Former Calgary journalist finishes world's longest horse race with wealth of memories

Calgaryherald.com - Full Article

CLARA HO, CALGARY HERALD
Published on: August 25, 2015

Liz Brown battled a chest infection, survived a wild-dog chase and endured aches and pains as she rode through weather that ranged from bone-chilling to scorching hot.

But as she crossed the finish line at the 7th annual Mongol Derby, billed as the world’s longest horse race, she was filled with an overwhelming feeling of pride.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Brown, a former Calgary journalist now living in Toronto, in a phone interview Tuesday. “It was amazing, kind of indescribable … I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”

Brown was among the 40 riders who set off on Aug. 5 to take part in the gruelling race, which recreates Genghis Khan’s ancient horse messenger system, used for rapid intelligence gathering and communication...

Read more here:
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/former-calgary-journalist-finishes-worlds-longest-horse-race-with-wealth-of-memories

Tucsonan Tanaka breaks down Mongol Derby experience

Tucson.com - Full Article

August 23, 2015 7:40 pm • By Jon Gold

Leave it to someone like Michelle Tanaka to return from a journey like the Mongol Derby only to be disappointed she had no broken bones.

In late July, we previewed Tanaka’s incredible journey to the epic, long-distance horse race over the Mongolian steppe, and it was just as Tanaka expected it to be: painful, exhilarating, exhausting and, well, epic. We caught up with her this week after she finished tied for third in the 1,000-mile journey.

So, you’re back in one piece?

A: “I am back in one piece. Never once came off a horse, no injuries. Nothing bad happened. It was intense, it was painful, but mostly it was so fun.”

Describe the pain.

A: “The last leg, the fourth leg of the second day, I was just in so much pain. I just could not have imagined it. You know it’s going to be the worst pain you ever felt, but it was just so painful and you have to keep going...”

Read more here:
http://tucson.com/sports/tucsonan-tanaka-breaks-down-mongol-derby-experience/article_99b6a848-8b03-57cc-a943-fe926dfb69ba.html

65 Starters in the 2015 Shahzada

August 24 2015

65 horses and riders, including 4 Juniors, started the 400-km, 5-day Shahzada endurance marathon in St Albans, New South Wales, Australia, on Monday, August 24. 60 riders completed the first day.

67 horse and rider combinations are on the start list for the 120-km, 3-day mini-marathon which begins today.

The ultimate test of endurance horsemanship, a horse and rider earn a Shahzada buckle only if they complete all 400 kilometers over 5 days and are judged fit to continue at the end.

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