Endurance world champion at centre of rides scandal

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Pippa Cuckson
29 March, 2015

The reigning world champion Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (pictured top), is among a number of big names in Middle East endurance caught up in the “bogus” rides scandal.

The Crown Prince of Dubai is listed as taking part in one of the 13 rides under investigation by integrity services agency, Quest.

In addition, hundreds of horses from stables variously owned by Sheikh Hamdan and other members of the ruling families of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also implicated.

If the results are proved to have been falsified, the FEI faces an unprecedented exercise in mass disqualification. Asked about possible sanctions for the listed riders and owners, and also those who competed unqualified horses in longer distance rides, a FEI spokesman said: “We will need to wait for the conclusions of the investigation before deciding on the next steps...”

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/endurance-world-champion-at-centre-of-rides-scandal-479305#2vhpzbfUwHLKhztb.99

Australia's AERA Supports FEI Suspension of UAE

March 26 2015

In a statement issued on 26 March 2015, the Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA) expressed solid support of the FEI's decision (26 February 2015) to suspend the remaining two FEI events scheduled to be held in the UAE, and to suspend the National Federation of the FEI (12 March 2015) for an indeterminate period due to major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations.

Additionally, the AERA requests that the FEI reconsiders holding the 2016 World Endurance Championships in Dubai.

Further, in support of the FEI's decision to suspend Emirati athletes from Endurance events, AERA will not permit Emirati athletes to enter AERA affiliated endurance events, including the 50th Tom Quilty to be held 6-7 June 2015.

And while the AERA will not deny Australian endurance riders participation in UAE-based National events, it requests that any AERA members "give careful and measured consideration to competing in the UAE under the current circumstances…"

The full letter can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013FEIControversy/03.2015.AERALetter.jpg

Australia: Successful Wilga endurance ride

Donnybrookmail.com.au - Full Article

By LYN WILLETT March 26, 2015

THE twenty-fourth Wilga Endurance Ride was held on Saturday March 14.

52 Riders started after the forecast warnings of unfavourable weather, with 25 riders making the decision not to attend. Those who rode had perfect conditions, with rain holding off until after the event. The rain the night before was just enough to settle the dust and provide a beautiful aroma throughout the bush.

Riders travelled from as far as Badgingarra to Esperance for the first ride of the year. This year the Wilga Endurance Ride also had its first rider from Boyup Brook, with Melissa Waller completing the 25km social ride...

Read more here:
http://www.donnybrookmail.com.au/story/2971418/successful-wilga-endurance-ride-despite-weather-forecast/?cs=1193

Scotland: Riding Outdoors Endurance or Trail Riding

Gallowaygazette.co.uk - Full Article

25/03/2015

Recently the Scottish Endurance Riding Club (Dumfries Branch) organised a pleasure/intro or taster short/long distance ride near Three Lochs, Kirkcowan.

The aim in endurance is to pace the united skills of horse and rider against the clock and bring a sound and happy horse “fit to continue“ home at a chosen speed. Pleasure ride windows are between 8kph or 5mph and 11kph or 6.85 mph.

A spokesperson for the club said: “With so much adverse publicity re endurance riding in group 7 countries there seems to be lots of unfair crit hanging over all endurance riders. In general (but of course there are always the few who let us down) horse welfare is one of our many challenges..."

Read more here:
http://www.gallowaygazette.co.uk/sport/local-sport/riding-outdoors-endurance-or-trail-riding-1-3727462

Abu Dhabi Endurance Festival on Thursday

Khaleejtimes.com

25 March 2015

The organisers have provided prize-money and 36 cars for the participants.

Abu Dhabi — Over 300 riders will be in the fray in three different rides that are part of the Abu Dhabi Endurance Festival to be staged over two days starting from Thursday at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

The rides are being held under the directives of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in coordination with the Emirates Equestrian Federation and the Emirates Endurance Village. The organisers have provided prize-money and 36 cars for the participants.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the Festival which contains the 100-km Private Stables Ride and the 100-km Abu Dhabi Festival Women Ride on Thursday and the 120-km CEN Abu Dhabi Endurance Festival ride on Friday,” said Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club who addressed a Press conference on Tuesday along with Lara Sawaya. “All arrangements are well in place to implement the directives of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” he added.

Sawaya commented: “We are obliged to Shaikh Mansour and Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for their continued support.”

UAE: Not So Untouchable?

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Cuckson Report | March 23, 2015

For years, the FBI failed to pin down Al Capone for racketeering, but a special squad known as the “Untouchables” finally found a way to send him prison – tax evasion.

For years, the FEI has failed to nail UAE endurance for horse abuse, the running of ringers and field-of-play violations on an industrial scale, due to the reluctance of witnesses, the turning of a blind eye by corrupt or lazy officials, and the invidiousness of the 30-minute rule for protests.

But now there is a glimmer of hope that at least the UAE’s equestrian federation, the EEF, is not quite as untouchable as it thought...

Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/cuckson-report/not-so-untouchable/

Canadians to Contest to the Mongol Derby

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

March 23, 2015
by: Mongol Derby

This is the 7th Mongol Derby, featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest and toughest horse race. The 2015 race features 41 riders from 14 countries – including three Canadians – riding 1,000km across Mongolia on semi-wild horses.

It’s hard, it’s risky, people get injured. But people still come back for more.

The race has seen everyone from MP’s to stunt riders compete – so why do people enter?

Entries for 2015 include phrases such as:

“I want to ride across the fatherland of equine evolution.”

“I believe that The Mongol Derby is a positive event to join as it supports the Mongol horse culture and way of life.”

“I read that the 2014 winner almost pooped in her pants. If it is the price to pay for riding in the Mongol Derby I am in for it.”

As well as the usual smattering of equestrian professionals this year’s line-up features a diverse cocktail of the human race – from solicitors to firemen to nomads…

See the 2015 riders:...

Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/canadians-to-contest-to-the-mongol-derby/