ARABIAN HORSE INTL ENDURANCE ISSUE 2 by arabianhorseintl

Arabian Horse Intl Issue 2 - May2019

Endurance João Moura four times Champion of Portugal

Interview: Dominique Freeman André Vidiz conquers the two most important trophies Uruguayan Cecília Garcia crowned champion of HM The King Cup

Nathalie Weemaels and Box Bruma 2nd place in Biltmore Challenge Arabian Horse Intl

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Layla Mohd Obaid Al Marzooqi and Jabulani Endurance HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival 2019

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Nathalie Weemaels and Box Bruma Photos: Becky Pearman

Publishers: Cidinha Franz達o, Favio Lorenz Art Directors: Cidinha Franz達o Publisher Assistant: Nilza Felize Contributors: Cidinha Franz達o, Dominique Freeman, Anne Wegner, http://rockethorseracing.co.za/, Al Adiyat AE, www.eyeofriyadh.com, HHSN Media Office, Nathalie Weemaels, Cheryl Van Deusen, Laurie Underwood, Daryl Owen, Cristina Lobera Sales, RWHS. Photos: Cidinha Franz達o, Jonathan Appleby, Jan Kirschnick, http://rockethorseracing.co.za/ , Al Adiyat AE, HHSN Media Office, Becky Pearman, Ralf Andreas, Hanna Whitehead and various contributors, Cristina Lobera Sales, NixonPhoto.

Next Issue Amanda Saladini, Brazilian rider that Creates Art Endurance races: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, China, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Sondela, Spain and Many More.

contact@.arabianhorseintl.net

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Interview with Dominique Freeman

My Twenty Mule Team 65 Ride Story

Claudia Bretthauer with Altana S Samara winners of the first CEI1* in Forste (GER)

Toughest Horse Race in the World Calls for Riders!

Al Harbi rides Lockelea Starwood Comet to President Cup Success

UAE Team, winner of the Custodian of the Two Holly Mosques Endurance Cup

Uruguayan CecĂlia Garcia crowned champion of HM The King Cup

HH Sh Nasser crowns Beljafla as winner of the Youth and Junior Event

Beljafla takes second consecutive win in HM The King Endurance Cup

Salman Isa triumphs in Nasser Bin Hamad Race

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The Biltmore Endurance Challenge 2019: a very technical ride in a historial state

Broxton Bridge Plantation hosted observation event for the 2019 World Young Rider Championship

Bonni and Z winners of Leatherwood Mountain Challenge

André Vidiz conquers the two most important trophies

French Hamon and Brandão winners of Night Riders

Paraná opens Endurance season in Brazil

Double titles for ESNZ Endurance 2019 160 km Champions

João Moura four times Champion of Portugal

Royal Windsor Endurance Riders Take to the Park

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Dominique Freeman

Brazilian Big Loira 8

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Dominque Freeman (aka DOM) is a citizen of the world. Born in Paris, she was raised in Great Britain and the United States, where she lives. For 22 years she has come to Brazil and almost speaks Portuguese and is already considered by us a Brazilian besides being affectionately called Big Loira, our Big Loira (Blonde)! Experienced international endurance competitor with over 8000 competitive miles logged (5815 miles AERC; 2,727 miles (4364 km) outside of US); she has served on the research committee of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), and worked as a director of business development for Cambridge Design Partnership, a medical technology company based in Palo Alto, CA, United States of America. Dom was Number 1 FEI Stallion in 2001 Ranking on RSC El Deb Haran, Reserve North American Champion on Jayel Super in 2005. Ranked Nº 1 Combination FEI 2007 with Roger HCF, Open Gold Medalist Pan American Championships Uruguay 2009 with Roger HCF. Currently competing with Rising Heat in the US and RSC Abdul Aziz in South America. She works as the vice president of business development at Ximedica, a medical product development company in Los Gatos, CA, United States of America. Name, age and place of birth. Dominique Freeman, age 60 years young, Paris France. When and why did you start riding? Started riding age 3 in Paris, instruction started at Stanford University Barn, Portola Valley CA (English) at age 8. Pony Club and 4H until age 14, Woodside Junior Rider (Col VT Miloradovich) until age 14. Apprenticed in France from 1974-1981 breaking and training 3-day eventers (Anglo and Selle Français) and providing overnight stabling for the French ‘randonnees’ near Rambouillet. Apprenticed with equine veterinarian from 1976-1981 in Pangbourne, UK. I Rode for Queen Elizabeth College Equestrian Team 1981-1984. My first endurance ride was in 1987 at the Nye Ranch 50 Mendocino CA. From 1992 – 1998 I trained under Courtney Hart - Endurance conditioning, competition and feeding. From 1992 - Present (ongoing education): Ron Mc Loughlin - Monte Foreman riding instructor; Donna Snyder Smith - Centered riding www. donnasnydersmith.com; Marc Evans – Fitness www.evanscoaching.com; Mike Steele FEI Silver

Medal Dressage Instructor – Centered riding/ Dressage http://www.mikesteeledressage.com Tell us about your first horse. My first horse was a pony from Woodside Junior Riders called Corky - half Welsh half Connemara. How and when did you know the Endurance? I completed my first endurance ride (80 km) in 1987 at the Nye Ranch 50 mile ride on a quarter horse finishing just ahead of Kerry Ridgeway! What about endurance captured your imagination? Riding on trail where few have been before, camping with the horses, meeting riders from other countries, nothing beats a pre-dawn start on a good horse with a whole day of riding ahead of you. What was your greatest experience in Endurance? There are several that come to mind: Riding at the World Nature Games in Parana Brasil and meeting endurance rides from over 30 countries, and still riding in Brasil 22 years later with friends I met at the event. My first 100 miler was Tevis and I completed! Winning the King’s Forest selection ride for the 2003 European Championships on Proud Legacy+. Reserve North American Champion on Stagg Newman’s Jayel Super in 2005. Pan American Open Gold Medallist in Costa Azul Uruguay on Roger HCF in 2009 How do you prepare yourself for the Endurance race? My personal fitness programme includes a periodization-training schedule and coaching by former USA triathlon coach Marc Evans. I have worked with Marc since 2002 to include core strengthening exercises and pleiometrics to increase my endurance. One race has not yet competed and one unforgettable race. I would like to compete at Florac (France) and the Tom Quilty (Australia). Most unforgettable race was Haras Endurance International 160 km FEI on May 2005. It was my first ever ride on Roger HCF, (Roger’s first 160) 3rd place and Best Condition (Dom has her name on the Roberto Fernandes Trophy). with my favorite photo! What was your most challenging endurance ride? Tevis! Which horse has marked your trajectory, so far, in Endurance? Arabian Horse Intl

Dominique Freeman and Roger HCF “my favorite photo!”

Rising Heat 18-year-old chestnut Arabian gelding (Desert Heat x *Zemina), FEI Passport 102SI832, 3* 1,715 AERC miles, 3 Best Conditions, three FEI wins at 160 km, 120 km and 80 km;. First place combination FEI ranking GBR 2017, world championship Tryon 2018 Some more information about Rising Heat. I wil tell the story of his mother and how he was born: From near tragedy comes a miracle – Lindsay Casale of Aptos got a horse for her 12th birthday. The horse, a beautiful chestnut Arabian named Zemina, came from champion stock. Still, Lindsay’s family got her for a good price because she was 19 yo. But Zemina’s arrival became more 10

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than the family had bargained for. By the time a year was over, Zemina had brought exhaustion, debt – and finally, a miracle into their lives… Zemina was six months in foal when she slipped on a wet mat and fell, damaging her muscles and nerves as her back legs splayed out. It took hours for stable workers, a vet and Richard and Heidi Casale, to get her up and into a sling. Because she was pregnant, doctors told the family they needed to find a better place to keep the horse. Before and after work, Heidi and Richard walked her, groomed her and fed her. Then one day, when no one expecting it, Zemina went into labor. Still hooked in the sling, she gave

Roger HCF receiving the Roberto Fernandes Trophy for the Best Conditioned Horse in 160 km

birth to a beautiful colt bred from U.S. National Reserve Champion, Desert Heat. She was one of only a handful of mares to give birth from a fullbody sling and the Casales named the colt “Razin”. Article written by Peggy Townsend, Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 5, 2001. What titles have you won? Ranked 1st in the world FEI combination rankings with Roger HCF in 2007; Ranked 1st in the world FEI stallions in 2001 with RSC El Deb Haran; Open Gold Medalist Pan American Championships, Uruguay in 2009 with Roger HCF; Reserve North American Champion, Open Gold Medalist with Jayel Super in 2005. Besides Endurance, what do you do? Do you have other activity? Which one? I have a BSc in Biology and Chemistry from Queen Elizabeth College London (now Kings College) and a D Phil in Biochemistry from Magdalen College (Oxford), a postdoctoral degree from the California Institute of Technology (Pasadena CA). Scientific research positions at General Electric and Hewlett Packard Laboratories (Agilent Laboratories) led to the co-founding of

Pelikan Technologies with a focus on enabling technologies for diagnostics. As president and CEO of the company, I managed the research, intellectual and technology product portfolios, quality, regulatory and financial aspects of the company until it was sold to Sanofi Aventis in 2012. Currently employed with Ximedica LLC as SVP Business Development. In 30 years in various scientific and operational roles in the healthcare industry I have 162 issued patents, and 30 peer reviewed journal articles covering noninvasive and minimally invasive metabolic monitoring. I am also the founder of Go-the-Distance No Care Tack and co-founder of Gmax Equine endurance race and track work equine monitoring system. Do you have any superstition when you compete? None Idols: Endurance and in life. Sandy Schuyler and Meg Sleeper (Endurance). Monte Foreman; Philippe Karl; Edward Gaal; Christopher Hitchens and Rabindranath Tagore (Poet). Photos: Cidinha Franzão Arabian Horse Intl

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Endurance related inventions and technology Endurance saddle and performance monitoring device developed Developed a PDA based equine horse monitor “Gmax” with Cambridge Design Partnership, Cambridge UK. The device has been successfully employed in competitions around the world www.gmaxequine. com. Remote training monitoring demo available on internet. The system will be in use at the WEG 2018 Equine related patents US 8,823,524 Method and apparatus for real time performance measurement, Bradley WJ, Cane, M.R., Freeman, D.M Issued Sept 2, 2014 US 9,355,307 Method and Apparatus for real time performance measurement, Bradley WJ, Cane, M.R., Freeman, D.M May 31, 2016 Peer reviewed equine related scientific publications and patent applications: 1. Koblik, P.D., Freeman, D.M. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of tendon using very short echo times. Invest. Radiol. 28, 1095-1100, (1993) 2. Kaneps, A.J., Koblik, P.D., Freeman D.M., Pool, R.R., O’Brien, T., A comparison of radiology, computed tomography, and MRI for diagnosis of palmar process fractures in foals with correlated histomorphology. Vet. Radiol. and Ultrasound. 36(6): 467-477 (1995) 3. Freeman, D.M. Bergman, AG, Glover G. Short TE MR microscopy: accurate measurement and zonal differentiation in hyaline cartilage. Magn. Reson. Med. 38, 72-812, (1997). 4. Bradley, William James; Cane, Michael Roger; Freeman, Dominique M. Method and apparatus for real timer performance assessment (Filed 2006). Published as US 2010045463, WO2007132245, EP2028931.

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amed after the historical Twenty-mule teams which were teams of eighteen mules and two horses attached to large wagons that transported borax out of Death Valley from 1883 to 1889, the Twenty Mule Team has always been an event of interesting history and the chance to meet up with great friends and ride breathtaking desert trail. My first 20 Mule Team in 2001 was no different, and the ‘gang’ from Braganca Paulista SP Brasil joined me for the 160 km event eager to try the storied trail.

The Braganca ‘Outlaws”: from L to R Gerson Viera DVM, Léo Steinbruch, Claudio Bagarolli, Sergio Iasi, Ariel Adjiman, Hank Webb, me (Big Loira) and Jair Justino Fast forward to 2019, Twenty Mule Team ride (in its 40th year on Ridgecrest, California, on February 23, 2019, with distances of 35, 65, and 100 miles) is going to be the site of the AERC National Championships, riders from all over the US will enjoy the challenging trail with long climbs coupled with flat sandy tracks with beautiful vistas. The trails were the same that will be covered in the AERC National Championship rides on October 31-November 3. This year I decided to do the 65-mile ride since we had so much rain in California we were limited to hand walking the horses and using the exerciser. A tune up ride at the Laurel Mt 50 in February with some similar trail to Twenty Mule Team and we were ready to haul 9 hours south over Tehachapi Pass (in a snowstorm) past the beautiful Red Rock Canyon to the town of Ridgecrest which happily had no snow, no rain and no wind! The Fairgrounds in Ridgecrest

The Fairgrounds is well suited to hosting endurance riders with their rigs and this year we had the pre-ride vet in on the grass. Arabian Horse Intl

Rising Heat (Desert Heat VF x *Zemina) aka ‘Raizin’ pre-race presentation to vets I was fortunate to have my WEG crew Dr Michele Roush and Jonathon Appleby (intrepid photographer and fellow Brit) who would be helping us through the three vet checks (“Sandpit” at 20 miles, “Garlock Road” at 32 miles and 395 crossing at 55 miles). A beautiful desert morning with a 6 am start with a gentle warm up after a controlled start, followed by a climb up and down college heights and crossing 395 past the Petroglyphs (rock art by the Coso people). Rising Heat (Raizin) recovered in his usual 90 seconds at the “Sandpit” to catch riders in the top 10. Leaving the “sandpit” vet check – Michele Roush DVM doing the final check before we leave

The next loop into the “Garlock Road” vet check has lots of challenging trail, through sandy washes, rock strewn canyons, past old mining shafts and down a long descent into the sheltered lunch stop Raizin again recovered quickly and went out 20 minutes behind the leaders in the 100. The 65 and 100’s had started together so it was going to be fun figuring out how many 65-mile riders were in the bunch ahead of us. There is a lovely long sandy road before the 5 mile climb up Laurel Mountain 16

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and we passed one 65 miler riding with a 100 miler and then another 100 miler at the bottom of the mountain. Crossing the road after the lunch vet check at Garlock Road to head up Laurel Mountain

Raizin was feeling really good after the 5-mile climb to the top of Laurel Mountain so we moved into his big trot passing several riders reaching the 395 vet check where Raizin recovered quickly, only to learn that we were in first place 4 minutes ahead of the 65 miler we had passed on the mountain! With 10 miles to go, and Raizin always knows when we are heading back to the Fairgrounds, it was all I could do to keep him steady going up the last steep climb and then long downhill to the finish.

We crossed the finish line in first place and headed back to camp with Raizin pulling on the lead rope. After chowing down his dinner and enjoying his brushing, Michele showed for BC where he looked great and had compliments from the vets. It was one of those rides where a happy horse really means a happy finish. Twenty Mule Team is a fabulous scenic trail well marked and well managed by Brian and Valorie Reeves and we are looking forward to the AERC Championships in November. All Photos by Jonathan Appleby used by permission Arabian Horse Intl

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Claudia Bretthauer with Altana S Samara winners of the first CEI 1* in Fรถrste (GER)

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The “Kranz Distanz” opened the season in Förste with the first German FEI event this year, 26-28 April. For most riders it was the first ride this season, which led through the South Harz foreland. At the end of April there were national rides and journeys with the carriage from 28 km to 100 km and an international FEI ride over 80 km 1* and JY 1*. 9 riders started with the seniors and 3 riders with the young riders. The endurance ride also had an international flair with riders from Germany, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. The weather forecast was not good, and it should rain the whole weekend. The first participants arrived on Thursday and Friday at the local racecourse and prepared everything for the start on Saturday morning. After all horses had been checked by the veterinarians on Friday and Saturday, the first starters set off for the first loop at 7am. Fortunately with dry weather and later sunshine. Five different loops led the 45 starters through forest and fields around Förste. In the morning the grass from the dew was still wet and the riders were careful. But besides the ground conditions there were also some mountains to overcome. On the long distance over 100 km national ride, the horses had to cross mountains with over 1.600 height meters. In retrospect, the riders described the loops as difficult, hard, technically demanding, but good to ride. On the first loop of the FEI event, which was ridden over 31 km, the riders entered the first gate relatively simultaneously one after the other. All horses passed the vet check well and could start the 2nd round with 28 km after the break. Unfortunately, there were the first disqualifications in the 2nd gate and the remaining 8 riders started on the 3rd and last loop with 21 km length. The first rider who cross the finish line was Claudia Bretthauer with Altana S Samara in a time of 5:04:15 and average speed of 15,77 km/h, closely followed by Heike Gerdiken with FE Sherifa (05:04:25 and 15,76 km/h. The third place went to Tanja Borer from Switzerland with her gelding Fareed Aziz (05:10:00 and 15,48 km/h). Unfortunately, none of the three youngsters could finish the endurance ride in the classification. In summary it was a nice event and with a positive feedback of the riders. The weather was stable, and the riders could enjoy the beauty of nature in sunshine. There was something for 20

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every rider with regard to the length of the loops, so that horse and rider were able to get a good start into the season 2019. Many thanks to the Reitverein Förste, the many volunteers, veterinarians and organizers who made this event so good. We are looking forward to the next CEI at the Kranz Distance in Förste. We had three winners on the 108 km National ride: Bernhard Dornsiepen with Rio 234, Archie Jürgen Deneke with Edil`s Evolution and Elke Schulze with Courage. They completed the race with an average speed of 13,5 km/h. In the 68 km National race, Katrin Eisfelder finished first riding Henrik followed by Silke Müller on Malwina and Lena Skopek with Otis23 in second and third places respectively. Text: Anne Wegner Photos: Jan Kirschnick - www.horse-endurance.de/

Heike Gerdiken with FE Sherifa

Tanja Borer with Fareed Aziz Arabian Horse Intl

Archie JĂźrgen Deneke with Edil`s Evolution (#3), Elke Schulze with Courage (#5) and Bernhard Dornsiepen with Rio 234 (#6)

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Katrin Eisfelder and Henrik

Silke MĂźller on Malwina

Lena Skopek with Otis23 (#21)

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TOUGHEST HORSE RACE IN THE WORLD CALLS FOR RIDERS!

Now in its third edition, Race the Wild Coast (RTWC) has rapidly become known as the toughest horse race on the planet. The event takes place from 19 to 27 October 2019 and only twenty riders compete in this prestigious limited-access event. RTWC is now open for global entries. This new breed of long-distance adventure horse racing is set amid the breathtaking scenery of the South African East Coast. Over the course of five days a host of experienced international riders, each riding three horses in the course of the race, will compete for victory over 350km of rugged paradise from Port Edward to Kei Mouth. RTWC blends the spirit of the frontiersman and the modern horseback adventurer – a test of endurance, horsemanship, survival and navigational skills. Says race organizer and 2017 Mongol Derby winner, Barry Armitage: “RTWC is a complex 26

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multi-stage race, in which riders must brave this challenging wilderness and swim rivers while keeping horses fit for vet checks. It is no doubt the ultimate test of endurance and horsemanship for any long-distance rider!” This is indeed the case, as supported by the comments of RTWC veteran Stevie Murray (USA) made at the RTWC 2016 finish line: “When you’ve done the Mongol Derby you get to thinking that nothing will ever compare again; I was wrong. RTWC is far more technically and physically challenging, and the hectic but breathtaking terrain has no comparison. I have never experienced such remote and enchanting beauty in all my life.” The event, produced by Rockethorse Racing, is sponsored by international sports apparel brand KTC Limited. The race is open to a global field and thus far, has caught the attention of competitors from the United Kingdom, the

Montgomery (USA), Chetta Crowley (AUS), Rosie Riall (UK, winner), Hanna Bartnick (USA), Julie Eldridge (USA), and Mohammed Nasser (UAE). No South Africans took part in this edition, but the 2016 race was won by South Africa’s own Monde Khanyana who beat an international field that comprised a high number of Mongol Derby veterans, including the 2014 Mongol Derby winner, Australian Sam Jones, who came second in the 2016 South African race. During Race the Wild Coast 2018, the constantly changing conditions due to rain and wind on the first two days resulted in frequent alterations to the leader positions. Horse and rider had to work together to overcome obstacles. WHAT

United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Guatemala, South Africa and Australia. Last year’s event was won by British rider, Rosie Riall. According to Armitage, the challenge should not be undertaken lightly. “Being physically fit is essential. There are some brutal hills on this ride and some of the river crossings are daunting, so being confident in water is a must,” he says. With around six major rivers that require deep-water swims, and the expectation of rain, conditions will test riders’ skills each step of the way.

The Wild Coast 2018 Taking part in the 2018 edition were 14 riders in total: Anna Boden (UK), Daisy Soames (UK), Jamey Altman (USA), Katy Willings (UK), Iain Paterson (UK), Francisco Schnaas (MX), Courtney Kizer (USA), Catriona Paterson (CAN), Melissa

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Total distance: 350 kilometres.

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A multi stage format including: dawn start and dusk cut-off, compulsory holds for tide affected river crossings and timed releases.

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Each rider has a team of 3 horses provided by a South African stud.

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There will be two horse changes at prescribed points: 123km and 209km into the race respectively.

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Each stage ends with a vet check for the horses (approximately every 40km). A rider may only continue without penalty if their horse passes the vet check.

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A recommended track with alternative routes or simply a stage destination, dependent on the terrain, will be provided on GPS to aid navigation. There will be no route markings on the ground.

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The race window is a total of 5 days with the organisers expecting the winner to finish early on the fourth day.

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This race will be a complex combination of endurance, horsemanship, navigation, strategy and what Mother Nature throws at you!

WHERE The Wild Coast on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, from Port Edward to Kei Mouth. •

Competitors will be transferred from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and fly out of East London Airport at the conclusion of the race.

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WHEN •

Race dates are 19-27 October 2019

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Pre-Race training is for 2 days prior to the race. The race is run over 5 days. Riders depart on the day following the race.

Riders will need to be physically fit, confident swimmers and be comfortable in the wilderness, alone and self sufficient.

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Riders must complete an application form, including details of their qualifications to compete in the race. Acceptance of applications will be at the discretion of the organisers.

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Competitors transfer from Durban to the start camp on the day before pre race training for a race briefing followed by two days of pre race training that involves meeting their horses and back up teams, kit and tack testing, horse orientation (including practice swimming rivers) and team strategy discussions.

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The race starts at 09h00 on the appointed day, with a five-day window to complete the race.

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There will be a prize giving and spectacular celebration on the evening of the final race day, and on the following day our brave adventurers begin their journey homeward.

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landscape.

The adventure format of the race requires real horsemanship skills, experience riding long distances and competence in operating a GPS; the critical aid to navigating in this

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PRICE •

Pricing: ZAR 105,000.00 (USD 7,300)

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The price includes all food, accommodation, horses, support crew, tack and transfers (from pick up in Durban to drop off in East London).

If you think you have what it takes to participate in this unparalleled adventure sport, contact Barry Armitage directly on +27 (0) 83 393 5007 or via Email: info@rockethorseracing.co.za. For more information: http://rockethorseracing. co.za/

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It required a massive effort, but in the end Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi and Lockelea Starwood Comet got the job done winning the HH The President of the United Arab Emirates Endurance Cup at Al Wathba for F3 Stables. The event is held under the directives of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Al Harbi and Lockelea Starwood Comet completed the gruelling FEI CEI 3* 160km ride at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba with a time of 6 hours 14 minutes and 12 seconds in a race that had been divided into six phases. The race climaxed with a last minute twist that saw Al Harbi steal the show from Al Wathba Stables’ rider Abdul Rahman Saeed Al Ghailani, who led for most of the race but had to be content with a second place finish aboard Sarab after eventually finishing 37 seconds behind the winner. In third place was Al Harbi’s F3 Stables teammate Salim Said Al Owais aboard Castlebar Cadabra with a time of 6:21:08. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Crown Prince, who is also

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the patron of F3 Stables, was thrilled with the result of his riders and said F3 were always keen on competing at the highest level. “Our goal is to always be at the top in the most prestigious races and any competitive event we are asked to participate in. We will be present and make sure that the UAE is at the top place,” Sheikh Hamdan said on live television. “F3 will always offer their best in every race and HH The President of the UAE Endurance Cup is one of the top rides in the world and our objective was to compete. “Races like these are the toughest to win because when they are prestigious events you get the best riders in the world participating. Winning easy races is something that can be achieved by anyone, but it’s winning races like these that matters!” Al Harbi was as thrilled as his boss and credited Sheikh Hamdan for his lead all the way from the planning stage. “It feels great to have won the title for the first time as this is one of the most prized events on the UAE endurance calendar and that of the world,” he said. “My job was to lead the horse and follow up on the plan prepared by Sheikh Hamdan and I dedicate this victory to him and HH Sheikh M o h a m m e d bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”

Al Harbi rides Lockelea Starwood Comet to President Cup Success

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Al Harbi and Lockelea Starwood Comet, trained by Khalifa Ghanim Al Marri, had to fight hard to get themselves in contention in a race where 313 rider and horse pairs started. Placed 46th at the end of the first loop over 40km, Al Harbi knew he had his work cut out and started to juggle things under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan. He made rapid progress in the second 33km phase climbing 29 spots to reach 17th on the leaderboard. It was rapid upwards progress thereafter as he moved to 11th then seventh and was placed third behind his Emirati compatriot and Al Wathba Stables’ rider Al Ghailani going into the final phase over 20km. Al Ghailani had led since the end of the third phase and had a :2:46s lead over Salim Said Al Owais who was second heading into the final loop. At that point Al Harbi was a further four seconds off the pace. It looked all over, but Sheikh Hamdan’s m a n Al Harbi had other plans and having preserved Lockelea Starwood Comet, he now had the opportunity to pull out all the stops. Asked to go, the horse obliged with a pace that was nearly 7kph quicker and as the finish loomed into sight he was able to seize the initiative from Al Ghailani, who was then forced to finish second 37 seconds behind. Third placed Al Owais had kept close to the top all along, but dropped a spot to finish third after finding himself second at the end of the penultimate loop. A total of 183 rider and horse pairs failed to complete the gruelling ride. Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, president of the UAE Equestrian Federation, said: “I am proud of the way this event was handled. The organisers have done a fantastic job to provide transparency and fairness throughout the ride in accordance with the directives of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs.” Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, which organised the event, said the presence of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan gave the race character and motivated the riders and stables to give their best. “It was a tough race because of the presence of some of the top riders from the UAE and around the world. The discipline of the riders and teams helped us in organising the race because there were no mistakes and everyone was given an equal opportunity and the horses returned in good health,” Al Nuaimi said. Lara Sawaya, executive director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al 32

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Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, who was also part of the organising committee echoed similar sentiments when she said the presence of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan would have been truly motivational for the riders. Sawaya added: “This event continues to surprise and is one of the toughest and most prestigious events in endurance riding around the world. And the presence of a top class field underlines its status among the elite events.”

HH The President of the UAE Endurance Cup (Top 5)

1. Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi / Lockelea Starwood Comet - F3 Stables, 6:14.12 2. Abdul Rahman Saeed Al Ghailani / Sarab - Al Wathba, 6:14.49 3. Salim Said Al Owais / Castlebar Cadabra - F3 Stables, 6:21.08 4. Sh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum / Dahi - M7 Stables, 6:28.25 5. Hazza Abdul Khamis Ali Saeed / Perdeberg Rasta - Al Reef, 6:32.57 Sh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum / Dahi

Salim Said Al Owais / Castlebar Cadabra

Abdul Rahman Saeed Al Ghailani

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UAE Team, winner of Two Holy Mosque

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the Custodian of the es Endurance Cup

From left to right: Salem Hamad Al Kitbi on Blakeridge Indigo, Abdullah Ghanim Al Marri aboard Wamid and Saif Ahmed Al Mazrouei on Razorback Mechano

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Held under the patronage of his Royal Highness Prince Muhammad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Chairman of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Medinah Al Munawarah Province, awarded the winners of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, which concluded on February 2 in Al Fursan Village, in the region of Al-Ula, with the presence of His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the governor of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula. The race was also attended by the Chairman of the Saudi Equestrian Federation, his Royal Highness Prince Abdallah bin Fahd bin Abdallah and Engineer Amr Al Madani, CEO of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, as part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Al-Ula’s position as an exceptional tourist destination boasting a unique heritage rich in arts, culture and sports. The credentials of the UAE as one of the top distance riding nations in the region and the world was highlighted by a top ten finish

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at the CEI 2* 120km The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup at Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia on February 2. Salem Hamad Al Kitbi riding M7 Endurance Stables’ Blakeridge Indigo won with a time of 4 hours 25 minutes and 43 seconds. The pair rode at an average speed of 27.1kph over the four loops to finish fractions of a second ahead of Abdullah Ghanim Al Marri of F3 Stables, who was aboard Wamid, with MRM Stables’ rider Saif Ahmed Al Mazrouei placing third on the back of Razorback Mechano with time of 4:25:44. Al Kitbi increased his riding speed during the 33km second loop and continued his domination as he held on to the top at the halfway mark. With two more loops left and 52km of surface yet to be covered, Al Kitbi decided to rein in Blakeridge Indigo, trained by Mohammed Ali Al Subousi. He lowered his riding speed a bit which allowed F3 Stables’ rider Abdullah Ghanim Al Marri aboard Wamid to take temporary charge of the race. Al Kitbi was off the pace by just 34 seconds and knew he had to revert back to a higher pace if he was to win; and when he asked Blakeridge Indigo

to step it up by nearly 6kph, the horse responded perfectly, which brought the pair home ahead of the rest by the tiniest of margins. At the end of the race, his Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Madinah Al Munawarah Province presented the cup to the owner of Blakeridge Indigo who completed the race in 4 hours 25 minutes 43 seconds, in the presence of His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Governor of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula and His Highness Prince Abdallah bin Fahd bin Abdallah, Chairman of the Saudi Equestrian Federation. His Royal Highness Prince Faisal lauded the efforts of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula and the Saudi Equestrian Federation teams as well as the Emirates Equestrian Federation for the organization of the event and the great support they provided to the participants. His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Governor of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, said: “The history of AlUla bears a lot of inscriptions that highlight the population’s interest in Arabian horses, which makes Al-Ula the perfect location for the launch of the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, the biggest prize of its kind in the world, with the full support and close supervision from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Royal Commission for AlUla. We are happy to see the huge efforts of the residents of Al-Ula as we seek to provide

more job opportunities to its youth through the organization of different events and activities.” The Governor of the Royal Commission for AlUla congratulated the competitors and Salem Hamad Al Kitbi from M7 Endurance stables on his win. The race was part of the Winter at Tantora festival in Al-Ula held in partnership with the Saudi Equestrian Federation and the Emirati Equestrian Federation to highlight the heritage of Al-Ula that goes back thousands of years. The FEI sanctioned, two-star classification race covered 120 km over four loops through the magnificent mountains of Al-Ula, a technical course between desert and mountains. The race saw the participation of 234 riders from 12 countries around the world including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Spain, Italy, France and Uruguay. The riders competed for a prize pot of 15 million SAR. A total of 76 riders from the initial start list managed to complete the grueling ride. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the crowning of the Emirati riders and congratulated The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the successful organisation of the endurance championship as part of the new comprehensive Arabian Horse Intl

HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Al Ghali

overhaul in many sectors thanks to Vision 2030. “We are very pleased by the invitation extended to us from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to come and compete here and we were very touched by how welcoming the crowd was towards us and our people. We are happy to come and see this beautiful area,” Sheikh Mohammed told Saudi television. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also attended the race. “The beautiful, natural desert scene in this area cannot be compared to any other place and it is wonderful that the Saudi government is taking care of this area,” Sheikh Hamdan said. Al Kitbi started off well and with the lead after the 35km first phase. He was chased by two Saudi riders at the time, Mohammed Ali Allazam and Abdulwahab Al Harbi, but both local riders dropped out of contention and were replaced by Emiratis. Source: www.eyeofriyadh.com Photo: HHSN Media Office

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Uruguayan CecĂlia Garcia crowned champion of HM The King Cup

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In the Presence of HM the King and HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashed Historical Triumph for the Royal Victorious Team in First 160 km Race Nasser bin Hamad Crowns Garcia as Champion Under the patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic and Honourary President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF), crowned Cecilia Garcia of Bahrain Royal Team’s Victorious as the champion of HM the King International Endurance Cup, the 17th edition of the international endurance race, which took place on March 2. The Uruguayan defeated a pool of elite endurance professionals en route to top the podium of this major global event which was sponsored by GFH Financial Group. She completed the 160 km race in 6.24.41 hours, travelling at a speed of 26 km/h. Finishing second was Salem Al Kitbi of UAE riding Langasem Kwarter Bloom (06:24:43 and 24,95 km/h), who was only two seconds behind the winner, but was a mere one second ahead of third-placed Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa with

Tammam La Lizonne (06:24:44 and 24,95 km/h). Following the events of the race were HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. On this occasion, HH Shaikh Nasser dedicated this victory to HM the King, stressing that many achievements in the endurance sport have been accomplished in HM’s bright era thanks to HM’s support and keen interest and care. Furthermore, HH Shaikh Nasser expressed his appreciation and gratitude to HM the King for patronising this event, stating that HM’s sponsorship was a great source of motivation to all the participants to give their best. Moreover, HH Shaikh Nasser welcomed HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa on the occasion of HH’s visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain to follow the race. Additionally, HH Shaikh Nasser congratulated the winners of the top three places, stating that he was happy to see such performances in the race. Finally, HH Shaikh Nasser praised GFH Financial Group’s sponsorship to the event, saying the Group’s backing contributing to making the race a huge success. Source: HHSN Media Office

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Salem Al Kitbi riding Langasem Kwarter Bloom (right) Shaikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa with Tammam La Lizonne

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HH Sh Nasser crowns Beljafla as winner of the Youth and Junior Event

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic and Honourary President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) crowned UAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saif Juma Beljafla as champion of HM the King International Endurance Cup for Youth and Juniors, on February 28. The UAE participant completed the four stages of the race in 4.29.20, riding Bogdan Du Chigny at a speed of 26/hour. The champion was followed by Ahmed Al Nuaimi riding Afnan, of Bahrain, who was six minutes behind as third place went to Dana Ali Albenghadeer with Avel Du Parck, also Bahraini national. The latter completed the race in 4.35.50.

On this occasion, HH Shaikh Nasser congratulated the podium winners, praising their performances throughout the race. He asserted that the event witnessed a stiff competition among all the participants. HH Shaikh Nasser underlined that HM the King International Endurance Cup Festival is among the major endurance races worldwide thanks to the fierce competition it witnesses annually. HH Shaikh Nasser explained that this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition would witness extraordinary contest among the competitor who will take part thanks to its importance. Furthermore, HH Shaikh Nasser backed local participants to shine in the event, expressing confidence in their potentials to top the podium. Moreover, HH Shaikh Nasser valued the Arabian Horse Intl

sponsorship of GFH Financial Group to the event, stating that it would contribute to its success. From his side, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of BREEF and Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment paid tribute to the cooperation among the various parties involved in organising HM the King International Endurance Cup Festival, confirming that the event would be a major success. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth noting that HM the King International Endurance Cup will commence today and will cover a distance of 120 km. The event is sponsored by GFH Financial Group. Source: HHSN Media Office

Ahmed Al Nuaimi riding Afnan

Dana Ali Albenghadeer with Avel Du Parck

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Beljafla takes second consecutive win in HM The King Endurance Cup

HH Sh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic and Honourary President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) crowned UAE’s Saif Beljafla, who rode Didjicko, as the champion of HM the King Endurance Cup for GCC Studs, on March 1. This was the second victory in the event after he triumphed in HM the King Endurance Cup for Youth and Juniors. In his latest victory, Beljafla crossed the finish line in 4.33 minutes, travelling at 26 km/h. Behind him was Naryan Singh riding La Soledad and Ahmed Saleh Al Shehhi on Baraka Barak in second and third respectively. Both of there were from UAE too. On this occasion, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated the podium winners, praising their performances in the four-stage race. It’s the first time the event

will have a course of this length, taking place at Bahrain International Endurance Village. The race will also feature five stages. Commenting on Saturday’s race, trainer of Al Nasser Stud which belongs to the Royal Team Shaikh Salman Bin Saqer Al Khalifa described the Grand Prix as a strong contest, pointing out that it requires a special strategy to win it. He relished the opportunity to have top experienced contestants from UAE taking part in the event. Moreover, HM the King International Endurance Cup Festival will include two showjumping competition as well as one for cowboys. Both of them will take place on Saturday too. The event is sponsored by GFH Financial Group. Hisham Al Rayes, the Group’s CEO, expressed pride at backing the Festival, stating that this sponsorship is part of GFH Financial Group’s strategy and culture to support major sports events. Source: HHSN Media Office

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Naryan Singh and La Soledad

Ahmed Saleh Al Shehhi on Baraka Barak

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Salman Isa triumphs in Nasser Bin Hamad Race

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The Biltmore Endurance Challenge 2019: a very technical ride in a historical state Text: Nathalie Weemaels Photos: Becky Pearman

On the 4th of May, I participated at the 26th Annual Biltmore Endurance Challenge that took place in Ashville, North Carolina, and was without a doubt one of the highlights of the 2019 USA Endurance calendar. Qualified as one of the most technical FEI rides of the USA, it attracted the participation of 227 competitors coming from ten different countries. Although this high number of inscriptions was mainly due to the excellent organization and the tourist appeal of Biltmore Estate, it might also have been related to the holding of the Arabian Horse Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Region XII Championship 100-mile ride and to the fact that the CEIYJ2* ride was a selection trial for Young Rider team going this year to the World Championship in Italy. I took part in the Challenge competing in the CEI2* with my Arabian mare Box Bruma, who had traveled from Ecuador two months earlier. 50

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This was my first experience with own horse in the US, without considering my participation at the WEG 2018. I expected a technical ride as are most of the US competitions, nevertheless, the course was much more complicated than I had imagined. Indeed, most of it consisted in narrow trails winding through the forest, dotted with roots and stones, going up and down on rolling hills totaling approximatively 2000 meters of elevation gain over the distance of 120 kilometers. And the tropical rain that fell all the afternoon didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help as it turned the trails very muddy and slippery. Nevertheless, I particularly appreciated the diversity of footings and landscapes. Indeed, what an extraordinary experience to trot between trees through the subtropical forest or canter across pastures and open vineyards, meeting with wild gooses and turkeys, crossing bridges

riders were guided by small orange glow sticks hanging in the trees along the trail. For most of the riders, the first 3 loops took place in good weather conditions while the 3 last ones suffered heavy rainfall interspersed with brief spells. Nevertheless, 12 competitors finished the ride (54% completion), being the winners of the open category Sudi Lenhart on Wiebow and Cindy Young on KC Lucks Lil Buck while Nicki Meuten finished third on FYF Dutch. Of them, six riders entered the FEI CEI 3* 160 km senior ride, four being from the USA, one from Great Britain, and one from Republic of South Africa. Four finished the ride, with Meg Sleeper on Syrocco Madrigal winning with an average speed of 10km/h, in front of Steve Rojek on Tribune and as third, Cheryl van Deusen on Spotless Summer Magic. Meg Sleeper and Syrocco also won the Best Condition award.

and streams, riding along the French Broad River and above all, discovering fairy tale views of the Vanderbilt House. To compete at an endurance ride on Biltmore Estate was definitively a wonderful and unforgettable experience! Biltmore Estate was created in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, as an escape from everyday life for family and friends. Today, it is a historic and tourist attraction, with its main residence, a French Renaissance Revival style mansion, being the largest privately-owned house in the United States. Covering an area of approximately 3250 hectares, Biltmore Estate offers 130 kilometers of beautiful wooded and riverside equestrian trails which were kindly made available for the twodays Endurance Challenge. On Saturday 4th of May, 6am, start was given in drizzle and fog to the 22 competitors of the open 100-mile and CEI3*. As still in the dark,

At 6:30am the same day, I was one of the 28 riders to start the 75-mile open, CEI2* and CEIYJ2*, of which we were 23 to finish, with a 82% completion rate. First loop was the Orange East, of 23,3 km long and with an elevation gain of 450m. It took us through the woodlands East of the Biltmore Equestrian Center, and along the French Broad River. Although it had rained on Friday, trails were quite dry and steady. After crossing French Broad River on a large bridge, second loop took us to the Western part of Biltmore Estate, amongst pastures and open vineyards usually closed to the public. With its 32,7 km length, this loop was not only the longest but also the one with most altitude difference totaling 650m of ups and downs. At that point, weather was perfect and most of the competitors were doing well, going a good pace and somehow finding their place in relation to each other. Third loop was the Red South Short, and this is when torrents of water began to fall and turned the trails into rivers. Although of only 24 kilometers, it took me what seemed to be an eternity to complete the phase that meandered in the forest. Nevertheless, once out of the woodlands, I enjoyed cantering on the flat trail along the river although getting absolutely soaked as not covered by trees anymore. When I arrived at the camp, my team was waiting for me in a flooded rest area! Never mind, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what endurance is... Excellent recuperation of Box Bruma, excellent vet check, I changed clothes and we were gone Arabian Horse Intl

for next loop which I thought would take me less time as of only 17,9 kilometers. Unfortunately it was not the case as Blue South Short also cut through woodlands and rain continued to wash trails that at some points turned out to be dangerously slippery. Thunder felt close to us, atmosphere was heavy and dark, like it would never stop raining. Happily, the sky finally opened during our last rest and stayed clear during our fifth loop, the White River one, of 22,7 kilometers. That last loop would have been absolute pleasure if not for the mud: rolling hills amongst pastures with farm animals, opened areas and long straight trails along the river, a perfect end for a 120km ride! Unfortunately, many trails were still very muddy, which forced me to dismount in the descents to avoid a last loop accident. I passed the finish line in a time of 9h56’32”, on fifth place amongst the 28 riders, a great result for the first CEI2* of Box Bruma. From first loop, Rae Shumate-Tysor on her DM Michaelangelo headed the 75-mile ride together with young rider Kimberly Loutzenheiser on Shahqueem. They finished strong at 6:28pm, with Rae Shumate-Tysor winning shortly followed almost instantly by Kimberly Loutzenheiser. Third to complete was Hanna Weightmann on Dude Free Gold. As for the CEI 2* 120 km senior, we were eight riders representing four countries (USA, Ecuador, Colombia and Canada), with seven completions. Rae Shumate-Tysor and DM Michaelangelo won the ride with an average speed of 13,5km/h while I arrived in second place with Box Bruma. Third was Daniel Vasquez from Colombia on Carlos Lleras’ Play It Louder. Rae’s DM Michaelangelo won the CEI2* Best Condition award. Five young riders, all from the USA, entered the CEIYJ2* event with four completing. Unfortunately, none of them reached the minimum speed of 14 km/h required for the qualification at Young Rider World Championship in Italy. Kimberly Loutzenheiser won the ride on Shahqueem with an average speed of 13,49 km/h while Hanna Weightman on Dude Free Gold followed in second, with third being Kate Bishop on Hoover the Mover. The CEIYJ2* Best Condition award went to Kate Bishop on Cheryl van Deusen’s Hoover the Mover. The 55-mile ride on Saturday had 26 starters in total, including open riders, CEI1* and CEIYJ1*. With 18 completing the four loops and 88 kilometers ride, completion rate was of 69%. Bob. 52

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Meg Sleeper on Syrocco Madrigal won the 3* FEI ride, 100-mile BC and 3* FEI BC

ly, with a time of 6:21:04 and an average speed of 13,6 km/h. Second place was a three-way tie among Bonni Hannah on FinderZKeepers, Clare Summers on Georgy Girl, and Susan Wilson on LA Casper. Three juniors started the ride in the Open category, with two completing, first being Laney Jarrett and second Maddie Rogers on her KF Baran’s Melody. Of them, five riders entered the CEI1*, being from the US, Canada, Ireland and Bermuda, with three completing. Bob Gielen (Canada) and his MoreBangforYourBuck won handily in front of Clarke Martin on DCL Mooi Penny. Third place was Hilda Donahue (Ireland) on her Skys Sahalie. Bob Gielen’s MoreBangforYourBuck won the Best Condition Award. Friday 50-mile ride attracted 58 riders in total, of whom 43 completed for a 74% completion rate. As AERC allows ties, there was a dramatic 4-way declared title for first place among Kate Bishop on LR April Breeze, Tom Hagis on Indian Reinman, Cheryl van Deusen on Snake Eyes Leroy, and Mark Lipold on GL Trail Reader. Three juniors started the ride, with all three completing. The first junior was Laney Jarrett on her Pimpin. Eleven horses and riders started the CEI 1*, and eight completed. Cheryl van Deusen won the division on her Snake Eyes Leroy with an average speed of 13,6 km/h. Second was Valerie Kanavy on her Fine Cut Gold, and third went to Eone Willemse from Republic of South Africa Cruzin’ for Gold. Best Condition award was won by Cheryl van Deusen’s Snake Eyes Leroy. First (and only) CEIYJ1* rider on Friday was Kate Bishop on LR April Breeze, who also won the Best Condition award. The Biltmore Endurance Challenge also hosted two limited distance rides, of 25 miles on Friday and 30 miles on Saturday, which attracted a high number of competitors, 53 for the first one and 50 on Saturday, being the completion rates of 83% and 75%, respectively. AHA Awards The Biltmore Endurance Challenge hosted the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region XII 100mile Championship for 2019. A total of 10 horses / riders both qualified and entered the event: six full Arabs, and four Half Arabs. Entry requirements included that, the rider and owner must be 2019 ‘Competition’ members of AHA and the horse must be AHA registered. Furthermore, as a Regional Championship ride, the horse must have had a minimum of 100 lifetime miles of

Nathalie Weemaels came in second in the CEI2* on Box Bruma

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which 50 miles may be from an AHA Regional or National Competitive Trail Ride, but any other miles must be Endurance miles (not Limited Distance). The AHA Region XII champion Arab was Wiebow, ridden by owner Sudi Lenhart, in a ride time of 14:18:17. Reserve champion Arab was FYF Dutch owned and ridden by Nicki Meuten, in a ride time of 15:01:08. Full Arab Best Condition Award was won by Meg Sleeper on Syrocco Madrigal. The AHA Region XII champion Half Arab was KC Lucks Lil Buck, ridden by owner Cindy Young, in a ride time of 14:18:17. Reserve champion HalfArab was Wallace Hill Sundance owned Amy Wallace-Whelan and ridden by Annie Whelan, in a ride time of 15:57:13. Best Conditioned Half Arab was won by Cindy Young’s KC Lucks Lil Buck. ECAHS Awards Another interesting Award was the “Best Crabbet” horse award given in each distance by the Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society ECAHS, offered to both Young Rider / Junior (YJ) and Senior divisions. To compete, the horse must have been Crabbet-certified as having at least 25% Crabbet blood by April 27. Results are as follow: on 100 mile ride, Cheryl van Deusen on Ebs Regal Majjaan; on 75 mile ride, Mike Bostic on SVA Verafy and Kate Bishop on Hoover the Mover (young rider); on 30 mile ride, Patricia Gowen on PW September Hero; on 50 mile (Friday), Tom Hagis on Indian Reinman and Kate Bishop on LR April Breeze (young rider); on 25 mile ride, Alayna Hay on BR Satevis. To participate at the Biltmore Endurance Challenge was one of my best endurance ride ever. With breathtaking views, very technical and complex course, excellent organization and riders conscientious and respectful of their horses, this ride should be on the calendar of all the endurance riders who want to participate at a technical FEI ride in the USA. Results and information on Biltmore Endurance Challenge: www.biltmoreendurance.com The Biltmore Equestrian Center, located on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, hosted the twenty-sixth annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides on: May 3 and 4-5, 2019.

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Bob Gielen and BangBang won the CEI11* 55-mile ride and got BC

Sudi Lenhart on Wiebow ties with Cindy Young on KC Lucks Lil Buck for first place of the 100-mile ride

Cheryl van Deusen on Snake Eyes Lero won Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEI1*

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HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, President of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports and Honorary President Bahrain Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF), deputized HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of BREEF and Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment to honor the winners of the Nasser bin Hamad Endurance Championship, on April 5. The event covered a distance of 120 km and Salman Isa won the public category, while Abdulrahman Al Ali achieved the community class. Isa, riding Brise de Vere, stormed to victory in 04:32:11 hours, followed by Khalifa Al Sindi on Zloty Wiatr who was well behind the winner (05:08:40). But third-placed Khalid Yousif with Anakin Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OC was only 7 minutes away from the runner-up. Meanwhile, Al Ali onboard Lefuret triumphed in 5:24:22 hours and he was followed by Abdulrahman Al Saad riding Saruk 56

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Baracuda (5:24:26) and Abdullah Isa Janahi with Maver Kairos (5:29:26) in second and third place respectively. HH Shaikh Nasser praised the performances showcased during the race, confirming that the race was a huge success thanks to the broad participation. HH Shaikh Nasser expressed his optimism at a bright future for the endurance sport in the Kingdom of Bahrain after the extraordinary results achieved during this season. Moreover, he congratulated the winners of the race. From his side, HH Shaikh Faisal hailed the role and the follow-up of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad to all the raceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stages, stating that it had a great positive impact on the displays of the competitors. He pointed out that the race came strong at all its aspects thanks to the strong desire of the participants to give their all. Source: HHSN Media Office

Kate Bishop on LR April Breeze

Broxton Bridge Plantation hosted observation event for the 2019 World Young Rider Championship Arabian Horse Intl

Broxton Bridge Plantation was pleased to host one of two observation events for the 2019 World Young Rider Championships which will be held in Italy in September of this year on 25 and 26 of 2019. USA SE Spring Fundraiser Rides, January 25th - 26th, 2019: 25/50/75/100 Friday (CEI 1*2*3* + YJ) & 25/50/75 Saturday (CEI 1* 2* + YJ) The G.D. “Jerry” Varn family owns & operates Broxton Bridge Plantation in Ehrhardt, South Carolina. Broxton Bridge Plantation was built in the late 1700s and has been in the Varn family for nine generations. All trails are groomed hard and soft sand shaded primarily by pines and old growth hardwoods. There are plenty of water stops about every four miles on the trails and we’ll have coastal Bermuda hay at the water stops on the later loops. There were a total of 10 young riders over the two days of CEI 1, 2, 3* races. Kate Bishop from North Carolina on LR April Breeze, owned by Lisa Green, were the dominant pair earning a COC in a ride time of 8:00:42 on day 1 more than one hour ahead of the next pair Annie Whelan of Kentucky on her horse Wallace Hill Sundance and Mollie Quiroz from California on Tracy Vollman’s horse

Kimberly Loutzenheiser on Christo Dinklemann

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RA Karim. Kate was the only YR to earn a COC over the two days. Kimberly Loutzenheiser from Georgia on Christo Dinklemann’s DCL Mooi Penny won Best Condition on the ride on day 2, 120 JYR events, in a ride time of 9:06:31, followed by Mollie Quoroz those being the only two of six starters to complete the course. Although Mollie did not earn a COC, she was the only YR to complete both days working towards her qualifications for World YR Championships. In the 160km, Jessica Lemons on Highh Trump won in a ride time of 10:29:04 along with Best Condition over Alisia Zabavska from Lithuania who also earned a COC on her horse MSA Silver Ghazal. Alisia had a stressful day after an involuntary dismount from her horse who promptly took off down the road. The pair were reunited and returned to the point of separation and raced to make certain of the COC. Cheryl Van Deusen on Ebs Regal Majjaan was third, staying in longer in the holds to mentor her YR Kate Bishop and Breeze. Zhaoyi Cheng from China on Heather & Jeremy Reynolds Da Don Fe was fourth and Carmine Villani from Great Britain on Cheryl Van Deusen’s Spotless Summer Magic was fifth. Mr. Cheng became the first Chinese

Valerie Kanavy on Play it Louder

athlete to earn his elite rider status. Carmine is also working towards this goal. On Saturday in the senior 120km, Alisia won on her own Hidden Assets followed by Cheryl Van Deusen on SA Majestic Shiraz. They were the only two senior athletes to compete and finish both days. Yvette Vinton from Canada on her Ebonys Easter Lily was third on the podium. Yvette rode the 80km on day 1 and the 120km on day 2. The Friday 80km senior event was fast with Valerie Kanavy winning on her Play it Louder in 4:31:23 followed by Yvette Vinton on Teese. Â Shawn Polke was third on the podium in his first 1* race. In the 80km on Saturday, Eone Willemse from South Africa won in a ride time of 8:00:43 on Valerie Kanavyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dude Free Gold. Broxton Bridge Plantation is a beautiful historic location. The owner Jerry Varn and his staff are constantly making improvements on the trail. The wildlife was active given that riders were challenged by an aggressive goose who did

not want any riders passing his nest on the trail. Some riders had unplanned dismounts when trying to get by the goose who was later scared off by one horse who fought back. Cheryl Van Deusen had to dismount to distract the goose so that three young riders could go by to keep time on their race. We also had very active deer and one national rider Nancy Sluyh was broad sided by a deer who ended up under her horse scared for its life, the horse was unable to complete the ride. We appreciate her spirit of endurance and thank all of the national riders who came out to support our young riders. Patsy Gowan a national ride manager conducted our first time riders meeting for newcomers to endurance. USA South East Endurance thanks all of our national AERC riders for coming to the Broxton Bridge Plantation rides. Text: Cheryl Van Deusen / Photo Credit: Becky Pearman Arabian Horse Intl

Alisia Zabavska on MSA Silver Ghazal

Jessica Lemons on Highh Trump 60

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Bonni and Z winners of Leatherwood Mountain Challenge

The Leatherwood Mountain Challenge is held at the Leatherwood Mountain Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This ride is very well run and is definitely a “frills” ride which offers barns for those who want stalls, showers, an outdoor riding ring, a covered arena and an onsite restaurant in addition to miles of trails. Base camp is in a valley along the lovely Elk Creek. Ride management’s advice on these trails is to “take time and make time”. All trails originate and end in base camp, with approximately 16,000 feet of elevation change over 50 miles. The weather was perfect on ride day with partly cloudy to sunny skies, temperatures in the 60s and low humidity. Fifty-two riders started the limited distance ride, and 45 started the 50-mile ride. The 50s started the ride at 7:15 a.m. at an easy trot, winding through a meadow to the

long gravel road that starts the climb into the mountains. The first loop was 15 miles long and we were guessing the front runners would return to camp in approximately 2 hours. Our guess was close, but not perfect as front runners Bonni Hannah and FinderZkeepers (Z), Marbie Kollath and MNX Shaidinn Tyib (Tyler) and Edward Gurley and Derbraso Haze (Haze) all arrived just before 9:00 a.m. and each pulsed down within a few minutes of their arrival. By 10:00 a.m., all of the 50-mile riders had arrived off of their first loop. The second loop was 22 miles long and more challenging than the first. The 50 milers started spreading out, though the three frontrunners all stayed close to one another, completing the second loop in approximately 2-1/2 hours. The last loop of the 50 was a 13-mile loop which Arabian Horse Intl

Edward Gurley and Derbraso Haze - BC

linked to a steep and aptly named trail called Ambush. Marbie and Tyler left 1 minute ahead of Edward and Haze, with Bonni and Z following 2 minutes later. Edward and Bonni quickly caught Marbie on Ambush and the three rode together to the finish with Bonni and Z placing 1st, Edward and Haze 2nd, and Marbie and Tyler 3rd, all with a ride time of 6 hours 8 minutes. Marek Lipold, Crystal Bayol-Wyatt, Clarke Martin, Ceana Dia Chakravarty, Sudi Lenhart, Susan Wilson and Laney Jarrett rounded out the top ten. The first junior to finish was Laney Jarrett, who finished in 10th place with a 7-hour ride time. The 50-mile turtle was Megan Grant who very capably piloted Ramsey’s Venus in the horse’s second 50-mile ride in just under 9 hours. Best condition went to Edward Gurley and Haze, with High Vet Score going to Susan Wilson and LA Casper. The limited distance riders started at 8:00 a.m. on the same 15-mile loop, winding through the meadow to the long gravel road and up the mountain. The first rider back in camp was Rebecca Watson on Isabell’s Dream. Rebecca took ride management’s admonition to heart, arriving in camp in approximately two hours and 62

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recovering within 5 minutes. Richard Stedman and Second Wind Soldier (Sarge), Dana Reeder and LB Beryl (Beryl), and Amy Wallace Whelan and Top Honours (Honour) all arrived a few minutes later, and quickly pulsed down so that their outtimes were within 3 minutes of Rebecca. The second loop for the limited distance ride was a 10-mile version of Ambush. Rebecca Watson arrived back in camp first and pulsed down at 11:41 a.m., in 1st place. Amy and Honour pulsed down in 2nd place, followed by Susan Gerisch in 3rd, Michelle Hancock in 4th, Richmard Stedman and Sarge in 5th, Dana Reeder and Beryl in 6th, Emily Compton in 7th, Nelia Rueter in 8th, Talissa Ralph in 9th and Marie Umbarger in 10th place. First junior was Reine Pagliaro and DCL Mooi Falco. The coveted turtle award went to junior rider Maddie Rogers and KF Baran’s Melody. Best Condition went to Richard Stedman and Sarge, who beat out Dana and Beryl by one point. High Vet Score also went to Richard Stedman and Sarge. Written by Laurie Underwood Photos by Becky Pearman

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AndrĂŠ Vidiz conquers the two most important trophies Haras Endurance International, the most traditional FEI event in the Americas

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André Vidiz who set up Chambord Endurance was the winner of the CEI2* 120 km Senior race and also the coveted Best Condition prize at Haras Endurance International, held on April 6 and 7 at Fazenda São Sebastião, in the city of Bragança Paulista, São Paulo. The race was also the second stage of the State of São Paulo Endurance Championship and had the following categories on Saturday, April 6, CEI2* 120 km Senior and Young Rider; CEI1* 80 km Senior and YR; 60 km Senior and Young Rider; and on Sunday, April 7, CEN1* Senior and Controlled Speed of 40 km and 20 km The most difficult race was the CEI2 * 120 km Senior, because of the 14 riders who started only two finished. The tracks demanded a lot of attention because the day was very humid which required a lot of effort from the horses. André Vidiz with Chambord Endurance finished first and also won the Best Condition (06:34:46 and 15.24 km / h). With these achievements he had his name engraved for the fourth time in the Trophies Elizabeth van Schelle (to the champion of the race of greater distance) and Roberto Fernandes (to the Best Condition of the category). He had these achievements in 2008, 2016 and 2017. Ana Carla Maciel who rode Bluegrass Endurance finished second (06:47:53 and 17,87 km / h). In the race CEI2* 120 km category Young Rider, the representative of the city of Campinas Elisa da Silva Penna Chaves with Piva Endurance was the first placed (06:55:55 and 17.53 km / h), followed by Rodrigo Storani Saliba who rode Mozart in second place (07:46:49 and 15.62 km / h) and Diogo de Oliveira Martins with RSC Monalisa (08:53:32 and 13.66 km / h) in third. The Brasilia rider, Mariana Damazio Rajão riding Misterius Rach (04:26:22 and 18.13 km / h) finished first. José Caio Frisoni Vaz Guimarães with Illinois Endurance (04:28:03 and 18.02 km / h) and Carlos Augusto Amaral Paes Leme riding Benatti Albar (04:51:34 and 16.57 km / h) finished second and third places respectively. In the Young Rider category the winner was Pedro Pupo Mastrorosa with his traditional horse San Jose Cesareo (04:25:44 and 18.18 km / h). Veridiana Balassa de Abreu, who joined the Arnica Endurance, finished second and won the Best Condition (04:38:55 and 17.32 km / h). In the 60 km National race, Felizardo Costa Brandão with Le Bateau won the first place (03:26:05 and 17.91 km / h) followed by Pedro Arabian Horse Intl

Junior Marcelino on Mantineu Rach (03:37:52 and 16,94 km / h) in second and Alexandre Crepaldi with Medoc Van Ryad (03:50:29 and 16.01 km / h) in third. In the Young Rider category, João Vitor Ferreira da Silva mounting Esperança Endurane (04:41:23 and 13.11 km / h) was the only one to finish the race. On Sunday, April 7, the winner of CEN1 * 80 km Senior Category was again Felizardo Costa Brandão this time riding Eldarek (05:01:40 and 16.71 km / h) followed by Rafael da Silva Carvalho on Magdan Raissa (05 : 08: 05 and 16.36 km / h) and Tiago Manetta B. de Lana with Canadá da Barra (05:24:46 and 15.52 km / h). In the rides of Controlled Speed the winners were: 40 km Senior - Bruno Policastro on Kichute Endurance and Isabela Steinbruch with Equus Endurance in the Young category and Marcelo Tarasantchi on Bordeaux do Reality in the Heavy Weight category. In the 20 km Amélia Whitaker Chaves with Katrina (Senior), Maria Eduarda Kock on Catarina (Young) and Veridiana Balassa de Abreu on Ximenes Endurance (Young Rider). Held since 1998, the Haras Endurance International is organized in the same place, same date and same name every year until the present day. Thanks to this tradition, parallel events and the constant presence of foreign competitors, Haras Endurance International has gained importance in the international calendar and is becoming more competitive every year. On the second day of the event traditionally is held the auction of the animals of the Haras Endurance and awards in which the highlight is the delivery of the Trophy Elizabeth van Schelle (the champion of the race of greater distance) and Trophy Roberto Fernandes (the Best Condition of the category) respectively. As these trophies are of transient possession, they stay in the stud farm and each year a plaque is added with the name of the horse and rider winners, making the trophy tell some of the history of the race. The track of the race is known to be mixed with flat parts and rough parts. The most wellknown part of the trail is the loop around the lake in the Haras Endurance, which takes place at all stages, where you can enjoy the landscape in the morning fog or see the capybaras in the middle of the day. It is a stretch of 2 km totally flat and with good flooring. Thanks to the possibility of seeing all the horses that are in this part of the trail, it also has a strategic aspect for the competitors. 66

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Throughout the races it is possible to know the flora and fauna of the region, marked by diversity and symbolized by the howler monkey (Alouatta Seniculus), which usually appears for the competitors during the race. Text and photos: Cidinha Franzão Ana Carla Maciel and Bluegrass Endurance

Elisa da Silva Penna Chaves with Piva Endurance

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Rodrigo Storani Saliba on Mozart

Felizardo Costa BrandĂŁo on Eldarek

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Felizardo Costa BrandĂŁo with Le Bateau

Mariana Damazio RajĂŁo riding Misterius Rach

Pedro Pupo Mastrorosa on San Jose Cesareo

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French Hamon and Brandão winners of Night Riders

After two years, the last one was in 2016, Night Riders, a charming opening race of the São Paulo Endurance Championship, returned as the first stage of the championship. The race was held on March 16, at Haras Endurance, in the city of Bragança Paulista, 80 km from the capital São Paulo. The Night Riders had the participation of 84 binomials divided in the races CEN1* 80 km, Short Distance 60 km and Controlled Speed of 40 km and 20 km. Because it is the first race of the season in São Paulo, most of the riders use it to qualify their horses for the other races of the year. As in the previous editions, the first start, CEN1* 80 km Senior and Young Riders, happened at noon. The short distance race 60 km started at 1pm and the Controlled Speed races from 2pm. The trails are the same as the traditional Haras Endurance International and most riders already know very well. Felizardo Costa Brandão riding Ambicioso da Nata dominated in the Adult category of CEN1* 80 (04:58:05 and 13,55 km/h) finishing all loops in the first place. He was closely followed by the representative of Paraná João Leonel Antocheski who rode RG Koral (5:22:02 and 15 km/h) and third Aguinaldo dos Santos Pinto with Achilles SBV (5:22:08 and 14.99 km /h). The young Frenchwoman based in Brazil, 70

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Oceane Hamon on Equus Endurance (05:38:16 and 12.55 km/h) was the winner in the Young Riders category. Veridiana Balassa de Abreu who rode Swap Endurance (05:38:19 and 14.28 km/h) and João Pedro Bornia Antocheski with Jales CRH (05:46:44 and 13.93 km/h) finished second and third place respectively. In the short distance race CEN 60 km, Adult category, the winner was Pedro Stefani Marino riding CS Zigfrid (03:18:35 and 18.58 km/h). In second place Adenilson Alves with Uriah Heep HEB (03:23:12 and 18,16 km/h) followed by Felipe Morgulis who mounted Nefertiti SBV (03:27:12 and 17,8 km/h). In the Young Rider category, Charles Gabriel Nascimento Mendes on RT Roger (04:15:54 and 15.02 km/h) was first placed and Carolina Rocca Borges riding Oliver Rach (05:12:41 and 11.8 km/h) the second. In the Controlled Speed events, the winners were Leo Narce on Dudinka Endurance (40 km Young), Isadora Herrmann on Maria Bonita Paulista (Creoulo horse 40 km Senior), Carlos V Serrano Junior on Olavo do Piratininga (20 km Senior) and Henrique Vomero Daolio on Magno (20 km Mirim) followed by the youngest rider, Eli Peres Steinbruch, aged six, on Marchador. The Night Riders was organized by Instituto Enduro Brasil and Haras Endurance. Text and photos: Cidinha Franzão

Felizardo Costa BrandĂŁo on Ambicioso da Nata

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Oceane Hamon on Equus Endurance

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Pedro Stefani Marino riding CS Zigfrid

Eli Peres Steinbruch, aged six, on Marchador

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Paranรก opens Endurance season in Brazil

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The opening of the Brazilian endurance season took place on February 16 at Cabanha Rio Bonito, located at Fazenda Cruz, Ponta Grossa, in the state of Paraná. The stage was attended by 50 riders from the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo, who participate in the race to qualify horses for rides of longer distances. Fazenda Santa Cruz is located in the Campos Gerais, formed by slightly wavy lands and rivers with a stone bottom. Bush clumps here and there help to compose a charming landscape. The landscape is composed of Devonian Escarps,

millennial sandstone cliffs that enchant the eyes and thrill the hearts. From the top of the fields the view is the “Serra das Almas”, an endless bush, beautiful to see. The riders competed in the national competitions of 1* 80 km (Adult and Young Riders), Short Distances 60 km (Adult and Young Rider) and 40 km (Adult and Young Rider), in addition to Controlled Speed races 40 and 20 km. The young rider from Paraná, Artur Leonel Machado Ulsenheimer with RG Kniaz was the winner of CENYR1* 80 km (05:09:59 and 15.50 km/h).

Artur Leonel Machado Ulsenheimer with RG Kniaz

Rogério Nunes de Oliveira and Infinito da Rincão da Querência

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The Paranaense João Leonel Antocheski, active participant of the races in São Paulo and Brasília, was the first placed in the race CEN1* 80 km Adult with Corlay Endurance (04:55:49 and 16,25 km/h) and secondly Pedro Stefani Marino, from São Paulo, who set up Quênia do Bom Viver (05:01:05 and 15.96 km/h). In the category CEN 60 km Adult, Rogério Nunes de Oliveira riding the Creole horse Infinito da Rincão da Querência was the winner (03:26:23 and 18.26 km/h), followed by the riders of São Paulo Adenilson Alves with Azhar Du Barthas (03 : 37: 58 and 17.29 km/h) and Bruno Policastro with Papa Léguas (03:53:19 and 16,15 km/h) in second and third places respectively. Only participant in the Young Riders category, Izadora Maria Apolinário Creace who rode Zante

Rach (03:53:16 and 16,15 km/h) did a quiet race and finished very well. In the event of Short Distance 40 km Adult the winner was Eduardo Policastro riding Kichute Endurance (02:33:12 and 16,88 km/h). Controlled Speed 40 km Senior: Paulo Henrique Barreto Munhoz da Rocha and Khaleb, second Isadora Hermann with Maria Bonita Paulista (Creole horse) 40 km Young Rider: João Vitor Ferreira da Silva with Esperança Endurance and Augusto Mantovani Munhoz da Rocha with Shurafa. 20 km Senior: Débora Vianna Stephanes with Princesinha and Ozires Kloster with Defensor da Furna Crioula (Creole horse). Text: Cidinha Franzão. Photos: Ralf Andreas

João Leonel Antocheski and Corlay Endurance

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Izadora M ApolinĂĄrio Creace and Zante Rach

Controlled Speed 40 and 20 km

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Pedro S Marino and QuĂŞnia do Bom Viver

Double titles for ESNZ Endurance 2019 160 km CHAMPIONS By Daryl Owen

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Fresh from taking the title of ESNZ Endurance North Island 160km Champion in January, Pip Mutch and Mauku Bella headed out at 1am on Easter Saturday as strong contenders to take the National title as well. There was a strong field of 16 starters in the senior division. Leading from the beginning Mutch and riding partner Susan Reid on Kowhai Martini kept up a good pace, steadily pulling away from the rest of the field throughout the day. A gallop finish decided the title, with Mutch crossing a fraction ahead of Reid, in a time of 10 hours 41 minutes. Despite laying claim to various other titles this is the first time Mutch has been 160km National champion. At an emotional prize giving function where she was also awarded Best Conditioned and Fastest Recovery time, she dedicated the ride to her late father Pete McLellan, long time stalwart of endurance riding in the country. The venue for this event was the National Equestrian Centre in Taupo. Thanks to local landowners and Landcorp, course markers Murray Smith and Stu Wakeling were able to design a track with a good degree of difficulty while still maintaining a good flow. There was one gate which had to be opened and closed again several times and several compulsory dismounts for road underpasses. The track in this area is always deceptive in its technicality. The completion rate for the event was fairly standard with six of the 160km senior field completing successfully, with minor lamenesses and metabolic issues claiming the remainder of the field. A heavy fog had settled in the valley along the Waikato River, but riders quickly climbed above this and as the sun came up eventually they were treated to a beautiful sunrise. The day warmed slightly as the fog lifted but it never got particularly hot. With first and second place having been claimed decisively the rest of the field finished two hours later. Third across the line was Australian rider Camille Champagne, riding Miro Lugh. Unfortunately a pulled shoe in the fifth loop led to an elimination for gait at the finish, leaving the way clear for Ruth Dawber and Miro Dusty Trails to cruise on in for third place in their first 160km start. Another rookie team, Jane Ferguson and Daagir took fourth place. Rounding out the placings Georgia Smith and Ursula Keenan took fifth and sixth place on Glenmore Style Ish and Tokopuhe Iceberg. It was also a double win for Ana Whitehead and Dundevale Nazecca, taking the ESNZ Endur80

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Ana Whitehead and Dundevale Nazecca

ance JY 160km National Champion title to add to their North Island Champs victory, finishing off a very successful season for this duo. They also claimed Best Conditioned for the class. Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition also saw a number of novice classes included, with novice horses and riders taking the opportunity to complete the course. The youngest of these was 5 year old Erin Adams, accompanied by both her parents, completing her first endurance event in the 5km lead rein class on Misty Lea First Edition. The week-

end was truly a showcase of what endurance is all about. Sunday brought another day of competition, starting at 3am with another dense fog and the 120km Championship. Despite a heavy fall and significant injury a small number of weeks ago Sean Trafford lined up for the start on his stallion Prince Eligani SPA and put in a convincing and consistent performance to take first place. Pippa Roberts, the current North Island champion for the distance rode a safe ride to take second place on Wai Totara Rameriz with Jenny Champion and Tararua El Dente following on in for third. This distance again claimed its share of non-completions, with five out of the ten starters completing. It’s always wise to be wary of the Taupo conditions and so it was that completing successfully for fourth place was Deirdre Bartlett on Craig Royston Xmas Star. Nadine Barker and Arahi Zinzan took fifth place. The final Championship class for the weekend was the Intermediate 60km. Traditionally this is the fastest event of the weekend and so it was this year by a slim margin. First across the line was Trudi Thomas-Morton on Shirley Valentine. Unfortunately an irregular gait put them out at the last, leaving Kylie Whiting and Jahdai Mona Lisa to take the 60km Championship title at a speed of 14.86kph. Sandy Marshall and Jamila Two took second place, with Hilary Webb very close behind for third. The weekend started with a Mutch win, and so it finished, with Pip’s daughter, six year old Isla Mutch taking the Intermediate JY 60km title on Sahar Park Moondance. Patricia Ireland and Hyforce SFW Blue-J took second place. The weather is often a factor in New Zealand endurance events. For this year’s ESNZ Endurance Nationals the weather was near perfect. Cooler temperatures meant alterations in crewing strategies for many, with much less water being used than earlier in the season, but the rain held off until the morning after. Great riding conditions, but lots of wet gear to deal with in packing up the following morning. With this event the season is all but finished in New Zealand. The draft calendar is out for next season, and many will already be planning their campaigns for the spring.

Isla Mutch on Sahar Park Moondance

Susan Reid on Kowhai Martini

Photos: Hanna Whitehead and various contributors

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Sean Trafford on Prince Eligani SPA

Jane Ferguson and Daagir

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JoĂŁo Moura four times Champion of Portugal

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The rider, who already had three national champion titles on the curriculum, climbed back to the top of the podium in the National Junior Championship held in Fronteira on April 19. The National Junior Championships, which was integrated in the CEI2 * of Atoleiros, had the participation of 11 binomials. The ride underwent a turnaround, after Miguel Brasão riding Tambor Cid and Luis Miguel Barradas with Figo de S. Pedro (champions in 2018), who led were eliminated in the third stage. Thus, the title of national champion was again conquered by João Maria Moura, this time riding Gaiato. Joao Moura (4 times champion of Portugal with 4 different horses and all of them bred in their stud) won the 120 km race riding Gaiato with a ride time of 06:03:18 and average speed of 19,8 km/h. Gaiato (Tango & Osama) is an 8 y.o. gelding bred by his father, Armando João Moura. He also got the Best Condition Award for his excellent recovery times. Isabel Nogueira riding the gelding G-Bangsar Alfouvar obtained the 2nd position of Young Riders Championship. G-Bangsar Alfouvar (ABHA Peshawar by Marwan Al Shaqab X ABHA Padzahar by Faez El Nhyl). The 8 y.o. Gelding bred in Portugal by Alfouvar Arabians of Paulo Duarte originates from show lines, including the multi-champion Marwan Al Shaqab. They completed the race with a ride time of 06:15:49 and average speed of 19,2 km/h and got the award of the best Arabian horse of this Young Riders Championship. Joao Rodrigues finished third riding 7 yo mare Siena IL3. Siena (Juncal x Epoca) is bred by Paco Moreno and completed the race with an average speed of 17.1km/h In fourth place Beatriz Martins Correia riding Flicka a 9-y.o. cross-Arabian mare. Owned by Paulo Correia, she completed the race with an average speed of 16,5km/h Margarida Marques riding Fonix de Alcantara obtained the 5th place. Fonix is a 9 y.o. Crossed Arab mare (daughter of Bolota de Alcantara) bred by João Picão de Abreu and trained by his son Rodrigo Picão de Abreu. Fonix has completed her first 120km with an average speed of 16,5km/h CEI2* 120 km In the international competition, the first to finish outside the National Championship was Rui Lanternas riding Sintra IL3. Sintra IL3 (Juncal) 84

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Isabel Nogueira and G-Bangsar Alfouvar

is a 7 y.o. mare bred by Paco Moreno that completed the race with a ride time of 06:14:24 and average speed of 19,2km/h. In second place Andre Borges Caeiro riding Giraldo D’Iberica with an average speed of 19,2km/h. Giraldo is an 8y.o. pure Arabian gelding (Fer-Gutiboy x Coimbra D’Iberica breeded by Rui Brasao) which is owned by his rider and Raquel Hernandez Gonzalez. Giraldo has obtained the Best Arabian Horse Award of the race. The Purebred Arabian Trophy went to Giraldo D’Iberica (André Caeiro winner CEI2 *) and G-Bangsar Alfouvar (Isabel Nogueira runner-up of the National Junior Championships). CEI1* 80 KM It was also disputed a CEI1* 80 km and Ana Mira Costa ridding Gaiata won the race with an average speed of 18,6 km/h and 23km/h on the last loop. Gaiata is an 8 y.o. Mare trained by Andre Borges Caeiro and Raquel Hernandez Gonzalez and owned by António Saldanha. Maria Do Carmo Cruz obtained the second place with Mulhacen de la Rua (LM Perlamor x Nebli DM) completing the race with an average speed of 17,6km/h. Mulhacen de la Rua is a 9 y.o. Gelding owned by Joaquim Cruz and Jose Manuel Fruto trained by the Team PL. Maria Do Carmo Cruz finished second place with Mulhacen de la Rua (LM Perlamor x Nebli DM) completing the race with an average speed of 17,6km/h. Mulhacen de la Rua is a 9 y.o. Gelding owned by Joaquim Cruz and Jose Manuel Fruto trained by the Team PL. French Laetitia Goncalves was 3rd place ridding Cahid des Ayssades (Sadepers & Gala du Pech) with an average speed of 15km/h. Cahid is a 7 y.o. Gelding bred in France by Jose Gonçalves and owned by Alexandre Gonçalves. The horse is being trained now by Laetitia Goncalves and Jose Luis Balsinhas in Jasmin Stables in Portugal. In the CEP 80 km race the winner was Sofia Garcia with Kajla, while in the CEP 40 km the victory went to Henrique Painho, with Carolans. Text: Cristina Lobera Sales, with inputs of Cidinha Franzão. Photos: Cristina Lobera Sales and Supplied

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Royal Windsor Endurance Riders Take to the Park The Royal Windsor Endurance ride, kindly supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain took place on Saturday, May 11, with seventy riders heading out into the in Windsor Great Park to compete in CEI2* 120Km and CEI1* 80Km classes. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Captain of Bahrain Royal Endurance, underscored that the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to follow the race is the biggest honour for all the participants as HM the King is the biggest supporter of sport in Bahrain and this played a key role in motivating the competitors to win top places. This was the seventh edition of Royal Windsor Endurance and ten nations entered with riders travelling from as far as Australia and Uruguay. In fact, Emma Dimech from Australia was riding in the CEI** to try and qualify for the Young Riders Championship in Pisa, Italy later this year. She did so, by completing safely in a time of 08:05:30 on her grey gelding, Oso Spiralling Wind. The ride starts happened in a heavy mist, and so Organisers implemented a rolling start for safety. As the morning progressed the sun came out, but conditions remained cool, with a light breeze. The going was surprisingly good following heavy rain on Thursday. The rides avoided Ascot Racecourse this year and so the Course Designer, John Robertson was able to find new routes through the Great Park. The CEI2* 120Km had a UAE one, two, three, four and the class was won by Ghanim Said Salim Al Owaisi (UAE) on Maison Blanche Vengai in a time of 04:52:29. The CEI1* 80Km was won by Bahrain’s Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri on L M Troyano in a time of 03:23:47. The completion rate in the CEI** was 39% and in the CEI1* 56%. There was a strong Great British representation, with 24 riders starting the 80Km and one in the 120Km. 14 riders completed the CEI1* and the highest place Brit was Bury St Edmunds’ Lauren Mills riding HS Jamal. She finished eighth in 04:12:11. Commenting on her day, Lauren said: “It was another fantastic year at Royal Windsor Endurance and it all came together for me today. My horse, 86

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HS Jamal took to the course, felt incredible all day and cantered us over the line. I had an amazing crew team supporting me today and they worked tirelessly to ensure my horse had everything he needed to run a safe but competitive race. All in all I am thrilled and had a wonderful day!” Royal Windsor Endurance Director, Nick Brooks-Ward, said: “Royal Windsor Endurance is always a special event, and today the team adapted well to the changing conditions. We are grateful to all our officials, sponsors and to the Crown Estate for making us so welcome in their beautiful park.” President of the Ground Jury, Michael Gill (GBR), said: “It was a great event today and we had an excellent team of Officials from around the world. I would like to extend my particular thanks to the excellent Veterinary Commission for the high standard of care they showed.” Foreign Veterinary Delegate, Constança Moreira Da Fonseca (POR), said: “The Veterinary Commission worked really well today and, together with the officials, riders and crew there was a good, cooperative team effort. The ride was well organised and as Vets we had access to excellent facilities which optimised the service we were able to offer and reflected the high standard of organisation throughout the event. Two horses were referred for further assessment and all others were passed as fit to travel home today.” “I am very happy with the results accomplished. We want to continue on this path and gain more experience as we look forward to getting more positive results at the international level, including in the Royal Windsor Endurance Race which was established by the Kingdom of Bahrain following directives from HM the King in appreciation to the strong ties between Bahrain and the UK. It’s a great delight to see how much our King was happy with our team’s performance in this race which featured participants from Bahrain, UAE and Britain and several European countries,” HH Shaikh Nasser explained, pointing out that the race was strong that it was narrowly contested. Source: RWHS / NixonPhoto

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Fahad Helal Mohamed Al Khatri / LM Troyano

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Ghanin Said Salim Al Owaisi / Maison Blanche Vengai Arabian Horse Intl

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Endurance

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