Belgium: Le Raid du Luxembourg a Great Success

Endurance-belgium.com

Everything perfect for this 'old fashion' endurance ride on the weekend of 25th June.

Old fashion because it was looking like the event organized 10 to 15 years ago, that not being negative, on the contrary. A very nice and cheerful ambiance, smiling ride managers; and the most important, the trail was exceptional, a perfect footing where one could hardly encounter rocks. But the course was technical with many ups and downs and turns; in between many opportunities to canter on a perfect going. So congratulations to the organizers, Valy and Daniel Schmartz.
On the 120km, Tarek Taher from Saudi Arabia made his comeback, riding a young horses trained by JF Frances. Second place for the trainer, Frances and third place for the French rider Nicole Doignon. The day after, the same Frances/Arnold Stables won also the trophy, but this time with Sabrina Arnold onboard.
résultats   here

Great Britain: Endurance victory for Dace

Viewfrompublishing.co.uk - Full Article

30 June 2011

AFTER five years of riding Endurance Woodroffe School sixth form pupil Dace Saunders, part of the British U21 squad, competed in her first international ride at Nottingham recently.

Endurance is not a widely known sport in Great Britain, it involves riding distances up to 160km in a day with intermittent vet gates to ensure the horse is fit and ready to continue.

However next year the Endurance World Championships are being held in Great Britain in conjunction with the Olympics which it is hoped will raise awareness of this demanding sport.

Competing on Ballota (Lottie) a pure bred Arabian, Dace explained: “I had entered the 90km FEI class and had spent the previous months training Lottie, this training seemed to pay off as before the first vet gat we had already acquired a lead of 15 minutes. The ride ended in success with a win, and an immense feeling of pride in Lottie”.

“This success gave me confidence for the second ride of the year at Euston Park near Thetford.

“This ride is notably one of the most prestigious in Europe, the highlight being the presence of The Royal Family of the United Arab Emirates competing in the event.

The 80km ride at Euston Park also included the British Young Rider Championships in which riders under 21 compete in to claim the title for the year.

“I have to say this ride was the most nerve racking and exciting I have ever done in my years of doing endurance..."

Read more here:
http://www.viewfrompublishing.co.uk/news_view/11726/5/1/racing-endurance-victory-for-dace

Spain: Shortlist for the European Championship 2011 Absolute Raid

Ecuestreonline.com - Full Article

Posted June 29, 2011 by admin

Ten riders and eleven horses listed in the shortlist for the European Championship Absolute Raid 2011, to be held next September 10 in Florac (France). This provisional list are eight of the top ten in Spain Absolute Championship this year, including the three medalists.

Rounding out the relationship María Alvarez and Otto Velez. Reigning World and European champion is the only pre-selected appears with two horses, while the frame of reference Rider Stud El Palancar is second in the national rankings, failing to be counted points that joined in the Championship of Spain.

The shortlist for Quico Yebra, communicated by the FEI on the last day of June, is as follows:

* María Álvarez Pontón / “Nobby”-“Elvis Hab”
* José Luis Ruiz Hidalgo / “Al Gharbe”
* Anna Mª Yebra Altimiras / “Calzadilla”
* Oriol Casals Fores / “Zarha de Vilaformiu”
* Iván Autet Casas / “Faref Bugati”
* Francesc Xavier Casellas Calm / “Arizona de Lafon”
* Otto Vélez Castrillón / “Pal Partenon”
* Marta Pujadas Sala / “Urra da Figuereda”
* Laia Muixi Crusellas / “Flyng Tornade”
* Rut Comas Molist / “Balkany”

Great Britain: Chelsea’s riding high

Dorsetecho.co.uk - Full Article

29 June 2011

* By Adam Summers

CHELSEA Bristow is being tipped for a bright future in equestrian after being awarded third in the Young Rider National Championships.

The 16-year-old, who has been riding for five years, claimed the accolade while representing England at Newmarket where she placed second in an 80km endurance race aboard Babouska.

Chelsea’s father Stewart told Echosport: “Chelsea has been riding since she was 11 but has only been taking part in endurance races over the past six months where she has scored high in the eight rides she has done so far.

“She has also secured a place at Kingston Maurward Equestrian College for this September and the fact she was recently picked to ride for England and was awarded third in the Young Rider National Championships was a fantastic achievement..."

Read more here:
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/9110920.Chelsea___s_riding_high/

Australia: Test of endurance for two Cedar Ridge girls

Hawkesburygazette.com - Full Article

June 29 2011

AUSTRALIAN Endurance horse Stable ‘Cedar Ridge Stables’ had two girls achieve top results in the recent Queensland Endurance Riding event.

Courtney Freeman won the FEI 120km Endurance event which is the number one event in Australia.

R M Williams sponsored the event with Al Reef Stables (Large stable in United Arab Emirates).

Ms Freeman, who rode for Cedar Ridge Stables, was on her horse Nicari Zadah when they beat a competitive field with some of Australia’s best riders competing in the event.

There were 14 other countries were competing in the event that was streamed live around the world.

Ms Freeman has achieved great success in her endurance riding career the most credible being the winner of the longest endurance ride in the world which is held here in Australia– known as Shahzada.

Cedar Ridge Stables had two other riders achieving success on the weekend with Blake Freeman placing eight in the FEI 160km event and Brooke Warner seventh in the 120km event.

It wasn’t long after the Cedar Ridge team arrived home from Queensland that it was time for them to pack another bag as three of the horses that they have trained were to compete in the U.K on on June 19 in Euston Park (near Cambridge) in England...

Read more here:
http://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/test-of-endurance-for-two-cedar-ridge-girls/2210771.aspx

Great Britain: Endurance Rider Publishes Autobiographical Book

Drinking the Wind: At the limits of endurance
By John Tytler Thomson

Forged from the basics of good old-fashioned horsemanship and high tech innovation. Endurance riding, the sport of a million steps isn’t for the faint hearted. At the purest level or at the extremes of competitive distances, it is the ultimate challenge of horse and rider over the natural elements.

Drinking the Wind - is the extraordinary and inspiring version of one man’s recovery from a sudden and debilitating illness, an encounter with a ghostly horse and his progression to become a successful EGB endurance rider. This story is about courage, determination and the tough, intense, often unforgiving conditioning required to prepare a horse and rider for the extremes of endurance. This is a remarkable account of the formidable bond forged between the rider and his pure bred Arabian horse and their combined battle for the first Trans Scotland 200 miles Endurance Ride.

Struck down by a sudden stroke, paralysed, brain damaged and emotionally wrecked the writer is hospitalised. During the initial days of recovery a second trauma occurs which places the writer in a near death experience. From what appears to be a passage through the void an encounter with a ghostly horse generates a massive life change and sets the writer on a whole new direction. The story tells the initial battle for recovery, investigation into the near death experience, the void and spirit guides. When the writer finally decides that the entire episode should be put behind him and to rest, he thinks that the final piece of the puzzle is to learn to ride a horse and be at oneness with the equine guide. The experience and this decision baffles friends and family and the subsequent recovery after months of intense, demanding, physiological and psychological testing astounds doctors. In the early chapters the writer examines the benefits of the American concept of Hippotherapy and therapeutic riding, challenges the theory that talent is natural and god given at birth and instead follows the demanding psychological concept of “deliberate practice” and the belief in extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Within eighteen months, the writer, a person with little or no previous horse riding experience moves from an Endurance Great Britain novice to advanced class rider, comfortably winning various competitive classes along the way.

Reviews from 1st Edition

Drinking the Wind – “His book about his 200 mile Trans Scotland ride is an entertaining read. It had me laughing and crying, holding my breath and sighing with relief as I felt I was riding along side him with every page.

For me John can take his place alongside the likes of Bob Champion and Lance Armstrong. Men who when faced with life threatening illnesses have used their sport as a battle ground to fight back. Proving that they will not be beaten and “normal” life will continue.

The book is full of colourful descriptions of the scenery, places and people Team Omar encounter on route, as well as informative historical, geographical, botanical, theological and literary references. Clearly a lot of research has gone into producing this rounded and enjoyable read.”
Nikki Pearson, EGB Cumbria Branch Secretary

“I have just finished reading the book. Feeling rather emotional and overwhelmed to be honest. So inspirational! Such an achievement! He must be so proud of Omar and what has been done. It tells of the bond between a horse and human that is so precious and a real treasure.”
Lynn Healey, Culgarth

“I was drawn in from the very beginning. The story is so life affirming and encouraging.”
Kathy Low, Dundee

“This book is so emotionally charged in places I went through a box of tissues then found myself laughing hysterically at the wicked sense of humour. It is a remarkable story of a journey of achievement that anyone would be proud of. It is an inspiration. The description of the Scottish scenery, history and culture is breathtaking.”
Lesley & Laurence, Bury St Edmonds

“Awesome!! When is the movie coming out?”
Delores Wotring, South Carolina

“This is a book which manages to be powerful and moving, inspiring and informative all together. It tells the reader a lot about the almost magical bond that can be formed between horse and rider and much about the historic country through which John passed. And it says much too about the invincibility of the human spirit. This book will have a strong US readership.”
T Smith, London

ISBN 978-0-9560415-2-4
Metal Rabbit Editions

Available in paperback from 31 July 2011
Kindle Version available on Amazon from 31 July 2011

for more information contact

at jtthoms @ hotmail.co.uk

Malaysia: Agong Launches First Endurance Club In Penang

Enduranceridingforum.com

June 25 2011

GEORGE TOWN, June 25 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Saturday declared open the Al-Khamsa Endurance Club in Taman Perbandaran Pulau Pinang here.

The King arrived at the club about 9.10am before heading to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and touring the stable.

He was accompanied by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the president of the club, A. Mutalib Ismail.

Tuanku Mizan spent about an hour touring the stable and watching a horse show before proceeding to join Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah for a Penang Hill trip.

Also on the train ride for a picturesque view of George Town and its surrounding area from the hill top were Abdul Rahman, his wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, and Lim and his wife, Betty Chew Gek Cheng.

Later, the Yang Dipertua Negeri hosted lunch for the royal couple at Seri Mutiara before the King and Queen departed to Terengganu at about 4.20pm.

The Al-Khamsa, the first endurance club in the state, was built recently on about 0.8-hectare of land and the stable can house up to 30 horses.

Mutalib said he had spent over RM600,000 to build the club which currently housed 18 Arabian horses from Australia, Russia and Poland.

"I thank His Majesty for launching the club and I hope it will be a stepping stone for Penang to produce its first endurance rider for the Malaysia Games," he told reporters after the launching ceremony.

He said previously, the state had no representative in the endurance racing competition at the Games while the other states had.

"Our main objective is to produce endurance riders and hopefully within the next two years, we will be able to train a few riders for the competition."

Mutalib said the club would be in full operation within the next two weeks and the public, especially children, were welcomed to join.

-- BERNAMA