sport. I am sure many of these young riders will remember gathering together on the hill for this momentous announcement, and possibly start dreaming of one day standing on the podium to claim a medal for our country.”

Mike Gallagher, President of Equine Canada, echoed those sentiments, recognizing the impact hosting the Pan/Parapan American Games will have on equestrian sport both locally and nationwide.

“This investment ensures that Caledon Equestrian Park will provide an accessible public legacy for the region to develop and train elite athletes and recreational riders for decades to come,” said Gallagher. “As the National Sport Federation representing, promoting and developing horse sport and interests in Canada, Equine Canada fully supports the suitability of Caledon Equestrian Park as a venue for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.”

Caledon Equestrian Park is a municipally-owned facility that will host dressage and show jumping competitions during the Games, as well as the dressage and show jumping portions of the three-day eventing competition. A nearby venue in Orangeville is currently under review for the cross-country portion of the eventing competition.

TO2015’s venue selection process is based on standards set by International Sport Federations (IFs), approval of the sport program by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), and consultation with the National Sport Federations (NSFs).

“Caledon Equestrian Park is a world-class facility with a well-earned reputation in the international equestrian community,” said TO2015 Chief Executive Officer, Ian Troop. “What’s more, it’s a publicly-owned facility so the investments we’ll be making for the Pan Am Games will benefit the public for many years to come. That’s one reason why we are calling Toronto 2015 the ‘People’s Games,’ because the investments we’re making are aimed at making events accessible to the public, and will create a rich public legacy.”

“The Harper Government is pleased to announce Caledon Equestrian Park as the official equestrian venue for the 2015 Pan American Games,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “Our Government’s significant investment in these Games for sport infrastructure, legacy and essential federal services will not only result in economic prosperity for Caledon and the Greater Toronto Area, but will leave a lasting sporting legacy here in Canada for years to come.”

In preparation for the Toronto 2015 Games, the Caledon Equestrian Park will receive capital investment from the Government of Canada, Town of Caledon, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Equestrian Management Group for upgrades and improvements, which will include:

- A new main stadium building.
- Permanent spectator seating areas and areas for temporary Games-time seating.
- Relocation of and improvements to stabling areas.
- A new grand prix ring, warm-up rings and training areas.
- A new indoor riding arena.
- Infrastructure improvements such as services and grading.
- Other related amenities such as blacksmith area and veterinary area.

Ontario will be supporting the cost of venue overlay and Games operations through its $500 million contribution to the TO2015 budget.

The improvements and upgrades will be overseen by Equine Canada and TO2015 with John MacDonald Architect Inc., a local firm that was awarded the contract in January 2012 through a public tendering process led by the Town of Caledon. Construction is targeted to begin in fall 2012 with completion by the spring of 2014.

The participation of Caledon Equestrian Park in the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games will have a significant economic impact on the Town of Caledon. A study conducted by the Canadian Sport Tourism Association for the Town of Caledon found the annual economic impact of these improvements estimated at $15.1 million.

“I am very proud that Caledon will be part of the 2015 Pan American Games by hosting equestrian events at our world-class Caledon Equestrian Park,” said David Tilson, Member of Parliament (Dufferin–Caledon). “We are looking forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from across Canada and the Americas to Caledon in 2015.”

“The ‘People’s Games’ will create jobs, support the community, and keep the local economy in Caledon on track for our children and grandchildren,” said Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games.

“The Town of Caledon looks forward to working with the TO2015, its partners and ours, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Equestrian Management Group and Region of Peel to ensure that collectively we host the most successful Pan Am Games yet,” said Mayor Marolyn Morrison, Town of Caledon. “We are very proud that the Caledon Equestrian Park was selected for the Toronto 2015 equestrian events, and our team is committed to ensuring that the facility will serve our community for years to come.”

“We are very confident that Toronto will deliver a great competition and we are looking forward to working on the 2015 Pan Am Games together with the Organizing Committee and Equine Canada,” said Ingmar de Vos, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), in a statement supporting the announcement.

Attracting more equestrian athletes annually than any other competition venue in Ontario, Caledon Equestrian Park has hosted four Pan American Games selection trials, two Olympic selection trials, 15 World Cup qualifying events, and more than 150 Grand Prix events. Currently hosting 16 equestrian events annually, Caledon Equestrian Park will close out its 2012 season with the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament held September 19 to 23 for the benefit of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

Australia: Crossing finish line goal for 66yo rider

TheAdvocate.com.au - Full Article

EQUESTRIAN
18 May, 2012

A STRONG contingent of Coastal endurance riders are gearing up for this year's Tom Quilty Cup at St Helens.

The Australian Endurance Championships will be held from June 8-10, with a strong presence of Coastal riders expected to tackle the gruelling 160km ride, including Turners Beach rider Fran Jordan.

At 66, this will be Jordan's first Quilty, where she will ride her nine-year-old gelding Tierview Saadat (known as Louie).

"I've always wanted to compete in the Tom Quilty," Jordan said yesterday.

"I only took up endurance riding three years ago and because the Quilty is only in Tasmania once every seven years, as it is shared around the states and territories, this will be my first and probably last opportunity to compete in it."

Jordan successfully qualified Tierview Saadat after completing the 160km qualifying ride, the 2011 Sassafras Endurance Ride, in July.

Tierview Saadat secured the best lightweight and best conditioned horse at that ride...

read more here:
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/crossing-finish-line-goal-for-66yo-rider/2560591.aspx

Sweden: Endurance trainer gains success in Arabian flat racing

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

May 18, 2012
By Pamela@horsereporter

With 28 starts, Maria Hagman Ericsson is not a newcomer to Arabian racing. Well known to the international endurance community, where she competed for Sweden in 14 countries, Hagman – Ericsson has also turned her attention to racing Arabians close to home.

Number two under the wire was Neira Royal (Neiron x Efta Royal) and number three in was Speedy Faq (Daffaq x Skazka). The race had 14 entries...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=3555

Great Britain: Great success at Golden Horseshoe

Goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

Friday 18th May - 08:00 And finally, for this year, here is Press Officer Nicky Moffatt's press release after the event:

Great success at Golden Horseshoe

Riders from across the UK took part in this year’s Golden Horseshoe Ride, which was held on Exmoor from the 13-15 May. Not put off by the recent bad weather, almost 300 endurance enthusiasts made the journey to Somerset to take part in the pleasure ride and competitive classes at this year’s event.

David Yeoman riding Marlouf de Norvavre (who gained a silver medal) and Linda Kidd on Drastik with AK (who won a bronze medal) were the only two to finish the course and pass the final vetting in Class 1 – The Golden Horseshoe – which covers 100 miles/160kilometres split over two days. Says Linda: “Finishing this year’s course means everything to me. I am thrilled to bits with Drastik and depending on how she goes from here, I hope to bring her back next year.” Linda also gave a huge thanks to ride organiser Barbara Wigley and her husband Ian, who made a great effort to keep the ride running this year despite the persistent rain leading up to the event.

There were more medals to be won in classes 2, 3 and 4 – The Exmoor Stag, The Exmoor Experience and The Exmoor Eighty. Last minute entry Lisa Adshead and her Arab gelding Shakmari Gold travelled from Carmarthenshire to ride in the 80-kilometre Exmoor Experience and finish on gold time. Says Lisa: “I was very grateful to the organisers for keeping the ride on despite the recent wet weather. I am lucky because my riding at home in Wales is open mountain, similar to the conditions on Exmoor. Bryn (Shakmari Gold) gave me a lovely ride, eating up the ground with his big floating stride – a typical Arab!”

Of course the Golden Horseshoe wouldn’t be the same without its native pony, the Exmoor, and this year there were two Exmoor ponies taking part. Mary Hannah and her daughter Katy took part in the Exmoor Experience aboard their two ponies Kingsby Nutmeg and Kingsby Elderberry. Says Mary: “Our ponies are half sisters and they gave us a great ride. While Exmoor ponies aren’t built for speed, their sheer determination and stamina is what makes them a good choice for endurance riding. Also, the breed is used to the boggy patches on the moor, so you know they’re going to look after you well.”

Setting out over a revised course, which kept to the drier areas of the moor, riders were far from disappointed about not being able to ride further afield. “It was a beautiful ride across a stunning part of the country,” says Linda, “yet still as challenging as ever. Horseshoe is a firm favourite in my book.”

For more information about this year’s Golden Horseshoe Ride, visit www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

Press enquiries
Nicky Moffatt 07889 234796
nickymoffatt869@btinternet.com