Gallant: Tuanku Mizan leading other
horsemen to the start of the
challenge.
2008-09-17
Malaysia: A sight to behold - horses on our shores
Gallant: Tuanku Mizan leading other
horsemen to the start of the
challenge.
Thestar.com.my - Full Article
Wednesday September 17, 2008
Story and pictures by NIK NAIZI HUSIN
IT WAS a test of wits and skill for 100 horsemen who took part at the Pahang Penn-Endurance Challenge at Cherating village near Kuantan recently.
This inaugural equestrian event was spread over five days with contests under the 100km, 60km and 20km categories.
The participants rode on a scenic route in Cherating covering its beautiful beaches, coastal jungle and village roads along the Kuantan-Kemaman stretch near Kampung Baging.
The challenge was graced by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin who rode his horse Magna Thor to win the 100km individual category.
Tuanku Mizan completed the route in eight hours.
Royal Terengganu Equestrian Stable took first place in the 100km team event.
More...
USA: USEF Names Definite Entries for FEI World Endurance Championship 2008
Release: September 17 2008
Lexington, KY - The World Endurance Championship Definite Entries and Alternates were named after the final Training Session in Williston, Florida on September 13. All 12 nominated entries participated under the guidance of Chef d’ Equipe and three-time World Champion Becky Grand Hart. The Veterinary Panel examined the horses and the Endurance Selectors observed the horse/rider combinations as they completed a 38 mile course.
The following horse/rider combinations were selected to represent the US at the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 to be held November 6-9 in Terengganu, Malaysia:
Name/Age/Hometown/Horse/Age/Breed/Sex/Owner
Katharine Brunjes/55/Bethel, ME/Theatric/10/Arabian/G/Katharine Brunjes
John Crandell III/46/Star Tannery, VA/HH Saba Shams/9/Arabian/G/Ann Crandall
Cheryl Dell/48/Springville, CA/Reason To Believe/10/Arabian/G/Cheryl Dell
Valerie Kanavy/62/Fort Valley, VA/Flash Flame/10/Arabian/M/Valerie Kanavy
Margaret Sleeper/39/Frenchtown, NJ/Syrocco Reveille/8/Arabian/M/Margaret Sleeper
Jan Worthington/68/Scales Mound, IL/Golden Lightning/8/Arabian/G/Jan Worthington
Alternates in ranked order:
Lisa Green/39/Star Tannery, VA/LR Amana Tabi/8/Arabian/M/Lisa Green
Heather Reynolds/31/Doswell, VA/Cal Flaming Emit/11/Arabian/M/Heather Reynolds
Margaret Sleeper/39/Frenchtown, NJ/Shyrocco Troilus/15/Half Arabian/G/Margaret Sleeper
The Team will remain in Florida until shipping to Malaysia next month.
ENDS
For information regarding selection, please contact USEF Director of Endurance, Vonita Bowers at vbowers@usef.org.
For media requests, please contact USEF High Performance Communications Manager Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org.
2008-09-16
Malaysia: Participants from 36 countries expected
Thestar.com.my
Tuesday September 16, 2008
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
MALAYSIA is ready to host the International Equestrian Fede-ration (FEI) to host the FEI World Endurance Championship at the Terengganu International Endu-rance Park in Kuala Terengganu from Nov 6-9.
Malaysia is the first tropical country to host the endurance race covering 160km.
The event is organised by the Yayasan di-Raja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) and participants are from 36 countries.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead the Malaysian team in the four-day championship.
YDSM vice-chairman Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor said preparations for the Fei World Endurance championship started in 2006.
“We had organised two trial events since 2006. One was for Malaysians while the other was the Sultan’s Cup for invited foreign participants.
“The trials gave us the opportunity to test all necessary aspects which are required to stage the prestigious event,” said Salleh.
The greatest challenge, he added, in organising the event was the climate-imposed hurdles as the foreign horses were not accustomed to the local climate.
“However, during the trial runs, we discovered that the hurdles can be handled.
“During both trial runs, the horses handled the heat and humidity well as we had 63% completion which is very good,” he said.
For the purpose, most of the rides will be done at night and coloured LED guide lights will be used as markers on the trails.
The first batch of horses, from the seven pick-up zones around the world, will arrive in Terengganu on Oct 13 while the riders are scheduled to arrive from Oct 29.
The horses from the different zones will be placed at different stables to ensure that they are free of diseases.
The championship has attracted top teams from France, Spain, United States, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.
Tuesday September 16, 2008
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
MALAYSIA is ready to host the International Equestrian Fede-ration (FEI) to host the FEI World Endurance Championship at the Terengganu International Endu-rance Park in Kuala Terengganu from Nov 6-9.
Malaysia is the first tropical country to host the endurance race covering 160km.
The event is organised by the Yayasan di-Raja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) and participants are from 36 countries.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead the Malaysian team in the four-day championship.
YDSM vice-chairman Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor said preparations for the Fei World Endurance championship started in 2006.
“We had organised two trial events since 2006. One was for Malaysians while the other was the Sultan’s Cup for invited foreign participants.
“The trials gave us the opportunity to test all necessary aspects which are required to stage the prestigious event,” said Salleh.
The greatest challenge, he added, in organising the event was the climate-imposed hurdles as the foreign horses were not accustomed to the local climate.
“However, during the trial runs, we discovered that the hurdles can be handled.
“During both trial runs, the horses handled the heat and humidity well as we had 63% completion which is very good,” he said.
For the purpose, most of the rides will be done at night and coloured LED guide lights will be used as markers on the trails.
The first batch of horses, from the seven pick-up zones around the world, will arrive in Terengganu on Oct 13 while the riders are scheduled to arrive from Oct 29.
The horses from the different zones will be placed at different stables to ensure that they are free of diseases.
The championship has attracted top teams from France, Spain, United States, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.
2008-09-15
Malaysia WEC: USA selects squad
by Steph Teeter
Endurance.Net
September 2008
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made final selection of the six horse and rider pairs to travel to Malaysia for the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship:
Definite Entries:
Kathy Brunjes/ Theatric
John Crandell/ HH Saba Shams
Cheryl Dell/ Reason to Believe
Valerie Kanavy/ Flash Flame
Meg Sleeper/ Syrocco Reveille
Jan Worthington/ Golden Lightning
Ranked Alternates:
Lisa Green/ Amana Tabi
Heather Reynolds/ Cal Flaming Emit
Meg Sleeper/ Shyrocco Troilus
The selection was made at the end of a 3 day trial and evaluation held over the weekend in Florida. All horses were examined by the USEF staff of veterinarians. The performance of the riders and horses over a 40 mile demonstration course was evaluated by USEF staff including an independent selection committee, veterinarians, and Chef d'Equipe Becky Hart. The 40 mile course was run in 4 phases, with speeds of 10, 12, 14 and 15 mph respectively, with holds of 20, 30 and 40 minutes.
According to USEF Endurance director, Vonita Bowers, the trial went very well. "All of the horses that were selected recovered after each phase in 1 to 3 minutes. The horses did very well and we were pleased at the focus and professionalism of all of the riders and crews."
The selected horses and riders, as well as alternates, will now stay in Florida for the next month, prior to traveling to Malaysia. This will give time to train together, as a team, and to develop skills and strategies to improve their chances of winning a medal in Malaysia.
Three of the selected riders, Brunjes, Crandell and Sleeper gained valuable experience at the Sultan's Cup 160km event held last November in Terengganu, the venue for the 2008 WEC. Kanavy, Brunjes, Sleeper and Worthington have all had prior experience competing at World Championships, and Kanavy has won 2 Gold and 1 Silver individual medals.
Kanavy brought 2 horses to the selection trial, King Ali Gold and Flash Flame. While King Ali has out-performed Flash Flame in terms of speed and winning performances, he can also be a challenging horse to ride and difficult to rate. The final selection of Flash Flame was made based on her performance in Florida. Additional consideration was given to her prior experience at International events (a 5th place at the 2005 Pan American Championship in Argentina) and a more even temperament, which made her a better team choice. This year's goal for the USA in Malaysia is a team medal, and riders and horses were selected with that goal in mind.
Endurance.Net
September 2008
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made final selection of the six horse and rider pairs to travel to Malaysia for the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship:
Definite Entries:
Kathy Brunjes/ Theatric
John Crandell/ HH Saba Shams
Cheryl Dell/ Reason to Believe
Valerie Kanavy/ Flash Flame
Meg Sleeper/ Syrocco Reveille
Jan Worthington/ Golden Lightning
Ranked Alternates:
Lisa Green/ Amana Tabi
Heather Reynolds/ Cal Flaming Emit
Meg Sleeper/ Shyrocco Troilus
The selection was made at the end of a 3 day trial and evaluation held over the weekend in Florida. All horses were examined by the USEF staff of veterinarians. The performance of the riders and horses over a 40 mile demonstration course was evaluated by USEF staff including an independent selection committee, veterinarians, and Chef d'Equipe Becky Hart. The 40 mile course was run in 4 phases, with speeds of 10, 12, 14 and 15 mph respectively, with holds of 20, 30 and 40 minutes.
According to USEF Endurance director, Vonita Bowers, the trial went very well. "All of the horses that were selected recovered after each phase in 1 to 3 minutes. The horses did very well and we were pleased at the focus and professionalism of all of the riders and crews."
The selected horses and riders, as well as alternates, will now stay in Florida for the next month, prior to traveling to Malaysia. This will give time to train together, as a team, and to develop skills and strategies to improve their chances of winning a medal in Malaysia.
Three of the selected riders, Brunjes, Crandell and Sleeper gained valuable experience at the Sultan's Cup 160km event held last November in Terengganu, the venue for the 2008 WEC. Kanavy, Brunjes, Sleeper and Worthington have all had prior experience competing at World Championships, and Kanavy has won 2 Gold and 1 Silver individual medals.
Kanavy brought 2 horses to the selection trial, King Ali Gold and Flash Flame. While King Ali has out-performed Flash Flame in terms of speed and winning performances, he can also be a challenging horse to ride and difficult to rate. The final selection of Flash Flame was made based on her performance in Florida. Additional consideration was given to her prior experience at International events (a 5th place at the 2005 Pan American Championship in Argentina) and a more even temperament, which made her a better team choice. This year's goal for the USA in Malaysia is a team medal, and riders and horses were selected with that goal in mind.
2008-09-09
Malaysia WEC: USA to select Team
Endurance.Net
September 9, 2008
Twelve horse and rider teams have gathered in Florida for the final selection of the squad to represent the United States (United States Equestrian Federation - USEF) in the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, November 6-9. Of these 12 horse and rider pairs, 6 will be selected to travel to Malaysia and 3 alternates will be named.
Friday September 12, is the first day of a 3 day evaluation session designed to determine which horses are the fittest and which riders and crews are the most capable and prepared for the ultimate international endurance challenge. All US hopefuls will begin the session with meetings and discussion Friday evening, introducing the staff to the riders and explaining the itinerary for the weekend.
Saturday morning will begin with a physical evaluation of each of the horses to determine base levels of metabolic and physical fitness. All will then participate in a 40 mile controlled demonstration 'competition'. Riders will be released in stages, 2 at a time, and will traverse the 40 mile course in 10 mile increments at pre-determined speeds, beginning at 10mph, and increasing speed in each consecutive phase, not to exceed 15mph. Ambient conditions will factor into the speed determinations. After each 10 mile phase, a veterinary check will be staged to evaluate the horse's condition.
In addition to the horse's evaluation, riders and crews will be expected to perform at peak efficiency and this will also factor in to the final selection. The full 'team' of horse, rider and crew will be on site for the demonstration ride, and will be expected to demonstrate efficiency and competency. At the World Championship level, a good crew can make a huge difference in the ability to minimize recovery time, cool and care for the horse during holds, trouble shoot, and prepare horse and rider for the next phase. Minutes can be shaved off of final ride times in this way, and minutes can often make the difference between medal winning performances.
Conditions in Florida will be as close as possible to what the US team will experience in Malaysia. The session is being held at the Black Prong Equestrian Center near Ocala, in north-central Florida. The trails in this area are flat and sandy. Heat and humidity will still be relatively high and according to Vonita Bowers, USEF Endurance Director, USEF feels that this will be an ideal test to determine which horses and riders are best suited to compete in Malaysia.
Becky Hart, 3-time World Endurance Champion, is the USEF Chef d'Equipe and has been coaching the USEF team since she was appointed to the position several months prior. Becky is aware of the unique challenges facing US riders in Malaysia and the need to prepare and acclimate both horse and rider.
"Horses going to Malaysia, for the most part, will have proven their ability in humid conditions. We have two west coast horses, one lives in a micro-climate of high humidity, the other is training in a neoprene neck sweat and wool rump rug in 104 degree weather. He wears his winter blanket at all times.
"The horses will be tested at the final training session over a 40 mile fast-paced course in Florida. Blood will be taken every 10 miles to compare fitness to the prior training session and to see where the horses are now in fitness. The horses will stay in Florida until they ship out, wearing their blankets to reduce hair coat growth as much as possible."
The USEF selection committee (Fred Clusky, Tom Johnson, Linda Howard, Jim Wiseman and Kathy Downs) will determine the final 6 horse and rider pairs to represent the United States. Also contributing to the selection will be USEF Chef d'Equipe and 'coach' Becky Hart and the USEF 3-member veterinary panel of Jim Bryant DVM, Tom Timmons DVM and Duncan Peters DVM.
Sunday, day 3 of the Florida session, all 12 horses will once again stand for a veterinary evaluation, similar to a Best Condition judging. Sunday evening the final selection will be made and the 6 member traveling squad and 3 alternates will be announced.
In 2010 the United States will host the World Endurance Championship as part of the World Equestrian Games. While USEF is determined to ship the best possible squad to Malaysia for the 2008 Championship, they are keeping their sites on the 2010 goal as well.
According to Becky, "We are just setting out on a new program for world competition and to develop a TEAM. Malaysia will be a test to gauge how we are doing. It takes time to develop a team, especially among independent endurance riders. How would you like someone telling you what pace to ride and with whom? Yet that is what our riders must do if we are to have any kind of team strategy. Winning for individual glory is not the goal. A rider may need to sacrifice an individual gold medal so the team can have a solid finish. This is what we are asking our best riders on their best horses
to do. Wait 'til the WEG in Kentucky. By then we should really have this team thing down."
With just 4 weeks left before shipping, the United States is now focused on choosing the best possible team to compete in Malaysia. Hopefully the efforts of the USEF staff and the hard work and focus of the riders will pay off with a medal performance in Malaysia.
The 12 nominated entries for United States:
Kathy Brunjes & Theatric
Cecilia Butler-stasiuk & Djb Sombeiul
Johnt Crandell & Hh Saba Shams
Cheryl Dell & Reason To Believe
Lisa Green & Lr Amana Tabi
Ann Hall & Bogus Thunder
Valerie Kanavy, Valerie & Flash Flame
Valerie Kanavy & King Ali Gold
Heather Reynolds & Cal Flaming Emit
Margeret M. Sleeper & Syrocco Reveille
Margeret Sleeper & Shyrocco Troilus
Janice Worthington & Golden Lightning
September 9, 2008
Twelve horse and rider teams have gathered in Florida for the final selection of the squad to represent the United States (United States Equestrian Federation - USEF) in the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, November 6-9. Of these 12 horse and rider pairs, 6 will be selected to travel to Malaysia and 3 alternates will be named.
Friday September 12, is the first day of a 3 day evaluation session designed to determine which horses are the fittest and which riders and crews are the most capable and prepared for the ultimate international endurance challenge. All US hopefuls will begin the session with meetings and discussion Friday evening, introducing the staff to the riders and explaining the itinerary for the weekend.
Saturday morning will begin with a physical evaluation of each of the horses to determine base levels of metabolic and physical fitness. All will then participate in a 40 mile controlled demonstration 'competition'. Riders will be released in stages, 2 at a time, and will traverse the 40 mile course in 10 mile increments at pre-determined speeds, beginning at 10mph, and increasing speed in each consecutive phase, not to exceed 15mph. Ambient conditions will factor into the speed determinations. After each 10 mile phase, a veterinary check will be staged to evaluate the horse's condition.
In addition to the horse's evaluation, riders and crews will be expected to perform at peak efficiency and this will also factor in to the final selection. The full 'team' of horse, rider and crew will be on site for the demonstration ride, and will be expected to demonstrate efficiency and competency. At the World Championship level, a good crew can make a huge difference in the ability to minimize recovery time, cool and care for the horse during holds, trouble shoot, and prepare horse and rider for the next phase. Minutes can be shaved off of final ride times in this way, and minutes can often make the difference between medal winning performances.
Conditions in Florida will be as close as possible to what the US team will experience in Malaysia. The session is being held at the Black Prong Equestrian Center near Ocala, in north-central Florida. The trails in this area are flat and sandy. Heat and humidity will still be relatively high and according to Vonita Bowers, USEF Endurance Director, USEF feels that this will be an ideal test to determine which horses and riders are best suited to compete in Malaysia.
Becky Hart, 3-time World Endurance Champion, is the USEF Chef d'Equipe and has been coaching the USEF team since she was appointed to the position several months prior. Becky is aware of the unique challenges facing US riders in Malaysia and the need to prepare and acclimate both horse and rider.
"Horses going to Malaysia, for the most part, will have proven their ability in humid conditions. We have two west coast horses, one lives in a micro-climate of high humidity, the other is training in a neoprene neck sweat and wool rump rug in 104 degree weather. He wears his winter blanket at all times.
"The horses will be tested at the final training session over a 40 mile fast-paced course in Florida. Blood will be taken every 10 miles to compare fitness to the prior training session and to see where the horses are now in fitness. The horses will stay in Florida until they ship out, wearing their blankets to reduce hair coat growth as much as possible."
The USEF selection committee (Fred Clusky, Tom Johnson, Linda Howard, Jim Wiseman and Kathy Downs) will determine the final 6 horse and rider pairs to represent the United States. Also contributing to the selection will be USEF Chef d'Equipe and 'coach' Becky Hart and the USEF 3-member veterinary panel of Jim Bryant DVM, Tom Timmons DVM and Duncan Peters DVM.
Sunday, day 3 of the Florida session, all 12 horses will once again stand for a veterinary evaluation, similar to a Best Condition judging. Sunday evening the final selection will be made and the 6 member traveling squad and 3 alternates will be announced.
In 2010 the United States will host the World Endurance Championship as part of the World Equestrian Games. While USEF is determined to ship the best possible squad to Malaysia for the 2008 Championship, they are keeping their sites on the 2010 goal as well.
According to Becky, "We are just setting out on a new program for world competition and to develop a TEAM. Malaysia will be a test to gauge how we are doing. It takes time to develop a team, especially among independent endurance riders. How would you like someone telling you what pace to ride and with whom? Yet that is what our riders must do if we are to have any kind of team strategy. Winning for individual glory is not the goal. A rider may need to sacrifice an individual gold medal so the team can have a solid finish. This is what we are asking our best riders on their best horses
to do. Wait 'til the WEG in Kentucky. By then we should really have this team thing down."
With just 4 weeks left before shipping, the United States is now focused on choosing the best possible team to compete in Malaysia. Hopefully the efforts of the USEF staff and the hard work and focus of the riders will pay off with a medal performance in Malaysia.
The 12 nominated entries for United States:
Kathy Brunjes & Theatric
Cecilia Butler-stasiuk & Djb Sombeiul
Johnt Crandell & Hh Saba Shams
Cheryl Dell & Reason To Believe
Lisa Green & Lr Amana Tabi
Ann Hall & Bogus Thunder
Valerie Kanavy, Valerie & Flash Flame
Valerie Kanavy & King Ali Gold
Heather Reynolds & Cal Flaming Emit
Margeret M. Sleeper & Syrocco Reveille
Margeret Sleeper & Shyrocco Troilus
Janice Worthington & Golden Lightning
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