Bahrain Royal Endurance Team wins Best Horse Condition Award at FEI World Championship

BNA.bh

23 Sep 2025

Bucharest, Sep. 23 (BNA): The Royal Endurance Team won the Best Horse Condition Award for the horse Ermine Dartagnan, ridden by rider Isa Hameed Al Enezi, at the 120 km FEI World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Romania.

Coach Ahmed Janahi underlined that winning the Best Horse Health Award crowns the great efforts of the technical and administrative teams.

He said the Royal Endurance Team prioritises horse health and safety, following strict medical and technical standards to ensure the highest care levels. He underscored that this award proves the team focuses not only on winning but also on harmony and care between rider and horse.

He added that the achievement adds to the team's ongoing international success, motivating them to continue working hard for more honours in upcoming events.

This achievement highlights the high level of the riders of the Royal Endurance Team, not only through top positions they attained but also through their exceptional care for the health and fitness of the horses. This professionalism reflects the approach the team follows in all its competitions.

Al Mehairi makes UAE flag fly high at FEI Young Riders and Juniors World Championship

September 23 2025

Rashed Khamis Al Mehairi went one better when winning the UAE a fifth-straight title at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2025 in Buftea, Romania, with a perfectly-calculated ride and a bit of good fortune aboard Shardell Jaeger. Al Mehiari had finished second behind compatriot Rashed Ahmad Al Ketbi in a UAE 1-2 at the previous event at Castelsagrat in France in 2023.

However, this was to be his year. And, he rose to the occasion to once again stamp UAE domination over the Young Rider and Junior division by staying close to the top of the leaderboard and making his bid for glory in the fifth and final loop of the 120 km ride in Buftea, a town located about 20 km northwest of Bucharest.

Keeping close to the top of the leaderboard meant hotly pursuing teammate Essa Abdulla, who seized the lead from Bahrain’s Sultan Al Romaihi during the course of the second loop. Al Mehairi was placed third at the end of the first loop and maintained his position at the end of the second before dropping one spot to fourth during the third loop. He picked up during the fourth loop to climb up to second going into the final loop.

On the other hand, Essa Abdulla remained rooted to the top, but his mount Geste La Majorie being adjudged to having returned with an irregular gait at the vet gates at the end of the race put paid to his hopes of winning. That ceded the advantage and title to Al Mehairi, who was thrilled to have won after his runners-up finish of two years ago. Al Mehairi completed the ride in five hours 33 minutes and 1 second (5:33:01) riding at a pace of 22.79 kph to win ahead of Bahraini pair of Saud Mubarak Salem and Isa Hameed Al Anezi, who finished second and third, respectively. The trio were part of a group of 45 finishers from a starting group of 84.

The event’s presentation ceremony was attended by Khalifa Thani bin Aboud Al Falasi, Board Member of Dubai Racing Club; Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, Acting General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club and Chief d’Equipe of the UAE Team.

Five riders represented the UAE at the event, with the rest of the Emirates contingent comprising groups, trainers and administrative staff. Al Mehairi’s victory was a fifth consecutive title for the UAE and its eighth overall in the history of the championship.

Praising the efforts of the team, Sheikh Rashed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, thanked the UAE leadership — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, for their unwavering support that has propelled the nation to global prominence in the sport.

He emphasised that the UAE’s victory at the FEI Endurance Championship for Young Horses highlighted the team’s exceptional skill, determination, and horsemanship. He added that the achievement not only reinforced the UAE’s dominance but also set a new benchmark of excellence for the international endurance community.

Acting General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club and Chief d’Equipe of the UAE Team, Al Kaabi added: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum for their unwavering support and inspiring leadership. Their vision has propelled the UAE to become a true powerhouse in endurance, inspiring generations to excel. The UAE Team showed remarkable courage, unity, and determination throughout the championship, and this victory is a testament to their hard work. I couldn’t be prouder.”

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Khalifa bin Abboud presented commemorative shields from the Dubai Equestrian Club to Hubert Stefan, President of Ilfov County Council in Romania, and Gheorghe Pistol, Mayor of Buftea, Romania, in the presence of Marilena Mladen, President of the Romanian Equestrian Federation.

The FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors is an event established by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) to cultivate and recognise talent in the next generation.

About Dubai Equestrian Club

Established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Equestrian Club is a world leader in the sport of endurance riding and a pioneer when it comes to organising competitions in the United Arab Emirates at its purpose-built, state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City. Its annual calendar is headlined by two globally-renowned events: the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival.

Career-defining moments for young Endurance athletes in Buftea

Inside.FEI.org - Full Article

21 September 2025
Author: Bella Fricker

Buftea, Romania witnessed history on 20 September 2025 as the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors reached its dramatic conclusion. Over 120km of testing terrain, 84 young athletes from 26 nations set out with one shared goal: to finish with their horses in good health. By the end of the day, medals were decided not only by time, but by resilience, judgement, and the crucial veterinary inspections that define the sport. For Romania, hosting its first equestrian world Championship was a milestone in itself, while for the athletes aged 14–21 it was the defining moment of their careers so far.

Individual Podium

Gold went to 20-year-old Rashed Mohamed Atiq Khamis AlMehairi (UAE) riding the 10-year-old stallion Shardell Jaeger. Already an individual silver medallist at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2023 in Castelsagrat (FRA) with Castlebar Cadabra, AlMehairi this time went one better to secure the ultimate accolade.

After his win, Rashed said: “This is my last year as a Young Rider, and my advice to the younger athletes is that nothing is impossible – if you have a goal, focus on it, and take something new from every training session and every ride. In the end, I only ever compete against myself.”

UAE teammates — including reigning World Champion Rashed Ahmad Seghayer Alktebi, Essa Abdulla Essa Ali Abdulla, and Ali Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed AlFalasi — also crossed the line within minutes of each other but were eliminated at the final veterinary inspection, removing the UAE from team contention...

Read more here:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/career-defining-moments-young-endurance-athletes-buftea

U.S. Endurance Team Finishes Seventh Overall at 2025 FEI Endurance World Championship for Juniors and Young Riders in Romania

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 9/21/2025

Buftea, Romania - The U.S. Endurance Team saw four horse-and-athlete combinations cross the finish line after the 120km ride to finish in seventh overall at the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders hosted by the Shagya Sports Club Association in Buftea, Romania. The athletes and their horses were supported by their dedicated crew members, Interim Chef d’Equipe Heather Reynolds, Team Veterinarian Dr. Olivia Rudolphi, and Team Leader Nicole Zerbee.

“The championship went smoothly for us this year,” said Interim Chef d’Equipe Heather Reynolds, “All of our athletes and their horses were well prepared and worked very well together as a unified team. I’m super happy with our results and very proud of all of them. It was especially great having a complete team [finish the race with a minimum of three combinations.]”

The highest placing American combination to finish after five successful loops was AnnaMaria Clarke (Davis, W.Va.) and Southern Justice, who is known in the barn as “Roo,” a 2012 Arabian gelding (PA Gazsi x PA Ecolina) owned by Valerie Kanavy and Dessia Miller. The pair finished in 23rd place individually out of a large and highly competitive international field. The pair completed the race with a total ride time of 6:43:57.

“I’m beyond proud of Roo,” said Clarke of her teammate, “I’m very happy with our race at the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders! [Roo] gave me 110%, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in him or outcome.”

The course for the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders covered 120 km, with five loops varying in distance from 20.5 km to 31 km ( 75 miles total), across grass, fields, agricultural roads, and forest terrain in the picturesque suburban village of Buftea, located just outside of the country’s capital city of Bucharest. At the conclusion of each loop, the horses were inspected and checked by the official competition veterinarians to ensure peak physical condition, including heart rate and gait, followed by a mandatory rest period to eat, drink, and recover before returning to the course to complete the next loop.

Vanessa Erickson (Rocklin, Calif.) and Leno, a 2016 Arabian gelding (Dahess x Ta Dance WithTheStar) owned by Samantha Ellis, Jax Beloberk (Loomis, Calif.) and Highh Treason, a 2011 Arabian gelding (Tomanchie x Ecstatika) owned by Katie Beloberk, and Lila Reeder (Loomis, Calif.) and Cricket MHF, a 2017 Arabian gelding (Jolly By Golly x Awesome Zell MHF) owned by Bethany Reeder individually finished in 40th, 41st, and 42nd respectively.

Results

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-endurance-team-finishes-seventh-overall-at

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team wins silver and bronze at FEI World Championship

BNA.bh

21 Sep 2025

Bucharest, Sep. 21 (BNA): The organising committee of the FEI World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors held the official awarding ceremony for the top three winners of the 120-kilometer race in Romania, in a festive atmosphere attended by participating team delegations and officials of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

Riders of the Royal Endurance Team were awarded, as Saud Mubarak Sabt received the silver medal for finishing second place, while his teammate Isa Al Enezi won the bronze medal for securing third place. First place went to Emirati rider Rashid Mohammed.

The Royal Endurance Team riders expressed their gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, for his constant support, which contributed to achieving these positive results.

Saud Sabt expressed his happiness at securing second place, noting that the achievement was the result of teamwork and the continuous support of the team, which motivates them to aim for greater accomplishments in future competitions.

Isa Al Enezi highlighted the challenges of the race, stressing that despite the difficulty, the team delivered strong performances. He emphasised that this achievement would serve as an incentive ahead of upcoming championships.

The championship witnessed the participation of 84 riders from various countries, where the Royal Team excelled over top competitors from France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Romania, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, Switzerland, Poland, and Tunisia.

Bahrain Royal Team riders shine in Romania

GDNonline.com

Sun, 21 Sep 2025

ENDURANCE HORSERACING – BAHRAIN’S Royal Endurance Team had two of their members climb the podium yesterday in the 120-kilometre ride of the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors 2025, which took place in Buftea, Romania.

Saud Mubarak Sabt secured second place while teammate Issa Hameed Al Anezi came third at the end of a race that was characterised by strong competition and excitement until the final stage.

The Bahraini pair finished behind Emirati rider Rashid Mohammed, who took first place.

Royal Stables and Royal Endurance Team director general Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan expressed his great appreciation for the team’s achievements in the championship.

“Our riders presented a high technical level and were able to translate their efforts from the preparation phase into positive results on the ground,” said Dr Hassan.

“Achieving second and third place is the result of integrated teamwork and a step that enhances our future ambitions to continue to compete strongly for advanced positions in upcoming championships.”

Dr Hassan added that these results came thanks to the great support of His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman, and Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

UAE rider Rashid Al Muhairi wins Endurance World Championship for Juniors in Romania

WAM.ae

September 20, 2025

BUFTEA, Romania, 20th September, 2025 (WAM) -- The UAE achieved another milestone in equestrian sport as rider Rashid Mohammed Al Muhairi clinched the title of the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors over a distance of 120 kilometers, held today in Buftea, Romania, under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation, with participants from 28 countries.

Al Muhairi secured first place in the individual category for the first time, completing the race in 5:33:01 hours. His victory delivered the UAE’s fifth consecutive title and its eighth overall in the history of the championship.

Bahrain’s Saud Mubarak finished second with a time of 5:34:25 hours, while compatriot Isa Al Anzi came in third with a time of 5:36:31 hours.

In the team competition, France claimed first place, followed by Spain in second, while Italy finished third.