New Straits Times Online
2008/10/30
Transport woes force Brazil to withdraw
Ajitpal Singh
THE Brazilian Equestrian Federation has withdrawn its six riders from the FEI World Endurance Championships (WEC) in Terengganu on Nov 6-9.
According to www.endurance.net, Brazil had little choice in the matter due to administrative delays involving various agencies to transport the horses to Malaysia.
The European Union (EU) had invoked a six-month transit ban on receiving equines that originate from Brazil following the death of a horse from glanders at the Sao Paulo Veterinary.
Since all horses from South America must transit through Europe en route to Malaysia, the ban adversely affected the horses from Brazil.
The earliest scheduled arrival was Nov 5 but that was determined to be too late for competition horses.
The total transit time from Brazil to Malaysia for the horses would be four days.
Those who have withdrawn are Heloisa Garcia (Desert Lee Morab), Lilian Garrubbo (Juda Hem), Maria Victoria Lins (Filoteu Rach), Newton Lins Filho (Nnl Zhest), Ana Carla Maciel (Gr Pimentinha) and Andre Vidiz (Pyvha Ata).
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Carmen Du Preez and Dominique Freeman of the United Kingdom have also withdrawn as their horses are stabled in Brazil.
WEC operations manager, Salim Fazlay confirmed the withdrawals. “As of now, we have 133 riders from 31 countries competing,” said Salim yesterday.
The WEC will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
2008-10-31
Malaysia WEC: Olascoaga Amaya, The Favourite To Lift WEC Individual Title
Bernama.com
October 30, 2008 21:54 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Oct (Bernama) -- Uruguays Pio Juan Olascoaga Amaya who is the current World No 2 and the highest ranked endurance rider to feature in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) in Terengganu next week, is the favourite to win the individual title of the event.
The prestigious race will be held from Nov 6-9 at the Terengganu International Equestrian Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
A media release by the organisers sourced from the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation here said with the absence of the world number one, Jack Begaud, and world number three, Laurent Mosti, both from France, the odds favour Amaya to win the race.
The 28-year-old is one of the most talented riders from the South American continent.
He has been outstanding in several competitions, especially in Uruguay, where he has won two 160km Costa Azul events held in April and September, respectively.
He will be riding his trusted horse - Ar Vale - at the WEC.
The second highest ranked rider in the competition is Mohd Ahmed Ali Al Subose of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The world No-4 rider has proved himself in several competitions and managed to finish on the podium several times this year.
His latest win was in the United Kingdom, where he captured the Euston Park competition on Oct 10 while his compatriot, Abdulla Thani Huzaim, the World No 5, is also a strong challenger in the FEI WEC.
The other challenger, Prince Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Maktoum of UAE stands as the only rider from UAE to have won the individual world title. He did it at the 2002 edition in Spain.
From the local scene, season campaigner Datuk Kamaruddin Abd Ghani is the highest ranked Malaysian rider at 93rd. Kamaruddin, a former Sea Games gold medallist, has been involved in endurance riding for more than a decade.
He has competed in five tournaments so far this year and his most memorable outing was in Uruguay, where he finished third in the Costa Azul competition in April.
Kamaruddin will be riding Navidad at the world meet. Among the other Malaysians competing are Ismail Faizal, who is ranked World No 107, followed by Abdul Halim Alihan (161st), Zainuddin Yusof (168th) and Rosdam Mohd Noor (192nd).
The 12-member Malaysian team is led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
A total of 133 horses and riders from 32 countries will be competing in the race.
-- BERNAMA
October 30, 2008 21:54 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Oct (Bernama) -- Uruguays Pio Juan Olascoaga Amaya who is the current World No 2 and the highest ranked endurance rider to feature in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) in Terengganu next week, is the favourite to win the individual title of the event.
The prestigious race will be held from Nov 6-9 at the Terengganu International Equestrian Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
A media release by the organisers sourced from the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation here said with the absence of the world number one, Jack Begaud, and world number three, Laurent Mosti, both from France, the odds favour Amaya to win the race.
The 28-year-old is one of the most talented riders from the South American continent.
He has been outstanding in several competitions, especially in Uruguay, where he has won two 160km Costa Azul events held in April and September, respectively.
He will be riding his trusted horse - Ar Vale - at the WEC.
The second highest ranked rider in the competition is Mohd Ahmed Ali Al Subose of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The world No-4 rider has proved himself in several competitions and managed to finish on the podium several times this year.
His latest win was in the United Kingdom, where he captured the Euston Park competition on Oct 10 while his compatriot, Abdulla Thani Huzaim, the World No 5, is also a strong challenger in the FEI WEC.
The other challenger, Prince Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Maktoum of UAE stands as the only rider from UAE to have won the individual world title. He did it at the 2002 edition in Spain.
From the local scene, season campaigner Datuk Kamaruddin Abd Ghani is the highest ranked Malaysian rider at 93rd. Kamaruddin, a former Sea Games gold medallist, has been involved in endurance riding for more than a decade.
He has competed in five tournaments so far this year and his most memorable outing was in Uruguay, where he finished third in the Costa Azul competition in April.
Kamaruddin will be riding Navidad at the world meet. Among the other Malaysians competing are Ismail Faizal, who is ranked World No 107, followed by Abdul Halim Alihan (161st), Zainuddin Yusof (168th) and Rosdam Mohd Noor (192nd).
The 12-member Malaysian team is led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
A total of 133 horses and riders from 32 countries will be competing in the race.
-- BERNAMA
Malaysia Team All set for World Endurance meet
The Malaysian team completed a two-day trial on Oct 25 ahead of the FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) next month, with all 12 riders having been declared primed for the race on Nov 7.
The panel of selectors will be naming four riders for the team event, while the remaining eight will contest in the individual category.
Follow me: Selvamuthu (right) giving pointers to the members of the national endurance squad, among them Norlaily Bunyamin, Firdaus Hamid, Bakar Aman, Faizal Ismail and Datuk Shuaib Ishak.
The list will be announced on the eve of the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP), Lembah Bidong, 30km north of Kuala Terengganu.
Malaysia’s WEC 2008 Athlete Preparation Project Manager, Che Mohammad Din, said the vet checks revealed the mounts were primed for action.
“We are placing equal emphasis on both the individual and team events, hoping to attain a creditable finish,” said Che Mohammad Din.
As hosts of the 12th edition of the WEC, Malaysia has been allotted 12 places, with four contesting the team event.
The Malaysian team will be spearheaded by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will mount Taljari Moon Pharoah.
Completing the line-up are former World No 1 endurance rider, Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad), Abdul Halim Alihan (Brookleigh Kentara), Bakar Aman (Almira Alborada), Norlaily Bunyamin (Bremervale Jessie James), Firdaus (Ifra Des Jamets), Datuk Shuaib Ishak (Blue Bronco), Azizie Ismail (Janor Fee), Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr), Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo), Yusran Yusof (Nashaar) and Zainuddin Yusof (Texas).
Based on the latest FEI rankings as of Oct 10, 2008, the highest ranked Malaysian rider is Awang Kamaruddin at 93rd.
The Pekan-born rider bagged the 2001 SEA Games gold medal and has competed in various international tournaments for the past 10 years.
Apart from undergoing training at various areas within Lembah Bidong, the riders are required to maintain their fitness through a programme designed by the National Sports Institute (ISN).
They have been undergoing a fitness programme for the past one year under the watchful eye of several ISN staff, including former national taekwondo exponent R. Selvamuthu.
The panel of selectors will be naming four riders for the team event, while the remaining eight will contest in the individual category.
Follow me: Selvamuthu (right) giving pointers to the members of the national endurance squad, among them Norlaily Bunyamin, Firdaus Hamid, Bakar Aman, Faizal Ismail and Datuk Shuaib Ishak.
Malaysia’s WEC 2008 Athlete Preparation Project Manager, Che Mohammad Din, said the vet checks revealed the mounts were primed for action.
“We are placing equal emphasis on both the individual and team events, hoping to attain a creditable finish,” said Che Mohammad Din.
As hosts of the 12th edition of the WEC, Malaysia has been allotted 12 places, with four contesting the team event.
The Malaysian team will be spearheaded by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will mount Taljari Moon Pharoah.
Completing the line-up are former World No 1 endurance rider, Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad), Abdul Halim Alihan (Brookleigh Kentara), Bakar Aman (Almira Alborada), Norlaily Bunyamin (Bremervale Jessie James), Firdaus (Ifra Des Jamets), Datuk Shuaib Ishak (Blue Bronco), Azizie Ismail (Janor Fee), Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr), Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo), Yusran Yusof (Nashaar) and Zainuddin Yusof (Texas).
Based on the latest FEI rankings as of Oct 10, 2008, the highest ranked Malaysian rider is Awang Kamaruddin at 93rd.
The Pekan-born rider bagged the 2001 SEA Games gold medal and has competed in various international tournaments for the past 10 years.
Apart from undergoing training at various areas within Lembah Bidong, the riders are required to maintain their fitness through a programme designed by the National Sports Institute (ISN).
They have been undergoing a fitness programme for the past one year under the watchful eye of several ISN staff, including former national taekwondo exponent R. Selvamuthu.
Olascoaga Amaya, The Favourite To Lift WEC Individual Title
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Oct (Bernama) -- Uruguays Pio Juan Olascoaga Amaya who is the current World No 2 and the highest ranked endurance rider to feature in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) in Terengganu next week, is the favourite to win the individual title of the event.
The prestigious race will be held from Nov 6-9 at the Terengganu International Equestrian Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
A media release by the organisers sourced from the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation here said with the absence of the world number one, Jack Begaud, and world number three, Laurent Mosti, both from France, the odds favour Amaya to win the race.
The 28-year-old is one of the most talented riders from the South American continent.
He has been outstanding in several competitions, especially in Uruguay, where he has won two 160km Costa Azul events held in April and September, respectively.
He will be riding his trusted horse - Ar Vale - at the WEC.
The second highest ranked rider in the competition is Mohd Ahmed Ali Al Subose of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The world No-4 rider has proved himself in several competitions and managed to finish on the podium several times this year.
His latest win was in the United Kingdom, where he captured the Euston Park competition on Oct 10 while his compatriot, Abdulla Thani Huzaim, the World No 5, is also a strong challenger in the FEI WEC.
The other challenger, Prince Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Maktoum of UAE stands as the only rider from UAE to have won the individual world title. He did it at the 2002 edition in Spain.
From the local scene, season campaigner Datuk Kamaruddin Abd Ghani is the highest ranked Malaysian rider at 93rd. Kamaruddin, a former Sea Games gold medallist, has been involved in endurance riding for more than a decade.
He has competed in five tournaments so far this year and his most memorable outing was in Uruguay, where he finished third in the Costa Azul competition in April.
Kamaruddin will be riding Navidad at the world meet. Among the other Malaysians competing are Ismail Faizal, who is ranked World No 107, followed by Abdul Halim Alihan (161st), Zainuddin Yusof (168th) and Rosdam Mohd Noor (192nd).
The 12-member Malaysian team is led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
A total of 133 horses and riders from 32 countries will be competing in the race.
2008-10-30
Deyaar announces title sponsorship of World Endurance Championship in Malaysia
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Demonstrates support for UAE team led by Dubai Crown Prince
Dubai, October 29, 2008: Deyaar Development, the region’s fastest growing real estate company, announced today its title sponsorship of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Endurance Championship, set to take place in Terengganu, Malaysia, from November 6-9, 2008. The UAE will be represented in this highlight of the global equestrian calendar by a six-strong team led by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, personally led the UAE team to victory at the Austin Park Endurance Race in London, qualifying the national team to participate in next month’s World Endurance Championship.
"We are very pleased to sponsor this landmark equestrian event and, in particular, to demonstrate our support for the UAE team as they prepare to compete in this test of strength and courage," said His Excellency Nasser Bin Hassan Al-Shaikh, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Finance and Chairman of Deyaar. "The UAE has a long and proud association with the sport of horse racing, including earning gold medals at the most recent Asian and Pan-Arab Games. We wish the team great success at the championship in Malaysia."
The FEI World Endurance Championship, held once every two years, is an extremely challenging event, covering 160 kilometres of terrain along the coast of the South China Sea. Held for the first time in Malaysia, the race will feature 142 riders from 34 countries, including stalwarts such as France, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Spain.
"Just as the UAE continues to play an increasingly prominent role in the global economic arena, so too is the country taking on a leadership position in the world of sport, especially horse racing,” said Markus Giebel, Chief Executive Officer of Deyaar, said: "At the same time, economic and trade relations between this country and Malaysia continue to strengthen, including in sectors such as real estate, finance and tourism.
"For all of us at Deyaar, it clearly made sense to sponsor the FEI World Endurance Championship, a wonderful sporting event that demands teamwork, trust and a shared commitment to excellence. In choosing to sponsor this event and offer our support to the UAE team, we also noted that those are the very same values that continue to make Deyaar itself such a success," Giebel concluded.
About Deyaar:
Deyaar Development PJSC is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the region. Headquartered in Dubai, the company has grown significantly to evolve into a complete one-stop real estate solutions provider. Today, Deyaar is one of the most prominent brands in the regional real estate sector, with interests in development, property and facilities management, in addition to offering a range of services such as brokerage, marketing and sales. Deyaar’s strategic solutions and deep market insights have helped create exceptional value for its investors. The company currently manages over 16,000 commercial and residential properties. Deyaar is set to continue to play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of the region’s property landscape. The company complies with the Escrow legislation and all relevant laws in the UAE. Deyaar is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority under reference number 15/07.
For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Nesson / Anusyia Nathan / Nitin Nambiar
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969
Fax: 971-4-3356080
Email: n.nesson@asdaa.com / a.nathan@asdaa.com / n.nambiar@asdaa.com
Demonstrates support for UAE team led by Dubai Crown Prince
Dubai, October 29, 2008: Deyaar Development, the region’s fastest growing real estate company, announced today its title sponsorship of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Endurance Championship, set to take place in Terengganu, Malaysia, from November 6-9, 2008. The UAE will be represented in this highlight of the global equestrian calendar by a six-strong team led by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, personally led the UAE team to victory at the Austin Park Endurance Race in London, qualifying the national team to participate in next month’s World Endurance Championship."We are very pleased to sponsor this landmark equestrian event and, in particular, to demonstrate our support for the UAE team as they prepare to compete in this test of strength and courage," said His Excellency Nasser Bin Hassan Al-Shaikh, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Finance and Chairman of Deyaar. "The UAE has a long and proud association with the sport of horse racing, including earning gold medals at the most recent Asian and Pan-Arab Games. We wish the team great success at the championship in Malaysia."
The FEI World Endurance Championship, held once every two years, is an extremely challenging event, covering 160 kilometres of terrain along the coast of the South China Sea. Held for the first time in Malaysia, the race will feature 142 riders from 34 countries, including stalwarts such as France, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Spain.
"Just as the UAE continues to play an increasingly prominent role in the global economic arena, so too is the country taking on a leadership position in the world of sport, especially horse racing,” said Markus Giebel, Chief Executive Officer of Deyaar, said: "At the same time, economic and trade relations between this country and Malaysia continue to strengthen, including in sectors such as real estate, finance and tourism.
"For all of us at Deyaar, it clearly made sense to sponsor the FEI World Endurance Championship, a wonderful sporting event that demands teamwork, trust and a shared commitment to excellence. In choosing to sponsor this event and offer our support to the UAE team, we also noted that those are the very same values that continue to make Deyaar itself such a success," Giebel concluded.
About Deyaar:
Deyaar Development PJSC is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the region. Headquartered in Dubai, the company has grown significantly to evolve into a complete one-stop real estate solutions provider. Today, Deyaar is one of the most prominent brands in the regional real estate sector, with interests in development, property and facilities management, in addition to offering a range of services such as brokerage, marketing and sales. Deyaar’s strategic solutions and deep market insights have helped create exceptional value for its investors. The company currently manages over 16,000 commercial and residential properties. Deyaar is set to continue to play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of the region’s property landscape. The company complies with the Escrow legislation and all relevant laws in the UAE. Deyaar is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority under reference number 15/07.
For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Nesson / Anusyia Nathan / Nitin Nambiar
ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969
Fax: 971-4-3356080
Email: n.nesson@asdaa.com / a.nathan@asdaa.com / n.nambiar@asdaa.com
NSI Actively Involved In Preparing M'sian Team For WEC 2008
Bernama.com
October 30, 2008 17:22 PM
SETIU, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The National Sports Institute (NSI) played a major role in preparing the Malaysian contingent for the World Endurance Championship 2008 horse riding competition which will take place at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong near here from Nov 6 to 9.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the NSI arranged international exposure for the riders by getting them to compete in countries like Argentina, Australia and the United States so that they could get the proper certification to be eligible for the WEC 2008.
"Secondly, the horses to be used were also tested by experts to ensure they would be able to handle the gruelling 160km race," he said in his speech at the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) handing over ceremony for the national contingent at TIEP here today.
The text of his speech was read out by NSI director-general, Datuk Ramlan Abdul Aziz. Also present was State Youth and Sports Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said.
-- BERNAMA
October 30, 2008 17:22 PM
SETIU, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The National Sports Institute (NSI) played a major role in preparing the Malaysian contingent for the World Endurance Championship 2008 horse riding competition which will take place at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong near here from Nov 6 to 9.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the NSI arranged international exposure for the riders by getting them to compete in countries like Argentina, Australia and the United States so that they could get the proper certification to be eligible for the WEC 2008.
"Secondly, the horses to be used were also tested by experts to ensure they would be able to handle the gruelling 160km race," he said in his speech at the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) handing over ceremony for the national contingent at TIEP here today.
The text of his speech was read out by NSI director-general, Datuk Ramlan Abdul Aziz. Also present was State Youth and Sports Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said.
-- BERNAMA
Riders, Horses In Good Health Despite Unfavourable Weather
Bernama.com
October 30, 2008 20:02 PM
By Hilary Sebastian
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- All twelve members of Malaysia's team to the FEI World Endurance Championship in Terengganu which will be held from Nov 6-9 and their horses are in good health despite having to undergo gruelling training in the current unfavourable weather conditions.
The team is lead by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
Team Manager Mohd Din Mohd told Bernama that the team members had to regularly undergo medical check-ups each time they completed their training sessions.
Entering the final training phase now, the team members practise twice daily -- morning and afternoon -- to be primed to land both the team and individual titles.
"Training includes riding several kilometers along the actual competition routes under the hot and dry weather conditions," Din said, adding that bad weather could affect the health of both riders and horses.
"Our medical teams and veterinarians are always on stand by to do regular medical check-up to determine the current health status of the riders and horses," he said.
-- BERNAMA
October 30, 2008 20:02 PM
By Hilary Sebastian
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- All twelve members of Malaysia's team to the FEI World Endurance Championship in Terengganu which will be held from Nov 6-9 and their horses are in good health despite having to undergo gruelling training in the current unfavourable weather conditions.
The team is lead by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
Team Manager Mohd Din Mohd told Bernama that the team members had to regularly undergo medical check-ups each time they completed their training sessions.
Entering the final training phase now, the team members practise twice daily -- morning and afternoon -- to be primed to land both the team and individual titles.
"Training includes riding several kilometers along the actual competition routes under the hot and dry weather conditions," Din said, adding that bad weather could affect the health of both riders and horses.
"Our medical teams and veterinarians are always on stand by to do regular medical check-up to determine the current health status of the riders and horses," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Royal Ride
Thestar.com.my
Thursday October 30, 2008
By HILARY CHIEW
The sport of kings takes on its literal meaning at the National Horse Show in Terengganu.
ENDURANCE riding is one of the newest and fastest growing branches in equestrian sport and no less than the King himself is promoting the discipline.
Not only is Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin the patron of the Marang Endurance Track, a new competition at the 14th National Horse Show (NHS), His Majesty will also take part in the race to be held for the first time in his home state of Terengganu.
The accomplished equine enthusiast is all set to display his skills in the 40km and 80km events.
Jointly organised by the Terengganu state government, the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable and the Selangor Turf Club (STC) Equestrian and Sports Centre, the three-day event from tomorrow will also feature two other “firsts”.
The annual show, which debuted in 1994, will host the Federation of Equestrian International World Jumping Challenge and World Dressage Challenge at the main venue, the Terengganu Equestrian Resort.
The endurance race is undoubtedly an exciting one as it challenges the fitness and skill of both the horse and rider. It is a test of good horsemanship where the riders must be attuned to the conditions of their mounts.
Apart from the medals for top placings, an additional award – the Best Conditioned Horse – will be given to the animal athlete determined by a combination of speed, weight carried and veterinary scores. This is undoubtedly a coveted recognition in any endurance race. STC veterinarians will be on hand to provide professional care to the horses in all the events at the show, especially those taking part in the strenuous endurance race.
STC official veterinary surgeon Dr Rebecca Tan, who is in the veterinarian commission of the NHS, says all the horses will be inspected for fitness to compete prior to the race and a series of compulsory checks are scheduled at intervals to ensure that the animals are fit to continue.
The newly-introduced equestrian events will certainly make the show more interesting. Besides the endurance race, there are also a pony club mounted challenge, a trade exhibition and a horse carnival. The carnival, called Kuda Sukmo, will showcase fun activities like pony rides, buggy and carriage rides, games, sideshows, treasure hunts and competitions to keep school children and families entertained.
As an event to promote the education and development of equine sport, visitors will get a chance to view 20 breeds of horses, ranging from the local registered miniature, Criollo and Java to the Percheron.
Horse breeds have evolved over the centuries through adaptation to their environment and human intervention in crossbreeding animals from different regions to get the desired characteristics for required tasks. For instance, horses that were needed for hauling heavy loads were bred for strength, while those required for fast transportation were bred for speed.
Today, there are more than 160 breeds of race and equestrian horses that have been developed through selective breeding.
Billed as the nation’s premier equestrian event, the show has grown from strength to strength within the equestrian community over the years, as indicated by the number of visitors that now number around 10,000 to 15,000.
Besides activities that involve horses, the show offers other attractions, including a regional farriery (horseshoe-making) competition, an equine trade expo and a carriage display.
Held for the seventh consecutive year, the farriery competition is one of the biggest attractions for visitors, who are fascinated by participants hammering out and shaping horseshoes.
NHS head of media Lo Wai-fai says the profession is growing in tandem with the development of the equine service industry and the competition attracts local farriers as well as those in Asia from Brunei, to as far as Turkey.
Leading suppliers of equine products such as tack and saddlery, riding apparel, veterinary and equine nutritional products, fodder and stable equipment will participate in the expo, which has been an integral part of NHS since 1994.
And the show wouldn’t be complete without that other item that is often associated with horse – the carriage.
The organisers have brought in a collection of these conveyances – the two most outstanding carriages are an authentic Australian regal glass carriage and an 18th century cobbin coach used to carry mail and money in bygone days.
Thursday October 30, 2008
By HILARY CHIEW
The sport of kings takes on its literal meaning at the National Horse Show in Terengganu.
ENDURANCE riding is one of the newest and fastest growing branches in equestrian sport and no less than the King himself is promoting the discipline.
Not only is Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin the patron of the Marang Endurance Track, a new competition at the 14th National Horse Show (NHS), His Majesty will also take part in the race to be held for the first time in his home state of Terengganu.
The accomplished equine enthusiast is all set to display his skills in the 40km and 80km events.
Jointly organised by the Terengganu state government, the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable and the Selangor Turf Club (STC) Equestrian and Sports Centre, the three-day event from tomorrow will also feature two other “firsts”.
The annual show, which debuted in 1994, will host the Federation of Equestrian International World Jumping Challenge and World Dressage Challenge at the main venue, the Terengganu Equestrian Resort.
The endurance race is undoubtedly an exciting one as it challenges the fitness and skill of both the horse and rider. It is a test of good horsemanship where the riders must be attuned to the conditions of their mounts.
Apart from the medals for top placings, an additional award – the Best Conditioned Horse – will be given to the animal athlete determined by a combination of speed, weight carried and veterinary scores. This is undoubtedly a coveted recognition in any endurance race. STC veterinarians will be on hand to provide professional care to the horses in all the events at the show, especially those taking part in the strenuous endurance race.
STC official veterinary surgeon Dr Rebecca Tan, who is in the veterinarian commission of the NHS, says all the horses will be inspected for fitness to compete prior to the race and a series of compulsory checks are scheduled at intervals to ensure that the animals are fit to continue.
The newly-introduced equestrian events will certainly make the show more interesting. Besides the endurance race, there are also a pony club mounted challenge, a trade exhibition and a horse carnival. The carnival, called Kuda Sukmo, will showcase fun activities like pony rides, buggy and carriage rides, games, sideshows, treasure hunts and competitions to keep school children and families entertained.
As an event to promote the education and development of equine sport, visitors will get a chance to view 20 breeds of horses, ranging from the local registered miniature, Criollo and Java to the Percheron.
Horse breeds have evolved over the centuries through adaptation to their environment and human intervention in crossbreeding animals from different regions to get the desired characteristics for required tasks. For instance, horses that were needed for hauling heavy loads were bred for strength, while those required for fast transportation were bred for speed.
Today, there are more than 160 breeds of race and equestrian horses that have been developed through selective breeding.
Billed as the nation’s premier equestrian event, the show has grown from strength to strength within the equestrian community over the years, as indicated by the number of visitors that now number around 10,000 to 15,000.
Besides activities that involve horses, the show offers other attractions, including a regional farriery (horseshoe-making) competition, an equine trade expo and a carriage display.
Held for the seventh consecutive year, the farriery competition is one of the biggest attractions for visitors, who are fascinated by participants hammering out and shaping horseshoes.
NHS head of media Lo Wai-fai says the profession is growing in tandem with the development of the equine service industry and the competition attracts local farriers as well as those in Asia from Brunei, to as far as Turkey.
Leading suppliers of equine products such as tack and saddlery, riding apparel, veterinary and equine nutritional products, fodder and stable equipment will participate in the expo, which has been an integral part of NHS since 1994.
And the show wouldn’t be complete without that other item that is often associated with horse – the carriage.
The organisers have brought in a collection of these conveyances – the two most outstanding carriages are an authentic Australian regal glass carriage and an 18th century cobbin coach used to carry mail and money in bygone days.
2008-10-29
Security A Top Priority At World Endurance Championship
Bernama.com
October 29, 2008
By Ahmad Muliady
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Security will be a top priority at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008, which Malaysia is hosting for the first time.
Almost 1,000 security personnel including from the Malaysian Armed forces and Royal Malaysia Police will be on duty to monitor security throughout the prestigious biennial event, which will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Terengganu, from Nov 6 to 9.
The championship will see 142 riders from 34 countries taking part.
Malaysia WEC 2008 competition director Mohd Din Mat said the security personnel would also help riders and point them in the right direction so that they do not lose their way.
"To ensure that riders are not confused at night, the organisers will provide direction signs and lighting throughout the race track," he told Bernama.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead Malaysia's charge at the championship. The team consists of 12 riders.
Other royalty who have confirmed their participation in the competition are Bahrain Crown Prince, Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa and two members of the ruling Al-Maktoum family from the United Arab Emirates, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and his younger brother Shaikh Majed.
October 29, 2008
By Ahmad Muliady
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Security will be a top priority at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008, which Malaysia is hosting for the first time.
Almost 1,000 security personnel including from the Malaysian Armed forces and Royal Malaysia Police will be on duty to monitor security throughout the prestigious biennial event, which will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Terengganu, from Nov 6 to 9.
The championship will see 142 riders from 34 countries taking part.
Malaysia WEC 2008 competition director Mohd Din Mat said the security personnel would also help riders and point them in the right direction so that they do not lose their way.
"To ensure that riders are not confused at night, the organisers will provide direction signs and lighting throughout the race track," he told Bernama.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead Malaysia's charge at the championship. The team consists of 12 riders.
Other royalty who have confirmed their participation in the competition are Bahrain Crown Prince, Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa and two members of the ruling Al-Maktoum family from the United Arab Emirates, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and his younger brother Shaikh Majed.
FEI World Endurance Championship Almost Under Way
Release: October 28 2008
By Malina Gueorguiev
In just a matter of days, the much expected and anticipated FEI World Endurance Championships will be under way at the sprawling Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, situated on the scenic coastline 25 km north of Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. From November 7-9, there will be 142 riders and horses from 34 countries set to compete, of which 22 have sent teams while the remaining 12 countries will be competing with individuals.
As the majority of the horses have now arrived, Malaysia is on the verge of becoming the first Far East country to host a Senior FEI World Endurance Championship, held every two years since it’s inception in 1986, which will also mark the first ever to be held in a tropical climate and during the hours of darkness.
The facilities and venue are of the highest international standard, while the 160 km course is designed to provide a safe yet challenging competition, taking riders along the stunning coastline, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests.
Research and Planning
Considerable work has taken place over the last two years whereby the organizers, in conjunction with the FEI and independent veterinary organizations, have held a number of trial events with specific targets to meet to ensure the event could take place without increased risk to the horses that would compete in Malaysia.
The 2006 trial event involved local horses and required a minimum completion rate and speed imposed by the FEI. These criteria were met and the 2007 trial run was then allowed to take place. This time the competition involved overseas-based horses who were again required to meet FEI minimum speeds and completions rates across the senior competition distance.
The overseas riders and horses who attended this event exceeded expectations by riding skilfully to the conditions they faced and produced an above average completions rate across all starters. The required criteria were met and permission was then granted by the FEI for the championship to take place in November 2008.
Welfare
The FEI is committed to the welfare of all horses competing in equestrian sport and is confident that all the riders and horses that will be competing in the upcoming championship are qualified to show the same degree of horsemanship as shown during the trial events and to work with their horse as true partners in meeting the very special challenges they will meet together in Terengganu.
Whilst the tropical temperatures and high humidity will be exacting challenges, the two successful trial runs have shown that horses ridden with care can compete safely and still produce an exciting result.
Endurance has always been a competition to test the horsemanship skills of the rider and the fitness and athletic ability of the horse. In recent years much of that challenge has involved the need to produce increasing levels of speed across the ground and within the vet gate.
In the words of a senior and well respected FEI endurance veterinarian and judge, "The World Championship at Terengganu will return to more traditional challenges for the horse and rider where speed must not be the main route to success, rather it will be the ability of rider and horse working together to overcome the challenges on the day that will bring results."
The FEI has made it clear that anyone who overrides their horse or subjects a horse to excessive demands within competition will be considered to be in breach of the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse. The FEI will not hesitate to bring such instances to the attention of the FEI Legal Department to take further action as required.
The FEI and the Malaysian Equestrian Federation together with the organizers YDSM are looking forward to an exciting event held amidst the beautiful region of Terengganu on the East Coast of Malaysia.
For up-to-date information and the latest news, go to www.malaysia-wec.com.
2008-10-28
Malaysia ready for action after two-day trial
The Star Online
October 26 2008
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian team completed a two-day trial on Saturday ahead of the FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) with all 12 riders declared ready for the race on Nov 7.
The panel of selectors will be naming four riders for the team event while the remaining eight will contest the individual category.
The list will be announced on the eve of the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, 30km north of Kuala Terengganu.
The team's project manager, Che Mohammad Din, said that the vet checks revealed the mounts were primed for action.
"We are placing equal emphasis on both the individual and team events, hoping to attain a creditable finish," he said.
As hosts of the 12th edition of the WEC, Malaysia are allotted 12 places. The team are spearheaded by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will mount Taljari Moon Pharoah.
Completing the line-up are former world number one endurance rider Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad), Abdul Halim Alihan (Brookleigh Kentara), Bakar Aman (Almira Alborada), Norlaily Bunyamin (Bremervale Jessie James), Firdaus (Ifra Des Jamets), Shuaib Ishak (Blue Bronco), Azizie Ismail (Janor Fee), Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr), Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo), Yusran Yusof (Nashaar) and Zainuddin Yusof (Texas).
Based on the latest FEI rankings as of Oct 10, the highest ranked Malaysian rider is Kamaruddin at No. 93.
The Pekan-born rider bagged the 2001 SEA Games gold medal and has competed in various international championships for the past 10 years.
Apart from undergoing training at various areas within Lembah Bidong, the riders are required to maintain their fitness through a programme designed by the National Sports Institute (NSI).
They have been undergoing a fitness programme for the past one year under the watchful eyes of several NSI staff, including former national taekwondo exponent R. Selvamuthu.
October 26 2008
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian team completed a two-day trial on Saturday ahead of the FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) with all 12 riders declared ready for the race on Nov 7.
The panel of selectors will be naming four riders for the team event while the remaining eight will contest the individual category.
The list will be announced on the eve of the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, 30km north of Kuala Terengganu.
The team's project manager, Che Mohammad Din, said that the vet checks revealed the mounts were primed for action.
"We are placing equal emphasis on both the individual and team events, hoping to attain a creditable finish," he said.
As hosts of the 12th edition of the WEC, Malaysia are allotted 12 places. The team are spearheaded by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will mount Taljari Moon Pharoah.
Completing the line-up are former world number one endurance rider Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad), Abdul Halim Alihan (Brookleigh Kentara), Bakar Aman (Almira Alborada), Norlaily Bunyamin (Bremervale Jessie James), Firdaus (Ifra Des Jamets), Shuaib Ishak (Blue Bronco), Azizie Ismail (Janor Fee), Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr), Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo), Yusran Yusof (Nashaar) and Zainuddin Yusof (Texas).
Based on the latest FEI rankings as of Oct 10, the highest ranked Malaysian rider is Kamaruddin at No. 93.
The Pekan-born rider bagged the 2001 SEA Games gold medal and has competed in various international championships for the past 10 years.
Apart from undergoing training at various areas within Lembah Bidong, the riders are required to maintain their fitness through a programme designed by the National Sports Institute (NSI).
They have been undergoing a fitness programme for the past one year under the watchful eyes of several NSI staff, including former national taekwondo exponent R. Selvamuthu.
Malaysian riders, horses fit and ready
The New Straits Times Online
AJITPAL SINGH
THE 12 Malaysian riders competing in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) and their horses have been declared fit for the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
The riders tested the 160-km course last weekend and they were happy with everything. Also, their horses were given a clean bill by the International Equestrian Federation (IEF). Malaysia's WEC 2008 Athlete Preparation project manager, Che Mohammad Din, said the Malaysian riders are ready to make an impression on both the individual and team event.
"We are placing equal emphasis on both events, hoping to attain a creditable finish," said Che Mohammad. "However, a medal is of course much brighter for Malaysia in the team event."
A panel of local selectors will also be naming four riders for the team event, while the remaining eight will contest the individual category. It will be announced on the eve of the event.
A total of 33 countries, comprising 142 riders, will be competing in the WEC.
The Malaysian team will be led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will be astride Taljari Moon Pharoah.
The highest ranked rider in the Malaysian team is Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad) at 93rd.
The Perak-born rider, a gold medallist at the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, has been competing in various international tournaments for the past 10 years.
AJITPAL SINGH
THE 12 Malaysian riders competing in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) and their horses have been declared fit for the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
The riders tested the 160-km course last weekend and they were happy with everything. Also, their horses were given a clean bill by the International Equestrian Federation (IEF). Malaysia's WEC 2008 Athlete Preparation project manager, Che Mohammad Din, said the Malaysian riders are ready to make an impression on both the individual and team event.
"We are placing equal emphasis on both events, hoping to attain a creditable finish," said Che Mohammad. "However, a medal is of course much brighter for Malaysia in the team event."
A panel of local selectors will also be naming four riders for the team event, while the remaining eight will contest the individual category. It will be announced on the eve of the event.
A total of 33 countries, comprising 142 riders, will be competing in the WEC.
The Malaysian team will be led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will be astride Taljari Moon Pharoah.
The highest ranked rider in the Malaysian team is Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad) at 93rd.
The Perak-born rider, a gold medallist at the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, has been competing in various international tournaments for the past 10 years.
Qatar gears up for Malaysia event
Gulf Times
THE Qatar Endurance Riding team are looking to the future as they prepare for the 160 km World Endurance Championship (WEC) to be held on November 7 in Terengganu , Malaysia .
After two years of competition to qualify, Qatar will be represented by a rapidly developing group of young riders that features one seasoned veteran, 44-year-old Atta Mohamed Beer. This will be the fifth WEC appearance for Beer, who competed in his first championship in 1998 and finished 15th in the international field in Dubai .
The entire Qatar team annually competes in endurance events for Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation. As the seasoned competitor, Beer is joined by a talented group of younger riders that range in age from 19 to 25.
Of that group, only Abdulla Towaim al-Marri joins Beer with competition in a previous WEC event. The 20-year-old Al Marri was part of the 2006 Qatar team that competed in the championship in Aachen , Germany .
The team also includes brothers Mohamed Tahous al-Nuaimi and Hassan Tahous al-Nuaimi. Mohamed Tahous is the team’s second-oldest rider at 25, and was followed into the sport by Hassan, a 20-year-old. The brothers enjoy a friendly rivalry in races and daily practice rides. They have been solid performers over the past season while competing in France. As the youngest members of the team, 18-year-old Faleh Nasser Abughenaim and 17-year-old Khalid Sanad al-Nuaim have proved their talent this season. Faleh, an accomplished jump rider, began endurance riding only two years ago. His fourth-place finish in the St. Galmier event in France was the best finish this year in competition outside of Qatar .
The 2008 Qatar Endurance Team is led by Chef d’Equipe, Owaida al-Hajri and Hadi Nasser al-Naimi trainer.
THE Qatar Endurance Riding team are looking to the future as they prepare for the 160 km World Endurance Championship (WEC) to be held on November 7 in Terengganu , Malaysia .
After two years of competition to qualify, Qatar will be represented by a rapidly developing group of young riders that features one seasoned veteran, 44-year-old Atta Mohamed Beer. This will be the fifth WEC appearance for Beer, who competed in his first championship in 1998 and finished 15th in the international field in Dubai .
The entire Qatar team annually competes in endurance events for Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation. As the seasoned competitor, Beer is joined by a talented group of younger riders that range in age from 19 to 25.
Of that group, only Abdulla Towaim al-Marri joins Beer with competition in a previous WEC event. The 20-year-old Al Marri was part of the 2006 Qatar team that competed in the championship in Aachen , Germany .
The team also includes brothers Mohamed Tahous al-Nuaimi and Hassan Tahous al-Nuaimi. Mohamed Tahous is the team’s second-oldest rider at 25, and was followed into the sport by Hassan, a 20-year-old. The brothers enjoy a friendly rivalry in races and daily practice rides. They have been solid performers over the past season while competing in France. As the youngest members of the team, 18-year-old Faleh Nasser Abughenaim and 17-year-old Khalid Sanad al-Nuaim have proved their talent this season. Faleh, an accomplished jump rider, began endurance riding only two years ago. His fourth-place finish in the St. Galmier event in France was the best finish this year in competition outside of Qatar .
The 2008 Qatar Endurance Team is led by Chef d’Equipe, Owaida al-Hajri and Hadi Nasser al-Naimi trainer.
Qatar gears up for Malaysia event
THE Qatar Endurance Riding team are looking to the future as they prepare for the 160 km World Endurance Championship (WEC) to be held on November 7 in Terengganu , Malaysia .After two years of competition to qualify, Qatar will be represented by a rapidly developing group of young riders that features one seasoned veteran, 44-year-old Atta Mohamed Beer. This will be the fifth WEC appearance for Beer, who competed in his first championship in 1998 and finished 15th in the international field in Dubai .
The entire Qatar team annually competes in endurance events for Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation. As the seasoned competitor, Beer is joined by a talented group of younger riders that range in age from 19 to 25.
Of that group, only Abdulla Towaim al-Marri joins Beer with competition in a previous WEC event. The 20-year-old Al Marri was part of the 2006 Qatar team that competed in the championship in Aachen , Germany .
The team also includes brothers Mohamed Tahous al-Nuaimi and Hassan Tahous al-Nuaimi. Mohamed Tahous is the team’s second-oldest rider at 25, and was followed into the sport by Hassan, a 20-year-old. The brothers enjoy a friendly rivalry in races and daily practice rides. They have been solid performers over the past season while competing in France. As the youngest members of the team, 18-year-old Faleh Nasser Abughenaim and 17-year-old Khalid Sanad al-Nuaim have proved their talent this season. Faleh, an accomplished jump rider, began endurance riding only two years ago. His fourth-place finish in the St. Galmier event in France was the best finish this year in competition outside of Qatar .
The 2008 Qatar Endurance Team is led by Chef d’Equipe, Owaida al-Hajri and Hadi Nasser al-Naimi trainer.
2008-10-27
World endurance champs under way next week
In just a matter of days, the FEI World Endurance Championships will be under way at the sprawling Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, situated on the scenic coastline 25km north of Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. There are 142 riders and horses from 34 countries set to compete, of which 22 have sent teams while the remaining 12 countries will be competing with individuals.
The competition starts on November 6, and offers a $US100,000 prize purse for the individual competition, and $US80,000 for the teams. The best conditioned horse will receive a $US20,000 prize, and all riders who complete will receive a prize from the organising committee.
[More ...]
2008-10-25
Brazil withdraws
Endurance.Net
Oct 25, 2008
The Brazilian Federation has withdrawn its team from the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008.
Following an equine death from glanders(*) at the Sau Paulo Veterinary University, the EU posed a six month transi ban on receiving equines that originated from Brazil. Since all horses from South America must transit through Europe on their way to Malaysia this ban adversely affected the Brazilian horses. Eventually the ban was modified to apply to only 'at risk' zones which included Sau Paulo. This now permitted the Brazilian team horses, which were in a 'risk free' zone outside of Sau Paulo to be transported to Malaysia via Frankfort, but only from the South American port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, since Sau Paulo was off limits.
The Brazilian Federation horses were finally cleared to be shipped, but due to administrative delays in the various agencies, the soonest arrival that could be scheduled was for November 5. This was determined to be too late for competition horses to arrive considering that the total transit time from Brazil to Malaysia would be at least four days.
In addition to the Brazilian Federation horses, two other competitors whose horses resided in Brazil will also be withdrawn: South African rider Carmen Du Preez and her horse Nag Sharon Bez, and UK rider Dominique Freeman and her horse Roger HCF.
*Glanders is an important infectious equine disease of imposing antiquity. It is endemic in Brazil, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, and some other countries. While glanders is considered endemic in some northern and north-eastern areas of the country, this case occurred in the southeastern portion of Brazil. The contagious disease has been eradicated from many countries, including the United States, Canada and Western Europe.
Oct 25, 2008
The Brazilian Federation has withdrawn its team from the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008.
Following an equine death from glanders(*) at the Sau Paulo Veterinary University, the EU posed a six month transi ban on receiving equines that originated from Brazil. Since all horses from South America must transit through Europe on their way to Malaysia this ban adversely affected the Brazilian horses. Eventually the ban was modified to apply to only 'at risk' zones which included Sau Paulo. This now permitted the Brazilian team horses, which were in a 'risk free' zone outside of Sau Paulo to be transported to Malaysia via Frankfort, but only from the South American port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, since Sau Paulo was off limits.
The Brazilian Federation horses were finally cleared to be shipped, but due to administrative delays in the various agencies, the soonest arrival that could be scheduled was for November 5. This was determined to be too late for competition horses to arrive considering that the total transit time from Brazil to Malaysia would be at least four days.
In addition to the Brazilian Federation horses, two other competitors whose horses resided in Brazil will also be withdrawn: South African rider Carmen Du Preez and her horse Nag Sharon Bez, and UK rider Dominique Freeman and her horse Roger HCF.
*Glanders is an important infectious equine disease of imposing antiquity. It is endemic in Brazil, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, and some other countries. While glanders is considered endemic in some northern and north-eastern areas of the country, this case occurred in the southeastern portion of Brazil. The contagious disease has been eradicated from many countries, including the United States, Canada and Western Europe.
2008-10-24
No Horsing Around in Terengganu
Malaysia.news
By Hilary Sebastian Bernama - Saturday, October 25 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- There will be no horsing around when the World Endurance Championship (WEC) horse riding meet gathers a cloud of dust in Terengganu next month.
Due to its arduous 160km route, veterinarians will be stationed at seven separate medical stop-over points to assess the fitness level of the participating horses.
One of the veterinarians, Dr Balakrisna Polnaido, said that each rider, upon arriving at a stop-over point, should within 30 minutes, bring the horse for routine medical check.
"During each stop-over, each horse will be examined for respiration, pulse, and temperature to ensure that its heartbeat returns to normal, which is 64 beats per minute.
"If the fitness level of the horse is not up to mark, both rider and horse will not be allowed to continue," he told Bernama here today.
By Hilary Sebastian Bernama - Saturday, October 25 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- There will be no horsing around when the World Endurance Championship (WEC) horse riding meet gathers a cloud of dust in Terengganu next month.
Due to its arduous 160km route, veterinarians will be stationed at seven separate medical stop-over points to assess the fitness level of the participating horses.
One of the veterinarians, Dr Balakrisna Polnaido, said that each rider, upon arriving at a stop-over point, should within 30 minutes, bring the horse for routine medical check.
"During each stop-over, each horse will be examined for respiration, pulse, and temperature to ensure that its heartbeat returns to normal, which is 64 beats per minute.
"If the fitness level of the horse is not up to mark, both rider and horse will not be allowed to continue," he told Bernama here today.
DRC to Cover Endurance Cup
Khaleejtimes.com
Hisham Al Gizouli
24 October 2008
DUBAI — Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council will lead the UAE charge at the FEI Endurance World Cup to be held in Malaysia next month.
Mada’in Properties will be the official sponsors of the Dubai Racing Channel (DRC) during its live coverage of the international endurance showcase, it was announced on Wednesday. The competition will be held over four days from November 6.
It has also been confirmed that Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be in the six-member strong squad.
“We are pleased to associate ourselves with this newly born TV station,” said Abdul Aziz Al Awar, CEO of Mada’in Properties during a brief signing ceremony.
The agreement was signed by Rashid Amiri on behalf of the Dubai Media Incorporated and Abdul Aziz Al Awar for Mada’in.
Meanwhile, Darweesh Mohammed Ali, director of the Dubai Racing Channel reiterated that the agreement is a step forward in the right direction.
“It’s only the beginning,” he said. “We are embarking on an ambitious long term partnership with Mada’in after the official launching of the channel,” he said.
But Ali declined to unveil the exact amount of the deal. “Our immediate concern is to achieve our target by providing a live coverage to the satisfaction of the public through our dedicated team in Terengganu, Malaysia and live studio at our headquarters in Dubai,” he said.
The FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 will be held at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu Terengganu, Malaysia.
Situated a few kilometres from the South China Sea, the venue will offer visitors and competitors the best of Malaysia’s natural beauty and hospitality.
The course is designed to provide a safe yet challenging competition, taking riders along the stunning coast line, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests. A long and wide grassy stretch of track provides ample space for the start of the competition from the venue, and for a safe finish line and entry back into the Endurance Park.
Meanwhile, the final MAS Cargo jet arrived at Sultan Mahmud International Airport, carrying the final load of horses. With the exception of UAE, Qatar and Bahrain horses which will by transported by privately owned cargo jets, all of the competing horses are now on location.
They will remain in separate stables and be confined to separate training tracks in accordance to FEI quarantine requirements as determined by geographic regions until the competition begins.
hisham@khaleejtimes.com
Hisham Al Gizouli
24 October 2008
DUBAI — Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council will lead the UAE charge at the FEI Endurance World Cup to be held in Malaysia next month.
Mada’in Properties will be the official sponsors of the Dubai Racing Channel (DRC) during its live coverage of the international endurance showcase, it was announced on Wednesday. The competition will be held over four days from November 6.
It has also been confirmed that Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be in the six-member strong squad.
“We are pleased to associate ourselves with this newly born TV station,” said Abdul Aziz Al Awar, CEO of Mada’in Properties during a brief signing ceremony.
The agreement was signed by Rashid Amiri on behalf of the Dubai Media Incorporated and Abdul Aziz Al Awar for Mada’in.
Meanwhile, Darweesh Mohammed Ali, director of the Dubai Racing Channel reiterated that the agreement is a step forward in the right direction.
“It’s only the beginning,” he said. “We are embarking on an ambitious long term partnership with Mada’in after the official launching of the channel,” he said.
But Ali declined to unveil the exact amount of the deal. “Our immediate concern is to achieve our target by providing a live coverage to the satisfaction of the public through our dedicated team in Terengganu, Malaysia and live studio at our headquarters in Dubai,” he said.
The FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 will be held at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu Terengganu, Malaysia.
Situated a few kilometres from the South China Sea, the venue will offer visitors and competitors the best of Malaysia’s natural beauty and hospitality.
The course is designed to provide a safe yet challenging competition, taking riders along the stunning coast line, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests. A long and wide grassy stretch of track provides ample space for the start of the competition from the venue, and for a safe finish line and entry back into the Endurance Park.
Meanwhile, the final MAS Cargo jet arrived at Sultan Mahmud International Airport, carrying the final load of horses. With the exception of UAE, Qatar and Bahrain horses which will by transported by privately owned cargo jets, all of the competing horses are now on location.
They will remain in separate stables and be confined to separate training tracks in accordance to FEI quarantine requirements as determined by geographic regions until the competition begins.
hisham@khaleejtimes.com
2008-10-22
Women rule in endurance riding
New Straits Times Online
Ajitpal Singh
10/22/08
SINCE its inception in 1986, only two men have managed to win the World Endurance Championships (WEC) individual title and in next month's edition, a woman rider is tipped to be the winner again.
In endurance racing, women make up the majority of competitors and more than 50 per cent of the 141 competitors for the 12th edition on Nov 6-9 will be women.
WEC technical advisor, Derek Liebenberg said endurance racing is a popular discipline in equestrian among women riders.
"The reason women riders have won nine out of 11 world individual titles is because of their huge numbers in each previous editions.
"I have reason to believe that women riders will start as favourites in Terengganu," said Liebenbery at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu on Saturday.
"The 160-km race is supposed to be tougher for women as they are lighter and need to strap 'dead weights' to their saddles.
"The minimum weight for competitors in endurance events is 75kg and normally only women athletes need to strap weights to their saddle."
Women riders from the United States have won seven consecutive editions, starting with the inaugural event in Italy through Cassandra Schuler, followed by three-time winner Becky Hart (1988-United States; 1990-Sweden; 1992-Spain).
Valerie Kanavy won in 1994 in The Netherlands and in 1998 in the United Arab Emirates, while her daughter Danielle nailed the 1996 US edition.
France's Milla Killa Perringerard broke the US dominance in 2000 to ensure a woman won it again, while Ahmed Al Maktoum of the UAE emerged the first men's winner in the 2002 edition in Spain.
In the 2004 edition in UAE, Barbara Lissarague of France won it for the ninth time for the women while Spain's Miguel Villa Ubach struck one back for the men when he emerged champion in Germany in 2006.
Meanwhile, the national squad, consisting of 12 riders led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, have begun their final preparation for the WEC at the TIEP.
Malaysia are hoping to win their first ever world meet medal in the team event.
All the local horses, including Tuanku Mizan's ride -- Taljari Moon Pharoah -- are in good condition for the event.
Ajitpal Singh
10/22/08
SINCE its inception in 1986, only two men have managed to win the World Endurance Championships (WEC) individual title and in next month's edition, a woman rider is tipped to be the winner again.
In endurance racing, women make up the majority of competitors and more than 50 per cent of the 141 competitors for the 12th edition on Nov 6-9 will be women.
WEC technical advisor, Derek Liebenberg said endurance racing is a popular discipline in equestrian among women riders.
"The reason women riders have won nine out of 11 world individual titles is because of their huge numbers in each previous editions.
"I have reason to believe that women riders will start as favourites in Terengganu," said Liebenbery at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu on Saturday.
"The 160-km race is supposed to be tougher for women as they are lighter and need to strap 'dead weights' to their saddles.
"The minimum weight for competitors in endurance events is 75kg and normally only women athletes need to strap weights to their saddle."
Women riders from the United States have won seven consecutive editions, starting with the inaugural event in Italy through Cassandra Schuler, followed by three-time winner Becky Hart (1988-United States; 1990-Sweden; 1992-Spain).
Valerie Kanavy won in 1994 in The Netherlands and in 1998 in the United Arab Emirates, while her daughter Danielle nailed the 1996 US edition.
France's Milla Killa Perringerard broke the US dominance in 2000 to ensure a woman won it again, while Ahmed Al Maktoum of the UAE emerged the first men's winner in the 2002 edition in Spain.
In the 2004 edition in UAE, Barbara Lissarague of France won it for the ninth time for the women while Spain's Miguel Villa Ubach struck one back for the men when he emerged champion in Germany in 2006.
Meanwhile, the national squad, consisting of 12 riders led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, have begun their final preparation for the WEC at the TIEP.
Malaysia are hoping to win their first ever world meet medal in the team event.
All the local horses, including Tuanku Mizan's ride -- Taljari Moon Pharoah -- are in good condition for the event.
Canadians headed to Malaysia
Standard-freeholder.com
Most area horse people know the names of Lynda and Ken Townsend of Ste-Justine, Que. through their horses, ponies, buggies and sleighs as well as the “Cadillac” of petting zoos and pony rides, “Town and Country”, which they ran for many years.
What many don’t know, though, is that while most of us have been winding down our competition season and preparing for the colder weather, their daughter, Wendy MacCoubrey and “Mariah”, a sixteen-year-old Arab gelding, have been doing the exact opposite!
They are part of the six member Canadian Endurance Team (plus four officials and 15 grooms and crew members!) which left JFK Airport last week headed to Malaysia (read: heat and humidity) for the World Endurance Championships, Nov. 7 to 9.
Wendy herself has logged over 4,500 competitive miles in the saddle, and more than 4,000 of them with “Mariah” as they worked towards making this team.
Here’s wishing them all the best of luck in the competition.
The team can be followed through www.endurancecanada.ca.
Go Canada, go!
Most area horse people know the names of Lynda and Ken Townsend of Ste-Justine, Que. through their horses, ponies, buggies and sleighs as well as the “Cadillac” of petting zoos and pony rides, “Town and Country”, which they ran for many years.
What many don’t know, though, is that while most of us have been winding down our competition season and preparing for the colder weather, their daughter, Wendy MacCoubrey and “Mariah”, a sixteen-year-old Arab gelding, have been doing the exact opposite!
They are part of the six member Canadian Endurance Team (plus four officials and 15 grooms and crew members!) which left JFK Airport last week headed to Malaysia (read: heat and humidity) for the World Endurance Championships, Nov. 7 to 9.
Wendy herself has logged over 4,500 competitive miles in the saddle, and more than 4,000 of them with “Mariah” as they worked towards making this team.
Here’s wishing them all the best of luck in the competition.
The team can be followed through www.endurancecanada.ca.
Go Canada, go!
Thoroughbred Arab Horses are Main Pick of Endurance Riders for WEC
Malaysia.news
Bernama - Wednesday, October 22
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Thoroughbred Arab horses aged from six to 12 are the popular choice of a majority of riders competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) to be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Terengganu from Nov 6-9.
Project Manager for WEC 2008 Malaysian riders, Mohd Din Mat said not all bred are suitable for endurance races, especially to withstand the gruelling 160km endurance race at WEC, considered the toughest race in the world.
"The race is a real test and combination of the horses' stamina, endurance and the riders physical and mental strength. The Arabian horses are picked because they are renown for their intelligence, high spirit and outstanding stamina," he told Bernama here today.
Mohd Din said Malaysian riders, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin too, would be using Arab horses during the competition.
"Tuanku Mizan who qualified for the championship on merit, will be using two Arab horses named Taljari Moon Pharoah and Ibrahim Pascha Larzac, during the competition," he said.
He added that apart from being physically and mentally fit, horses must also qualify for a Certificate of Competition (COC) from the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) to compete in the bi-annual championship.
Mohd Din said endurance race horses needed special care, attention and food to ensure they remained in good shape.
"Among the types of food consumed by such horses are Cuibes, Haven, Chaff and their food are supplemented by vitamins.
"For race horses, expenses for food can cost anywhere between RM1,000 to RM2,000 a month, based on the owner's financial capability," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama - Wednesday, October 22
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Thoroughbred Arab horses aged from six to 12 are the popular choice of a majority of riders competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) to be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Terengganu from Nov 6-9.
Project Manager for WEC 2008 Malaysian riders, Mohd Din Mat said not all bred are suitable for endurance races, especially to withstand the gruelling 160km endurance race at WEC, considered the toughest race in the world.
"The race is a real test and combination of the horses' stamina, endurance and the riders physical and mental strength. The Arabian horses are picked because they are renown for their intelligence, high spirit and outstanding stamina," he told Bernama here today.
Mohd Din said Malaysian riders, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin too, would be using Arab horses during the competition.
"Tuanku Mizan who qualified for the championship on merit, will be using two Arab horses named Taljari Moon Pharoah and Ibrahim Pascha Larzac, during the competition," he said.
He added that apart from being physically and mentally fit, horses must also qualify for a Certificate of Competition (COC) from the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) to compete in the bi-annual championship.
Mohd Din said endurance race horses needed special care, attention and food to ensure they remained in good shape.
"Among the types of food consumed by such horses are Cuibes, Haven, Chaff and their food are supplemented by vitamins.
"For race horses, expenses for food can cost anywhere between RM1,000 to RM2,000 a month, based on the owner's financial capability," he said.
-- BERNAMA
2008-10-21
US team arrives in Malaysia for 2008 World Endurance Championship
USEF news
October 21, 2008
Six US Horse/Rider combinations arrived in Malaysia this past week with the hope of a stellar performance on Nov 7-8 when 141 entries from 33 countries compete for the honor of being named World Endurance Champion. Over the past year, those hoping for a position on the US Team have attended competitions and training sessions under the guidance of Becky Hart, three time World Champion and Chef d'Equipe for the US Endurance Team.
The Endurance Selectors named the following horse/rider combos to the Team:
Kathrine Brunjes/ Theatric
John Crandell III/ HH Saba Shams
Cheryl Dell/ Reason to Believe
Valerie Kanavy/ Flash Flame
Margaret Sleeper/ Syrocco Reveille
Janice Worthington/ Gold Lightening
While in Malaysia, the team has access to the added expertise of Team Veterinarian Jim Bryant DVM, assistant Team Veterinarian Todd Holbrook DVM, Team Farrier Jeff Pauley and Equine Massage Therapist Jim Masterson. Due to the warm, humid conditions in Malaysia, the competition will begin at 5:00pm local time on Friday November 7th so that the majority of the competition will be run in the dark on a lighted course. The latest news will be available on the official website www.malaysia-wec.com and also on www.Endurance.Net.
October 21, 2008
Six US Horse/Rider combinations arrived in Malaysia this past week with the hope of a stellar performance on Nov 7-8 when 141 entries from 33 countries compete for the honor of being named World Endurance Champion. Over the past year, those hoping for a position on the US Team have attended competitions and training sessions under the guidance of Becky Hart, three time World Champion and Chef d'Equipe for the US Endurance Team.
The Endurance Selectors named the following horse/rider combos to the Team:
Kathrine Brunjes/ Theatric
John Crandell III/ HH Saba Shams
Cheryl Dell/ Reason to Believe
Valerie Kanavy/ Flash Flame
Margaret Sleeper/ Syrocco Reveille
Janice Worthington/ Gold Lightening
While in Malaysia, the team has access to the added expertise of Team Veterinarian Jim Bryant DVM, assistant Team Veterinarian Todd Holbrook DVM, Team Farrier Jeff Pauley and Equine Massage Therapist Jim Masterson. Due to the warm, humid conditions in Malaysia, the competition will begin at 5:00pm local time on Friday November 7th so that the majority of the competition will be run in the dark on a lighted course. The latest news will be available on the official website www.malaysia-wec.com and also on www.Endurance.Net.
2008-10-20
UAE riders saddle up for title mount
The National
Amith Passela
October 20. 2008
ABU DHABI // Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed will lead a six-member UAE team in the FEI World Endurance Championship in Terengganu, one of the three east coast states of the Malaysian Peninsular, on Nov 7.
The others in the team include his younger brother Sheikh Majid, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Mohammed Ahmed Ali Subose and Abdulla Thani bin Huzaim.
The UAE are one of the favourites in the 160km race that has drawn 142 entries from 34 countries.
The race will be held at night for the first time. This is because the country experiences afternoon rains, particularly from November to January. And the days are warm with humidity more than 80 per cent.
The course takes the riders along a stunning coastline, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests. The start is a long and wide grassy stretch of track and the finish line is the entry back into the Endurance Park.
Sheikh Hamdan, who has won a number of endurance trophies, including the Asian Games Gold and, more recently, a fourth place in the European Open in Portugal last year, is set to ride Jazyk.
The 11-year-old Arabian chestnut gelding finished 15th under Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed in that race after recovering from time wasted in replacing a shoe he lost in the opening loop.
Sheikh Majid rides another European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage, another 11-year-old chestnut gelding who is joint seventh in the FEI Endurance horses? world ranking list.
Shafya is to reunite with Zakah Zahara, who was first past the post in the 160km race before being disqualified when failing to pass the post-race veterinary test. Sulayem is booked on Tazoul El Parry while Subose and Huzaim, who are ranked fourth and fifth respectively in the FEI rankings, are set to partner Koum Des Jamets and Castlebar Kadeem.
The UAE have a proud record since the sport was first introduced officially in the country in 1993. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, on Bowman, became the youngest and first male rider to win the world championship in Jerez, Spain, in 2002.
They have hosted two world championships, the first in 1998 and then in 2004 in which Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed shared the podium with the winner Barbara Lissarague of France.
The UAE will be aiming to regain the world championship and also claim the team title they have come close to winning on numerous occasions only to fail on the final loop of the race.
The UAE season, meanwhile, gets under way with a 100km race for young riders and juniors at the Bouthdib Endurance Village on Nov 1.
The week after is free because of the World Equestrian Championship in Malaysia, and Nov 15 sees the first of the open rides of the season at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
Amith Passela
October 20. 2008
ABU DHABI // Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed will lead a six-member UAE team in the FEI World Endurance Championship in Terengganu, one of the three east coast states of the Malaysian Peninsular, on Nov 7.
The others in the team include his younger brother Sheikh Majid, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Mohammed Ahmed Ali Subose and Abdulla Thani bin Huzaim.
The UAE are one of the favourites in the 160km race that has drawn 142 entries from 34 countries.
The race will be held at night for the first time. This is because the country experiences afternoon rains, particularly from November to January. And the days are warm with humidity more than 80 per cent.
The course takes the riders along a stunning coastline, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests. The start is a long and wide grassy stretch of track and the finish line is the entry back into the Endurance Park.
Sheikh Hamdan, who has won a number of endurance trophies, including the Asian Games Gold and, more recently, a fourth place in the European Open in Portugal last year, is set to ride Jazyk.
The 11-year-old Arabian chestnut gelding finished 15th under Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed in that race after recovering from time wasted in replacing a shoe he lost in the opening loop.
Sheikh Majid rides another European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage, another 11-year-old chestnut gelding who is joint seventh in the FEI Endurance horses? world ranking list.
Shafya is to reunite with Zakah Zahara, who was first past the post in the 160km race before being disqualified when failing to pass the post-race veterinary test. Sulayem is booked on Tazoul El Parry while Subose and Huzaim, who are ranked fourth and fifth respectively in the FEI rankings, are set to partner Koum Des Jamets and Castlebar Kadeem.
The UAE have a proud record since the sport was first introduced officially in the country in 1993. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, on Bowman, became the youngest and first male rider to win the world championship in Jerez, Spain, in 2002.
They have hosted two world championships, the first in 1998 and then in 2004 in which Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed shared the podium with the winner Barbara Lissarague of France.
The UAE will be aiming to regain the world championship and also claim the team title they have come close to winning on numerous occasions only to fail on the final loop of the race.
The UAE season, meanwhile, gets under way with a 100km race for young riders and juniors at the Bouthdib Endurance Village on Nov 1.
The week after is free because of the World Equestrian Championship in Malaysia, and Nov 15 sees the first of the open rides of the season at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
2008-10-19
British Riders Leave for Malaysia WEC
Endurancegb.co.uk
15th October 2008
Chris Yeoman's horse Midday has set off on the journey to Malaysia today, the flight goes tomorrow from Amsterdam while Chris and groom Laura fly out from Heathrow to join her in Malaysia....
Midday will have plenty of time to recover from the long trip as the competition is not until November.
There was last minute excitement when the Calais ferryport closed because of a strike, fortunately the problem was resolved speedily and they are on their way.
Dom Freeman's horse Roger has to wait a few days before he travels as there has been an equine health scare in Brazil which has meant considerable negotiations to ensure that it was safe to ship both Dom's horse and the Brazilian Team. Hopefully that crisis is also resolved but it will mean that Roger doesn't have such a good recovery period.
The rest of the back-up team travel out on 29th October. We wish them all the very best of luck and hope to hear how things are going once they arrive. It will be a real achivement to get a good result in the very testing tropical conditions
15th October 2008
Chris Yeoman's horse Midday has set off on the journey to Malaysia today, the flight goes tomorrow from Amsterdam while Chris and groom Laura fly out from Heathrow to join her in Malaysia....
Midday will have plenty of time to recover from the long trip as the competition is not until November.
There was last minute excitement when the Calais ferryport closed because of a strike, fortunately the problem was resolved speedily and they are on their way.
Dom Freeman's horse Roger has to wait a few days before he travels as there has been an equine health scare in Brazil which has meant considerable negotiations to ensure that it was safe to ship both Dom's horse and the Brazilian Team. Hopefully that crisis is also resolved but it will mean that Roger doesn't have such a good recovery period.
The rest of the back-up team travel out on 29th October. We wish them all the very best of luck and hope to hear how things are going once they arrive. It will be a real achivement to get a good result in the very testing tropical conditions
2008-10-18
Raja Permaisuri boost for Team Malaysia
The New Straits Times Online
By : Ajitpal Singh
THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will be hoping for a perfect start at the World Endurance Championships as his consort, the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah has been given the honour to flag off the race on Nov 7.
The event will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
WEC event manager Azrin Zuhdi said Tuanku Nur is all excited about flagging off the race and watching Tuanku Mizan in action.
"Her role in the race will definitely inspire Tuanku Mizan and the other local riders to make an impression at the event," said Azrin at the TIEP yesterday.
Twelve Malaysian riders will be competing, both in the individual and team events at the world meet.
Malaysia's best hope is in the team-of-four event.
"Malaysian riders stand almost no chance in the individual category but there's a chance of making a grade in the team event, which will have 22 countries competing," said Azrin.
The favourites for the team event are Spain, France, Brazil and Australia.
Meanwhile, Denmark's only qualifier Inger Elisabeth Pitter Bertelsen has pulled out, which means 33 countries, comprising 141 riders, will be competing.
Azrin said Bertelsen and his ride Raouel Ox suffered an accident during training last week.
"Bertelsen decided to withdraw as his horse is suffering from lameness."
Meanwhile, the MAS Airbus A300 successfully transported 15 horses, including Tuanku Mizan's horse Taljari Moonlight Pharoah from Australia, yesterday.
It was the Airbus A300's maiden flight to the Sultan Mahmud International Airport.
The C130, carrying nine horses from Argentina and Uruguay, also landed at the airport.
The Boeing 747, a direct flight from Amsterdam, will be arriving with 30 horses today.
By : Ajitpal Singh
THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will be hoping for a perfect start at the World Endurance Championships as his consort, the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah has been given the honour to flag off the race on Nov 7.
The event will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.
WEC event manager Azrin Zuhdi said Tuanku Nur is all excited about flagging off the race and watching Tuanku Mizan in action.
"Her role in the race will definitely inspire Tuanku Mizan and the other local riders to make an impression at the event," said Azrin at the TIEP yesterday.
Twelve Malaysian riders will be competing, both in the individual and team events at the world meet.
Malaysia's best hope is in the team-of-four event.
"Malaysian riders stand almost no chance in the individual category but there's a chance of making a grade in the team event, which will have 22 countries competing," said Azrin.
The favourites for the team event are Spain, France, Brazil and Australia.
Meanwhile, Denmark's only qualifier Inger Elisabeth Pitter Bertelsen has pulled out, which means 33 countries, comprising 141 riders, will be competing.
Azrin said Bertelsen and his ride Raouel Ox suffered an accident during training last week.
"Bertelsen decided to withdraw as his horse is suffering from lameness."
Meanwhile, the MAS Airbus A300 successfully transported 15 horses, including Tuanku Mizan's horse Taljari Moonlight Pharoah from Australia, yesterday.
It was the Airbus A300's maiden flight to the Sultan Mahmud International Airport.
The C130, carrying nine horses from Argentina and Uruguay, also landed at the airport.
The Boeing 747, a direct flight from Amsterdam, will be arriving with 30 horses today.
First WEC horses land safely in Malaysia
Equestrian.com.my
Saturday, October 18th, 2008
Fifteen horses became the first batch of horses to arrive in Malaysia for the FEI World Endurance Championship to be held on 5th to 9th November at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu.
Four horses from Oman, six from Australia, one from New Zealand¸ and four horses for Malaysian riders arrived at the Sultan Mahmud Kuala Terengganu airport from Sydney and Dubai via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on a MASKargo Airbus A300. It was the maiden landing for an Airbus at the recently upgraded airport.
The attention was focused on Taljari Moon Pharoah, the Arabian horse which will carry His Majesty, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, in the 160km championship ride. It arrived on the flight from Sydney along with another of Tuanku Mizan’s second horse, Ibrahim Pascha Larzac. Tuanku Mizan is one of twelve Malaysian riders who qualified on merit and was selected to represent Malaysia in the 12th edition of the FEI World Endurance Championship.
The horses were unloaded from air-cargo horse pallets that are used to stable the horses in the aircraft and transferred on to a horse float where they were transported safely to stables at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP).
The welcoming party at the airport was headed by Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said, chairman of Terengganu State Committee for Youth and Sports and Malaysia Airport Berhad and MasKargo officials.
The horses will be separated by continent of origin into isolated stable wings, for health protocol reasons, at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) at Lembah Bidong, situated along the scenic coastline, 30km north of Kuala Terengganu
The FEI has rated the TIEP one of the top three endurance parks in the world. The venue has been tried and tested through several events, including the FEI WEC 2008 trial event, the CEI**** Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2007.
Another batch followed the inaugural batch of horses later in the afternoon. Two more planeloads of horses are scheduled for Saturday with 30 horses on a Boeing 747 in the afternoon, the anticipated big event of the day.
141 horses and riders from 33 countries have been entered by their countries for the FEI WEC 2008. One rider from Denmark, Inger Elisabeth Pitter Bertelsen, has pulled out from the much anticipated event after she was involved in an accident while riding her own Raouel Ox back home.
The World Endurance fraternity has been abuzz with anticipation that Terengganu could stage the best ever World Endurance Championship since its inauguration in Italy in 1986.
The event will be flagged off by Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahira at 5:30 pm on Friday 7th November.
Source: Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation
The Horses Have Landed!!!
2008 WEC Coverage on Endurance.Net
The Orgainsing Committee wishes the riders, grooms, Chef d' Equipes and Officials who have arrived in Terengganu a warm welcome. It feels great to finally see people from all around the world gathered here in the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) for the FEI WEC 2008.
Besides the very important people participating in this prestigous championship, we have also recieved the arrival of the most fundamental aspect of the championship, which are the horses.
53 horses from Oman, Australia, Malaysia, Chile, Japan, Canada, Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, South Africa and Norway have safely arrived at TIEP.
Some of the horses had to go through a 13 hour non stop flight from Amsterdam just to be here!
We are excited to see that the stables are now slowly being filled with the horses and we can't wait to recieve the other horses which are expected to arrive on 20 and 22 October.
To all the riders, grooms, Chef d' Equipes and Officials, don't be afraid to ask us for kind of assistance. We hope you enjoy your stay here in sunny Terengganu and we wish you all the best!
2008-10-17
TIEP set to stage best-ever championships
New Strait Times Online
by Ajitpal Singh
October 17 2008
THE Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) is set to host the best-ever World Endurance Championships on Nov 6-9 with its world class facilities.
According to WEC technical advisor Derek Liebenberg, the TIEP has the best facilities if taken as a package.
"It has the best stables, complex and track. TIEP comes with a complete package, unlike in previous editions where something was always lacking," said Liebenberg at TIEP in Lembah Bidong, Setiu yesterday.
"The venue has been certified 100 per cent ready by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to stage the event.
"I guarantee that people will be talking about the event for many years to come."
Meanwhile, Liebenberg said certain sections of the 160-km course have been modified to overcome the expected wet conditions during the race.
"We have lifted the soil by 30 centimetres and also installed a proper drainage system at a few sections to avoid flooding."
A total of 34 countries, comprising 142 riders will be competing in the WEC.
Liebenberg believes the race will be slower, unlike previous editions, and the winning time would be around nine hours.
"It will be a slow race because of the tough track and weather conditions. Less horses will fail the veterinarian's checks and I predict a completion rate of 45 per cent.
"Previous editions recorded an average completion rate of 33 per cent. Then the race was much faster and it led to many horses failing the checks."
Meanwhile, the Airbus A300 and C130 Hercules bringing the first batch of horses, will arrive today.
The Airbus A300 will be transporting 16 horse including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's horse Taljari Moonlight Pharoah from Australia.
The C130 will carry 12 horses from Argentina and Uruguay.
by Ajitpal Singh
October 17 2008
THE Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) is set to host the best-ever World Endurance Championships on Nov 6-9 with its world class facilities.
According to WEC technical advisor Derek Liebenberg, the TIEP has the best facilities if taken as a package.
"It has the best stables, complex and track. TIEP comes with a complete package, unlike in previous editions where something was always lacking," said Liebenberg at TIEP in Lembah Bidong, Setiu yesterday.
"The venue has been certified 100 per cent ready by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to stage the event.
"I guarantee that people will be talking about the event for many years to come."
Meanwhile, Liebenberg said certain sections of the 160-km course have been modified to overcome the expected wet conditions during the race.
"We have lifted the soil by 30 centimetres and also installed a proper drainage system at a few sections to avoid flooding."
A total of 34 countries, comprising 142 riders will be competing in the WEC.
Liebenberg believes the race will be slower, unlike previous editions, and the winning time would be around nine hours.
"It will be a slow race because of the tough track and weather conditions. Less horses will fail the veterinarian's checks and I predict a completion rate of 45 per cent.
"Previous editions recorded an average completion rate of 33 per cent. Then the race was much faster and it led to many horses failing the checks."
Meanwhile, the Airbus A300 and C130 Hercules bringing the first batch of horses, will arrive today.
The Airbus A300 will be transporting 16 horse including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's horse Taljari Moonlight Pharoah from Australia.
The C130 will carry 12 horses from Argentina and Uruguay.
142 Riders To Participate In WEC 2008
Bernama.com
October 17, 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The World Endurance Championships (WEC) 2008 which will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) starting Nov 6 will see a participation of 142 riders from 33 countries.
Apart from Malaysia, among the other countries represented are South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, France, Portugal, Qatar, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Britain, Uruguay.
Terengganu Youth and Sports Committee Chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said 64 of the foreign participants had arrived in the state so far.
He said Malaysia would be represented by 12 riders, led by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin himself.
Tuanku Mizan is also scheduled to officiate the championship at the Sultan Mizan Stadium, State Sports Complex, in Gong Badak on Nov 5.
-- BERNAMA
October 17, 2008
KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The World Endurance Championships (WEC) 2008 which will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) starting Nov 6 will see a participation of 142 riders from 33 countries.
Apart from Malaysia, among the other countries represented are South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, France, Portugal, Qatar, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Britain, Uruguay.
Terengganu Youth and Sports Committee Chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said 64 of the foreign participants had arrived in the state so far.
He said Malaysia would be represented by 12 riders, led by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin himself.
Tuanku Mizan is also scheduled to officiate the championship at the Sultan Mizan Stadium, State Sports Complex, in Gong Badak on Nov 5.
-- BERNAMA
2008-10-16
Canadian Endurance Team En Route to Malaysia
Hunterjumpernews.com
October 16, 2008
Ottawa, ON?Malaysia brings thoughts of shining beaches at exotic resorts, tropical drinks under equatorial skies and bargains at crowded bazaars, but this November, it will also mean eager horses, determined riders, organized grooms and crews, veterinarians, officials and 100 miles of track which will wind among the beautiful countryside, the shore of the South China Sea, tropical rainforests and farms. The World Endurance Championship will be held in this exciting land on November 7, 2008.
The venue will be the Terengganu International Endurance Park, Lembah Bidong, Merang Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia. The Organizing Committee has set up two excellent websites: www.malaysia-wec.com and www.eventuz.com, which will include ride information the day of the event. This will be the first time that a world championship will be held in a tropical location. The track will be fully lit, as the ride is planned to start at 5:00 p.m. and run into the night.
Horses and riders will represent some 36 countries, with 24 sending teams, and the others fielding individual riders.
Endurance Canada is pleased to be sending a full complement of six riders and horses. Four of the riders, still to be chosen, will comprise the team, and two will ride as individuals.
The Canadian Endurance Team Members
Julius Bloomfield (Naramata, BC) and Avtar, 1999 Arabian gelding
Wendy Benns (Pontypool, ON) and Supreme Justice, 1999 Arabian gelding
Wendy MacCoubrey (Ste. Justine, QC) and Mariah, 1999 Arabian gelding
Ruth Sturley (Owen Sound, ON) and RBF Super Sport, 1993 Arabian gelding
Yvette Vinton DVM (Simcoe, ON and Morriston, FL) and Teese, 2000 Arabian gelding
Bob Gielen (Norton, NB) and FC Galaxy, 1997 Arabian gelding
Canadian Officials
Kay Melvin (Ontario) ? Chef d? �quipe
Maura Leahy (Manitoba) ? assistant Chef d? �quipe
Roxy Bell DVM (Alberta) ? team veterinarian
Glenn Sinclair DVM (Manitoba) ? assistant team veterinarian
Canadian Support Crew
Nancy Beacon
Robert Benns
Ruth Benns
Toni Bloomfield
Mike Bostic
Angela Gielen
Barb Gielen
Julie Green
Alycin Hayes
Scott Hie
Murray MacKenzie
Bianca MacKenzie
Laurie Whaley Pearson
Rocky Rehel
Ken Sturley
"With its emphasis on bringing the horse across the finish line in best health rather than merely in the shortest time, Endurance is the ultimate test of sympathetic horsemanship," noted Equine Canada CEO, Akaash Maharaj. "The 160km course will be the culmination of years of training and perseverance for our horses and riders, and we are very proud that they will represent our country and our sport at the World Championships.
Just getting to the ride has been an organizational, technical maze. The horses will be leaving from Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Riders, officials and crew will travel from Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles and Miami?all converging at Terengganu?where the real adventure begins.
"Enough of the paperwork and red tape?let?s just do it," says Kay Melvin, Chef d? �quipe.
Endurance Canada wishes the entire team congratulations, and good luck.
About Endurance Canada
Endurance Canada is a committee of Equine Canada, and the National governing body of the sport of Endurance Riding in Canada, from the grassroots to the international level. Endurance Canada is responsible for the growth and pursuit of excellence at all levels of the sport, providing support and guidance through various programs and committees: veterinary; rules and sanctioning; athlete and sport development; education and coaching; communication and awards.
Written by Julie Cull
October 16, 2008
Ottawa, ON?Malaysia brings thoughts of shining beaches at exotic resorts, tropical drinks under equatorial skies and bargains at crowded bazaars, but this November, it will also mean eager horses, determined riders, organized grooms and crews, veterinarians, officials and 100 miles of track which will wind among the beautiful countryside, the shore of the South China Sea, tropical rainforests and farms. The World Endurance Championship will be held in this exciting land on November 7, 2008.
The venue will be the Terengganu International Endurance Park, Lembah Bidong, Merang Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia. The Organizing Committee has set up two excellent websites: www.malaysia-wec.com and www.eventuz.com, which will include ride information the day of the event. This will be the first time that a world championship will be held in a tropical location. The track will be fully lit, as the ride is planned to start at 5:00 p.m. and run into the night.
Horses and riders will represent some 36 countries, with 24 sending teams, and the others fielding individual riders.
Endurance Canada is pleased to be sending a full complement of six riders and horses. Four of the riders, still to be chosen, will comprise the team, and two will ride as individuals.
The Canadian Endurance Team Members
Julius Bloomfield (Naramata, BC) and Avtar, 1999 Arabian gelding
Wendy Benns (Pontypool, ON) and Supreme Justice, 1999 Arabian gelding
Wendy MacCoubrey (Ste. Justine, QC) and Mariah, 1999 Arabian gelding
Ruth Sturley (Owen Sound, ON) and RBF Super Sport, 1993 Arabian gelding
Yvette Vinton DVM (Simcoe, ON and Morriston, FL) and Teese, 2000 Arabian gelding
Bob Gielen (Norton, NB) and FC Galaxy, 1997 Arabian gelding
Canadian Officials
Kay Melvin (Ontario) ? Chef d? �quipe
Maura Leahy (Manitoba) ? assistant Chef d? �quipe
Roxy Bell DVM (Alberta) ? team veterinarian
Glenn Sinclair DVM (Manitoba) ? assistant team veterinarian
Canadian Support Crew
Nancy Beacon
Robert Benns
Ruth Benns
Toni Bloomfield
Mike Bostic
Angela Gielen
Barb Gielen
Julie Green
Alycin Hayes
Scott Hie
Murray MacKenzie
Bianca MacKenzie
Laurie Whaley Pearson
Rocky Rehel
Ken Sturley
"With its emphasis on bringing the horse across the finish line in best health rather than merely in the shortest time, Endurance is the ultimate test of sympathetic horsemanship," noted Equine Canada CEO, Akaash Maharaj. "The 160km course will be the culmination of years of training and perseverance for our horses and riders, and we are very proud that they will represent our country and our sport at the World Championships.
Just getting to the ride has been an organizational, technical maze. The horses will be leaving from Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Riders, officials and crew will travel from Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles and Miami?all converging at Terengganu?where the real adventure begins.
"Enough of the paperwork and red tape?let?s just do it," says Kay Melvin, Chef d? �quipe.
Endurance Canada wishes the entire team congratulations, and good luck.
About Endurance Canada
Endurance Canada is a committee of Equine Canada, and the National governing body of the sport of Endurance Riding in Canada, from the grassroots to the international level. Endurance Canada is responsible for the growth and pursuit of excellence at all levels of the sport, providing support and guidance through various programs and committees: veterinary; rules and sanctioning; athlete and sport development; education and coaching; communication and awards.
Written by Julie Cull
2008-10-15
Arab royalty to grace competition
Nst.com.my
2008/10/15
By : Ajitpal Singh
THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin will not be the only blue blood competing in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
Hot favourites, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) named its Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum and his brother, Shaikh Majed, to lead the team in the 160km event.
UAE are the favourites together with Brazil and Spain to win the individual and team titles.
Shaikh Hamdan is currently ranked 17th in the world while Shaikh Majed is at 33rd.
Among the other members of the UAE team are Mohammed Ahmed Ali Al Subose and Abdulla Thani Huzaim, who are ranked fourth and sixth, respectively.
Meanwhile, Bahrain will be led by Crown Prince Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa, who is ranked No 9 in the world.
The 21-year-old Shaikh Nasser is best remembered for winning two silver medals (individual and team) at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. He will be riding Kheopsy Du Pilat at the WEC.
Also in the team is his cousin Shaikh Khalid who won the 160km endurance race in England, two months ago.
WEC operations manager, Salim Fazlay said security will be tight to ensure safety of the competitors, especially members of the royal families.
"We are also expecting UAE's ruler Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum at the event. He and the team will arrive in Terengganu on Nov 5 in their private jet," said Salim.
"Around 300 army personnel will be concentrated at all points of the venue (TIEP), including the 160km course".
Salim added the soldiers have been drilled months ahead for the event.
2008/10/15
By : Ajitpal Singh
THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin will not be the only blue blood competing in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
Hot favourites, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) named its Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum and his brother, Shaikh Majed, to lead the team in the 160km event.
UAE are the favourites together with Brazil and Spain to win the individual and team titles.
Shaikh Hamdan is currently ranked 17th in the world while Shaikh Majed is at 33rd.
Among the other members of the UAE team are Mohammed Ahmed Ali Al Subose and Abdulla Thani Huzaim, who are ranked fourth and sixth, respectively.
Meanwhile, Bahrain will be led by Crown Prince Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa, who is ranked No 9 in the world.
The 21-year-old Shaikh Nasser is best remembered for winning two silver medals (individual and team) at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. He will be riding Kheopsy Du Pilat at the WEC.
Also in the team is his cousin Shaikh Khalid who won the 160km endurance race in England, two months ago.
WEC operations manager, Salim Fazlay said security will be tight to ensure safety of the competitors, especially members of the royal families.
"We are also expecting UAE's ruler Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum at the event. He and the team will arrive in Terengganu on Nov 5 in their private jet," said Salim.
"Around 300 army personnel will be concentrated at all points of the venue (TIEP), including the 160km course".
Salim added the soldiers have been drilled months ahead for the event.
National Horse Show in Kuala Terengganu
Nst.com.my
2008/10/16
The National Horse Show, a lead-up event to the FEI World Endurance Championships, will be organised for the first time in 14 years in Terengganu on Oct 31-Nov 2.
Among the events at the horse show, to be held at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort, will be the FEI World Jumping Challenge, World Dressage Challenge, Pint Club Mounted Games and an Endurance Riding competition.
The endurance event, which has attracted competitors from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, will be held over courses of 40km and 80km at the Marang Endurance track on Nov 1-2.
The Pony event will showcase the skills and bravado of pony riders.
Another attraction is the horse breeds display, where enthusiasts will see 20 different breeds found in Malaysia.
The National Horse Show, which made its debut in 1994, is one of the most popular equestrian events in the country.
2008/10/16
The National Horse Show, a lead-up event to the FEI World Endurance Championships, will be organised for the first time in 14 years in Terengganu on Oct 31-Nov 2.
Among the events at the horse show, to be held at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort, will be the FEI World Jumping Challenge, World Dressage Challenge, Pint Club Mounted Games and an Endurance Riding competition.
The endurance event, which has attracted competitors from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, will be held over courses of 40km and 80km at the Marang Endurance track on Nov 1-2.
The Pony event will showcase the skills and bravado of pony riders.
Another attraction is the horse breeds display, where enthusiasts will see 20 different breeds found in Malaysia.
The National Horse Show, which made its debut in 1994, is one of the most popular equestrian events in the country.
2008-10-12
First B747-400 to land in Terengganu
New Straights Times Online
2008/10/12
By : Sean Augustin
KUALA TERENGGANU: For the first time, a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-400 landed at the Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmud Airport, bringing a load of excited passengers and good news for the state. The debut flight yesterday signalled the beginning of direct flights to Mecca for Muslims on the east coast to perform the haj, bringing to fruit a four-year-old ambition.
This year will see 18 return flights to Jeddah beginning Nov 13 and the ferrying of about 3,000 pilgrims from Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang.
In the past, pilgrims from the east coast would head for Kuala Lumpur before boarding a flight to Mecca.
The landing also signified state preparations to fly in horses beginning on Oct 17 for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in early November.
The state government also signed an agreement to finance a sum of RM4.6 million with MAS, being the excess cost for the haj this year and the WEC, including transportation cost for ground service equipment, logistics and petrol.
The cost was supposed to be borne by MAS due to the change in flight schedules from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the Sultan Mahmud Airport.
"With the new facilities, the airport has reached international standard and we are working hard to get the title from the Transport Ministry," said Terengganu Men-teri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said after greeting 224 passengers, including 40 orphans and journalists, on the flight.
"It will be a gateway to the east coast," Ahmad said, adding that negotiations were also ongoing with the Department of Civil Aviation to bring in more flights from China because of the airport's convenient location.
"The airport is a long-term investment for the state and we hope to get more international flights and develop the tourism industry.
"Right now, we are looking at incentives, including an airport tax subsidy to attract more international landings."
MAS external relations senior general manager Datuk Mohd Nawawi Awang captained a fly-past over the airport and the city before landing about 3pm, when it received a water salute from two fire trucks.
Full article, NST Online
2008/10/12
By : Sean Augustin
KUALA TERENGGANU: For the first time, a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-400 landed at the Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmud Airport, bringing a load of excited passengers and good news for the state. The debut flight yesterday signalled the beginning of direct flights to Mecca for Muslims on the east coast to perform the haj, bringing to fruit a four-year-old ambition.
This year will see 18 return flights to Jeddah beginning Nov 13 and the ferrying of about 3,000 pilgrims from Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang.
In the past, pilgrims from the east coast would head for Kuala Lumpur before boarding a flight to Mecca.
The landing also signified state preparations to fly in horses beginning on Oct 17 for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in early November.
The state government also signed an agreement to finance a sum of RM4.6 million with MAS, being the excess cost for the haj this year and the WEC, including transportation cost for ground service equipment, logistics and petrol.
The cost was supposed to be borne by MAS due to the change in flight schedules from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the Sultan Mahmud Airport.
"With the new facilities, the airport has reached international standard and we are working hard to get the title from the Transport Ministry," said Terengganu Men-teri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said after greeting 224 passengers, including 40 orphans and journalists, on the flight.
"It will be a gateway to the east coast," Ahmad said, adding that negotiations were also ongoing with the Department of Civil Aviation to bring in more flights from China because of the airport's convenient location.
"The airport is a long-term investment for the state and we hope to get more international flights and develop the tourism industry.
"Right now, we are looking at incentives, including an airport tax subsidy to attract more international landings."
MAS external relations senior general manager Datuk Mohd Nawawi Awang captained a fly-past over the airport and the city before landing about 3pm, when it received a water salute from two fire trucks.
Full article, NST Online
2008-10-09
Definite Entry List is submitted
After months of non-stop hoping and waiting, the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 Organising Committee has finally confirmed the definite entries for the most awaited championship of the Endurance Sport!
142 horses and their riders from 34 countries are set to battle to become World Champion for the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 that will be held from 5 - 9 November 2008 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park.
View Definite Entry List
142 horses and their riders from 34 countries are set to battle to become World Champion for the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 that will be held from 5 - 9 November 2008 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park.
View Definite Entry List
2008-10-07
Royal treatment for horses
NST.com.my
7 October 2008
By : Ajitpal Singh
THE Boeing 747 and Airbus A300 will make their respective maiden flights to the Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu when they bring in horses for the World Endurance Championships (WEC) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
The Airbus A300 will transport a total of 21 horses from Australia, Qatar and Oman. The plane, which will arrive on Oct 17, will also be carrying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's horse -- Taljari Moonlight Pharaoh from Australia.
The Boeing 747, a direct flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, will have 36 horses on board and will arrive at the Sultan Mahmud Airport a day later. Previously, the airport could only accommodate smaller planes due to its short landing airstrip.
However, the runaway has been extended from 2,012 to 3,480 metres to allow bigger planes to land. WEC operations manager, Salim Fazlay said the project to extend the airport runway was mooted by Tuanku Mizan during the Sultan's Cup in November, last year.
"The runway extension project was completed last month," Salim confirmed yesterday.
A total of 34 countries, comprising 150 competitors, have entered for the WEC.
Salim said horses will start arriving from Oct 17 onwards with the last batch from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due in on Nov 3.
"The UAE and Bahrain will be transporting their horses with their own planes," he said.
Salim said the horses will be kept in stables at the venue (Terengganu International Endurance Park) when they arrive.
"Unlike UAE and Bahrain, riders from the other nations are arriving earlier to let their horses acclimatise and also get used to the 160km arena," Salim added.
The WEC, being held during the monsoon season, is expected to be a wet experience for the competitors.
Tuanku Mizan will lead the Malaysian team, comprising 16 riders.
7 October 2008
By : Ajitpal Singh
THE Boeing 747 and Airbus A300 will make their respective maiden flights to the Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu when they bring in horses for the World Endurance Championships (WEC) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
The Airbus A300 will transport a total of 21 horses from Australia, Qatar and Oman. The plane, which will arrive on Oct 17, will also be carrying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's horse -- Taljari Moonlight Pharaoh from Australia.
The Boeing 747, a direct flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, will have 36 horses on board and will arrive at the Sultan Mahmud Airport a day later. Previously, the airport could only accommodate smaller planes due to its short landing airstrip.
However, the runaway has been extended from 2,012 to 3,480 metres to allow bigger planes to land. WEC operations manager, Salim Fazlay said the project to extend the airport runway was mooted by Tuanku Mizan during the Sultan's Cup in November, last year.
"The runway extension project was completed last month," Salim confirmed yesterday.
A total of 34 countries, comprising 150 competitors, have entered for the WEC.
Salim said horses will start arriving from Oct 17 onwards with the last batch from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due in on Nov 3.
"The UAE and Bahrain will be transporting their horses with their own planes," he said.
Salim said the horses will be kept in stables at the venue (Terengganu International Endurance Park) when they arrive.
"Unlike UAE and Bahrain, riders from the other nations are arriving earlier to let their horses acclimatise and also get used to the 160km arena," Salim added.
The WEC, being held during the monsoon season, is expected to be a wet experience for the competitors.
Tuanku Mizan will lead the Malaysian team, comprising 16 riders.
2008-10-06
Malaysia WEC: Teammates at ease with the King
Norlaily Buniyamin with a horse at the Selangor Turf Club in Sungei
Besi yesterday. (Inset)
Nst.com.my
Ajitpal Singh - ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is passionate about horse riding, wants his compatriots to treat him like any other competitor when they ride together at the World Endurance Championships in Setiu, Terengganu on Nov 6-9.
This was revealed by his teammates -- Abdul Halim Alihan, Datuk Mohd Shuaib Isahak and Norlaily Buniyamin -- who have raced together with Tuanku Mizan in both local and international competitions for the past two years.
"Tuanku Mizan is truly a professional endurance rider.
"He told me and others several times to treat him just like any other layman in competitions," said Abdul Halim, who will be making his debut at the world meet.
"The King is also very supportive towards us during competitions. He often gives us advice and guidance."
Abdul Halim, who works as a horse trainer at the Royal Terengganu Stable Club in Sungei Besi, said he would not have qualified for the world meet if not for the King.
"I have been one of the King's horse trainers for the past two years. Tuanku Mizan encouraged me to venture into competitive riding and even loaned me his horse (Brookleigh Kentara) for competitions.
"I managed to earn two Certificates of Capability (COC) on this horse for the world meet," added the 27-year-old who is from Kuching.
Meanwhile, Norlaily, who will be competing in her second world meet in Terengganu, said Tuanku Mizan doesn't like to be bonded with certain protocols in competitions.
"I have traveled with him for many competitions and he treats me like a friend. We exchange ideas on tactics and strategies when we are competing," said the 47-year-old, the only woman local rider in the event.
Mohd Shuiab said Tuanku Mizan's warm and gentle attitude makes everyone in the team feel comfortable.
"He's always wiling to learn from others without hesitation. It's always a pleasure to ride with him," said Mohd Shuiab, who will ride Blue Bronco at the world meet.
2008-10-05
Norlaily the only rose in MAS national team
Nst.com.my - Full Article
By : Ajitpal Singh
NORLAILY Buniyamin will be the sole woman rider for the Malaysian team -- led by the King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin -- for the World Endurance Championships at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
Norlaily's inclusion in the 12-rider team comes as a surprise as she was picked over four men qualifiers.
A total of 16 local riders were in the running for 12 quota slots after each earned two Certificates of Capability (COC).
She will be riding Bremervale Jessie James while Tuanku Mizan will be on Taljari Moonlight Pharaoh, in the event.
Among others shortlisted are veteran rider Datuk Kamaruddin Abd Ghani, Datuk Muhd Shuaib Isahak and Abdul Halim Alihan.
A total 34 countries, comprising over 150 riders, will be competing.
Among the favourites for the individual and team titles are the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Britain.
Brazil could be a last minute entry but that is subject to approval from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
Foreign horses and riders will be arriving in Terengganu from Oct 17.
The Malaysian team: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (Taljari Moonlight Pharaoh), Datuk Kamaruddin Abd Ghani (Navidad), Abdul Halim Alihan (Brookleigh Kentara), Bakar Aman (Amira Alborada), Norlaily Buniyamin (Bremervale Jessie James), Muhammad Firdaus Hamid (Ifra Des Jamets), Datuk Mohd Shuaib Isahak (Blue Bronco), Md Azizie Ismail (Janor Fee), Mohd Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr), Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo), Yusran Yusof (Nashaar), Zainuddin Yusof (Texas).
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