New Zealand: 2015 Nationals dominated by Team Smith

NZEquestrian.org.nz

14 APRIL 2015

This year’s ESNZ Endurance National Champs was definitely an event to be proud of and to be inspired by. The spirit of cooperation and friendship radiated throughout the entire event. Having won the Junior/Young Rider National 160km title in 2013, the Senior North Island 160km title in 2014 and travelling to France with the NZ team for WEG, this year’s CEI 3* 160km Senior title was won by the deserving duo of Georgia Smith and Glenmore Vixen. At 18 Georgia becomes the youngest ever winner of the senior title. Second place went to Stu Wakeling and Tokopuhe Kaid.

The CEI 2* 120km was also a Smith/Wakeling double act. In his first year of riding as a senior Aaron Wakeling and Alshar Blue Chief comfortably took the senior title this year, followed by Georgia Smith on her second ride of the weekend, Aurora Australis.

Frank Aldridge and Mystica Bandito laid claim to the CEI 1* 100km event, with Murray Smith close behind on Glenmore Soprano in second place.

One of the events everyone turns out to watch is the CEN Intermediate Senior 60km Championship. This year’s worthy winner was Petra Paterson on Saamen Dance Away, nearly 40 minutes ahead of second place getter Brendon O’Neill on TC Manu.

The James/Hamer team had a dramatic journey north from the South Island, but it didn’t affect Jorja James who completed her first CEI 3* 160km J/YR event on Glendaar Crystal Fire to claim the win and a buckle.

Team Smith was back in action with Brigitte Smith and Glenmore Titan winning the CEI 2* J/YR 120km Championship. Patricia Ireland ran a close second on Sayfwood Oshaarnna, and with this completion both girls gain Elite rider status.

Emma Mason and Tararua Mistalight were the ultimate come-back story this year, rounding out a great year with a win in the CEI 1* J/YR 100km championship. Rebecca MacPherson and Arahi Tahi also finished out a great year qualifying in second place.

This year there was also a junior presence in the CEN Intermediate Junior 60km, with Flossie Bleasdale and Makahiwi Guinevere taking the red ribbon.

Congratulations to all those who took part, and especially to those who earned their first Nationals buckle. Congratulations to those competing in their first Nationals.

Special congratulations to those who train and produce consistent results year after year. You are an inspiration to us all.

By Daryl Owen


CEI 3* 160km
1st Georgia Smith & Glenmore Vixen 9.13.27; 2nd Stuart Wakeling & Tokopuhe Kaid 9.36.36; 3rd Sarah Hamer & Glendaar Amira Fire 10.04.08; 4th Alison Higgins & MF Bab Al Shams 10.35.46; 5th Philip Graham & Rosewood Bashir 10.41.58; 6th Helen Graham & Sherwood Volos 10.41.59


CEI 3* JY 160km
1st Jorja James & Glendaar Crystal Fire 10.21.43


CEI 2* 120km
1st Aaron Wakeling & Alshar Blue Chief 7.02.33; 2nd Georgia Smith & Aurora Australis 7.15.88; 3rd Braden Cameron & Castlebar Elodie 7.53.53; 4th Henrikus Swart & Lexington Mystyque 7.53.54; Don Sagar & Wai Totara Moon Star 8.05.21; Kevin James & The Straight Shooter AHA 8.51.46


CEI 2* JY 120km
1st Brigitte Smith & Glenmore Titan 6.41.00; 2nd Patricia Ireland & Sayfwood Oshaarnna 6.42.10


CEI 1* 100km
1st Frank Aldridge & Mystica Bandito 7.01.14; 2nd Murray Smith & Glenmore Soprano 7.03.12; 3rd Lisa Southon & Tararua Yarah 7.03.28; 4th Teresa Birkett & Mariu Nero 7.37.19


CEI 1* JY 100km
1st Emma Mason & Tararua Mistalight 6.27.34; 2nd Rebecca MacPherson & Arahi Tahi 6.46.16


CEN Senior 60km
1st Petra Deacon & Saamen Dance Away 3.1752; 2nd Brendon O’Neill & TC Manu 3.55.50; 3rd Janette Rogers & Kedar Sarita 3.55.51; 4th Harry Prastiti & Aspen Hills Hope & Glory 4.25.10; 5th Caroline Lewin & Astek Nirvana 5.13.46


CEN Junior 60km
1st Flossie Bleasdale & Makahiwi Guinevere 5.05.14


CTR Intermediate
1st Murray Legg & Sundon The Wise One 91; 2nd Vera Williams & Quick Decision 94; 3rd LaDene Matson & Dangerous Liaison 107; 4th Sue Drinnan & AA Fancy Lady 122; 5th Tammy Peacocke & Ruby 141

UAE endurance appeal: Well, I guess we can rule out contrition

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Neil Clarkson | April 23, 2015

It was Kenny Rogers who sang the immortal words:
“You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em,
Know when to fold ‘em,
Know when to walk away,
And know when to run”.

The conversation in the famous song, The Gambler, occurs on a “train bound for nowhere”, which sounds a lot like the current state of endurance.

News emerged today about the decision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to challenge its provisional suspension from the FEI, imposed over welfare issues in endurance.

The appeal is a surprising move, and one that clearly disappoints the FEI...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/04/23/uae-endurance-appeal-rule-out-contrition/#ixzz3Y8rc63qH

UAE National Federation appeals suspension to FEI Tribunal

FEI.org

22 Apr 2015

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Federation has lodged a formal appeal to the FEI Tribunal against its provisional suspension from the FEI.

The FEI Bureau provisionally suspended the UAE National Federation on 12 March 2015 for an indeterminate period following an investigation by the FEI into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in the discipline of Endurance.

Prior to lodging its appeal, the UAE National Federation had sent a formal request asking the FEI Bureau to lift the suspension. The request was rejected by the FEI Bureau and, as a result, an official appeal has been lodged by the UAE National Federation.

The appeal process will be managed in accordance with Art. 165 Appeals of the FEI General Regulations and the Internal Regulations of the FEI Tribunal.‎

“It is disappointing that an appeal has been lodged and that the UAE National Federation has chosen to go down the legal route rather than seeking ways to solve the issues and make a lasting commitment to improving the welfare of the horse at Endurance events in which it is involved”, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender said.

Explore Namibia on horseback with Ranch Rider

Easier.com

22 April 2015

Experience the raw beauty of Namibia on horseback and journey through an untamed landscape with riding holiday specialist, Ranch Rider. Canter across the Namib, the world’s oldest desert; spy the majestic Fish River Canyon from atop your mount, encounter desert adapted elephant in Damaraland, and ride with oryx, ostrich and mountain zebra across one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa.

Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider comments “We offer three to five day tailor-made riding holidays for intermediate riders or longer departures of up to 10 nights for the more experienced, but whatever your route, Namibia's rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains and open stretches of sand will present exciting challenges, each group covering 20-50 kms each day. Trained in endurance riding, you’ll be saddling up on a mixed herd of Arab, Haflinger and Trakehner ranch horses - these sure-footed steeds raised on this rough terrain.”

Having adapted to the sun-blistered plains of Damaraland, herds of elephant are encountered seasonally along the Huab and Ugab Rivers; rhino, oryx and springbok also inhabiting this ruggedly beautiful region. Additional highlights include, a sunset ride at Twyfelfontein, the World Heritage site home to ancient bushman paintings and horseback adventures along the remote Skeleton Coast - one of the most captivating, yet least visited places on the planet. 10 night Damara Elephant Ride from £3,975pp (two sharing) including all riding, accommodation (eight nights camping & two nights lodge based) all meals and drinks whilst camping, ground transfers and return transfers. Excludes return flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town and internal flight to Windhoek.

Journey across the Namib Desert on this challenging 440 km ride. Traverse the rugged terraces of the Kuiseb Canyon and Moon Valley's luna-esque landscape, a variety of wildlife including gemsbok, giraffe, mountain zebra and ostrich often spied en route. The Tinkas, Tumas and Welwitschia plains also feature on this exotic once-in-a-lifetime horseback holiday, the trail taking you from the Khomas Hochland mountains through to the Atlantic Ocean. 10 night Namib Desert Ride with from £3,670pp (two sharing) including all riding, accommodation (eight nights camping & two nights lodge based) all meals and drinks whilst camping, ground transfers and return transfers. Excludes return flight to Johannesburg or Cape Town and internal flight to Windhoek.

The first and last night of each ride is spent at either guest farms/houses or lodges, with riders camping out in two man tents for the majority of holiday.

Tony Daly, comments, “Most guests choose to sleep out under a blanket of stars and in this remote wilderness it is a truly unforgettable experience. You’ll also be treated to a taste of Southern Africa, the evening meals including potjies and braais cooked over an open fire.”

Ranch Rider offers add-on self-drives in Namibia, the country recently featured on ITV’s “Slow Train Through Africa,” the series hosted by comedian and presenter, Griff Rhys Jones. In Nambia, Jones visited The Africat Foundation and Etosha National Park, the country’s permier wildlife viewing destination. From £575pp (two sharing) including car hire and accommodation.

For more information, visit ranchrider.com.

Ariat signs exclusive licensing and sponsorship agreement with the FEI

FEI.org

18 Apr 2015

Ariat International®, the US-based leader in Western and English footwear and apparel, today signed an exclusive licensing and sponsorship agreement with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) at the FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas.

Working alongside the FEI, Ariat will develop a new co-branded product collection to launch at the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg (SWE) in 2016, with a share of the sales proceeds going to FEI Solidarity. The product range will also be available for purchase on-site at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Western European and North American League qualifier events from 2016 to 2018, as well as at Ariat retailers and online in Europe and North America. Additionally, this new three-year partnership includes a supporting sponsorship of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Finals starting in 2016.

Ariat was the first company to bring athletic shoe technology to equestrian sports and is now one of the leading brand of equestrian footwear and apparel in the world. The US-based company now operates across the US, Europe and Australia. Ariat also sponsors top equestrian athletes from a variety of disciplines, including Beezie Madden, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Jur Vrieling, Tina Fletcher, Shawn Flarida, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt, Chester Webber, Gina Miles, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, Will Simpson, and Hannah Selleck.

“The FEI is revolutionizing equestrian sports on a global basis, bringing every discipline to the highest level of competition,” said Beth Cross, founder and CEO of Ariat International. “Ariat is proud to partner with the FEI as the official equestrian footwear and apparel supplier. We offer the most innovative performance footwear and apparel for the world’s top equestrian athletes, making our partnership with the FEI a terrific match. Our goal is to work together to continue to grow the sport globally."

“The partnership with the FEI represents a perfect opportunity for Ariat International to extend its visibility and brand awareness by engaging with our global equestrian fan base,” said Sabrina Zeender, FEI Secretary General. “With Ariat’s additional sponsorship and a share of the proceeds from the sale of the new product ranges going back into the sport via FEI Solidarity, this is a win-win situation.”

About the FEI Collection

The current FEI-branded clothing line is the first concrete example of support provided by the FEI’s Licensing Programme to FEI Solidarity, the FEI’s global sport development programme. A share of revenues generated by the sales of all FEI-branded products contribute to FEI Solidarity funds, which are directly reinvested in the development of equestrian sport.

Check out the FEI Collection here.

About Ariat International, Inc.
Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear and apparel. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world.

For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com, https://www.facebook.com/AriatInternational and https://twitter.com/Ariat

Endurance.Net supports the 2-Day format for World Endurance Championships

Responding to recent news that FEI is considering changing the format for World Endurance Championship competition from a 1-Day 160 km Race, to a 2-Day 200 km Race, Endurance.Net would like to offer the following comments:

1) A 2-Day format will make it possible to hold WEC's on more challenging and technical courses. Over the last two decades WEC courses have become flatter and less challenging. This is primarily due to the desire to make it more practical for spectators, staff and organizers. A traditional 24 hour 1-Day 160 km ride such as Tevis, Florac or Quilty, does not fit in the desired time frame for a 'friendly' championship event. By holding the championship over a 2 day period, organizers can choose more difficult and technical trails, and still meet the goal of a spectator friendly event. This will reduce the difficulties organizers face both in practical and logistical terms.

2) Horse and rider teams will be challenged in a different way - and ultimately we believe there will be fewer injuries and metabolic collapses. Horses will have at least 12 hours to rest and rehydrate between the first and second days.

3) Though speeds might be faster over an 100km course, given the current speeds displayed over 160km WEC courses, this will probably not be a profound change, especially if courses have more technical difficulty. The benefit from a period of rest, energy replenishment and hydration for both horse and rider will out-weigh the dangers from greater course speeds.

4) Multi-day rides have become a common occurrence, particularly in the Western United States. This is an enjoyable and challenging format and it would benefit the sport world-wide if more Nations adopted this style of riding.

We support this proposal.

Steph Teeter
Endurance.Net

Let's Hope for Revolution, Not Revolt

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Cuckson Report | April 20, 2015

In seven days’ time, the FEI and stakeholders gather in Lausanne, Switzerland to debate the most significant shake-up ever of its elite sport.

It’s surprising there has been so little media attention thus far, because each discipline is set to undergo – at global championship level at least – remodelling as drastic as the axing of steeplechase, roads and tracks was to eventing in 2004. There is also a move to limit all teams to three with no drop score...

More...

http://www.horse-canada.com/cuckson-report/lets-hope-for-revolution-not-revolt/?utm_source=April+20%2C+2015&utm_campaign=EnewsApr202015&utm_medium=email

...By far the most numerous authentic posts at the time of writing are, ahem, all about endurance. The key change there is a proposal, from the FEI endurance committee, that the WEG championship ride becomes a two-day, 100km-per-day contest. The ambition is to re-establish the notion of partnership, so that the rider reads his horse and keeps enough fuel in the tank. It is clearly intended as an antidote to the lets-go-really-fast-on-a-horse-we-don’t-know-and-somehow-waggon-it-over-the-finish travesty allowed to develop in the UAE and sadly now spread elsewhere.

On that subject, it’s still business as usual in the UAE. Clearly the penny still hasn’t dropped about what has to be done before the Emiratis can return from FEI exile.

There were six rumoured equine deaths at their last national ride of the season 10 days ago. Yes, you read that right: six, a figure from sources 100 per cent reliable in the past. Such slaughter doesn’t even warrant a headline now. We are so conditioned to what Pierre Arnould so aptly described as the UAE’s “industry of cheating and death” that it will only be news the day the UAE stages a ride without killing anything...

More:

http://www.horse-canada.com/cuckson-report/lets-hope-for-revolution-not-revolt/?utm_source=April+20%2C+2015&utm_campaign=EnewsApr202015&utm_medium=email