Canadian equine leader up for Equine Industry Vision Award

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Jackie Bellamy | May 7, 2015

Equine Guelph director Gayle Ecker is among four finalists for the prestigious Equine Industry Vision Award for 2015.

A record 25 nominees were made for the award, which recognises innovation, leadership and service in North America.

The winner of the Equine Industry Vision Award, sponsored by Zoetis, will be announced on June 19. The trophy, created by master artisan Peter Wayne Yenawine, will be presented at the American Horse Publication Tally-Ho at the Alamo Seminar in San Antonio, Texas.

“To be selected as one of the four top finalists for this prestigious award is truly an honour,” Ecker said. “Many thanks go out to our sponsors, partners, donors and supporters that make it possible for Equine Guelph to promote horse health and welfare through our education programs...”

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/05/07/canadian-equine-leader-equine-industry-vision-award/#ixzz3ZSloInKB

Australia: Second annual Homewood Endurance Ride

Winghamchronicle.com - Full Article

May 7 2015

THE quaint town of Killabakh saw the return of the Homewood Endurance Ride held over the Easter long weekend.

Since the ride's debut on the Anzac weekend in 2014, word had spread of the incredibly scenic property and parks and hospitality of the Kiwarrak Club and Colefax and Homewood families, attracting riders from as far as Sydney, Coffs Harbour and Sunshine Coast to name a few, with some campers arriving as early as Wednesday.

Float after float arrived with more than 150 people descending on Homewood Farm, inclusive of 104 riders with strappers and family in tow. Unfortunately, the stormy weather also flooded in and settled for the duration of the event, bogging up the ground and causing entire ride paths to be re-marked last minute...

Read more here:
http://www.winghamchronicle.com.au/story/3062567/second-annual-homewood-endurance-ride/#slide=9

Great Britain: Engaged Lincoln couple risk horrific saddle sores like this in the world's toughest horse race

Lincolnshireecho.co.uk - Full Article

By CJHall_LE | Posted: May 03, 2015

Experienced horsewoman Sarah Cooksey has persuaded her fiance Daniel Reeds to compete in the world's toughest horse race.

But novice Daniel would be forgiven for being hesitant about the 1,000-kilometre Mongol Derby - because he'll be riding a succession of semi-wild horses and risking serious injury.

The couple, who are engaged and live on Drury Lane in uphill Lincoln, also run the massive risk of horrific saddle sores which could severely hamper their chances of winning the event due to take place in August.

"It's in the Guinness Book of Records for being the world's longest horse race; travelling across 620 miles of Mongolian steppe," said Daniel, 34, who runs New Chapter Marketing and PR based in the city...

Read more: http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Engaged-Lincoln-couple-risk-saddle-sores-like/story-26435069-detail/story.html#ixzz3ZNOScgTD

Great Britain: Horse & Hound team to take part in Golden Horseshoe

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Amy Mathieson
5 May, 2015

A Horse & Hound team will be taking part in the Golden Horseshoe this year — in which is likely to be the final time the ride takes place.

The 2015 Golden Horseshoe (17-19 May) will be the 50th incarnation of the ride, but is likely to be the last on Exmoor as no one has stepped in to take over from the retiring organiser.

Ride organiser Barbara Wigley, 67, has been involved in the ride for more than 30 years and running it since 2007, but is stopping this year. The rest of her six-strong committee have said they are also giving up.

Showing, vet and point-to-point editor Aimi Clark, designer Emily Secrett, digital sub editor Rachael Hook and print sub editor Polly Bryan will be taking on the 23km pleasure ride challenge on Sunday 19 May.

Aimi will be riding her sister’s eventer, while the other three will be competing on borrowed horses.

“I’ve lived in Devon since I was 10 and always thought I should give the Golden Horseshoe a go, as it’s such a big deal and so close to home, but never have,” said Aimi...

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/horse-hound-team-to-take-part-in-golden-horseshoe-489383#T15MdvI4EPoLY0DD.99

World Champion Maria Alvarez Wins Spanish Championship

May 2 2015

Maria Alvarez Ponton, double World Endurance Champion (Malaysia 2008, Kentucky 2010), and double European Champion (Assisi 2009, Florac 2011) (all aboard Nobby), won the 2015 Spanish Endurance Championship in Bascara, Spain on Saturday, aboard Tarathata. Final time was 8:04.15.

Alex Luque finish second aboard Arai Polvorillo, coming in 16 seconds behind the winner. Cristina Yebra finished third, riding Girola de Quercus.

Ponton and Tarathata averaged 19.33 km/h over the course. 11 riders out of 32 starters completed the course.

For complete results, see:
http://www.endurancetiming.com/raids/Bascara_160_2015.PDF

France: Goachet Wins Rambouillet

On May 1 2015, in Rambouillet, France, Julien Goachet won the 160 km Rambouillet ride aboard Poly de Coat Frity, by just 4 seconds over second lace Gregoire Tilquin, riding Nafa de Bozouls. Riding time for the winner was 8:24.59.

Jean Philippe Frances finished third riding Tarzibus in 8:28.19.

15 riders completed the race out of 32 starters.

Complete results can be seen here:
http://www.atrm-systems.fr/index0esp.htm

'Quilty' returns to Hawkesbury for 50th

Theland.com.au - Full Article

ANDREW MARSHALL
29 Apr, 2015

THE world's biggest horse endurance ride has already attracted more than 450 nominations from around the world as riders prepare to mount up at midnight on June 5 to compete in the 50th Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

The 160-kilometre event is held annually over different courses around Australia, but returns to its origins in the Hawkesbury Valley north west of Sydney this year.

Riders and their horses from across Australia, the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa will start at Webbs Creek on the Hawkesbury River in a tribute to the popularity of the event and it first 26 starters in 1966...

Read more here:
http://www.theland.com.au/news/agriculture/general/news/quilty-returns-to-hawkesbury-for-50th/2730624.aspx