New Zealand: Waikato man gears up for the 1,000km Mongol Derby, the world's longest and toughest horse race

TVNZ.co.nz - Full Article

It's "one hell of a ride" but Waikato horse rider Eion Kemp says he's looking forward to competing in the world's longest and toughest horse race, the Mongol Derby.

It's raced over 1000 kilometres of some of the world's most gruelling terrain in Mongolia in August.

TVNZ1's Seven Sharp found Eion Kemp breaking in yearlings and two-year-olds at a farm at Matamata before they go on to a trainer.

In much the same way, Mr Kemp is about to be broken in, in the biggest riding challenge of his career.

"The Mongol Derby. The world's longest and toughest horse race. It's raced over 1000 kilometres through the steppes of Mongolia," he said...

Read more & see video here:
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/waikato-man-gears-up-1-000km-mongol-derby-worlds-longest-and-toughest-horse-race

Two-Year Ban for Endurance Rider in 'Feed Contamination' Claim

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

June 8, 2018
by: Pippa Cuckson

A young Uruguayan endurance rider has been suspended for two years and fined 3,000 Swiss francs by the FEI Tribunal after her horse tested positive to a substance associated with lowering the heart rate.

Victoria Goni, 22, argued vehemently that the presence of banned substance ergonovine in El Mate’s sample was caused by contaminated feed. Uruguay has a known problem with an arable fungus which can cause a disease called ergotism linked with alkaloids including ergonovine. In worst cases, ergotism leads to gangrene of the limbs.

However the FEI argued that as “one of the side-effects of ergonovine was that it lowered the heart rate” and “it could therefore be abused in endurance.”

El Mate was sampled at a 120km ride in Trinidad in February 2017. (FEI results show there were just three starters, with El Mate the only finisher at an average speed of 18.7kph)...

Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/horse-news/two-year-doping-ban-endurance-rider-feed-contamination-claim/

Endurance GB launches Coaching For All scheme

Endurance GB, the National Governing Body for the sport of Endurance Riding, has launched Coaching For All, a new initiative to attract more coaches into the sport.

Endurance GB members aged 16 and over who are keen to further their own education and that of their fellow members, are encouraged to apply to the scheme where EGB will fund 50% of the cost of a UKCC Level 1 coaching qualification.

Applicants are invited to submit a 500 word personal statement, including details of why they would like to pursue the coaching qualification and what they, as individuals, will be able to contribute to Endurance GB with their qualification. From the applications, five aspiring coaches will be selected by an expert panel to benefit from this unique opportunity.

Nicki Thorne, Chair of Endurance GB, said: “Coaching has welfare at its heart. The greater the education, the better the horse's and rider's well-being. We are passionate about educating and training our riders and horses in Endurance and excited to be able to offer the support to provide future coaches with the best start possible. We are grateful to sponsors, HPower, for their support with this initiative.”

The announcement of the initiative coincides with a celebration of #GreatCoaching, spearheaded by UK Coaching, taking place this week 4th - 10th June. Maintaining their commitment to the education of coaches, later this year EGB will provide further opportunities for existing coaches to be supported in their move up to the next level.

The closing date to apply for the UKCC Level 1 coaching qualification supported by EGB is Friday 1st July; to find out more about the application process visit endurancegb.co.uk.

Aussie family taking part in the world’s toughest race

2gb.com - Full Article

June 4 2018
ALAN JONES

Four Australians are preparing to take part in the annual Mongol Derby, a 1000km trek labelled the world’s toughest horse race.

Henry Bell and his three cousins are raising money for Multiple Sclerosis, riding for Henry’s father Rob who suffers from the worst form of the disease.

When Rob was younger he was a fine horseman, so his son and nephews are hoping to do him proud and help find a cure.

Rob joins Alan Jones and says his diagnosis in 2011 came as a complete shock.

“It was five years before I knew something was wrong…spent the next five years finding what was wrong… it’s so cruel because it’s so slow...”

Read more here:
https://www.2gb.com/aussie-family-taking-part-in-the-worlds-toughest-race/

Ireland: A ride on the wild side for jockey who won biggest race of his life

Independent.ie - Full Article

Donie Fahy won a gruelling horse race through Mongolia - 10 months after breaking his back, writes Hilary A White

Hilary A White
June 3 2018 6:30 PM

In order to get back in the saddle and win the most meaningful race of his entire life, jockey Donie Fahy had to go to the ends of the earth.

Mongolia, to be specific.

In August 2012, Fahy took part in the Mongol Derby, an equine endurance race fashioned after the postal route used by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century. While simply crossing the finishing line of this gruelling 10-day and 1,000km-long marathon is a feat in itself, the unassuming Meath man won it.

What's more, his triumph happened 10 months after breaking his back...

Read more here:

Bermuda: Brangman Qualifies For World Equestrian Games

Bernews.com

June 2 2018

The Bermuda Equestrian has received official confirmation that Marvin Brangman and Arabian horse MM Godiva Chokalat have qualified for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in the Discipline of Endurance Riding, which will mark the first time the island will be represented in the genre.

Endurance is a long-distance competition against the clock, which test the speed & endurance of a horse. It challenges the riders on their effective use of pace, knowledge of their horses’ capabilities as well as the ability to cross varying terrains. Throughout the lengthy rides, there are periodic veterinary check stations to ensure the horse is fit to continue.

This will mark the first time that Bermuda will have a competitor in the discipline of Endurance Riding.

A delighted Mr Brangman said that qualifying for the 2018 World Equestrian Games was a challenge & commitment.

It required entry into numerous endurance competitions culminating in the recently held 160k competition in Ashville where this team successfully placed 1st place in a speed of 14.37 [km/h]. The World Equestrian Games will be held in the USA from 11th – 23rd September.

An ordained Minister, Mr Brangman gives thanks to his faith, as well as the dedicated support from his wife, Mary and the continual encouragement from his coach, Christo Dinkelmann.

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