New Zealand: Bit by Bit

December 5 2012

Jacqui Knight was 10 years old when she opened an English textbook and found an excerpt from ‘Tschiffely’s Ride’, one of several books written by Aimé Felix Tschiffely covering his epic journey with two Patagonian ponies, from Buenos Aires to Washington DC. Tschiffely’s destination had been New York but he found the traffic was too bad. And this was in 1925!

The tale inspired her. For the next thirty years she pored over maps and clippings files in newspaper offices, read books about geography and travel and horses, studied mountains and rivers that might obstruct her path. And in 1996 her dream became a reality.

New Zealand: Bit by Bit is the book Knight has published a book of the journey that she and a small dog took on horseback the length of New Zealand, from Bluff at the bottom of the South Island to Cape Reinga at the top of the North. It took her 105 days’ riding over a period of eleven months — a total of 2538.2 kilometres. She was was 46 but had been dreaming about the adventure for over thirty years.

Jacqui just loves to share her beautiful country with visitors from overseas. She has entertained many people and advised them on what to see and where to go. Always, she warns that their visit will not be long enough.

If you've ever dreamed about visiting New Zealand and getting 'off the beaten track'; if you love animals and wild places, if you love meeting people and learning about different cultures, then this book is for you. Jacqui has a natural, conversational way of writing which is easy to read. You will feel that you are travelling with her, her horses and Brae.

For more information see
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/261468#longdescr

Great Britain: Abby and Grey Medlar - new SUPREME CHAMPION for 2012

Endurancegb.co.uk

26 November 2012

Abby and Grey Medlar swept the board at the Awards Dinner for Endurance GB. The Supreme Champion 2012 is Abby Chisholm and Grey Medlar.

Abby was also Young Rider Champion and Medlar achieved Best Purebred Arab. Medlar who is now 21, was also Supreme Champion in 2000 with mum Jo, in the last year of BERA.

Abby (17) was also Young Rider Champion in 2010 with CFS Diana of Court, who is Junior Champion this year with 11 year old Saffron Bishop.

Abby started riding Medlar in 2011, and Medlar has now achieved over 7500 competitive kilometres during his 15 year endurance career, with the next goal of 8000 km firmly in his sights for next year.

Read more here:
http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/item.asp?ItemId=2924

Abu Dhabi gears up for National Day Cup

Gulfnews.com

Major endurance race to be preceded by Al Wathba Cup for Private Owners

Staff Report Published: 18:30 December 5, 2012

Abu Dhabi: Around 300 riders have been entered for the FEI** 120km National Day Cup at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday, it was revealed on Wednesday.

The National Day Cup event will be divided into five stages of 33km, 27km, 24km, 20km and 16km. The big event will be preceded by the running of the Al Wathba Cup for Private Owners, which will be held at the same venue on Friday.

Adnan Sultan, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Lara Sawaya, Director of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Globan Arabian Horse Racing Festival and head of IFAHR Ladies Racing, announced the two events at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel on Wednesday.

“Some of the top UAE and international riders are expected to take part,” Al Nuaimi said. “We are celebrating the 41st anniversary of the National Day and, on this occasion, we are delighted to provide plenty of good news for the contenders who will be lucky enough to take part in the ride.

“These will include a total purse of Dh500,000 in prize money, plus a brand new car, which will be driven home by the winner.”

In the Al Wathba Cup for private owners, which is a CEN 100km ride, participants are required to cover the distance in four stages of 33km, 27km, 24km and 16km. Another total purse of Dhs500,000 plus a new car is up for grabs and so far 70 participants have been confirmed.

Sawaya said: “Preparations are well in place for the National Day Cup race, which is considered the most prestigious and valuable event of the endurance racing season, in addition to the Wathba Stud Challenge Cup for Private UAE owners only.”

Meanwhile, regarding arrangements for the World Arabian Horse Conference 2013, Sawaya said: “The details will be announced at 12 noon on 12/12/12 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Paris and 360 representatives will be covering the announcement.

“Arrangements are also in top gear for the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards. The first leg of the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Championship (IFAHR) will kick-off at Al Flaij Racecourse in Oman on January 17, 2013, as part of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. The festival will also take part in the one of the biggest Equine Fairs in the Sultanate.”

Sawaya also confirmed that the Polish Parliament has invited the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival to address MPs on December 10 on its marketing and promotional plans before heading for France.

Also present at Wednesday’s press conference were Mubarak Rasheed Al Nuaimi, International Promotion Manager for Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTCA), Talal Al Hashemi of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Stephen Bowey of Invest AD, and Ahyam Ali Hamad, Sales and Marketing Manager of Areej Ameerat.

Bahrain: Al Zayed races to fine victory

Gulf-daily-news.com

December 02, 2012

ABDUL-RAHMAN Al Zayed yesterday steered Maco Haka to victory in the Breef National Endurance Ride For Local Stables at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

More than 50 riders, representing different stables and riding schools from all over Bahrain, competed in this fast-paced race which was over 100 kms.

Participants came from Royal Endurance Team, Al Khalidiya, Ahmed Al Fateh, Al Shawamek, Al Muqheerat, Al Ajiyal, Saar Riding School, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Yusuf Ali Taher, Al Riffain and Al Asayel.

Al Khalidiya Stable's Al Zayed proved the fastest, completing the race with a total ride time of three hours, 54 minutes and six seconds.

Al Zayed's average speed was 25-km per hour and he crossed the finish line well ahead of Royal Team member Ali Busafar (4:03:53), who came second with an average speed of 24-km per hour. Ghazi Al Doseri, also of Royal Team, came third in 4:08:50 with an average speed of 24-km per hour.

Stages

Organised byBahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), the race was the second event of the 2012/13 season after the 80-km qualifying ride held earlier this month.

The race was divided into four stages, starting with 30 kms for the first stage where Al Zayed reached the finish gate first in 1:10:40.

He was followed by Bheem Singh (1:10:44) of Al Asayel Stable and Al Doseri (1:13:33) in second and third places, respectively.

It was followed by another 30 kms for the second stage where Al Zayed (1:11:45) extended his lead over second-placed Al Doseri (1:13:21) and third-placed Singh (1:17:23).

Al Zayed (48:17) continued to dominate the race in the third stage which was over 20 kms. Al Doseri (51:30) maintained second position, while Ali Safar (50:44) moved up to third.

The fourth and final stage was also over 20 kms and the Al Khalidiya rider maintained his momentum and cruised to a well-earned victory.

Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured the top three riders after the race.

Shaikh Nasser congratulated the winners and wished other participants success in the next championship.

On his part, Shaikh Khalid said the season opener lived up to expectations and was a fast-paced race.

The Breef president thanked Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president, for his continuous support to the federation's plans and programmes.

Abu Dhabi: Ali wins Fatima Ladies Endurance Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Hosn student beats Al Marri by more than three minutes in 90km event
Staff ReportPublished: 17:35 December 1, 2012

Abu Dhabi: Al Hosn University student Aya Abdullah Reda Ishaq Ali stole the limelight by winning the 90km HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup organised by the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival as part of the UAE’s 41st National Day celebrations on Saturday.

Riding 11-year-old Craig Royston O’ Roy, Aya took the lead in the second loop and led throughout the three remaining stages to win with more than three minutes to spare. Fatima Jasem Al Marri riding Trouble Maker finished second, while Bahrain’s Shaikha Bint Salman Al Khalifa on Magic Glen Harpoon was third.

The ride, held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, among other VIPs and guests.

“I am very happy to have won this prestigious ride, which carries the name of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE,” said Aya after her win in the richest endurance ride for lady riders, which was held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/ali-wins-fatima-ladies-endurance-cup-1.1112993

Bahrain: 50 riders set for endurance ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

December 01, 2012

MORE than 50 riders will vie for glory today in the Breef National Endurance Ride for local stables at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Commencing at 6.30am, the 100-km ride is being organised by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef).

Participants from 10 stables and riding centres will be competing in the first event of the 2012/13 season.

Royal Endurance Team, captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, will head into this race as clear favorites.

Other riders in the team are Eulaia Guardia, Ghazi Al Doseri, Alex Moral, Isa Al Hazza and Gurden Singh.

The remaining stables in the fray are Ahmed Al Fateh, Al Shawamek, Al Muqheerat, Al Ajiyal, Saar Riding School, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Yusuf Ali Taher, Al Riffain and Al Asayel.

Al Asayel stable with 16 riders have the highest number of participants. They include Abdulla Al Khatiri, Khamis Ahmed, Salem Sabt, Khalif Mubarak, Yousif Ahmed, Faisal Al Manea and Saud Al Hadrami.

The race will be divided into four stages, starting with 30 kms for the first. It will be followed by another 30 kms for the second while the third and fourth stages will be over 20 kms each.

Qualifying

The 2012-13 season got underway with an 80-km qualifying ride, organised earlier this month with its main objective being to prepare the riders for upcoming races.

The federation, under the presidency of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has completed all preparations for this race.

The veterinary examination took place yesterday at Endurance Village under the watchful eyes of the veterinary commission, headed by president Dr Ebrahim Yousif.

Other commission officials are foreign veterinary delegate Dr Mohammed Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia, members Dr Abbas Al Haiki, Dr Sabah Al Kabie, Dr Abdelrahman Abu Shook and Dr Abu Obaidah Yaqoob.

Bahrain's Dr Fareeda Abdulrazaq and Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic are the treatment veterinarians while Mir Ghani is the village laboratory technician.

The organising committee also elected the Ground Jury for the race. It includes president Ghalib Al Alawi and three members - Ali Ghuloom Hussain, Mahdi Al Kalaiti and Fahad Al Romaihi.

Mohammed Dadulla is the foreign technical delegate, Haider Zubi was appointed chief steward while the ride steward is Abdulla Al Rumaihi.

Shaikh Khalid welcomed all stables taking part in the second ride of the season, which he believes will see a grueling competition. He said the race is expected to be fast-paced and an opportunity for participants to try out new tactics.

The Breef president expressed gratitude to Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, chaired by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for its continuous support to the federation.

He also thanked federation officials, who have been working hard to prepare for the new season, and wished everyone success.

Great Britain: Endurance South West has some new faces in among its annual award winners

Thisiscornwall.co.uk - Full Article

November 30 2012

There were some new faces among the prizewinners at the Annual Meeting and Dinner of Endurance South West this year, writes Jane Holden.

The Novice Level Shield was won by Tina Handley and her ten-year-old coloured mare, Grania. Runner-up was 13-year-old Ryan Brock from on his Arab mare, Kairie. Tina also won the Peter Hawkey Forage Trophy awarded to a rider in their first season of EGB South West membership. Runner-up was 11-year-old George Barnes.

Ryan Brock won the Blue Zephyr Memorial Trophy awarded to the novice junior member with the most points at all EGB rides. George Barnes came second.

The winners of the Advanced Level Challenge Shield this year were Joy Savage and her Appaloosa mare, Rowberton Raindance. In second place were Carolyn Thomas and Meneth Crystal Rose...

Read more here:
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Endurance-South-West-new-faces-annual-award/story-17468278-detail/story.html