Butheeb (UAE) selected as replacement host for the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026

Inside.FEI.org

29 July 2026
Author: FEI Communications

The world-renowned Butheeb International Endurance Village (BIEV) has been selected to host the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026, following a decision by the FEI Board during its teleconference on 28 July 2026. This will be the second time the venue hosts a World Championship, having successfully staged the 2022 edition.

The decision follows the FEI Board’s decision on 1 July to withdraw the Championship from AlUla (KSA) and re-open the bid process.

The Championship will take place in Butheeb, located approximately one hour from Abu Dhabi city centre, from 14 to 20 December, with the Championship ride scheduled for 19 December 2026.

“We are very pleased with the decision to award the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026 to Butheeb,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“The Butheeb bid was one of four very strong bids received when we re-opened the process. The fact that four Organisers put themselves forward as potential hosts demonstrates the solidarity within the Endurance community and a shared commitment to ensuring there would be a FEI Endurance World Championship in 2026. The Butheeb Organising Committee has a proven track record of hosting events of this calibre, and we have very fond memories of the outstanding FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 held at the venue.

“In taking its decision, the Board considered all relevant factors, in particular the safety and security of human and equine athletes. The Organiser submitted not only a detailed plan covering all sporting aspects of the Championship, but also a comprehensive logistics outline, including the costs of transportation and accommodation of horses and delegations, as well as contingency plans to ensure the event is accessible to all eligible National Federations and their athletes. The Board was therefore satisfied that all the necessary conditions will be in place for a safe and successful Championship.

“We are extremely grateful to the Organising Committee and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation for their continued support of the Endurance discipline, and we are confident that the 2026 Championship will be an outstanding event.”

Since 2004, the BIEV has hosted around 180 FEI and 361 National Endurance events.

The venue has earned global recognition for its modern, well-equipped veterinary clinic, which features digital X-ray, ultrasonography and other diagnostic services, as well as highly qualified veterinarians and laboratory technicians. Located close to the Central Vet Gates and the Holding Area, the clinic includes examination areas, stables for in-patient treatment, and observation and administrative facilities.

The course, which passes through a forestry reserve, combines desert sand terrain, natural tracks and gently undulating sections. The BIEV is known for producing technical rides that prioritise horse welfare, in line with its mission to deliver exceptional international endurance events that celebrate sporting excellence, place horse welfare at the heart of every decision, embrace innovation and sustainability, and create unforgettable experiences for athletes, officials, spectators and partners.

China Equestrian endurance riding competition opens in north China county

BastillePost.com - Full Article

2026-07-19

China's 2026 Equestrian Endurance Riding Competition opened in Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, north China's Hebei Province on Saturday, bringing together professional riders and equestrian enthusiasts from across the country while boosting summer tourism on the grasslands.

More than 200 riders from dozens of equestrian clubs nationwide competed in the 40-km and 80-km endurance races at the Tianma Flight Town (meaning "heavenly horse flying") on the Bashang Grassland, where vast grasslands and summer temperatures averaging around 20 degrees Celsius have made it a popular destination for horse riding and summer getaways...

Read more here:
https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/6020755-equestrian-endurance-riding-competition-opens-in-north-china-county

UK: Derbyshire teenager lands back-to-back endurance victories

DerbyshireTimes.co.uk - Full Article

By Phil Bramley
Published 17th Jul 2026,

Fifteen-year-old Derbyshire equestrian Hollie Brewell has achieved an extraordinary double victory, winning the challenging three-day 160km class at the Cirencester Endurance Ride just weeks after conquering the two-day 160km class at Pembrey.

Riding her super star nine-year-old Arabian gelding Cotswolds Shaquille (affectionately known as "Sharqui"), the Amber Valley-based teenager demonstrated maturity and horsemanship far beyond her years to secure top honours in hot summer conditions.

Over the three-day Cirencester event, Hollie and Sharqui tackled a demanding schedule: 64km on Day 1 (two 32km loops), 64km on Day 2 (two 32km loops), and 32km on Day 3 (two 16km loops). Despite scorching summer heat and exceptionally hard, dry ground, the pair delivered an immaculate performance to achieve a prestigious win. Crucially, they registered their lowest-ever end-vetting heart rate of just 39 beats per minute (bpm)—a testament to Sharqui's superb fitness and recovery capacity.

Endurance riding is a unique equestrian sport that tests the fitness, stamina, and partnership of horse and rider over marked off-road routes. At regular intervals, known as 'vet gates', horses must pass rigorous veterinary inspections. Veterinarians measure heart rates, metabolic signs, and soundness; if a horse does not meet strict physiological criteria or shows signs of fatigue, they are immediately withdrawn...

Read more here:
https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/other-sport/derbyshire-teenager-lands-back-to-back-endurance-victories-8804111?fbclid=IwY2xjawTLgW5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmdmFBOWlEVzJjbHY4QmNNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoPJdn-ZayL0PGwEBaLVlwrY_KeHI2qYo3u3nHLsEcnYkP3_4b8qVzP6LvSU_aem_pn4A8HNbdnYlt-2CrOAJCw

British Youth set for historic return to European Endurance Championships in France

July 14 2026

Great Britain will field its first Young Rider endurance team at an FEI Championship since 2018, showcasing the next generation of equestrian talent and a deep commitment to horse welfare.

Endurance GB is proud to announce the three talented young riders selected to represent Great Britain at the prestigious FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors. Taking place in the beautiful but highly technical terrain of Jullianges, France, on 31st July 2026, this event marks a major milestone for British equestrian sport. The determined young squad comprises Scarlett Chapple riding Durboro Tansy, alongside Carmen Benitez Tennant riding BAN - KEI Almanzor and professional rider Suzannah Todd riding Kefla.

The achievement marks a historic return to the world stage, with Great Britain fielding a full squad in this category for the first time in eight years. The championship course in Jullianges will test the ultimate limits of horsemanship, tactical maturity, and stamina over a demanding and undulating route. With only three combinations representing Great Britain, there is no "drop score" available—meaning every single horse-and-rider partnership must complete the course successfully in order to secure a team placing. Success in endurance is measured not just by speed, but by strict veterinary standards; horses must pass rigorous health checks, including heart rate and soundness evaluations, before, during, and immediately after the race to secure a successful placing and completion.

While excitement is building for France, the squad is also sharing a bittersweet moment following the withdrawal of squad member Alex Powell and her horse, Hope. Following a consultation and a decision made by Hope's home veterinary team, the difficult but correct call was made to withdraw her from the championships. In the sport of endurance, horse health, happiness, and welfare always come first. Endurance GB fully supports this decision, praising Alex, her family, and her support crew for their years of dedicated training and outstanding sportsmanship.

Endurance riding is the ultimate test of equine fitness, preparation, and the deep bond between horse and rider. Endurance is a long-distance discipline where competitors navigate marked trails across varied countryside. Crucially, the sport is governed by strict welfare controls. At regular intervals, horses are examined by a panel of veterinarians. If a horse’s heart rate (pulse) does not recover to a safe level within a set time, or if they show any signs of fatigue or unevenness, they are immediately and safely withdrawn from the track. The winning partnership is the one that crosses the finish line first while maintaining the peak physical condition of the horse.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Spain-based British rider Suzannah (Suzie) Todd, who rides the talented nine-year-old Tunisian-bred mare Kefla, highlighted the challenges ahead:

"Jullianges is a highly technical course, and it will not be a race of pure speed, but also agility over varying terrain and undulating tracks. In a field of young riders, it will be incredibly important to ride a mature race and not lose sight of the distance that is to be completed."

Katie Dickinson, Endurance GB Young Rider Chef d’Equipe, emphasized the significance of this campaign:

"This squad represents an important moment for endurance in the UK, marking the first time since 2018 that a British Young Rider team will compete at an FEI Championship. The riders are talented, dedicated young people who have worked incredibly hard to reach this level. They are not only excellent riders, but great ambassadors for the sport and for Great Britain. Their teamwork, horsemanship, and commitment make them a very exciting group to support as they represent the future of British endurance."

As a non-Olympic discipline, endurance riding does not receive central sports funding in the UK. The significant costs of international transport, training, veterinary preparation, and entry fees are funded almost entirely by the riders, their families, and the community. To help these young athletes compete on equal footing with their European peers, Endurance GB has launched a community fundraising campaign. Supporters can help power the team's journey to France by donating directly to the Young Rider Team Fundraising Campaign on Zeffy.

Endurance GB extends its heartfelt thanks to the incredible team of support crews, farriers, veterinarians, and families, as well as the generous sponsors making this campaign possible: Uvex, SGC, Zilco, Rhinegold, Equiverse Pro, and Lion Equestrian.

This international campaign reflects Endurance GB's broader mission to promote horse welfare, adventure, and personal achievement. From grassroots riders exploring local bridleways to elite athletes representing their nation on the world stage, the endurance community is united by a shared love for the horse and the thrill of the open trail.

Local Colorado rider to follow in the legacy of Genghis Khan and compete in the world’s longest horse race

SteamBoatPilot.com - Full Article

Paige Rylander will ride semi-wild horses across the Mongolian Steppe

Nick Slater | Jul 11, 2026

Dating back before the time of Genghis Khan, Mongolia has represented the genesis of horsemanship.

The annual Mongol Derby — a 650-mile horserace across the Mongolian Steppe — celebrates the relationship between humans and horses and is the longest horse race in the world. Steamboat Springs local Paige Rylander will compete in the 2026 iteration Aug. 5-14.

“I wanted to experience the epicenter of the horse-human relationship,” said Rylander. “I have competed in English riding through college, and I work at a ranch. This felt like the next step in my horse journey.”

The race roughly follows Khan’s postal route, which he developed in 1224 C.E.

The exact course that the riders must take changes each year. The riders utilize GPS and paper maps to follow the route.

Competitors hop between horses every 25 miles and utilize between 25-28 horses per race. At each aid station, riders refuel and migrate their gear — limited to a maximum of 11 pounds — between steeds.

Participants are permitted to ride between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. only. Over 1,000 horses are provided by 250 herders.

“You camp where you can,” said Rylander. “There is a culture of hospitality, and part of the fun is knocking on doors and asking if you can stay with them or camp on their land — especially when they’ve never heard of the race...”

Read more here:
https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/local-rider-to-follow-in-the-legacy-of-genghis-khan-and-compete-in-the-worlds-longest-horse-race/

Australia: Triple photo finish in Tom Quilty Cup

Amy Everett and Box Hill Nifty, closest to camera, wins the 2026 Tom Quilty Gold Cup, from Charlotte Williamson on Stirling's Thor, part obscured and Emma Ireland, third, riding Razorback Rolex. Photo: Sarah Sullivan Photography.

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

12/07/2026
Erle Levey

A midnight start and 160km later, it came down to a triple photo finish to decide the 60th anniversary of the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

The premier endurance horse ride in Australia attracted 225 entries from all states as well as a strong international contingent.

Held at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Centre at Imbil, the course over five legs was challenging yet held in ideal conditions. A cool night with a near-full moon, foggy morning and a fine day.

Going out on the last leg, it looked as if the winner would be from a group of five riders fairly tightly bunched together – even after 140km.

These comprised 2024 Gold Cup winner Emma Ireland from the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Imbil rider Charlotte Williamson along with 2025 equal winner Nikki Sample, and first-time Quilty rider 24-year-old Amy Everett from the Hunter Valley.

Another Imbil rider Ute Jordan had been a strong contender all of the way.

A bit more than an hour after leaving ride base on the fifth and final leg, the horses rose into sight from the final creek crossing. There was about 400m to go and three riders were galloping towards the finish...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/12-07-2026/triple-photo-finish-in-quilty-cup/

Australia: 100 miles, one goal

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

02/07/2026

PRECEDE

The Tom Quilty Gold Cup, the premier event on the Australian Endurance Riders Association, is being held at Imbil this weekend. ERLE LEVEY looks at what inspires riders from across Australia and from overseas to saddle up for the challenge.

BREAKOUT QUOTE

“The Tom Quilty is considered the pinnacle of the sport in Australia. It’s what most riders are aiming for – to start, complete and get a Tom Quilty buckle as a result.“

The 60th anniversary of Australia’s premier endurance horse riding event, the 2026 Tom Quilty Gold Cup, is ready for a midnight start on Saturday 4 July.

Riders from across Australia will be competing in the 160km event, being held at Imbil this week.

The iconic ride, to be completed within 24 hours, will comprise a strong contingent of international riders – from the US, Spain, New Zealand, France and the Netherlands.

The leading riders are expected to complete the ride on Saturday afternoon – a little more than 12 hours undertaking the challenging ride through Imbil State Forest and rolling countryside between Brooloo and Mitchell Creek.

This anniversary ride celebrates the initial event in 1966, to the west of Sydney, that saw 23 starters. By comparison, the 2026 Tom Quilty has has attracted 231 nominations...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/02-07-2026/100-miles-one-goal/