UAE endurance: Eliminations loom large in season opener

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Neil Clarkson | 28 October 2015

It was the American writer Mark Twain who popularised the expression, “Lies, damned lies, and statistics”.

It refers to the usefulness of statistics to boost pretty much any argument you choose.

So, with that in mind, I’m going to compare the results of the big national (CEN) 100km endurance ride staged at Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi, on Thursday last week.

The endurance results on the Emirates Equestrian Federation website show a few qualifying events in the previous month, but the Al Wathba race was billed in the media as the season opener – and, of course, was staged under FEI rules...

Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/10/28/uae-endurance-eliminations-season-opener/#ixzz3psZgWSZ1

Australia: Hudson wins Red Range CEI3*

Equestrian.org.au

28/10/2015

More success for Endurance rider Ben Hudson after he won the Equestrian Australia Endurance Championship, 3* 160 km event which was held at Red Range on 24 October.

Hudson adds the Australian Championships to his recent Tom Quilty Gold Cup (which he won riding Cap Braveheart).

In the Red Range CEI3* Hudson partnered with Oso Lee and finished the 160 km ride in a time of 10:04:37 (unverified). Oso Lee was also awarded the prestigious first across the line trophy.

Second place went to World Equestrian Games representative Sasha Laws-King riding Oso Edith in a time of 10:04:50 while fellow WEG rider Penny Toft and Charlotte te were third with a time of 10:16:51. (Note all results are unverified as of 28 October. Results available HERE).

The winner of the Equestrian Australia Best Managed horse was Tayla Hadzi. Tayla rode Ausden Prince Mahal and won the 160km youth division. The average recovery time to present to the vet after each leg was 2 minutes 17 seconds. This was an outstanding result and was a true reflection of how well Tayla and her support crew from Splendacrest Endurance Training managed 'Rabbit' during the ride.

Chair of the National Endurance Committee Linda Tanian presented the rug on behalf of Equestrian Australia.

Bahrain steals the show at FEI World Endurance Championships in Chile

26 Oct 2015
FEI.org

Full Results

by Berry Pattison

Bahrain stole the show when claiming both the Team and Individual Championship titles at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2015 staged in Parque Tricao, Santo Domingo in Chile at the weekend. Representatives from across the globe were in attendance, with a total of 59 starters and 11 teams in action. However Bahrain had the distinction of being the only country to have all five representatives finish successfully.

The stunning vineyard region, some 100km south of Santiago, played host to competitors from as far afield as Malaysia, South Africa and Sweden, and from the very outset the organisers faced major challenges.

Just over a month before the Championships were due to take place, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake hit the host country, with the epicenter just 600km from the venue.

Finally, just as the Organising Committee must have thought everything was on track, only four days before the much-anticipated event was due to begin, freak winds blew through the venue causing huge damage and leaving much of the infrastructure razed to the ground.

Spectacle of sportsmanship

Despite such drama and potential difficulties the event itself passed without any major issues and was a spectacle of excellent sportsmanship and camaraderie set in one of the most picturesque regions of South America.

The 120km track was made up of five loops stretching out across the Chilean countryside taking in steep, gravel byways, deep, dusty tracks and stretches along the Santo Domingo coastline. Athletes were warned beforehand that wise horsemanship, nimbleness and careful thinking would be required to successfully negotiate such a track – a big ask for the young riders, all aged between just 14 and 21. However they listened carefully and took it all in their stride, both metaphorically and physically. With one of the highest completion rates in recent times at a Championship, the future of Endurance is most certainly looking bright.

Individual gold

Individual Gold was won by Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri (BRN) aboard the 12 year old bay gelding Poly de Coat Frity. The Anglo Arab only joined the Royal Bahrain Endurance Team in September this year following his excellent performance at the CEI3* 160km Rambouillet (FRA). Al Khatri couldn’t have asked for a better start to their career together.

The pair passed through the first vet gate in eighth place after the first 30km loop. As the day progressed they steadily made their way up the field to fourth place at the second vet gate, then improved to second at the third vet gate and slotted into first at the final vet gate with a 30-second lead over Mansour Saeed Mohd Al Faresi (UAE) with Hotspur Thabor.

An incredibly strong performance over the final 20km extended those 30 seconds to nearly 30 minutes, and resulted in an easy finish as the spritely pair trotted over the finish line encompassed in a cloud of dust to take Individual Gold and the coveted Best Conditioned Award.

Silver and bronze

Individual Silver and Bronze went to the only two finishers from the United Arab Emirates. Despite leaving on the final loop in second place, Al Faresi was overtaken by compatriot Saeed Mohd Khalifa Al Mehairi with Sirocco des Comtie. A successful vetting for both completed the podium.

Bahrain dominated much of the top ten, taking fourth, fifth and tenth positions. The final horse-and-rider partnership from Bahrain crossed the line in 11th place, just over an hour after the winning horse and rider. The highest-placed home competitor was 19 year old Pablo Llompart who took sixth position aboard El Pangue Ciromagnum with whom he won the Championship Trial Run in April of this year.

The Team results were fairly spread out, with several hours separating the medallists. Bahrain finished with a total time of 17:38:16, knocking 2011 World Champions Uruguay into silver medal position. Qatar completed the podium taking bronze in a time of 21:00:34, over 1.5 hours slower than Uruguay. South Africa and Ecuador were the only other teams to have three or more combinations complete.

Inspirational experience

FEI President, Ingmar De Vos, attended the Championships and said yesterday,

“I’ve been visiting National Federations across South America for the past couple of weeks and it has been an inspirational experience.

“I have witnessed for myself the commitment, energy, dedication and enthusiasm of the people on the ground who are clearly having a huge impact on the expansion and development of the sport here.

“Encouraging the participation of young athletes and providing them with every possible educational opportunity are key elements to the future success of all sports, and I’d like to congratulate the Organising Committee at Santo Domingo for providing a truly excellent event for this weekend’s FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors”.
Results:

FEI World Endurance Team Championship for Juniors and Young Riders 2015:
Gold - Bahrain (17:38:16): Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri with Poly de Coat Frity (05:20:57); Salem Mubarak Sabt with WH Picos Shazam (06:07:02); Sh. Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa with Samira de Charles (06:10:17) : Silver - Uruguay (19:32:22): Valentin Silva with Indio Loco LP (06:21:59); Frederik Maidana with RN Frambuesa (06:22:00); Santiago Cabrera with Marche Preso Molles (06:48:23): Bronze - Qatar (21:00:34): Nasser Jumah Jassim Al Mohannadi with Qualyko de la Roque (06:17:12); Jassim Rashid M H Al Kaabi with Esmadouha de Galahad (06:33:30); Mohammed Nasser Bughenaim with Ali Dahmas (08:09:52).

FEI World Endurance Individual Championship for Juniors and Young Riders 2015: Gold - Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri (BRN) with Poly de Coat Frity 05:20:57 (22.43kph); Silver - Saeed Mohd Khalifa Al Mehairi (UAE) with Sirocco des Comtie
05:47:09 (20.74); Bronze - Mansour Saeed Mohd Al Faresi (UAE) with Hotspur Thabor 05:51:57 (20.46).



Individual gold medallist, Bahrain’s Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri, is congratulated by FEI President Ingmar de Vos and Cristian Herrera, Director of the Chilean Endurance Federation at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2015 at Santo Domingo, Chile. (FEI/Rebecca Pearman)

U.S. Team Gives Their All at 2015 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors

Mary Cathryn Clark and Questafir | Photo Copyright Becky Pearman Photography

October 24, 2015--The U.S. team put forth a great effort Friday during the 2015 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors. Leading the way for the U.S. was Mary Kathryn Clark (Eatonton, Ga.) who finished 21st with a time of 7:32:37. Clark, who rode her own Questafir, a 2004 Arabian gelding, had a personal best finish in these championships after placing 37th in 2011.

The remaining members of the U.S. team were unable to overcome the challenges the course presented: Christina Kimery (Bixby, Okla.) and Jeremy and Ellen Olson’s Bey Gibby, a 2001 Arabian gelding; Katie Baldino (Marietta, Ga.) and Clark’s 2006 Arabian gelding Kalilas Legacy; Mallory Capps (Cumming, Ga.) and Lori Shifflett's Magical Mikada, a 2003 Arabian gelding, and Maria Muzzio (Clifton, Va.) and Natalie Muzzio's Laconic, a 2002 Arabian gelding, were pulled at vet checks along the way.

“Today did not go as we hoped, but I can't be more proud of this Team. They did everything that was asked of them, took care of each other, and most importantly, their equine athletes. What we learned during the selection process and our time in Chile will help us move forward and develop the Team for the 2017 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors. Congratulations to Mary Kathryn on finishing her young rider career with a completion today,” said USEF Chef d’Equipe Mark Dial.

The nation of Bahrain won the 2015 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors. Fahad Al Khatri of Bahrain is the Individual World Champion. - See more at: http://www.equisearch.com/article/team-2015-fei-world-endurance-championship-young-riders-juniors-30231#sthash.87O0vS06.dpuf

Equisearch.com

France: The end of "Raid Yvelines"?

October 16 2015

The Enduro Horse Association regrets to announce that it will not organize in 2016 IEC * / ** / *** the first weekend of May in Rambouillet. The reasons for this decision: 



1- The candidature of Raid Yvelines to arrange a CEI *** was not accepted on the date of 6-7 May by the FFE. We regret the lack of anticipation, mediation and communication on the part of the FFE to help organize a high-level competition circuit viable.

2 - Once again it seems imperative to organize a schedule that meets a sufficient gap between the big events. A maximum circuit of 10 "Elite" races with a break every three to four weeks should be the objective of the FFE. This disorganization, what every man for himself and small arrangements can promote French leadership on discipline and loosens the entire sector (riders, trainers, dealers, exhibitors ....) and not just the organizers.



3- *** CIS is vital for the existence of the Raid Yvelines, historic third race after Florac and Montcuq, and second CEI *** in number of competitors according to statistics presented by the FFE. It is therefore not possible for the association to organize an event without CEI ***. 



4- The financial aspect is to consider, in the context of subsidies sharply downward and uncertain finances, sponsoring organizers are, or will be, at risk. It is time for all industry players sit around a table to streamline and make live an entire sector, not just a few. Enduro-Horse, voluntary association, despite the passion and the desire to serve the best it can for this wonderful discipline, no longer wishes to take financial risks on behalf of professionals who value their work and their horses.


Perhaps this decision will have the merit to provoke thought, to those who live in this discipline as to the economic model on which it is built; and to secure its future by investing on their support and recovery?



5- Enduro Cheval 2016 reflects, in another form of contribution to the endurance-oriented enthusiasts late May. A broad form of what the association is already organizing in the fall, the Raid of Bréviaires this year brought together 180 riders and amateur club.

For 2017 if the conditions are right we will be organizing an event of international level.

HORSE ENDURO - Rambouillet
Association for the promotion of endurance riding

New UAE endurance season kicks off at Al Wathba

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Over 130 riders to vie for honours as revamped FEI rules come into place

Published: 17:20 October 21, 2015
Staff Report

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s 2015-2016 domestic endurance season gets off to a promising start on Thursday, with over 130 riders entered for the 100-km CEN Al Wathba Endurance Ride. The ride will be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

“Under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, we are extremely delighted to announce that all preparations are in place to kick start the endurance season,” said Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

“So far we have received over 130 entries and the ride will get off to a mass start at 6am on Thursday. It will be run in three phases of 40km, 40km and 20km.

“There will be five 4WD cars up for grabs for the top five finishers,” he added.

“I would like to thank our official sponsors and partners, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, HH Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, National Feed & Floor Production & Marketing and Al Masaoud.

“We will be adopting the new rules from the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) on water points, vehicles on the ride route and persons accompanying the horse inside the Vet Gate.

“Water supply points have been clearly marked along the ride route while only five cars for each horse will be permitted to drive through and only two persons will be permitted to accompany the horse inside the Vet Gate during the veterinary check,” Al Nuaimi stated...

Read more here
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/new-uae-endurance-season-kicks-off-at-al-wathba-1.1604588

Fakers May Get Off Lightly Due to the Impossibility of Proving a Negative

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Cuckson Report | October 20, 2015

What a difference a year-and-a-bit makes. Or rather, what a difference it makes when a picture of an endurance horse perched on two shattered forelegs causes a global public relations disaster, and when a national federation is exposed as so cavalier it fobs off the international governing body with fabricated results.

In February 2014, not a single Middle Eastern federation sent delegates to the FEI endurance forum, convened as a direct result of the welfare and cheating crisis the UAE has caused.

Wind on to October 2015, when 1,347 UAE trainers, riders and officials attended educational workshops, prior to the start of their winter FEI season. This was a non-negotiable condition of the FEI lifting their suspension which, lest we forget, was imposed for “major” horse welfare issues – the first time in history any horse country has been so shamed.

It’s said that when you have got someone by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow. I am not convinced just yet. Remarks in the FEI press release that these sessions were “successful” and “effective” seem premature. We can only say that if we reach the President’s Cup next February without having seen another Splitters Creek Bundy or a Marmoog, and no positive dope tests.

However, it’s a start. The FEI is responsible for letting endurance get out of control in Group VII in the first place. However, as well as new education and supervisory programs, the FEI is moving mountains behind the scenes to plug many gaps...

Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/cuckson-report/fakers-may-get-off-lightly-due-to-the-impossibility-of-proving-a-negative/