Argentina: Gaucho Derby: Days 1-3

Photo by: @kathy_gabriel_

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

February 11 2024

Wifi is limited in the wilds of Argentina, but here are updates from days 1 and 3 from the Gaucho Derby:

Day 1 Post
As the day winds down, riders take on the crucial responsibility of tending to their horses—ensuring they are well-fed, hydrated, and comfortably settled for the night. Only after attending to their equine companions do they set up camp and prepare a delightful dehydrated meal . This self-sufficiency is a hallmark of the journey, with riders managing their daily activities independently, without reliance on others or the support crew.

Day 3 Recap
It was a hot one in Patagonia, where scorching temperatures and a complete lack of wind added to the challenge, riders faced a day of slow progress amidst the challenging terrain of mountainous forests.

With unwavering determination, riders pushed toward HS2 (VC7), eagerly anticipating their first resupply. This crucial stop offered a much-needed boost with additional kits, including meals, snacks, and extra layers for the journey ahead.

Noteworthy discussions among riders centered on the intricacies of the gates, emphasizing the difficulty in navigating to the precise locations. Correctly hitting the gates became a crucial aspect, as any misstep could result in added time, necessitating re-navigation to reach the correct crossing point.

Looking ahead, the forecast promises a shift to chillier weather and a chance of rain. It remains to be seen whether the change in conditions will influence the pace of the pack, especially with the potential for rejuvenated energy from both the cooler temperatures and the introduction of fresh horses.

Follow the riders at: https://equestrianists.com/gaucho-derby/

Qatar's Saeed Al Naimi Crowned 2024 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup Champion in AlUla

● Al Naimi produced a majestic performance to claim victory in 120km CEI 2* competition ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Fares Abu Ras in second; Hamad Al Tamimi of the UAE completed top three

● Five local talents also featured in 200-strong field featuring world’s best riders

● Additional 160km CEI 3* competition locked in for Sunday ahead of 2026 World Endurance Championships

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 10 February 2024:

Saeed Al Naimi from Qatar sealed a sensational victory in the 2024 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup on Saturday afternoon, overcoming a strong challenge from runner-up Fares Abu Ras of Saudi Arabia to win the flagship international endurance event in AlUla.

Al Naimi completed the challenging 120km route on his ride Guilen Fantasia in a classified time of 05:22:01, finishing 1:14 ahead of Abu Ras and 23:19 minutes in front of Hamad Al Tamimi from UAE who completed the top three.

Incredible individual displays of speed, stamina, and strategic pace management by the trio saw them take top honors ahead of a 200-strong field that boasted the world’s greatest, most renowned riders.

The riders who featured in the CEI 2* competition represented a total of 50 counties with a total SAR 15 million prize pot on offer. A new world record for an endurance event, these factors – together with regional royalty, VIPs, and global audiences in attendance – further highlighted the ever-growing prestige of the Endurance Cup in this record-extending fifth edition.

Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation (SAEF), the event was an outstanding occasion like always at AlFursan Equestrian Village – providing inspiring shows sportsmanship and equestrian excellence as promised.

Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah, President of SAEF, added: “We extended our congratulations to Saeed Al Naimi and every rider who competed – their performances helped pave the way for an experience that audiences will remember for many years to come. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is one of the biggest endurance events on the Saudi Equestrian calendar and this edition has shown why such events in the Kingdom are held in such high regard regionally and internationally.”

Abeer Al Akel, Acting CEO of RCU, commented: “The 2024 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup has been an incredible success in every way possible. From riders and trainers to spectators and partners, everybody involved has played their part in making this edition so special. We extend our congratulations to the champion and all who participated.”

In the aftermath of his famous victory, Saeed Al Naimi said: “I’m really proud to have won this competition and competed against so many talented riders from different countries - it was a very difficult contest but I’m delighted to have made it back first in the end. The track was challenging throughout, but I loved riding out there. The experience was great and I’m already looking forward to coming back in the future.”

Underlining RCU efforts to empower and involve the AlUla community as part of its wider equine objectives, five local riders also participated in the 2024 edition as part of the development program under RCU’s equine strategy – which offers training, advice, technical support, and events experience.

Next up at AlFursan Equestrian Village is an additional 160km CEI 3* competition tomorrow. A prelude to the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships in AlUla, 67 riders – including one from AlUla – will compete with a prize pot of SAR 5 million on offer.

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.

For more information and to book tickets, kindly visit experiencealula.com.

For more on the ride see:
http://endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2024CustodianoftheTwoHolyMosques/

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/