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UAE: Shaikha Najla claims third spot in Dubai endurance
Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article
SHAIKHA Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa finished third in the 90km Majid bin Mohmmed's Ladies Endurance Challenge race held at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam.
Riding Emirates Stables' Magic Glen Harpoon, the Bahraini rider completed this challenging annual event with a total ride time of three hours, three minutes and 26 seconds.
The ride was held at a distance of 100km, which was devoted to the stables and private subscription of singles.
It was divided into three stages, first yellow flags for a distance of 40 km, the second phase red flags for a distance of 40km, and the third and final phase of white flags for a distance of 20km.
Shaikha Futtaim, daughter of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, secured victory for the second time, riding Nad Al Sheba's Linon and registering 3.03.15.
Afra Khalifa Al Suwidi came in second place, riding Nad Al Sheba's Spectacular Goldie with a total ride time of 3.03.15.
Commenting after the ride, Shaikha Najla expressed satisfaction in obtaining the third place, for the second time this season, saying she was always looking for the lead, but third place is a good thing...
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=344635
By Endurance.Net - December 29, 2012
FEI World Rankings
As of December 19, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of the UAE tops the Meydan Open Riders World Ranking. France's Lisa Riou is second, and JAE's Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum is third. The USA's Jeremy Reynolds is ranked 23rd, and Heather Reynolds is ranked 24th.
In the Meydan Open Combination World Ranking, Great Britain's Linda Cowperthwaite and Maraday Mystaron rank first, with Czech Republic's Dana Hladisova and Dean second. Uruguay's Juan Lacasi and Rock and Roll are third. The highest USA ranking is Cody Boysen and Viktory Banner in 18th.
Spanish bred horse Intisaar ranks first on the Meydan Open Horse World Ranking, with Australian bred Yamamah second, and LC Itati third. USA bred Reach for the Gold ranks 18th.
In the Meydan Young Riders World Ranking, Argentina's Manuela Basombrio tops the chart, with Uruguay's Juan Pablo Viana Ponte second, and France's Cesar Donnais third. Canada's Emma Webb is 4th, and USA's Mallory Capps is 6th.
Uruguay's Valentin Silva and Fadar Mahid rank first in the Meydan Young Riders Combination, with Uruguay's Cecilia Garcia and HLB Amira second, and France's Nina Lissarrague and Preume de Paute third. Coming in 4th and 5th are USA's Cassandra Roberts and CA Classy Marina, and Mallry Capps and Noslo's Lightning Strikes.
The top 2 Meydan Young Riders Horses belong to Uruguay. Fadar Mahid is first, and HLB Amira is second. USA's Fringant is third.
For complete rankings see:
https://data.fei.org/Ranking/List.aspx
UAE: Rashid claims second victory of season
Gulfnews.com - Full Article
In-form UAE national team rider extends winning streak aboard Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda
By M. Satya Narayan
Abu Dhabi Deputy Deitor
Published: 17:42 December 22, 2012
Dubai: In form UAE national team rider Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum notched his second win of the season on nine-year-old gelding Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda with victory in the 120-kilometre Emaar Endurance Challenge at Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday.
Shaikh Rashid, who finished second behind His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the FEI World Endurance Championships in August at Euston Park in the UK, has since extended his form to the UAE's domestic circuit.
Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, attended Saturday's ride.
Shaikh Rashid had previously won the 120km Al Wathba Challenge ride in Abu Dhabi in November, also with Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda, but yesterday's win at Seih Assalam was achieved in stark contrast his victory at Al Wathba...
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/rashid-claims-second-victory-of-season-1.1122382
Great Britain: Endurance Young Riders To Parade With Team GBR Equestrian Olympic Champions
Endurancegb.co.uk
The Bronze medal winning Endurance GB Young Rider team of 2012 will parade alongside Olympic medal winning riders as part of Team GBR at the London International Horse Show, Olympia, on 19th December. The Young Rider team, consisting of Beth Langley, Carri Ann Dark, Kate Atkinson and Louise Rich along with chef d'equipe, Helen Boston, took the bronze medal at the FEI Young Riders European Endurance Championships 2012, held in Mont le Soie, Belgium in September.
The British team were up against strong competition, with 58 riders from 19 countries, including 9 teams, taking part over the challenging 120km course at the championships. They put in a strong performance, completing the course at over 17km per hour, to take bronze. This is a significant result for the British Young Rider team and also represents the first medal won by a British Endurance team at any level since 2000.
Andrew Theodorou and Dace Sainsbury, who was the highest placed British Individual at the Young Rider European Championships taking 12th place, made up the 6-strong Young Rider squad and will also attend the evening at Olympia.
The success of the 2012 team has highlighted the wealth of talented riders taking part in the sport and puts the Young Rider Squad in a strong position as they prepare for the Young Rider World Championships to be held in Tarbes, in the South of France in July.
Squad members, Carri Ann Dark and Beth Langley move on to seniors in 2013 and with such talented riders coming up through the levels, there is an exciting future for the British Endurance Team at international level.
The riders are delighted to be involved in the parade of medal winners at Olympia. Carri Ann says, "This is a fabulous opportunity and one I will always remember. Endurance is a fantastic sport and it is great to show other disciplines that we can win medals too".
The Young Riders European Endurance Championships are held bi-annually and are governed by the FEI, the governing body of international equestrian sport. www.fei.org/disciplines/endurance
Further information on the members of the Endurance team can be found at www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk
or www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/youngridersquad.html .
Australia: Anne Jones' Passing
AERA.asn.au
Australian Endurance lost a valuable member last night when Anne Jones succumbed to her long battle with cancer.
Anne was indeed one of the true all rounders of Endurance. Anne was a competitive and successful rider amassing over 23,000 kms as well as being an administrator in our sport for almost 20 years.
As a rider, Anne achieved 10 Tom Quilty buckles, 11 Faraway and 12 Shahzada completions and represented Australia in the 2005 WEC. Anne also crewed at several international competitions for Australia.
As an Administrator, Anne was QERA Secretary for 18 years from 1992-1995 and then from 1999 until her recent resignation a few weeks ago. Simultaneously Anne was the AERA Secretary from 2002 until 2011 and was a Vice President for 2012.
Anne was awarded Honorary membership of the AERA in March 2012 in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the Sport for almost 30 years.
On behalf of the AERA and the Australian Endurance community, we offer our sincere condolences to Anne's husband Brian, daughter Tracy and granddaughter Jade, and stepsons Darryl and Brad.
The service to bid farewell to Anne will be held at 3pm on Tuesday 18th December at Drysdale's Funeral Home, 27 Butler Street, Cooroy Tewantin Road, Tewantin – coming from the Cooroy side it is on the left about 500metres past the golf course. Anne loved bright colours so if you have them, please wear them.
In lieu of flowers, Anne requested that donations are made to the Katie Rose Cottage Hospice, as this organisation is run by dedicated nurses and volunteers. Please visit their website: sunshinehospice.org.au/donations or fill out the attached form.
Tom McCormack
AERA President
Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Hamed wins 120km endurance ride
Gulftoday.ae
From Our Abu Dhabi Bureau December 16, 2012
ABU DHABI: Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum, won the Emirates Heritage Club Endurance Cup, a 120 km CEI two-star ride for Young and Junior Riders held on Saturday at the Bou Theib Endurance Village, Al Khatem Abu Dhabi.
The ride was run over five stages of 30 kms, 30 kms, 24 kms, 20 kms and 16 kms.
Riding nine-year old Colonial Boy from Seeh Al Salaam Stables, Sheikh Hamed finished the five stages in a time of four hours, 20 minutes and 10 seconds.
The second place went to Hamad Omair Obaid Al Falasi who was riding Ouassim du Barthas from Al Aasfa Endurance stables and recorded a time of four hours, 24 minutes and 21 seconds. Third place was bagged by Shamma Hassan Bin Ali who partnered Denter Nasr from Hadaybit Asalem Endurance Stables and clocked 4.26.35
Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave away the trophies. Sheikh Suroor Bin Zayed Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Khalid Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Khalifa Bin Khalid Al Nahyan were also present.
The day also witnessed the Emirates Heritage Club Endurance Cup, a 100 kms CEN Ride for Privately Owned Horses which was held in four stages of 30 kms, 30 kms, 24 kms and 16 kms.
Rashed Saeed Al Kamda, riding eight-year-old Jazz Danska, emerged the winner clocking three hours, 41 minutes and 47 seconds, followed by Ahmed Mohammed Saleh Al Shehhi on Jakin.
Bahrain: Hamdan wins Bahrain World Military Endurance ride
Dubai Crown Prince rides to victory in Bahrain
WAM Published: December 15, 2012
Manama: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, won the first ever CISM World Military Endurance Championship (WMEC) held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir on Saturday.
Held under the patronage of Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, the 120km ride was contested by more than 100 riders from 19 countries, including top stars from the host country, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Italy, Brazil, Estonia, Ecuador, Morocco, Palestine and Uruguay.
The ride was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Hamdan received the gold medal from Colonel Alexandre Morisod, representative of the International Military Sports Council (IMSC), who congratulated him on the achievement.
Shaikh Mohammad and King Hamad, as well as Princes and Shaikhs, congratulated Shaikh Hamdan on his victory.
Shaikh Mohammad was also honoured and decorated with the sash of the International Military Sports Council, the highest badge of honour granted to world leaders who support military sports, especially endurance races, and who have had achievements in this field.
The ride commenced at 7am and also marked the celebrations of Bahrain's National Day and King Hamad's accession to the throne.
Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa led the Bahrain team, which also included Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Abdulrahman Al Zayed, Abdulrahman Saad and Yaqoub Al Hammadi.
It was contested over five stages, with the first and second loops covering 30kms, the third 25 kms, the fourth 20kms and the fifth 15 kms.
The event was organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), in co-operation with Military Sports Federation, and was supervised by the International Military Sports Council (CISM).
(with Staff Inputs)
Argentina: HorseRun 2012
After months of work building an idea, after years of playing sports with horses, we have formed a team to meet the needs of riders and owners on sports, nutrition and health for sport horses and riders.
Our premise is for all our ideas concerning HORSERUN, the "responsible ownership," to sensitize owners and riders on the physical abilities of each animal and thus adapt the training of both to achieve a healthier more athletic ability.
The aim is to meet the demands through information on topics of interest related to sports, health and nutrition of horses and riders
HorseRun 2012 will take place at Lagarda, Cazón Argentina on 13-15 December. . Distances will be 40, 60, 80- 120, and 160 km.
http://www.horserun.com.ar/
Great Britain: Young rider cleans up at endurance awards
Horseandcountry.tv - Full Article
Endurance GB celebrated what has been a great year for the sport, at an awards ceremony last week (6 December) at Daventry Court Hotel in Northampton.
Star of the evening
The highlight of the 2012 season was the bronze medal won by the British Young Rider Team at the European Young Rider Championships in Mont le Soie, Belgium. This is the first medal won by a British endurance team at any level since 2000.
All of the team were in attendance, however, the star of the evening was Abigail Chisholm, from Devon, who was announced as both the Supreme National Endurance GB Champion and the Young Rider National Champion.
Abigail rode her mother's horse, Grey Medlar, to take the Supreme title, which is awarded to the pair with the most points in all types of rides over the endurance season.
Oldie, but goodie
The 21-year-old gelding also won the title of Best Purebred Arab, despite his mature years. And he is showing no signs of slowing down. Between 1998 and 2012 Medlar has covered an impressive 7,500km in 98 endurance rides, including the gruelling Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor and the equally tough Red Dragon in Wales...
http://www.horseandcountry.tv/news/2012/12/14/young-rider-cleans-endurance-awards
Bahrain: Riders gear up for tough race
RIDERS lined up for the First World Military Endurance Horseride Championship, set to take place in Bahrain over the weekend, have stepped up the pace yesterday for the upcoming race, scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Representatives of 19 teams taking part were present at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, where some riders conducted their first training session.
Teams in the fray are the UK, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Uruguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Yemen, Morocco and Bahrain.
Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) is organising this first-of-its-kind global gathering in co-operation with the International Military Sports Council (CISM).
Yesterday's training was witnessed by members of the Organizing Committee, being headed by Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as the International Military Sports Council and teams delegations' officials.
The organising committee, meanwhile, has finalised its preparations with only three days remaining for the start of this 120km ride.
Rehearsals for the event, scheduled for tomorrow, continued yesterday at the village under the supervision of Royal Endurance Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan. The final rehearsal to round off the preparations will take place today.
The media guests invited to attend and cover the event for their respective publications, will start arriving today. The championship has received significant attention from sports media worldwide.
More than 15 media representatives are coming to Bahrain for this purpose, including Italy's Luca Giannangeli, Eena Vanni and Giorgio Biffi, German photographer Barbara Miller, Brigitta Ernst of Germany's Dillingen, Alessandra Durazzano of Italy, Elise Wilson of Gulf News and Germany's Heidi Bernsdorff, photographer Julian Wagner.
Regional media representatives include Jordan's Munem Fakhoury, UAE's Baha Eldin Atta, Essam Al Sayed of UAE's Al Ittihad, Khaleej Times' Hisham Bader, besides Mohammed Khalifa and Mohammed Omar of Al Adiyat Magazine...
Bahrain: Countdown begins
MORE teams continued to arrive in Bahrain as the countdown began for the first-ever CISM Military World Endurance Championship, set to take place at Bahrain International Endurance Village on Saturday.
The Qatari delegation was among the first arriving in Bahrain yesterday, with other teams' representatives expected to reach the kingdom over the next two days.
Delegations started arriving last Friday with Ecuador and Brazil being among the first.
There are 19 countries from all over the world taking part, including the UK, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Azerbaijan and Uruguay.
Also in the fray are teams from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Palestine Jordan, Yemen, Morocco and hosts Bahrain.
The organising committee, headed by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, have stepped up the pace with six days remaining for flag-off.
The committee overseeing the opening ceremony is preparing to hold the final rehearsals, being supervised by Royal Endurance Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan.
Several performances will be staged during the opening ceremony, including shows by the Military Music Band and the Mounted Military team while a special video presentation on the originality of Arabian horses in Bahrain is also planned on the occasion.
The stables at the Endurance Village were open yesterday and some of the teams had their first training experience in Bahrain, while participants registration and accreditation were also conducted at the same venue.
On his part, Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Media and Information Centre director Tawfeeq Al Salhi had a meeting with Nabeel Bo Hazza from Bahrain Radio and TV Corporation and finalised certain issues related to the live broadcasting of the race...
Spain: Santa Susanna Day 2
Spain's Juan Ruiz de Villa and Rev Beethoven are the winners of the 60th 2-day Santa Susanna Raid held near Barcelona, Spain, with a total ride time of 11:05.17 for the 120 kilometers. Spain's Alex Criville was second on Inguru in 11:22.16, and Spain's Maria Dulcet riding Lucero Miki was third in 11:25.53.
Twenty riders out of 55 starters completed both days.
The Santa Susanna ride is reportedly the oldest endurance ride in Europe, and one of the very few multi-day rides. It's a challenging ride with trails in the area of the Montseny mountains.
Juan Ruiz de Villa riding Rev Beethoven won day 1 of the 60th annual Santa Susanna 2-day 200 km raid near Barcelona, Spain. They completed the 100 km by 18 minutes over Alex Criville and Inguru. Maria Dulcet and Lucero Miki finished in third place.
Day 2 takes place today.
Abu Dhabi: Schoolboy Al Jahouri serves up a masterclass
Teenager upstages strong field in maiden outing to win 100km Al Wathba Cup endurance ride
Staff ReportPublished: 17:29 December 7, 2012
Abu Dhabi: Teenager Khalifa Al Khalfan Al Jahouri made a stunning debut to win the CEN 100km Al Wathba Cup endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village (EIEV) in Al Wathba on Friday, upstaging a strong field of 53 riders.
The ride, which was held to support the small stables and private owners in the UAE, was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Al Jahouri finished the first of five stages in third place but improved two places in the second stage before going on to win in a time of three hours, 50 minutes and 19 seconds with an average speed of 26.051km/h. He rode 12-year-old chestnut gelding Leo, who is owned by Saeed Suhail Ali Al Yabhouni.
Second place went to Abdullah Almur Saeed Bin Helwa who, with Lanamere Harrison, recorded a time of 4:06.33, while third place was bagged by Ahmad Mohammad Al Jaber on Lanamere Rondo in 4:09.13...
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/schoolboy-al-jahouri-serves-up-a-masterclass-1.1115630
Abu Dhabi: Al Kaabi wins National Day Cup endurance event
Rider upstages European Open champion Al Jahouri for a memorable maiden victory at Al Wathba
Abu Dhabi: Ali Reyad Saleh Al Kaabi rode a superb ride final loop in the 120-kilometre National Day Cup endurance ride to score a memorable maiden victory at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
Starting in fifth place on the final stage of the 16km loop, Al Kaabi and his mount Tacka increased their speed to 34kmph from the 27kmph they had registered over the first four stages. That effort was enough to fetch the Seih Assalam Stables' trainer his first ever win and also helped him finish ahead of European Open champion Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri riding Lourizon Frost.
Al Kaabi was 30th after the first 33kmph, 26th after the second stage of 27kms, 15th after the third stage of 24kms and 5th after the fourth stage of 20kms.
Al Kaabi completed the 120km CEI Two-star ride in 4 hours 19 minutes and 11 seconds while Al Jahouri finished in 4:20.20...
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-kaabi-wins-national-day-cup-endurance-event-1.1116035
FEI: What the hell, was wrong with the current regulations?
Endurance-belgium.com - Full Article
Oh yeah, of course, it wasn't good for the wealthy riders. You know, the ones who have no time for getting to know their horse, train them, feed them, brush them, pet them, take care. It's easier if you want buy a car to go to the dealer -am I stupid, to send somebody, a henchman- and give orders for the tuning, then when the time comes to drive the car -of course you understand the parable- to mess up -because the engine is too powerful or too delicate- a few miles later.
So this so beloved regulation has been changed, under the impulse of the UAE federation. If you were a bit informed or clear-headed, you had noticed some interventions on forums. Then hop-hop, abracadabra, that's it...
On the other hand, for the welfare of the horse, nada-niet-nothing! To counter the one killing horses, no sensational decision. Of course, a commission has been nominated -we all know the best way of doing nothing is to nominate a commission. Completely opaque. Who's making part? What is the road map? Let's bet that they will soon be employed in the UAE!
The other, major, change concerns the qualification procedure. Was the system not good? It was and has always been OK for us, Europeans! Since years we were using it and never had problems.
So as from now, another additional 80..90 must be completed to get access to the CEI* level. For the professionals, this means an additional cost-risk-time. For amateurs, especially the one bringing their horses slowly to the international level, no big deal. One more 50miles, that's OK, even better for the organizers.
What Pierre Arnould has difficult to swallow -apparently some of his colleagues at the FEI commission are in the same case- is the way the decision has been presented. He said: "I'm fed up to repeat this again and again. During our meeting it was decided to add a low level ride, a 60km to the procedure. Everybody was OK with that and it was presented this way to Ian Williams. But he changed it, adding a 80..90km at free speed. why? what was his agenda? I dont have the slightest idea." He claims that others will take a stance. Wait and see...
Australia: High heat and great times at endurance ride
Southcoastregister.com.au - Full Story
By Alan Marshall (ride secretary). Dec. 7, 2012, 10:04 a.m.
THE last ride of the NSW Endurance Riders Assocation year was held at Sassafras on November 24 and 25 and was an 80 kilometre endurance ride.
The weather forecasters got it right for a change, predicting 32 degree celcius heat and no rain.
A 5am start saw 33 riders head out at first light into the wilds of Morton National Park.
The first riders returned to the ride base in two hours and 12 minutes. After these 33 riders vetted, only 28 headed out for the second leg in the rising heat.
First across the line was Shelly Ison riding Aloha Fabian, and Peter Norman riding Tallaganda Downs Natifa, in a ride time of five hours and six minutes...
http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/1171431/high-heat-and-great-times-at-endurance-ride/?cs=204
Great Britain: McGhee and Foxghyll win awards aplenty in endurance riding
Thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk - Full Article
10:00am Friday 7th December 2012 in Sport By Scott Kirk, Reporter
AMBLESIDE endurance rider Kath McGhee is celebrating national awards as she and her horse Foxghyll's Filly were out to prove a point this year.
The Cumbria Endurance GB rider and her 20-year-old horse won three national trophies, including the Veteran Championship, and they finished second in the Senior National Championship.
The Cotswold Trophy now belongs to McGhee, which is awarded to the pony (14.2hh or under) and senior rider combination gaining the most points in all types of competition rides.
She also claimed the Regent Trophy, which goes to the rider with an unregistered horse or pony gaining the most points in all types of competition rides, and Kirkby Thore's Ann Aldridge celebrated her 80th Birthday this year and with her pony Mycathlly Golden Sunshine she picked up the Pitchford Trophy for the best performance by a native pony, beating her nearest rivals by 470 points...
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/sport/10088083.McGhee_and_Foxghyll_win_awards_aplenty_in_endurance_riding/
Human Barefoot Trends: What Can they Tell Us About Horses?
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Michelle N. Anderson, TheHorse.com Digital Editor • Dec 04, 2012 • Article #30951
Barefoot running and glove-like minimalist barefoot running shoes have gained popularity with human athletes in recent years. And, much like the shoes versus barefoot controversy in the horse world, the benefits and drawbacks of going shoeless are highly debated in human podiatry, said Nora Grenager, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, of Grenager Equine Consulting in Middleburg, Va.
Grenager presented trends and topics in laminitis research at the 2012 Conference on the Equine Foot, which took place Nov. 2-3 in Monterey, Calif. That research included the work of Pat Reilly, chief of farrier services at University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, who authored the paper "The Barefoot Paradox," which was published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in October 2011 (Volume 31, Issue 10).
Research has found that human barefoot runners:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/30951/human-barefoot-trends-what-can-they-tell-us-about-horses
UAE: National Day Cup endurance attracts dream line-up
Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article
Hisham Al Gizouli / 6 December 2012
Around 300 riders have been entered to bid for a dream line-up in the FEI 120km ** National Day Cup which marks the celebrations of the 41st anniversary of the National Day at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday, it was revealed on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the big event will be preceded by the running of the Al Wathba Cup for private owners only which will be held at the same venue on Friday.
Speaking to newsmen at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel, the official hotel of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Globan Arabian Horse Racing Festival, Adnan Sultan, director general of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Lara Sawaya, director of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Globan Arabian Horse Racing Festival and head of IFAHR Ladies Racing briefed the media of the twin races and associated events.
The Press conference was also attended by Mubarak Rashed Al Nuaimi, international promotion manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Talal Al Hashmi of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Stephen Bowey of Invest AD, Ahyam Ali Hamad, sales and marketing manager of Areej Al Ameerat.
"We have received entries from around 300 riders for Saturday's prestigious National Day Cup endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba," Al Nuaimi said...
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/nationsports/2012/December/nationsports_December72.xml&section=nationsports
Australia: Alan's Arabian mare clocks up 5000km endurance riding
Cowracommunitynews.com - Full Article
COWRA Arabian horse breeders Alan and Mark Lindsay have completed the Sassafras 80km endurance ride at Braidwood, with Alan's home-bred mare Kintamani Charisma reaching a milestone of more than 5000km in successful rides.
The mare is now 19 years young and looking a picture, relishing in her work, says Alan.
She started the year well with a good 80km at Oberon, but in April suffered a severe hoof injury at a ride on the Southern Highlands and it was feared she would never compete again, leaving her short of the big 5000 by just 2km.
Time and care saw her return to work in October, ready to compete again at weekend...
http://cowracommunitynews.com/viewnews.php?newsid=2379&id=2
UAE: Endurance races are an experience like no other
Many reasons why long-distance riding events can enthuse the whole community
By Leslie Wilson Jr, Racing & Special Features Writer
Published: 14:58 December 6, 2012
While the UAE flat racing season is briskly moving through the gears, it's encouraging to see that the endurance calendar is also flowing into a pattern with a regular series of rides.
I guess if you love horse-related sports, you can't but be attracted to the sport that has charmed almost every aspiring horseman and woman.
But have you ever wondered what makes these long, arduous rides on horseback so appealing?
It is something that people ask me all the time, and I'm afraid it's a question that I have never been able to answer well enough. It's not that I myself am not convinced of the sport's merits, as endurance riding is not something to be taken lightly — it requires meticulous and demanding preparation and dedication.
The thing I like about the sport is that it is infectious and can be a lot of fun. Every time a ride takes place, you can feel the buzz and the whole endurance site become a hub of activity. Everybody gets involved — the trainers, helpers, officials, medics. It's like a community thing and something that you don't really see in other sports. The emotions that flow from one individual to another are quite amazing...
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/endurance-races-are-an-experience-like-no-other-1.1115152
New Zealand: Bit by Bit
Jacqui Knight was 10 years old when she opened an English textbook and found an excerpt from 'Tschiffely's Ride', one of several books written by Aimé Felix Tschiffely covering his epic journey with two Patagonian ponies, from Buenos Aires to Washington DC. Tschiffely's destination had been New York but he found the traffic was too bad. And this was in 1925!
The tale inspired her. For the next thirty years she pored over maps and clippings files in newspaper offices, read books about geography and travel and horses, studied mountains and rivers that might obstruct her path. And in 1996 her dream became a reality.
New Zealand: Bit by Bit is the book Knight has published a book of the journey that she and a small dog took on horseback the length of New Zealand, from Bluff at the bottom of the South Island to Cape Reinga at the top of the North. It took her 105 days' riding over a period of eleven months — a total of 2538.2 kilometres. She was was 46 but had been dreaming about the adventure for over thirty years.
Jacqui just loves to share her beautiful country with visitors from overseas. She has entertained many people and advised them on what to see and where to go. Always, she warns that their visit will not be long enough.
If you've ever dreamed about visiting New Zealand and getting 'off the beaten track'; if you love animals and wild places, if you love meeting people and learning about different cultures, then this book is for you. Jacqui has a natural, conversational way of writing which is easy to read. You will feel that you are travelling with her, her horses and Brae.
For more information see
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/261468#longdescr
Great Britain: Abby and Grey Medlar - new SUPREME CHAMPION for 2012
Abby and Grey Medlar swept the board at the Awards Dinner for Endurance GB. The Supreme Champion 2012 is Abby Chisholm and Grey Medlar.
Abby was also Young Rider Champion and Medlar achieved Best Purebred Arab. Medlar who is now 21, was also Supreme Champion in 2000 with mum Jo, in the last year of BERA.
Abby (17) was also Young Rider Champion in 2010 with CFS Diana of Court, who is Junior Champion this year with 11 year old Saffron Bishop.
Abby started riding Medlar in 2011, and Medlar has now achieved over 7500 competitive kilometres during his 15 year endurance career, with the next goal of 8000 km firmly in his sights for next year.
http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/item.asp?ItemId=2924
Abu Dhabi gears up for National Day Cup
Gulfnews.com
Major endurance race to be preceded by Al Wathba Cup for Private Owners
Staff Report Published: 18:30 December 5, 2012
Abu Dhabi: Around 300 riders have been entered for the FEI** 120km National Day Cup at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday, it was revealed on Wednesday.
The National Day Cup event will be divided into five stages of 33km, 27km, 24km, 20km and 16km. The big event will be preceded by the running of the Al Wathba Cup for Private Owners, which will be held at the same venue on Friday.
Adnan Sultan, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Lara Sawaya, Director of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Globan Arabian Horse Racing Festival and head of IFAHR Ladies Racing, announced the two events at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel on Wednesday.
"Some of the top UAE and international riders are expected to take part," Al Nuaimi said. "We are celebrating the 41st anniversary of the National Day and, on this occasion, we are delighted to provide plenty of good news for the contenders who will be lucky enough to take part in the ride.
"These will include a total purse of Dh500,000 in prize money, plus a brand new car, which will be driven home by the winner."
In the Al Wathba Cup for private owners, which is a CEN 100km ride, participants are required to cover the distance in four stages of 33km, 27km, 24km and 16km. Another total purse of Dhs500,000 plus a new car is up for grabs and so far 70 participants have been confirmed.
Sawaya said: "Preparations are well in place for the National Day Cup race, which is considered the most prestigious and valuable event of the endurance racing season, in addition to the Wathba Stud Challenge Cup for Private UAE owners only."
Meanwhile, regarding arrangements for the World Arabian Horse Conference 2013, Sawaya said: "The details will be announced at 12 noon on 12/12/12 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Paris and 360 representatives will be covering the announcement.
"Arrangements are also in top gear for the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards. The first leg of the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Championship (IFAHR) will kick-off at Al Flaij Racecourse in Oman on January 17, 2013, as part of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival. The festival will also take part in the one of the biggest Equine Fairs in the Sultanate."
Sawaya also confirmed that the Polish Parliament has invited the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival to address MPs on December 10 on its marketing and promotional plans before heading for France.
Also present at Wednesday's press conference were Mubarak Rasheed Al Nuaimi, International Promotion Manager for Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTCA), Talal Al Hashemi of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Stephen Bowey of Invest AD, and Ahyam Ali Hamad, Sales and Marketing Manager of Areej Ameerat.
Bahrain: Al Zayed races to fine victory
Gulf-daily-news.com
ABDUL-RAHMAN Al Zayed yesterday steered Maco Haka to victory in the Breef National Endurance Ride For Local Stables at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
More than 50 riders, representing different stables and riding schools from all over Bahrain, competed in this fast-paced race which was over 100 kms.
Participants came from Royal Endurance Team, Al Khalidiya, Ahmed Al Fateh, Al Shawamek, Al Muqheerat, Al Ajiyal, Saar Riding School, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Yusuf Ali Taher, Al Riffain and Al Asayel.
Al Khalidiya Stable's Al Zayed proved the fastest, completing the race with a total ride time of three hours, 54 minutes and six seconds.
Al Zayed's average speed was 25-km per hour and he crossed the finish line well ahead of Royal Team member Ali Busafar (4:03:53), who came second with an average speed of 24-km per hour. Ghazi Al Doseri, also of Royal Team, came third in 4:08:50 with an average speed of 24-km per hour.
Organised byBahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), the race was the second event of the 2012/13 season after the 80-km qualifying ride held earlier this month.
The race was divided into four stages, starting with 30 kms for the first stage where Al Zayed reached the finish gate first in 1:10:40.
He was followed by Bheem Singh (1:10:44) of Al Asayel Stable and Al Doseri (1:13:33) in second and third places, respectively.
It was followed by another 30 kms for the second stage where Al Zayed (1:11:45) extended his lead over second-placed Al Doseri (1:13:21) and third-placed Singh (1:17:23).
Al Zayed (48:17) continued to dominate the race in the third stage which was over 20 kms. Al Doseri (51:30) maintained second position, while Ali Safar (50:44) moved up to third.
The fourth and final stage was also over 20 kms and the Al Khalidiya rider maintained his momentum and cruised to a well-earned victory.
Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured the top three riders after the race.
Shaikh Nasser congratulated the winners and wished other participants success in the next championship.
On his part, Shaikh Khalid said the season opener lived up to expectations and was a fast-paced race.
The Breef president thanked Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president, for his continuous support to the federation's plans and programmes.
Abu Dhabi: Ali wins Fatima Ladies Endurance Cup
Hosn student beats Al Marri by more than three minutes in 90km event
Abu Dhabi: Al Hosn University student Aya Abdullah Reda Ishaq Ali stole the limelight by winning the 90km HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup organised by the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival as part of the UAE's 41st National Day celebrations on Saturday.
Riding 11-year-old Craig Royston O' Roy, Aya took the lead in the second loop and led throughout the three remaining stages to win with more than three minutes to spare. Fatima Jasem Al Marri riding Trouble Maker finished second, while Bahrain's Shaikha Bint Salman Al Khalifa on Magic Glen Harpoon was third.
The ride, held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, among other VIPs and guests.
"I am very happy to have won this prestigious ride, which carries the name of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE," said Aya after her win in the richest endurance ride for lady riders, which was held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba...
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/ali-wins-fatima-ladies-endurance-cup-1.1112993
Bahrain: 50 riders set for endurance ride
MORE than 50 riders will vie for glory today in the Breef National Endurance Ride for local stables at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
Commencing at 6.30am, the 100-km ride is being organised by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef).
Participants from 10 stables and riding centres will be competing in the first event of the 2012/13 season.
Royal Endurance Team, captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, will head into this race as clear favorites.
Other riders in the team are Eulaia Guardia, Ghazi Al Doseri, Alex Moral, Isa Al Hazza and Gurden Singh.
The remaining stables in the fray are Ahmed Al Fateh, Al Shawamek, Al Muqheerat, Al Ajiyal, Saar Riding School, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Yusuf Ali Taher, Al Riffain and Al Asayel.
Al Asayel stable with 16 riders have the highest number of participants. They include Abdulla Al Khatiri, Khamis Ahmed, Salem Sabt, Khalif Mubarak, Yousif Ahmed, Faisal Al Manea and Saud Al Hadrami.
The race will be divided into four stages, starting with 30 kms for the first. It will be followed by another 30 kms for the second while the third and fourth stages will be over 20 kms each.
The 2012-13 season got underway with an 80-km qualifying ride, organised earlier this month with its main objective being to prepare the riders for upcoming races.
The federation, under the presidency of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has completed all preparations for this race.
The veterinary examination took place yesterday at Endurance Village under the watchful eyes of the veterinary commission, headed by president Dr Ebrahim Yousif.
Other commission officials are foreign veterinary delegate Dr Mohammed Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia, members Dr Abbas Al Haiki, Dr Sabah Al Kabie, Dr Abdelrahman Abu Shook and Dr Abu Obaidah Yaqoob.
Bahrain's Dr Fareeda Abdulrazaq and Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic are the treatment veterinarians while Mir Ghani is the village laboratory technician.
The organising committee also elected the Ground Jury for the race. It includes president Ghalib Al Alawi and three members - Ali Ghuloom Hussain, Mahdi Al Kalaiti and Fahad Al Romaihi.
Mohammed Dadulla is the foreign technical delegate, Haider Zubi was appointed chief steward while the ride steward is Abdulla Al Rumaihi.
Shaikh Khalid welcomed all stables taking part in the second ride of the season, which he believes will see a grueling competition. He said the race is expected to be fast-paced and an opportunity for participants to try out new tactics.
The Breef president expressed gratitude to Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, chaired by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for its continuous support to the federation.
He also thanked federation officials, who have been working hard to prepare for the new season, and wished everyone success.
Great Britain: Endurance South West has some new faces in among its annual award winners
Thisiscornwall.co.uk - Full Article
There were some new faces among the prizewinners at the Annual Meeting and Dinner of Endurance South West this year, writes Jane Holden.
The Novice Level Shield was won by Tina Handley and her ten-year-old coloured mare, Grania. Runner-up was 13-year-old Ryan Brock from on his Arab mare, Kairie. Tina also won the Peter Hawkey Forage Trophy awarded to a rider in their first season of EGB South West membership. Runner-up was 11-year-old George Barnes.
Ryan Brock won the Blue Zephyr Memorial Trophy awarded to the novice junior member with the most points at all EGB rides. George Barnes came second.
The winners of the Advanced Level Challenge Shield this year were Joy Savage and her Appaloosa mare, Rowberton Raindance. In second place were Carolyn Thomas and Meneth Crystal Rose...
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Endurance-South-West-new-faces-annual-award/story-17468278-detail/story.html
By Endurance.Net - November 30, 2012
Swedish Equestrian Federation turns 100
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Nov 30, 2012 in Focus
The Swedish Equestrian Federation celebrated its 100 birthday at a glittering party in Stockholm this week in the City Hall, the venue that will host the Nobel Peace Prize dinner next month.
HM Queen Silvia was the guest of honour at the celebrations, along with London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Sara Algotsson Ostholt, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, who headed the Rolex Rankings from 31 December 2011 to 30 September 2012, and Endurance rider Maria Hagman-Eriksson, the first Swedish rider to lead an FEI ranking list when she became World Number One on the Meydan Open Riders World Rankings in September 2011.
The FEI was represented by Bureau member Hanfried Haring and Secretary General Ingmar De Vos.
The Swedish Equestrian Awards Gala was incorporated into the centenary celebrations and Queen Silvia presented the honorary lifetime achievement award to Official International Judge and Honorary FEI Bureau Member Eric Lette...
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/11/30/swedish-equestrian-federation-turns-100/#.ULjPCpPjk54
Big prizes on offer at Abu Dhabi women's race
Top competitors from the region will compete in event to mark UAE's 41st anniversary celebrations
Staff ReportPublished: 18:09 November 29, 2012
Abu Dhabi: As part of the UAE's 41st anniversary celebrations, the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival will be staging one of the richest endurance events for women riders on December 1.
At a press conference to announce the event in the capital on Thursday Lara Sawaya, Director of the Festival and Head of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Ladies Racing said a vehicle and Dh800,000 would be up for grabs in the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup.
"The event is being held under the directives of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs," she announced.
"The 90km CEN ride is open to lady riders from Arabian countries and 19 riders from GCC and other Arab countries like Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Syria, Tunisia, Sudan and Jordan will be competing in what is richest event for a ladies endurance ride," she said.
"This is the first time that riders from Arab countries like Tunisia and Algeria are taking part and this event will provide a huge boost to the lady riders practising the sport," Sawaya said.
"Seventy lady riders from the UAE make it a 90-strong field and the ride will kick off to a mass start on Saturday," she added.
"All participants and officials will attend a gala dinner tonight (Friday) after the preliminary veterinary check and we expect a large crowd of fans to encourage the lady riders and celebrate the UAE National Day," Sawaya said.
The riders will have to negotiate four loops of 30kms, 24kms, 20kms and 16kms.
Endurance Great Britain has a new Chairman
The Board of Directors wish to announce that Karen Collier has been appointed as the new Chairman for Endurance GB. We all thank Jo for all the time, energy and enthusiasm she has given to us for the past three years as Chair.
Endurance GB has seen many changes which haven't been easy to oversee at times and Jo has done this with fortitude, good humour (much needed at times!) and great dedication.
As Karen says 'It is a huge privilege to succeed Jo as Chairman of Endurance GB, and it will be very hard to emulate her. Thank you Jo, for the great contribution you have made to our sport in raising its profile both within and beyond the BEF. The newly assembled Board of Directors has a wealth of talent which will be exploited to the full for the contribution they can make to the Future of Endurance GB! I really hope that I can honour the faith the Board has entrusted in me to bring all these talents together.'
Australia: 2015 Tom Quilty Returns Home for 50th Anniversary
The AERA is pleased to announce that the 50th Tom Quilty Gold Cup, to be held in June 2015, will return to its origins in the Hawkesbury Valley of NSW.
The return of the 50th event to its birthplace was only possible due to the goodwill of VERA and the AERA thanks VERA and NSWERA on the successful negotiations.
The AERA has started planning celebrations to ensure the 50th Tom Quilty is a memorable event befitting its stature in the world of Endurance.
Australia: Hendra vaccine released
Equinescienceupdate - Full Article
Australian horse owners will welcome the news of the introduction of a vaccine* to help protect horses against the deadly Hendra virus. The vaccine, which is available only under permit from accredited veterinarians, will also assist in breaking the cycle of transmission that puts humans at risk of contracting this potentially lethal virus.
Hendra virus is a serious zoonotic infectious disease transmitted by flying foxes shedding the virus in their saliva, urine, aborted foetuses and/or reproductive fluids. Horses are thought to contract the virus by ingesting feed or water contaminated with one of these sources of infection.
With a high mortality rate, Hendra virus has claimed the lives of 81 horses, including nine deaths in 2012 alone. There is no known cure, so the vaccine is positioned to become the most effective defence against this virus.
"This vaccine significantly decreases the risk of exposure to Hendra virus for horse owners, handlers and veterinarians. For that reason, the Australian Veterinary Association recommends that all horses be vaccinated against the Hendra virus," said Dr Ben Gardiner, President, Australian Veterinary Association (AVA). "The vaccine will also help to protect the health of horses and is a major win for anyone working in the equine industry, including veterinarians..."
Equinescienceupdate
FEI: Drug testers will target endurance horses
Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article
Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
Endurance is to fall under increased anti-doping scrutiny next year.
But the independent integrity unit that oversees the drug testing of elite competition horses says the move reflects the expansion of the sport rather than a recent spate of failed drugs tests in endurance.
In the year to November, horse sport's international governing body, the FEI, had investigated 15 doping cases, eight of them involving endurance riders, seven of which were from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
There are a further 10 cases pending investigation — nine of which are in endurance.
Paul Greenwood, the manager of the equestrian community integrity unit, said: "Endurance has grown so much in the past year and is now just behind jumping [in terms of number of events].
"We have focused on jumping in past years and now we want to increase our profile in the endurance world."
FEI director of non-Olympic sports Ian Williams confirmed that the FEI would be paying special attention to Africa and the Middle East...
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/389/315008.html
UAE: Trainer Mohammad saddles 1-2 in Al Wathba ride
Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum prevails in Al Wathhba ride ahead of Al Maamari
Abu Dhabi: Trainer Esmail Mohammad completed a one-two in the season's first endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday.
Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum, riding nine-year-old Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda, crossed the finish line just ahead of Saeed Sultan Shames Al Maamari, who was riding Khersiko Du Courtisot, to win the Al Wathba Challenge 120km ride which attracted 178 riders.
The ride was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also participated in the race, but retired in the third loop in the CEI** 120km ride which was run in five phases of 33 kilometres, 27 kms, 24 kms, 20 kms and 16 kms.
Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum completed the ride in a time of four hours, 25 minutes and three seconds, at an average speed of 27.165 km/h. Saeed Sultan Shames Al Maamari, who was riding Khersiko Du Courtisot, finished a close second clocking 4.25.04 with an average speed of 27.163 km/h.
Woman rider Fatima Jasem Saeed Al Merri finished third on Ohio from Dubai Endurance Stables.
Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abdullah Al Qubaisi Director of Communications, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Lara Sawaya, Director of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival and Head of IFAHR Ladies Racing presented the trophies and cash rewards.
1 Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum (Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda) 4:25.3.
2. Saeed Sultan Shames Al Maamari(Khersiko Du Courtisot) 4:25.4.
3. Fatima Jasem Saeed Al Merri (Ohio) 4:25.08
4. Mohammad Sulaiman Rashid Al Marboui (Commando Te) 4:25.38.
5. Munthar Ahmad Al Beloushi (Rivergum Drifter) 4:25.52.
Morocco: Royal Endurance Team dominate
BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Team celebrated a three-way podium yesterday when team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa retained the cup in the second Bahrain and Morocco Endurance Horse Ride Championship.
The 2010 edition champion was in superb form to win the title for the second successive time after a dominant show in this 120-km ride, staged at Dar Es Salam Forest in Rabat, in Morocco.
Jointly organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation and the Moroccan Equestrian Federation, the race featured an exciting battle among participants.
Prominent riders from France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Morocco and Tunisia were also in the fray. They included Sabrina Arnold of Germany, Belgian Wendy Fallon, besides Lisa Keyes and Silvia Yebra of France.
They competed over five challenging stages, including 30km each for the first and second.
This was followed by 20km for the third, 25km for the fourth and 15 for the fifth and final stage.
And it was Shaikh Nasser who came out victorious, completing all five stages with a total ride time of five hours, 49 minutes and 50 seconds, and with a 20km average speed.
He was followed by runner-up Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa (5:49:51), the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, with an average speed of 20km per hour.
Khalifa Al Dossary (5:49:52) then rounded off the podium for the Royal Team by coming third, also with a similar average speed of 20km per hour.
The race was attended by His Majesty King Hamad, who honoured the top three winners at the awarding ceremony later yesterday.
On the occasion, Shaikh Nasser said he was honoured by His Majesty's presence at the race venue, which was the biggest motive for him and other team members to excel.
Shaikh Nasser said the race was one of the toughest with several prominent European riders seeking podium.
He said that holding the second race in Morocco reflected the values of sincere co-operation bonding Bahrain and Morocco, in line with the sound directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the Moroccan Monarch King Mohammed VI.
On his part, Shaikh Khalid said the participants had shifted positions on several occasions during the race, which underlines the competitive environment and excitement that the event had seen yesterday.
UAE: Strong field for Al Wathba Challenge
Published: 17:54 November 21, 2012
Abu Dhabi: More than 100 riders will be seen in action in the Al Wathba Challenge CEI** 120km Endurance ride at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning.
The race is open for six-year-old horses and above and will be held over five stages of 33km, 27km, 24km, 20km and 16km.
Competitors are requested to present horses with an approved national or FEI passport who have been micro-chipped.
Electronic heart rate monitors and display systems will be used as per set protocol.
"All preparations are well in place for the big event, which will be held under the directives of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs," said Adnan Sultan, director of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club at Mangroves Hotel on Wednesday.
"I would like to thank our faithful partners and sponsors. The race will be held under the umbrella of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival and sponsored by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Areej Al Ameerat, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi, Al Awani General Enter. & Representing Companies Est., Samawi Neon, Designing & Art Production."
Sultan confirmed that the winner of the event will drive home a new four-wheel-drive car plus receive a major share of the Dh350.000 prize money.
Top riders ready for Morocco endurance
ELITE riders from around the world are ready for today's second Bahrain and Morocco Endurance Championship taking place at Dar Es Salam Forest, in Rabat.
The race, set to tip off at 10am (Bahrain time), is organised for the second time by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) in co-operation with the Moroccan Equestrian Federation.
Riders come from Bahrain, Morocco, Tunisia, Germany, Spain, France and Belgium are lined up for the 120km ride.
They include Sabrina Arnold of Germany, Belgian-French rider Wendy Fallon, besides French riders Lisa Keyes of France and Alan Liu.
From Bahrain, Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead some of the kingdom's best riders.
The Supreme Council for Youth a and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president, who had won the 2010 edition trophy, will race along with Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and six other riders - Raed Mahmood, Salman Isa, Hood Buchiri, Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Mohammed Abdulsamad and Abdulhaq Qadoori.
Today's race will be divided into five stages. The first stage will be over 30km, followed by another 30km for the second, 20km for the third, 25km for the fourth and 15 for the fifth and final stage.
This year's race route will feature some changes from the one held two years ago, especially in the areas near the starting and finishing points.
There will also be two qualifying rides - over 80km and 40km - organised during the day.
Media Office and Information Centre Director and Head of Breef Media Committee Tawfiq Al Salehi said the federation is keen to implement the directives of Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid to enhance relations between Bahrain riders and those from Morocco and other countries.
Bahrain Endurance Horse Ride Season Kick-Starts
BNA.bh
Manama, Nov. 17. (BNA) – Seventy-six riders have signed up for the 80km Qualifying Ride, the first event of the 2012/13 Endurance Horse Ride Season in Bahrain, kick-started today in Sakhir.
The season opener is organised by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), and is being held under the patronage of its president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The race commenced at 5am at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
Stables taking part include the Royal Endurance Team, are represented by 22 riders, the highest number of participants from one stable in today's race.
The Royal Endurance Team, one of the favourites, is spearheaded by some of Bahrain's most prominent riders.
They include regular riders from the Bahrain national team like Abdulrahman Al Zayed, Jaafar Mirza, Fhad Bakheet, Abdelhak Kaddouri, Mohammed Abdulsamad, Raed Mahmood and Isa Al Hazza.
Al Asayel Stable (19 riders) have the second highest number of participants. Other riders are from Ahmed Al Fateh Stable, Al Montasir, Khalid Al Rowaie, Al Muqheerat, Al Ajiyal, Al Shawamek and Saar Riding School.
Featuring three stages, the ride is a warm-up event that aims to help participants gear up for the main championship that will be organised later this season.
Today's event begins with 30 kms for the first stage, to be followed by another 30 kms for the second stage while the concluding stage will over 20 kms.
As an incentive to participants, Shaikh Khalid has directed the organising committee to award BD100 for every rider successfully completing all three stages.
Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi has been named president of the ground jury.
It also includes members Ali Ghuloom, Mahdi Al Kalaiti and Fahad Al Romaihi, besides foreign technical delegate Mohammed Dadulla, chief steward Haider Al Zu'bi and steward Abdulla Al Rumaihi.
The veterinary commission is being headed by Abbas Al Haiki, with Mohammed Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia being the foreign veterinary delegate.
Other commission members are Khalid Razaiqi and Hady Al Lawati, both of Oman, as well as Bahrain's Ebrahim Yousef, Ebrahim Yousif, Sabah Al Kabie, Abudlrahman Yaqoob, while Fareeda Abdulrazaq and Caonabo Melo of Domincan Republic are the veterinarians.
Mir Ghani was appointed lab technician and Sudiq Sankar the show secretary.
Morocco: Shaikh Nasser Praises Royal Directives to Hold 2nd Endurance Race in Morocco
Rabat, Nov. 17. (BNA) – Upon directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to activate joint cooperation with Morocco in the sports field, in general, and the equestrian one, in particular, and follow-up of the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) and captain of the Royal Equestrian and Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and President of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, preparations are in full swing to hold, on November 20, the second Bahrain and Morocco Endurance Championship, the largest of its kind in north Africa.
The race will be open for all riders and will cover a distance of 120 kms, with qualifying races of 80 and 40 kms, in accordance with the royal instructions.
An elite of riders from the Royal Endurance Team, led by Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia will be participating in the event.
On the occasion, Captain of the Royal Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad said that holding the second edition of the race in Morocco reflects the values of sincere cooperation bonding the two sisterly kingdoms, in line with the sound directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his brother King Mohammed VI.
The move aims to promote the endurance sport in North Africa, he added, noting that holding it in Morocco will increase the number of its fans there.
Shaikh Nasser expressed delight at implementing the Royal directives to turn the race into an international one so as to increase the number of participant riders and pave the way for Bahraini riders to strengthen ties with their counterparts in North Africa and other countries and exchange expertise with them.
He also affirmed that the race will benefit Bahraini and Moroccan riders and enrich their experience, wishing all riders every success.
On his part, BREEF President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad said that HM the King's directives to hold the race in Morocco will consolidate bilateral cooperation and will spread the sport in Morocco and other North African countries.
He added that BREEF and endurance officials in Morocco have taken all the necessary procedures in order to ensure the success of the race and achieve its set goals, pledging that members of the Royal team are keen to achieve the best results during the race and take advantage of it to prepare for the coming races.
In the same context, Dr. Khalid Ahmed asserted that all success requirements are already in place, adding that the race will be a highly-distinguished one, given the number of experienced riders taking part in it.
On his part, Media Office and Information Centre Director and Head of the Media Committee Tawfiq Al-Salhi said that BREEF is keen to implement the directives of Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid to enhance relations between Bahraini riders and others riders from Morocco and other countries and enhance sports cooperation, pledging that media coverage will be thorough, in line with the royal directives.
Great Britain: New Development Squad Chef appointed
Emma Miller, Chair of international is delighted to report that a new Chef for the World Class Development Squad has been appointed. Mary Stubbs has been offered the role and she has accepted.
Mary will be starting her role next week by attending the training weekend at Bury Farm and Emma is sure they all will benefit from her experience and leadership.
Welfare Group: FEI 'On the Right Track' in Addressing Welfare Issues
By Christa Lesté-Lasserre • Nov 09, 2012 • Article #30844
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is on the right track in addressing key welfare issues in equine sport in a context of growing public concern for animal well-being and an evolving global climate, according to the chief executive of an international horse welfare association.
Speaking at the FEI annual General Assembly Nov. 8 in Istanbul, Turkey, Roly Owers, MRCVS, of World Horse Welfare (WHW) praised the FEI's welfare efforts in an evolving world which has become more critical, in part because of social media.
"Clearly how horses are treated, and how they're perceived to be treated, matters to the public," Owers said. "It is obviously right that the public should care about horse welfare in sport, but ... in this social media age, the voice of vocal minorities can damage the reputation of the sport." As examples he cited the online "storms" surrounding the "blood rule" issue and debates about nose bands.
"And you all know that the animal rights group PETA is now suing the owners and trainer of Totilas in Germany," he added. "Whatever we feel about the merits of this case, this is a sign of the times. And there will be more to come..."
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/30844/welfare-group-fei-on-the-right-track-in-addressing-welfare-issues?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=welfare-industry&utm_campaign=11-15-2012
FEI Horses Must Be Microchipped
KER.equinews.com
By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 7, 2012
The FEI General Assembly resulted in a change in veterinary regulations such that all horses to be newly registered with the FEI must be microchipped. The new regulation will go into effect on January 1, 2013. The microchip must be compatible with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785, and all microchip information must be entered in the horse's passport and reported to the USEF.
Microchip numbers consist of 15 digits of which the first three identify the manufacturer or country code and the remaining numbers are unique to each horse. A microchip carries the identifier that will be associated with a specific horse from the date of implant until the animal's death.
Owners should check with a veterinarian to schedule microchipping for their horses. The USEF recommends that horses be scanned for the presence of a microchip before a new chip is implanted, especially in the case of horses that have had more than one owner.
For questions regarding the new regulation, e-mail kball@usef.org.
UAE: Al Merri wins opening ride of endurance season
Finishes ahead of Al Owais and Al Fares in 120km event in Dubai
Dubai: Abdullah Ganem Al Merri survived testing conditions to win the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, the opening ride of the 2012-2013 UAE Endurance season at Dubai International Endurance City on Thursday.
The 160km three-star horseride was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Also present was Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, a number of Shaikhs and horse owners.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was among the 200 participants before he pulled out in the second of four loops.
Riding the Nad Al Sheba Stables-owned Arabian Amooh, Al Merri won in a time of 4hrs 17min 18sec.
Ganem Saeed Salem Al Owais was second in 4:17.15 seconds, while Mohammad Saeed Mohammad Al Fares clocked 4:17.48 for third place. Ahmad Yousuf Al Beloushi was fourth and Safa Endurance Stables' Saeed Ahmad Al Katbi fifth.
The 120km race featured four loops, the first and second being 40km each, while the third and fourth were 20km apiece.
Al Merri said he knew he had to stay consistent throughout the ride to have a chance of winning.
"I had a good horse and I knew what to expect this time and was prepared for a tight competition," he said. "But nothing could have prepared me for the second loop, which was very tough because of the blowing sand and the heat.
"I wish to thank His Highness Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Hamdan for supporting me and helping me learn more and more about endurance horses. I'm very happy to win this opening ride and I hope I can continue and have a good season."
Mohammad Al Adhab, Deputy General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, presented the top three riders with their prizes.
FEI General Assembly 2012
The FEI General Assembly 2012 took place in Istanbul, Turkey 5-8 November in the presence of 252 delegates. One hundred and four National Federations – 80 in person and 24 by proxy – took part in the Assembly's proceedings.
The General Assembly is the yearly meeting of the National Federations and is the supreme authority of the FEI. Elections are held at the Assembly and decisions are made with regard to issues such as changes to FEI Statutes, approvals of long-term strategies and FEI budgets. All decisions are taken by vote and each National Federation has a right to cast a vote. If for any reason a National Federation is unable to attend they may be represented by another National Federation, however one National Federation may not represent more than two other Federations at a General Assembly.
Essentially, the purpose of the General Assembly is to give the National Federations an opportunity to vote on important Equestrian issues. The Assembly will govern the overall direction, development and management of the FEI's disciplines throughout the world for the coming year.
The FEI Rules Endurance for Endurance Events were completely reviewed in 2012 and the new 8th edition which will come into effect on 1 January 2013 for the next four years includes 14 major changes which reflect the ongoing development of the discipline. The main changes concern:
• The minimum number of vet gates introduced at lower distance events and confirmation of a minimum distance for the final phase;
• Introduction of an FEI appointed course designer for Championships;
• Field of play now identified and the notion of allowed access defined;
• Further clarification on minimum dress code;
• Novice qualification now extended to include a free speed competition and a minimum of four other events;
• Minimum rest periods for horses extended to include national events and also the number of rest days amended to allow for weekend events on either a Saturday or Sunday;
• Creation of an elite status for J/YR and senior athletes allowing such elite athletes to 'fast track' certain parts of Championship qualification;
• Invitations to CEIOs and Championships now reduced to a maximum of five athletes and seven horses;
• At CEIOs and Championships, results from all combinations from the same nation are available to that nation to establish the team score (best three to count - only three medals to be awarded).
• At CEI 1*, 2* and 3* events, athletes may present up to two horses at the first inspection and declare their horse of choice immediately after the horse(s) passes the inspection;
• The present voting system for lameness assessment has been extended to include metabolic assessment that can result in the removal of a horse from the competition, failing to qualify for the next phase;
• New 'Best Condition' rules introduced to better reflect the degree and extent of assessment of each horse.
• Changes to the number and star level of FEI officials at lower level event to assist organisers with the costs of hosting an event.
• FEI involvement when necessary regarding appointment of officials at CEIs to ensure adequate rotation and address potential conflicts of interest.
The Rules will be available on the FEI website on THIS PAGE.
A summary of the main decisions taken by the Assembly is available HERE.
France: Behind the scenes at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy
JEMFEIAlltech2014-normandie.fr
« The backstage boss » is probably the best way to describe Martine Nemecek's job. She is in fact the competition venue director; a role she has held since September 2012.
Her ambition? "That everyone talks as little as possible about the organisational side of the event. During the 15 days of competition, the focus should be on the competitors' sporting exploits and the event's overall atmosphere: that will mean that we have done our job properly."
Up until now, the Normandie 2014 Organising Committee has had a top-down approach when it comes to each sector of activity; each department working on its own portfolio and with its own deadlines: layout, ticketing, sports, logistics, activities and entertainment…
With less than two years to go before the event, the time has come to switch from a "functional organisation" to a more horizontal, operational approach. "All the departments obviously depend upon each other", explains Martine Nemecek. They are all going to be the supplier and/or client of the other e.g. the transport manager is going to get transport requests from the sports department, for the competitors and officials, and from the commercial department for our partners…My job is to check that there isn't any pointless overlapping of resources or that nothing is overlooked. To give you another example: has the event activities manager realised that it's up to the technology department to supply the giant screens? And that she needs to avoid ordering them directly from the suppliers ?..." The list of these so-called "cross-over areas" has been drawn up after a lot of painstaking work…or to be more accurate, thanks to careful analysis. In short, 2,500 guidelines that are constantly being changed and adapted (needs are fine-tuned, new requirements arise, othersare no longer necessary).
The venue management team of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games ™ 2014 in Normandy will also define an organisation model for the different competition venues. "We need to have homogeneous organisation and the same level of service everywhere. We're not only talking about the competition venues themselves, but about the train stations, the support bases for the horses prior to arrival at the stables, the "village" for the grooms…" About 750 different procedures will cover all these different areas of responsibility."Who exactly does what, and in which circumstances?"
During the event, Martine Nemecek will be at the helm of the MOC, the Main Operations Centre, masterminding the overall organisation, deciding what needs to be changed and when, as well as the best way of intervening if anything goes wrong. You could say it's the Games' "HQ"!
Martine Nemecek's profile: Former operations director for the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and for the World Athletics Championships in 2003, Martine Nemecek is highly experienced when it comes to major international sporting events. She joined the Organising Committee as competition venue director in September 2012.
Horse sport gets flashy new logos
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Nov 09, 2012 in Featured, Focus
Olympic showjumping rider Peder Fredricson is the winner of a competition to design new horse sport pictograms for the FEI's seven disciplines.
The change was instigated to celebrate the massive global growth of equestrian sport. Equestrian events in the seven disciplines governed by the FEI – Jumping, Dressage & Para-Dressage, Eventing, Driving & Para-Driving, Endurance, Reining and Vaulting – have grown by 33% since 2008, with over 3,200 events taking place on all seven continents in 2012.
The new pictograms, unveiled on Thursday at the FEI General Assembly in Turkey's capital Istanbul, sport bright colours to embody the passion and vitality of equestrian and depict the unique relationship between human athletes and their horses.
The pictograms, which will be used by the FEI, its 133 National Federations and organisers of FEI competitions around the world, were inspired by the winning entry of an international design competition launched on the FEI's Facebook page and website.
The competition attracted 85 submissions from 17 countries, with entries coming from equestrian enthusiasts, athletes and designers aged between 15 and 74 years old...
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/11/09/horse-sport-gets-flashy-new-logos/
Brazil: 2012 Multidays
Arabianhorse.com.br - Full Article
Text and photos: Cidinha Franzão
The charming Multidays is a different ride from all others carried out in Brazil. It is about an itinerant ride in which the set horse / rider runs to a distance of approximately 60 km per day, totaling 180 km in three days.
Not only the riders, but all those participate in the event (organizers, veterinarians, course designer and timekeeping) staying in the same hotel. Every night there is a fantastic cocktail, so that those who competed during the day will fraternize in the night launching each other new challenges for the next day.
And every night are awarded the winners of the day. Besides, to relax, also awards which came in last place. And as is traditional, since its first edition in 1999, there is the famous and not so expected Trophy Coalheira, name of farming instrument used in the animals to pull the plow.
It receives the trophy Coalheira that one person who during the day made a faux pas. Therefore, everyone is watching everyone to see who commits it. During the awards are announced the names of people and what they did and the audience decides who receives it. In the final award, is named the winner of Coalheira of the year.
The idea that everybody hosts at the same hotel and share the cocktails and dinners is to create a very special atmosphere of understanding between everyone, without, however, leaving the competitive side...
http://www.arabianhorse.com.br/magazine/agosto2012/en/54.html
Bahrain: Top riders for military endurance
NINETEEN countries have submitted their entries for the First World Military Endurance Championship (WMEC), to be organised in Bahrain on December 15.
Riders will come from Azerbaijan, Kuwait, the UAE, Estonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Palestine, Oman, Italy, Brazil, Yemen, Jordan, Ireland, Uruguay, Albania, Ecuador, UK and hosts Bahrain.
The organising committee, headed by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has stepped up preparations for the day-long event.
Delegations are scheduled to arrive in Bahrain on December 10, five days before the start of the championship.
Bahrain is organising the upcoming event in co-operation with the International Military Council.
The Bahrain event will coincide with the festivities marking His Majesty King Hamad's Accession Day and Bahrain National Day.
Latest developments and arrangements to prepare for the championship were discussed yesterday during a committee meeting, chaired by Shaikh Khalid.
Shaikh Khalid stressed the strategic significance of the first military championship, which gives it a special dimension with several prominent riders from all around the world taking part.
Shaikh Khalid and other members of the committee also discussed a number of points on their agenda, which included suggestions by the ceremonies committee to select the most suitable venue for the opening ceremony.
Shaikh Khalifa received work plans from committee officials Mohammed Al Jowder, Abdulhakim Al Shino, Ebrahim Al Binali Ahmed Hamada, Mishari Al Hanafi, Dr Khalid Ahmed and Tawfeeq Al Salehi.
As of October 20, 2012, Linda Cowperthwaite and Maraday Mystaron of Great Britain topped the FEI Meydan Open Combination World rankings. Cowperthwaite said, "Just a quick note to let EGB in on my horse, Maraday Mystaron's, exciting news. As a result of Ron's successfully season and trips overseas we have been rewarded. The current FEI ranking have been updated and he's number 1 in the world combinations.
It's still not quite sunk in. I dared to think he could go top for a time but to see, it is just amazing."
Dana Hladisova and Dean are second, and Juan Lacasi and Rock and Roll are ranked third. USA's Jeremy Reynolds and A Kutt Above made 16th on the list.
In the Meydan Open Riders World Ranking, UAE's Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is first, with France's Lisa Riou second, and UAE's Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum 3rd.
In the Meydan Open Horse World Ranking, Intissar tops the list with Yamamah second. Both horses are ridden by UAE riders, with Yamamah (formerly known as Kurrajong Concorde) finishing 2nd in the World Endurance Championship in Great Britain in August. Maraday Mystaron is ranked 4th.
For complete rankings, see
Kathy Brunjes
photo: Kathy Brunjes riding Theatric at the 2008 World Endurance Championship in Malaysia
Kathy was a true athlete, a generous and sincere woman. A class act.
She will be remembered lovingly by her friends and family and many around the world who shared her commitment to the sport of Endurance.
Kathy, you will be missed.
Australia: Shahzada 2012 – The 32nd Shahzada…..
The last week of August, 2012 saw the running of the 32nd Shahzada – the ultimate test of horsemanship – with 60 horses and riders from all over Australia covering 80kms a day for five days from the ride base in St Albans up and down the mountains that surround the MacDonald Valley in north west Sydney. There were two entrants from WA, two from Tasmania, three from SA, five from Qld, two from the ACT and 46 from NSW all embarking on long trips to experience the magic of Shahzada.
We had superb weather with some rain the week before to soften the tracks and then beautiful sunshine. The Committee and some of the wonderful volunteers without whom this ride would not go ahead, were there up to ten days prior to the ride erecting tents and gazebos, placing all the early birds in their campsites which continued right up to the start of the ride, putting water up in those mountains which is a major feat in itself as well as marking and still clearing after the savage winds that hit the area prior to the ride. 4am Monday, 27th August sixty riders took off up the Common Road…..what a buzz!!!
Kim Hagon on her part Arabian gelding Diamond R Boston recorded the fastest time of 34 hours for the 400 kms and was one of four horse and rider combinations to be called up for the Best Conditioned/Best Managed Horse award – the others were Sue Todd on her Appaloosa mare Shakista (six out of six completions), Cherry Cummins on her Arabian mare Winter Hill Alice and Jody Smith on her Anglo Arab gelding Rage On with Jody and Rage On taking out the prestigious award – a huge trophy and rug as pictured. There were 29 completions – each horse and rider earning a Shahzada buckle, acknowledging this amazing achievement.
The Halifax Hayes Fit & Well Award was presented to two horse and rider combinations this year – Ron Malone on Maringo and Stewart Lymbery on Garonne Park Walker with Maddie Hayes saying that both combinations were deserving of the recognition.
There were two encouragement awards for the ride this year….the Newscom Award for first time horse and rider combination went to Trish Smith from Tasmania on Beaucheval Akhiran and the Darryl Davis Encouragement Award went to Robert Catlin on Copperkahn Tiara. The First Australian Stock Horse across the line was Razorback Kadance ridden by Robin Young. There were a number of awards donated by the Knihinicki family – the oldest rider to complete was Karen Rhodes (this was Karen's 17th buckle) on Stratfield Ghayth (Billy), the youngest was Tiarna Young on Burren-dah Narla who also received the Steve Locke Memorial Award, and Lyn Summerfield from WA took out the last rider home and the rider who travelled furthest on Orchid Park Silver Mecca. The Suncrest Arabians Award for the First Stallion to Finish went to Burren-dah Gladiator ridden by Martin Gregson.
There were 86 entrants in the Mini Marathon which was held over three days of 40kms per day and gave riders and horses the opportunity to get the taste of marathon riding with the idea that they will take up the challenge next year and attempt the 400 km Shahzada……63 riders were successful.
Shahzada is put together by a small committee and a large number of dedicated volunteers – thank you to everyone involved in the success of the 2012 Shahzada.
Great Britain: End of the season for Team Omar
Brechinadvertiser.co.uk - Full Article
Monday 29 October 2012 06:41
With competitive endurance riding now entering the close season, Brechin rider John Thomson and his pure bred Arabian gelding Prince Omar completed the final ride of the year in the hills of Easter Ross.
With a revised layout from last year, the first part of the course was fast before the riders headed into the 40 per cent strenuous climbs. From there it was a gentle gradient into the Kildermorie Estate and Vet Gate One at 31kms. Omar was quickly vetted then set off on the second loop of 32kms, which was covered in just on two hours. At the 63kms Vet Gate there was nothing between the lead riders but Team Omar had quickly bought back time to break their record for the distance.
It has been a remarkably successful year with a course record broken on the first ride of the season, a new course record set on the second ride but in a season remembered for wet weather and cancellations, Omar fell foul of the plague of hoof abscesses that had swept the country and was knocked out of action for four weeks. Many thanks to local vet Lindsay Cameron for working so quickly to produce those ever so important blood tests throughout the season and to ensure that Omar stayed at the peak of conditioning.
On the return to competition, a 44kms nonstop at Clashindarroch Forest saw horse and rider pick up a third fastest time. A few weeks later near Nairn, Omar turned in a remarkable speed during the 53kms. Despite the loss of a shoe seven kms from the end of the second loop and frantic activity by the duty farrier and crew to prepare for the final vetting, Team Omar maintained the fastest time over the distance.
Horse and rider then returned to lay the ghost of last year's Red Rock Relay Team where an injury had witnessed their elimination. However despite the deteriorating conditions Team Omar went on again to take the fastest time...
http://www.brechinadvertiser.co.uk/sport/end-of-the-season-for-team-omar-1-2597918
By Endurance.Net - October 30, 2012
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Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings — Recommend this title to your library
Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings
Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings Volume 2018 Issue 4
Access full text Conference Paper
oa Social Media Usage and Women's Empowerment in Qatar: Evidence from a National Representative Survey
Authors: Bethany Shockley1, Noora Al-Lari1, Engi Elmaghraby1, Mohammad Hassan M. A. Al-Ansari1
Affiliations: 1 Qatar University
Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
Source: Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings, Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference Proceedings Volume 2018 Issue 4, Mar 2018, Volume 2018, SSAHPP1145
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5339/qfarc.2018.SSAHPP1145
Introduction Social media usage has grown in importance over the past decade, particularly in Middle East. During this period, it has come to be recognized as more than a tool for social connections between individuals, with research demonstrating how it can empowering people socially, politically and economically[1]. Past research has demonstrated the impact of social media in areas as diverse as such as healthcare provision, political participation, and marketing[2]. However, how and to what extent social media usage contributes to women's empowerment in the Arab region has not been thoroughly examined. Academic and non-academic studies alike have focused heavily on a few well-known cases of social media activism and woman's rights, such as, women driving in Saudi Arabia[3] or the Arab Spring in Egypt[4]. These studies raise a number of relevant questions. Is social media potent in the population more broadly, or is it just a tool for activists and polemics? If it does empower women, does it do so by shaping deeply rooted attitudes and norms or does it mere reflect the value of the general population? How can we understand the role of traditional education in shaping attitudes and values in light of the large volumes of readily available information provided by social media? The current paper examines social media usage in Qatar and its influences on attitudes toward women's empowerment and considers the complex role of education. We use a national representative survey data from a 2017 survey of Qatari nationals to test our expectations. In the last twenty years, Qatar has experienced a significant shift in economic development, and education accessibility. The State of Qatar has widely sought to include women in public life, particularly in the process of decision-making. Yet, the debate about the role of social media in increasing women's awareness of their equal rights in holding positions of power and contributing to their political and economic empowerment is not widely discussed in Qatar. Thus, Qatar is a case where researchers might expect to find changing attitudes in spite of the absence of major social media feminist activists. The paper also explores a number of trends emerging in the analysis of social media usage, across demographic groups such as age, gender, marital status and socio-economic differences including education levels and household income. Methodology A questionnaire was initially designed in English and then translated into Arabic by the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) to collect all necessary information related to the study. In this survey, the target population included people who are 18 years or older and live in residential housing units in Qatar during the survey reference period (May 6th-27th, 2017). It includes groups of Qataris and expatriates, though the analysis in this paper focuses on Qataris. It is important to note that while preparing the sample for the survey, the Qatari population sub-group was over sampled in order to ensure that Qataris were well represented in the survey. The survey was administered in CAPI (computer assisted data collection) method for face to face interviews. The interviews were conducted at the home of the respondent. In terms of data analysis, all individual interviews were merged and saved in a single BLAISE data file. This dataset was then cleaned, coded and saved in STATA formats for analysis. Analysis of the data included order logistical regression with appropriate calculation of interactive effects and predicted probabilities for interpretation. Findings and Implications Data from the 2017 survey are newly available and thus the findings discussed here are preliminary. We find that social media usage in the examined population is related to increased support for woman in community leadership among Qatari females but not males. This finding is robust to a number of statistical controls, including for the respondent's level of education. In fact, a respondent's level of formal education has much less predictive power than social media usage among female Qataris. Furthermore, we find that social media usage is only weakly related to political variables, such as interest in politics. This suggests that social media may be working to empower women first through changing gender attitudes and only secondly through engagement with the political sphere. These findings are relevant to both academics who are seeking to understand the mechanisms through which social media may empower women and policymakers in Qatar who are concerned with advancing their welfare. It shows that woman can use social media to find their voice and engage with the public sphere, even where political activism has not been common. [1] Dubai School of Government, "Arab Social Media Report, Vol 1, No. 3, November 2011. [2] TNS, "Arab Social Media Report", First Report 2015. [3] Begum, Rothna, "The Brave Female Activists Who Fought to Lift Saudi Arabia's Driving Ban", News Deeply, September 29th, 2017. [4] Tufekci, Zeynep and Wilson, Christopher, "Social Media and the Decision to Participate in Political Protest: Observations From Tahrir Square", Journal of Communication, 62 (2012) 363–37.
© 2018 Shockley, Al-Lari, Elmaghraby, Al-Ansari, licensee HBKU Press.
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