New Zealand: Lots of horses, too few trails

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

EMMA JAMES
Last updated 15:15, August 21 2015

For an area known for its strong equine focus, there are too few publicly-available bridle trails in the Waipa area.

In a submission to the Waipa District Council, Cambridge equestrian Michelle Rohlder expressed concerns that there was currently a lot of emphasis on cyclists, but little consideration given to horse riders.

"Horse riders have been left out of the equation when trails are planned, which is bewildering considering we have similar requirements.

"We share a lot of the same traits, we enjoy an outdoor hobby, we need to share the area with others and be respectful."

She said Waipa was well catered for in terms of competition grounds with places like St Peter's School, Little Valley Farm and Kihikihi Domain, but felt there were not enough facilities for hobby riders like herself.

"I'm in my 50s, riding keeps me fit and is a great way to socialise," she said.

Jenny Chandler from the Waikato Endurance Club agreed and said there was nowhere for them to train...

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/71322648/lots-of-horses-too-few-trails

Further endurance bans in Middle East

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Pippa Cuckson
20 August, 2015

Two more Middle Eastern endurance riders have been suspended for two years each, after their horses tested positive having allegedly consumed Fustex — a supplement that the FEI has repeatedly warned against.

Horses competed by Mohammed Shafi Al Rumaithi (Royal Des Fontaines, UAE) and Ali Yousef Al Kubaisi (In Situ, Qatar) both tested positive to propoxyphene, a narcotic pain reliever. Al Rumaithi’s owner Jumaa Mohamed Khamees Alromaithi was also banned for two years after admitting buying Fustex...

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/middle-eastern-endurance-riders-suspended-fustex-506571#7Y2XHcgGYzzockpA.99

Great Britain: Tracy Thompson Wins Northern Championship

Endurancegb.co.uk

18 August 2015

The Endurance GB Northern Championship and Hexham Trophy Ride took place over the weekend of 1st and 2nd August at Cooks House Farm.

Endurance competitors and pleasure riders enjoyed two days riding through forest routes around Slaley on the Saturday and over Hexhamshire Common with glorious views on Sunday. From the 13km “taster” pleasure ride to the 110km Northern Championship (spanning both days), an evening barbeque and social for those staying at the venue, and the Urban Horse trade stand on the Sunday there was something for riders and horses at all levels. Due to generous sponsorship there were prizes for every class.

This year, the prestigious and testing Northern Championship (110km over 2 days) was won by Tracy Thompson and her 11 year old gelding Just Giles.

Tracy said “I bought Giles from York horse sales as an unbroken 4 year old. He was only about 13.1hh and was very scrawny. We had a rather challenging time as he was a nervous wreck and we really did wonder if we would ever win his trust. He is still a quirky little horse but he is a lovely forward going ride and never gives up. We really enjoyed Hexham and found it a real challenge as the terrain is quite tricky. It was Giles first attempt at a two day ride so we were thrilled with the result. We were amazed by the generous sponsorship from Baileys”

For results see:
http://endurancegb.co.uk/main/news#2015081801

Great Britain: Endurance youngster achieves elite premium at Futurity Read

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

12 August 2015

The Baileys/BEF Futurity recently headed to Writtle College, Essex (3 August).

Top scorer for the day was 18-year-old Tara Lee’s filly foal, Florouche JT (pictured top) (Woodlander Freddie M x Firebreak) attaining an elite premium of 9.05 in the dressage section.

Tara from Basildon said: “I am delighted with Florouche, I outgrew my 14.2hh dressage pony and so mum and I decided to breed a horse that I can go out and compete in a few years.”

Florouche JT is out of Tara’s mare, Magic In Motion. Tara continued: “Magic in Motion is a former racehorse. She ran about seven times but she wasn’t very fast! We bought her from Lynne Crowden as a broodmare. We will keep Florouche as she is definitely part of the family, but any further foals will be for sale...”

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/endurance-youngster-achieves-elite-premium-at-futurity-505663#tb2iMwAC5xwqMsL6.99

Australia: 2015 Shahzada Approaching

SHAHZADA 2015

The 35th Shahzada will be held from Monday, 24th to Friday, 28th August in St Albans, north west of Sydney, NSW, and being 10 weeks out from the Quilty to be held in Del Rio, NSW, everyone from all over Australia has the opportunity to not only achieve a 50th Anniversary Quilty Buckle but a much coveted Shahzada Buckle and then, with the NSW State Championships in northern NSW in October, "The Big Three" - awarded for three successful completions in the Quilty, Shahzada and NSW State Championships by the same horse and rider combination in the one year.

As well as the ultimate test of 400km over five days, the Mini Marathon of 120km over three days will be held from Tuesday, 25th to Thursday, 27th August. Both rides are held in St Albans with horses and riders camped all around the town and venture out on each leg up and down the legendary tracks of the Macdonald Valley on both sides of the river - this year there is the promise of perfect Shahzada weather and lots of fun with heaps of social events and activities to keep everyone smiling throughout the week.
There will be many updates in the coming months to let you know what to expect during Shahzada and the lead up to it but for now, go to the Shahzada website www.shahzadaresults.org for all the stories of past rides to get you motivated……this is a very special event and if you don’t do anything else in endurance, you have to ride Shahzada!!

Track clearing days will be announced here in the near future and if you would like to help at these weekends or volunteer to help during Shahzada, please email Sue Todd on suetodd@activ8.net.au

More detailed information is on the website www.shahzadaresults.org with entry forms and campsite request forms as well as the option to book your special ride number or contact Shahzada secretary, Sue Todd on suetodd@activ8.net.au

For more on the Shahzada, see http://www.shahzada400.com/

Canadian Squads for North American Endurance Team Challenge

Horse-canada.com

August 11, 2015

by: Equine Canada

Equine Canada is pleased to announce the Canadian squads who will represent Canada at the 2015 North American Endurance Team Challenge (NAETC), set to take place in Millbrook, ON at Cayuse Creek Ranch on August 21, 2015.

The NAETC is an FEI sanctioned endurance competition held every two years, with teams from Canada, Mexico and the United States participating.

The following riders have qualified for the Canadian squads. Prior to the start of competition, these riders will be split into teams of three to five members riding for Canada:

CANADA EAST
Rider / Hometown / Horse / Owner
Laura Austin / Millbrook, ON / Good to Go CCA / Laura Austin
Robert Gielen / Flesherton, ON / More Bang for Your Buck / Robert Gielen
Brianne Henderson / Grand Valley, ON / Rivendell Elessar / David & Janet Henderson
Wendy MacCoubrey / Ste. Justine de Newton, QC / Am Mysterious Mopsa/Yvette Vinton
Mike Merriam / Finch, ON / J Walker AES / Kim Woolley
Dessia Miller / Berwick, ON / Amber Kiera / Dessia Miller
Solstice Pecile / Bailieboro, ON / Glorious Song IA / Solstice Pecile
Yvette Vinton / Morriston, FL / Teese / Yvette Vinton
Michele Watling / Kirkfield, ON / Klien / Michelle Watling
Savanah Wilson / Kemptville, ON / WRR Victorian / Savanah Wilson
Kim Woolley / Finch, ON / Schakka Khan / Kim Woolley
Nancy Zukewich / Ottawa, ON / Serious Moonlight / Nancy Zukewich

Chef d’équipe – Nancy Beacon, Flesherton, ON

CANADA WEST
Rider / Hometown / Horse / Owner
Wendy Carnegie / Dugald, MB / Shaunessy’s Autumn Harvest / Wendy Carnegie
Avery Delannoy / Beausejour, MB / OK Absolutely Spotless / Angela Lavallee
Colleen DeVry / Fort Saskatchewan, AB / Nightwind’s Bey Infiniti / Colleen DeVry
Lena Gray / Montney, BC / Zorros Black Pearl / Tara Macleod
Angela Lavallee / Anola, MB / Cansas / Angela Lavallee
Ariel Macleod / Montney, BC / Driftwoods Tabora / Ariel Macleod
Coletan Macleod / Montney, BC / Zorros Iron Horse / Tara Macleod
Tara Macleod / Montney, BC / Zorros Flying Dutchman / Tara Macleod
Heather Nielsen / Lamont, AB / Nightwinds Indigo Bey / Colleen DeVry
Tracy Vollman / Regina, SK / RA Karim / Tracy Vollman

Chef d’équipe – Maura Leahy, Dugald, MB

This NAETC is an FEI 2* (120km) ride with four phases. The competition will be divided into Senior and Junior/Young Rider (J/YR) Divisions, with both divisions using the same trail on the same day.

For more information regarding the NAETC, click here.

Winning the Mongol Derby - Interview

Theadventurists.com - Full Article

August 11 2015

How does it feel to win the Mongol Derby?

It's quite surreal at the moment, I'm relieved and excited. I'm glad the training has paid off, I've had a phenomenal time, it was a great adventure. I've aches and pains all over my body, on day 3 I blew out my left knee, since then I've been trying to strap it up and have been going through a lot of pain, but it's been worth it.


At what point did you think you might win?

It was very uncertain, it was constantly changing between the six of us who was in the lead. Then at the last checkpoint Elise and I galloped about half the last stretch, and until about 3 km before the finish I had no idea if I would win. I happened to have the faster horse, but Elise was a great competitor.


How do these horses compare with the ones back home?

These horses are phenomenal. I realised that back home we pamper our horses, we worry about what terrain we ride them on, but the derby horses are like machines, over any terrain, it's incredible, I did get a few which wouldn't move and the guys around me helped me, but I got some which were absolute rockstars. They would just go and not stop literally canter the whole way. They were incredible...

Read more here:
http://www.theadventurists.com/the-jibber/2015/8/11/winning-the-mongol-derby-interview