Australia's Warwick and Duncan saddle up for greatest test of horsemanship on Earth

AboutRegional.com.au - Full Articoe

9 February 2024 | Edwina Mason

Eight Australian equestrians, two of them from the south of NSW, are stepping into the boots of the hardy, brave nomadic cowboys of Argentina as they embark on a gruelling 500-km endurance ride across the vast mountainous Patagonian region of Argentina.

Young’s world wandering Warwick Schiller joins Duncan McLaughlin of Bodalla, and 39 other international riders from Britain, the US, Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, Chile and New Zealand on the 10-day Gaucho Derby, billed as the greatest test of horsemanship on Earth.

The derby is one in a world series of horseback endurance rides that don’t just test the mettle of the riders, who have notched up years in the saddle, but the loan horses on which they rely – ‘criollo’, all of them from the enormous – 100,000 acres large – Argentine ranches known as estancias, which cover vast swathes of Patagonia...

Read more here:
https://aboutregional.com.au/warwick-and-duncan-saddle-up-for-greatest-test-of-horsemanship-on-earth/444041/

200 Elite Global Riders from 51 Countries Confirmed for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla

- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup returns with record-extending fifth edition on 10th February

- World’s finest riders among those competing in rigorous long-distance challenges, including 5 riders from AlUla participating at the 120km CEI 2* and 1 local rider participating at the 160km CEI3* competition

- 120km CEI 2* competition will decide 2024 the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup winner on February 10

- Additional 160km CEI 3* competition on February 11 is part of build-up to 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships in AlUla

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 4th February 2024:

New details were unveiled ahead of the record-extending fifth edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, set to captivate audiences in AlUla with thrilling shows of sportsmanship and equestrian excellence on 10th February 2024.

Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), the Endurance Cup stands as a flagship event in the global endurance circuit. Returning to the ancient oasis, this upcoming edition boasts the largest prize money ever offered for an endurance event and features some of the world’s finest riders, horses, and trainers, as well as distinguished dignitaries and international patrons.

"We eagerly anticipate the arrival of a stellar line-up of talents for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup – a line-up that solidifies both its popularity and prestige," said Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at RCU. "The success of this event extends beyond regional acclaim, resonating on the global endurance circuit. With immense excitement, we look forward to hosting one of the most thrilling and action-packed Endurance Cups to date. Audiences are assured of two days of awe-inspiring displays of endurance and sporting excellence."

Reflecting its reputation as the ultimate endurance horse event, the 2024 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup will host the top 20 endurance riders in the FEI world rankings alongside a host of professional female riders and other elite performers from the GCC and further afield.

On Saturday, February 10, 200 riders from 51 countries – including five from AlUla – will engage in a challenging 120km CEI 2* competition with the the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup awaiting the winner.

The following day, February 11, 67 riders – including one from AlUla – will compete in an additional 160km CEI 3* distance competition that people can enjoy watching. This event will serve as a prelude to the highly anticipated 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships in AlUla.

The distinguished presence of regional royalty and VIPs will also add to its ever-growing prestige as attendees enjoy an incredible Arabian horse live experience in the Middle East’s premier endurance sports hub.

A new home of world-class events, facilities, and rapidly growing infrastructure, AlFursan Equestrian Village is part of RCU’s wider equestrian strategy to develop and expand the sport locally, as well as to position AlUla as the ultimate destination for heritage sports.

AlUla has emerged as a leading hub for equestrian excellence, while also fostering sports diversity and prioritising the welfare of the horses. Embracing inclusivity, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup allows both men and women to compete on an equal footing, with nearly 20% of the 200 riders in the 2024 edition being women. While the competition involves timed rides, the primary focus remains on ensuring the well-being of both rider and horse, emphasising the importance of completing all loops in optimal condition rather than pursuing sheer speed.

With a vision to bolster modern and heritage equestrian sports in AlUla, the Equine Training Programme based in the AlFursan Equestrian Village is building on the region's rich legacy within this field, with training initiatives established to empower local riders and professionals such as veterinarians, coaches, and grooms. As a result of the training programme, this year will witness the participation of 5 local riders at the 120km CEI 2* competition and 1 local rider at the 160km CEI 3* competition.

The Endurance Cup has empowered Saudi Vision 2030 since its inception. Besides playing a starring role in AlUla’s emergence as a premier endurance sports hub, the event has supported economic development locally and nationally, welcoming tourists and creating new job opportunities in line with the aspirations of the Kingdom's leadership. It’s also inspired more Saudi nationals to engage in stewarding and veterinary support roles while fostering a route for local and regional enthusiasts to engage with equestrianism as a future hobby or potential career.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is one of the marquee sports events in the AlUla Moments Calendar of events and festivals, spanning a large number of other heritage sports events such as the AlUla Camel Cup, AlUla Falcon Cup, the Tent Pegging World Championship and Horseback Archery World Cup, in addition to the other sports events; AlUla Tour, AlUla Trail Race and Tough Mudder infinity.

For more information, kindly visit experiencealula.com.

Watch for race updates at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2024CustodianoftheTwoHolyMosques/

Steph Teeter honors the Andalusian Iron Horse 2024 with a bronze statue, merging art and equestrian sport

IronHorse.es

February 2 2024

In the exciting world of equestrian raid, the new edition of the "Andalucía Iron Horse 2024" stands out not only for its challenging 500 km tour of the Andalusian landscapes but also for artistic recognition.

The famous artist Steph Teeter has joined the celebration of this iconic event with the donation of a bronze statue, a gesture that reflects the spirit of solidarity and passion for horseback riding.

This work of art, in addition to being a symbol of the resistance and beauty inherent in the competition, stands as a tribute to the link between the rider and his horse, central elements of this test that combines the sporting challenge with the admiration for the nature and culture of Andalusia.

Visit Steph Teeter's website to get to know the rest of his work: stephteeterart.com

Appeal for €1,000 compensation fails after Spanish horse went missing for two hours in competition

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Eleanor Jones
27 January, 2024

The FEI Tribunal has dismissed a Spanish request to the FEI to overturn a ground jury decision and pay €1,000, after a horse went missing for two hours during a championship competition.

The Spanish equestrian federation appealed the ruling of the ground jury during the young riders European Endurance Championships last September, owing to an “unusual set of facts”.

The dispute related to Clara Latorre Sala, the person responsible or PR, and the horse Eryvan, who were on the Spanish team. During the first phase of competition, Clara fell from Eryvan, who “left without the rider”, the FEI Tribunal report states.

“After some [searching], the horse was ultimately found a couple of hours later,” the report adds. “The horse then returned to the veterinarian gate in the competition area, was checked by a veterinarian and deemed fit to compete.”

The report states that the president of the ground jury offered the rider the chance to go back to the point of the fall and continue from there, but counting the elapsed time. The rider and the Spanish federation refused this, “as they considered that the combination should have restarted from the vet gate, where [the horse] had been taken without the PR and appellant’s consent”...

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/fei-tribunal-dismisses-appeal-spanish-federation-848970

Meet the riders for the 2024 Gaucho Derby

Equestrianists.com

January 27 2024

Forty-one riders from New Zealand, USA, Netherlands, Switzerland, Great Britain, Chile, Belgium, Canada, France, and Germany will apply their horsemanship and navigation skills to negotiate "the greatest test of horsemanship and wilderness skills on earth" across Patagonia.

From February 4-18 they will ride locally owned Gaucho horses, most with Criollo blood, the native horse of the South American Pampas.

Riders are currently participating in the Gaucho Academy, where they brush up on their GPS and survival skills. As a finale, they will ride alongside the Gauchos and joining the team for a wild horse round up.

Stay tuned for more!
https://equestrianists.com/gaucho-derby/

http://www.endurance.net/international/Argentina/2024GauchoDerby/

Pre-registered and News of the Iron Horse Andalucia 2024

BlogElRaid.com - Full Story

January 25, 2024
Gabriel Gamiz

From the Iron Horse Andalucia 2024 Organization, one of the important members of the organization of this mythical test, Fernando Uriarte , sends me information about this test, Preregistered , with a significant number of Riders and Horses from 12 different countries , and the route for the different cities where this test will take place and much more information.

In the pre-registrations, I read the names of riders with whom I met in the first Al-Andalus that I ran , many Spaniards and some foreigners, who later met in the Kaliber Andalucia and who were continually telling me that when this test was organized again.

Well, we already have it here with the efforts of José Manuel Soto and Fernando Uriarte , creators of the test and after much effort and work they are managing to excite the fans, and the number of pre-registered people shows it and there is still time to gallop away.

We are waiting for you all at the departure from Almería and arriving enjoying the Andalusian landscapes to the feet of the Virgen del Rocio.

See the pre-registered here:
http://blogelraid.com/preinscritos-y-noticias-del-iron-horse-andalucia-2024/

Follow Andalucia Iron Horse here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Spain/2024AndaluciaIronHorse/

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup returning to AlUla with record-extending fifth edition

• The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is a flagship event in the international endurance circuit

• Around 200 of the world’s finest riders competing in these rigorous long-distance challenges while maintaining the stamina, and strategic pace management

• 120km FEI 2* and 160km FEI 3* distance competitions over two days

• Event runs from 10-11 February

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 25 January 2024:

AlUla’s unique desert landscape will once again stage the ultimate test of man and horse against time and terrain as 200 of the world’s finest riders compete in The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup next month.

Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), the Endurance Cup is a flagship event in the international endurance circuit. It returns to the ancient oasis for a record-extending fifth time from 10-11 February with the biggest prize money for any endurance event on offer.

A prelude to the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships in AlUla, the 2024 Endurance Cup will see riders embark on 120km FEI 2* and 160km FEI 3* distance competitions over two days. Like always, participants must prioritise stamina and strategic pace management in these rigorous long-distance challenges.

“We are honored and proud that The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is returning to AlUla for a fifth time,” said Mr. Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer at RCU. “What began few years ago as an ambitious project has become a mainstay in the international endurance circuit. The event has been brilliantly received by audiences and the wider equestrian community alike – and the fact that more than 200 riders are competing across two competitions really illustrates its ever-increasing profile and popularity. We are very much looking forward to what promises to be another brilliant spectacle in a few weeks’ time.”

"In the rich tapestry of AlUla's history, the presence of horses has long been a testament to our enduring ancient heritage, exemplified by the ancient inscriptions of horses on the rocks of AlUla. With a profound commitment to preserving and revitalising this deeply rooted cultural tradition, we embark on a journey to instill its significance in the hearts and minds of future generations. By hosting premier events in the equestrian domain, we aim not only to celebrate the majesty of this heritage sport but also to underscore our dedication to fostering a legacy that stands as a proof of AlUla's timeless connection with the equestrian world." He added.

A testament to its status as the ultimate endurance horse event, this year’s Endurance Cup again welcomes some of the greatest riders, horses, and trainers from all around the world.

The distinguished presence of regional royalty and VIPs will also add to its ever-growing prestige as attendees enjoy an incredible Arabian horse live experience in the Middle East’s premier endurance sports hub. All of the action gets underway from AlUla’s Equestrian Village with the 120km FEI 2* and 160km FEI 3* distance competitions taking place on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

A new home of world-class events, facilities, and rapidly growing infrastructure, AlUla’s Equestrian Village is part of RCU’s wider equestrian strategy to develop and expand the sport locally, as well as to position AlUla as the ultimate destination for heritage sports.

"We aspire to host the largest events in equestrian sports in alignment with the Kingdom's vision and aspirations. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup stands out as one of the most prominent events, having achieved significant success in recent years," stated Mr. Fouad Bin Fahad Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF). "Our goal is to establish it as one of the most prestigious and lucrative competitions globally, attracting endurance riders from around the world annually. We take pride in our esteemed partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, which has played a pivotal role in orchestrating equestrian championships with exceptional organisation. This is owing to the enchanting nature and rich historical legacy of AlUla."

AlUla has emerged as a leading hub for equestrian excellence, while also fostering sports diversity and prioritising the welfare of the horses. Embracing inclusivity, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup allows both men and women to compete on an equal footing, with nearly 20% of the 200 riders in the 2022 edition being women. While the competition involves timed rides, the primary focus remains on ensuring the well-being of both rider and horse, emphasising the importance of completing all loops in optimal condition rather than pursuing sheer speed.

With a vision to bolster modern and heritage equestrian sports in AlUla, the Equine Training Programme based in the AlFursan Equestrian Village is building on the region's rich legacy within this field, with training initiatives established to empower local riders and professionals such as veterinarians, coaches, and groomers. As a result of the training programme, this year will witness the participation of 6 local riders participating at the 120km FEI 2* and 1 local rider participating at the 160km FEI 3*, who have been trained for all year round to get prepared for this thrilling competition.

The Endurance Cup has empowered Saudi Vision 2030 since its inception. Besides playing a starring role in AlUla’s emergence as a premier endurance sports hub, the event has supported economic development locally and nationally, welcoming tourists and creating new job opportunities in line with the aspirations of the Kingdom's leadership. It’s also inspired more Saudi nationals to engage in stewarding and veterinary support roles while fostering a route for local and regional enthusiasts to engage with equestrianism as a future hobby or potential career.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is one of the marquee sport events in the AlUla Moments Calendar of events and festivals, spanning a large number of other heritage sport events such as the AlUla Camel Cup, AlUla Falcon Cup, the Tent Pegging World Championchip and Horseback Archery World Cup, in addition to the other sports events; AlUla Tour, AlUla Trail Race and Tough Mudder infinity.

For more information, kindly visit experiencealula.com.

Follow the event updates at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2024CustodianoftheTwoHolyMosques/