Great Britain: Endurance GB Elite Squad Stepping up the Pace

Endurancegb.co.uk

18th June 2012

Endurance GB Elite squad members Christine Yeoman and Nikki Malcolm have both recently been out to strengthen their chances of team selection for the Endurance GB team for the 2012 Longines FEI World Endurance Championships at Euston Park near Thetford on the 25th August.

The 2011 National Endurance Champion, Nikki Malcolm (28) from Whitcombe in Dorset has qualified a second horse to be eligible to take part World Championships. Nikki took 4th place in the 160km FEI 3* Endurance Ride at Euston Park near Thetford recently with L R Bold Greyson.

Owned by Christine Yeoman, L R Bold Greyson is proving to be a solid performer. Greyson was bought from America at the end of 2011 and has so far completed two 160km rides with success this season. Christine also finished in 6th place in the FEI 3* Haywood Oaks ride in Nottinghamshire in April with him.

Nikki said “Christine had already qualified for the World Championships with Greyson earlier in the year, our plan was for us to both qualify on him as well as our other horses to create more options and a stronger team for the Championships”. Nikki’s other ride is the consistent Anglo Arab Khartoum With A K, with whom she holds a 100% ride completion record.

All three horses, Khartoum With A K, L M Crazy Girl and L R Bold Greyson will now go to the final team trial for the 2012 World Championships at Kings Forest, Bury St Edmunds on the 29th June. Nikki is set to take Khartoum With A K, Christine will partner Crazy Girl and New Zealander, Lisa Davenport will ride Greyson. The team for the World Championships will be announced shortly after this final trial.

Endurance GB Elite squad member Kirsty Wiscombe from Lyme Regis took 7th place in the 160km Endurance ride at Euston Park on the 27th May with her stallion, Yawlhill Billy.

Article by Holdsworth PR

South Africa: How to ride FAURESMITH…

Perseveranceendurancehorses - Full Article

Posted by Perseverance ⋅ 26 June 2012

How to Ride Fauresmith… for the First-timer

Next week a horde of horse and riders will be setting off on a three-day ride totalling 201km… This is the notorious Fauresmith National ride – the highlight of the South African endurance calendar! Not too onerous as endurance rides go, and yet, so difficult to complete for many people. Is Fauresmith an elusive goal for you? Is this your first time attempting it?

As old hands in our Province we offer advice to the newbies on our teams every year. Tips on what to do and what not to do. Sometimes they take our advice and sometimes they ignore it, but all the riders end up wiser on Thursday afternoon than they were on Tuesday morning. There’s no replacement for experience!

Fauresmith is a unique event in endurance. It has challenges different from the ultra-distance rides; one-day 100 milers such as the fabled Hofmeyr. It has different challenges from the speedy outright races between elite Namibian and South African teams over 120km. It is entirely different from the happy-go-lucky 80 km pre-rides done by the majority of endurance riders who just take part for the sheer enjoyment.

There are factors that make Fauresmith mad and bad compared to your local club ride.

Firstly, the sheer numbers. There will be about 400 horses concentrated at this venue. Unlike shows, most of them will not be stowed away in the stables, rather, all of them will be under saddle or on the field preparing to go. Add to that hundreds of vehicles and thousands of people. It can get a bit out of hand.

Secondly, the excitement. For many riders, arriving at Fauresmith is the realisation of a dream. There is a sparkle in their eyes and they communicate this excitement to their horses, who are already amazed to see so many colourfully attired horses around them. Adrenaline courses through their veins.

Third, the horses are fit and fed to run fast. They are not easy to control.

Fourth, there are a lot of newbies every year. Some are relatively new in endurance and lacking in the level-headed common sense that only develops with experience of dealing with difficult situations. They often have a hard time, but can also create situations that are awkward for the horses and riders around them. Falls by inexperienced riders, tack malfunctions or breakages, can add extra complications as they must be helped.

Fifth, the terrain is tricky in the sense that there are many rocks and loose stones, eroded gullies, holes, fence posts. Fauresmith is not a race track, but the horses want to race.

Lastly, there are three days to get through...

Bahrain: HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa praises Royal Endurance Team preparations for World Endurance Championship

BNA.bh

25/06/2012

Berlin: June 25 -- (BNA) The Royal Endurance Team Leader HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa emphasized that the Royal Endurance Team has accomplished the objectives for the sake of which the team participated in the Dellingin horse racing in Germany in terms of preparation for the World Endurance Championship due to be conducted in Britain next August.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa pointed out that the Royal Team has benefitted a lot from its participation under various favorable conditions in terms of training, performance, enthusiasm of riders to win prime positions.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa added that participation since the start of this season in Europe culminated in many positive results in France, Hamburg and Dellingin, and asserted that Royal Team riders reaped great benefits and learned from the preparations program, and he revealed that the program includes future training and participations.

On the other hand, the Royal Federation chief Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa reiterated that the team has accomplished its objectives from participating in the 160- kilometers distance endurance horse racing event in Dellingin in Germany and praised the Royal Team members for accomplishing remarkable results. Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa pointed out that the successful leadership of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has brought the Royal Team to remain at the forefront forever.

In compliance with directives from the Royal Endurance Team Leader HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, a number of horse riders shall undergo further training for the team steads next Thursday in Montpellier, France in preparation for upcoming European competitions and international championships.

The Royal Endurance Team was accompanied by a media delegation comprising photographer Hamid Shehab, TV videographer Hamad Dawood, TV videographer Mohammed Al-Qallaf, production technician Hamad Ramadan, commentator Saddam Nasser and coordinator Khalifa Al-Shurooqi. (IY)

Canada: New event for endurance riders

Peacecountrysun.com - Full Article

By Louise Liebenberg Special

Last weekend a sanctioned Endurance Ride took place south of High Prairie. Meghan Payne organized the very first “Payne’s Pulse Down” endurance ride, with rides of 25miles (40 km) and 50 miles (80 km) for the more competitive riders.

For those wanting to participate on a fun ride or have an introduction to endurance riding, a fantastic 12-mile (19.2 km) trail was set out.

Those participating in the fun ride did go through the same process as the riders in the competitive event, so all vet checks, pulse measurements, departing times where adhered to, in order for new riders to get a feel for what this equine sport entails.

Endurance riding on the American continents has its history dating back to the early 1900s, where cavalry horses were tested on fitness, stamina and endurance. The test required the horse and rider to go on a five-day, 300-mile ride. In the 1950s it became a civilian sport.

In 1978 the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for World and Olympic equestrian events, recognized endurance riding as an international sport. Endurance riding and competitions are held in Europe, Asia, and the American continents incorporating over 49 countries worldwide.

Since the early days the distance and time has been reduced, with most competitions having a maximum distance of 100 miles (160 km) a day. The teams are regularly vet checked along the way to ensure that the horse is fitand has the stamina to continue on the way. Mandatory breaks and vet checks are part and parcel of the sport.

The trails in High Prairie led next to grain fields, through bush, had a number of river crossings, up some steeper banks, along open fields and through cattle pastures. The horses had to contend with a whole variety of trails which made the ride interesting to participate in...

read more here:
http://www.peacecountrysun.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3588794

Great Britain: Euston Park hosts final qualifiers for Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2012

24 June 2012

Sh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum and Kurajong Concorde from the UAE headed a strong field to win the penultimate qualifier for the Longines FEI  World Endurance Championships (25th August 2012) at Euston Park, near Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. 
The pair completed the FEI CEI 3* 160km competition over August’s World Championship course in a ride time of 7hr30min14sec at an average speed of 21.32km/hr.
They won by a nose after a tight finish with Mohd Ahmad Al Subose and Kedjari Des Serres (UAE) in second place. Compatriot Mohd Saeed Mohd Al Faresi and Ainhoa Tijmili crossed the line six minutes later.

A total of 28 combinations took part in Sunday’s 160km qualifier run over the Euston Park course in the build-up to the Longines FEI World Endurance Championships. 
Organised by Janah Management, Sunday’s programme featured a CEI 3* 160 km, CEI 2* 120km, a CEI 2* YR 120km and a CEI 1* 80km, with classes on Monday including a CEI 3* 160km and CEI 2* 120km.

The ride was completed in tough conditions with strong winds and bursts of heavy rain affecting the going.

As the penultimate qualifying ride for the World Championships ahead of the deadline on 26th June, the event attracted riders from around the globe.

Having aimed to qualify ZT Richshakfy for a place on the British team, Susan Hawes sadly opted to withdraw on course on the fourth loop putting paid to her chances of qualifying for a place on the championship team in August.

"It’s a shame but he was not feeling quite right so it wasn't worth continuing - he's only 11 and there'll be another day. This course is really challenging and it will find out any niggles. I have huge respect for the horses that are out in front and still going strong - they are awesome," she said.

The other British contender Melanie Davison and CS Khan contesting their first 160km had aimed for a steady completion but also withdrew at the fourth vetgate. “This is definitely a championship course and very technical -  one minute you are in sand and the next mud and then harder tracks which means you really have to concentrate - it is tricky."

The UAE’s Saeed Ahmed Murad Al Khattal riding the Al Aasfa Stables-trained Glendaar Greystar captured the CEI 2* 120km class in fine style having led all the way from the first vetgate. The duo’s time of 5hr43min57sec was completed with a consistent performance across all five loops at an average speed of 21.28km/hr.

They were chased home by fellow UAE riders Saeed Saqr Mohd Qabir Al Ameri with Saxon of Bedain and Spain’s Nuria Serrabasa Fabre and Nasik Des Fabries.

Chris Wray, riding his first 120km with Takwenya was among four British contenders in this class finishing in 12th place behind fellow Briton Caroline Cowley with Summer Mistral.

His crew Georgina Bull said: “Takwenya only did her first 80km ride back in March and won it so we felt she was ready to do a 120km class.”

Georgina the British team riders’ osteopath said Chris, who bred the nine year old palomino, is aiming to get the horse onto the elite squad by 2014.

Georgina added: “The wet weather did not bother them. Chris found the going deep in places but just pushed on when he could and slowed down where necessary.  We used less water than we would on a hot day and mostly rugged up to keep her warm after the vet gate.”

Saeed Mod Khalifa Al Mehairi of the UAE and Gem El Gem took the top slot in the CEI 2** YR 120km at an average speed of 21.28km/hr

The 14th running of the FEI World Endurance Championships will see around 160 riders from up to 40 countries lining up for the contest around the deceptive Euston Park track.

Ian Williams, FEI Non-Olympic Sports Director, said:  “This was the third event held as part of the preparations for the Longines FEI World Endurance Championship.
 
“Despite the difficult weather conditions, the vetgate stood up to the test and ran incredibly well as did the course. The electronic timing system had its final live test and lived up to all expectations.
 
“Representatives from many nations had taken this opportunity to make their final recce of the course and venue and I can only believe that they found it to be a true championship test and will be returning home excited about beginning their countdown to the main event in August.”
 
Alongside title sponsor Longines, the Championships has the support of Dubai industry giants, Meydan and Emaar Properties as additional supporters.
With around 1000 participants, riders, crew and officials, the championship will have a significant economic impact on the area around Euston Park and the Newmarket area during the build-up and immediately post competition.

Hungary pulls out of WEG 2018 contention

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Jun 23, 2012 in News

Hungary has withdrawn from the bidding process to stage the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.

Its capital Budapest had been named as one of the five 2018 bid cities earlier this month, but in a letter to FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos this week, the President of the Hungarian National Federation Vilmos Lázár confirmed that the Hungarian bid has now been withdrawn.

In the letter Lázár stated that the Hungarian Federation’s Board had made the decision to withdraw the Budapest bid as there were two candidates from the same region. Hungary’s immediate neighbour, Austria, is also one of the official candidates to host the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.

Lázár said that his Board hoped that the withdrawal of the Hungarian bid would enhance the chances of Austria staging the Games in 2018.

“Of course we are sad to lose the Hungarian bid for 2018,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said, “but we respect the National Federation’s decision and admire its generous support of the neighbouring bid from Austria. We still have four very strong candidates in the mix and it will be a very exciting bidding process. We very much look forward to welcoming them all to FEI Headquarters next month...”

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/06/23/hungary-pulls-weg-2018-contention/#.T-XPhI7G5yQ

FEI World Rankings

6/21/12

Kamila Kart of Poland tops the Endurance Meydan Open Riders World Ranking with 690 points through June 15, 2012.

UAE riders fill the next 4 spots: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum in 2nd, Abdulla Ghanim Al Marri in 3rd, Fatma Jassem Saeed Al Marri in 4th, and Mubarak Awad Al Khatiri in 5th.

USA's Jeremy Reynolds ranks 6th.

In the Meydan Open Combination World Ranking, UAE's Sultan Ahmed Al Bloushi and Cronus hold 1st place with 308 points, and UAE's Fatma Jassem Saeed Al Marri and Ohio hold 2nd place with 289 point.

USA's Cody Boysen and Viktory Banner rank 3rd with 261 points.

In the Meydan Open Horse World Ranking, in 1st is Shardell Aladdin, 2nd is Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda, 3rd is Cronus, 4th is Madji du Pont, 5th is Ohio.

Ranking in 6th is USA's Riverwatch, the 2011 Tevis Cup and Haggin Cup winner, part owned by Heather and Jeremy Reynolds.

Maria Santina of Argentina tops the Meydan Young Riders World Ranking with 327 points, with USA's Kelsey Russell in second with 312 points.

Full list of rankings are here:
https://data.fei.org/Ranking/Default.aspx