A 70-year-old endurance specialist who won four awards, including the premier and top lady titles, at the famous Golden Horseshoe ride (21–22 May) has proved that age is no barrier if you have the right ingredients, including the right horse.

Candy Cameron, who is a British Horse Society stage four coach, runs Loch Ness Riding in Inverness and she has been riding and training endurance horses since the 1980s. She first rode in the Golden Horseshoe, a 160 km endurance ride across Exmoor National Park, 35 years ago in 1988.

In 2023, Candy’s horse Ell Daam (Al) also won the highly-regarded Best Condition award at the event, replicating the result of her former horse, White Trooper, who took home the Best Condition prize once during his career.

Al, a 10-year-old pure-bred Arab, was brought over from France, as Candy explains: “This was his first attempt [at the Horseshoe] but he was brilliant. He’s the ultimate endurance horse. He doesn’t over do it at the start and he doesn’t try to race the others, which some horses often do. When you look at him you wouldn’t think he’s going to set the world alight, but he gets on with the job at hand. You need a horse who is going to cross the finish line, as in endurance to finish is to win!”

The Golden Horseshoe is held over two days.

“It can be an energy-sapping ride due to the weather and the rocky, stoney terrain, hard ground and deep heather we have to move across,” says Candy, who has also ridden from Windsor to Versailles, and in other rides across the world during her career.

Candy Cameron drove from Inverness to Exmoor to compete in the Golden Horseshoe. She spreads the journey over two days, with regular breaks.

“We stop over and turn the horses out so they can have a rest and a graze,” Candy says. “Training wise, I would usually take a horse on at least two rides of 60km or so in length ahead of the Horseshoe. I would space them out about three weeks apart. It’s not just about the fitness; a horse needs to get used to moving over the terrain. If you’re constantly riding them on surfaces, they won’t be able to cope with the twists and turns underfoot. I also advise riders to work on their schooling, incorporating lateral work so the horse becomes more supple and gets stronger.”

When asked what makes her return to the iconic ride year after year, Candy says: “I love riding in beautiful places and enjoying the British countryside. We’re so lucky in endurance to be able to experience all the lovely terrain and stunning views on horseback.

“Endurance is also a family sport. You often see generation after generation coming up through the levels. It’s something everyone can get involved in.

“And of course, we love our horses. Their welfare is paramount.”

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Philippa Verry is an extraordinary horsewoman, not that she’d like you to think of her as exceptional. She’s ridden at Olympia, hunted throughout her life with various packs, and – in her late 50s – turned her hand to endurance riding, and winning. All this without the use of her arms, since she was born without them as a side-effect of thalidomide. But Philippa has never let this apparent disadvantage deter her from achieving anything she wants in the equestrian world.

“I am not disabled,” she says, when H&H visits her Devon yard. “I can do whatever anyone else does. I have never had any problem doing anything; some jobs just take me longer. There’s always a way if you want to do something badly enough.”

Philippa credits her paternal grandmother, who brought her up, for giving her the self-belief and attitude that “anything is possible”. She arranged riding lessons for the young Philippa with the inspirational Anne Gascoigne, who imbued her not only with a passion for horses but her optimistic outlook.

Philippa has no groom at home, so does all the stable chores herself. The place is immaculate. Here’s a snapshot of a day on Philippa Verry’s yard, as she demonstrates how she grooms, tacks up and prepares her horses for riding.

Philippa, aged 60, is more flexible than most people half her age. She explains that she does most jobs with her feet and toes that would typically be done with hands and fingers. With a horse that’s new to the yard, she goes about the jobs slowly for a day or so while they get used to her way of doing things.

“If it’s a two-handed job, I need to sit so I can use two feet,” Philippa explains. “I have chairs all round the yard – I buy them at the tip for a pound.”

And when it comes to tacking up, she uses a specially constructed platform so that she can sit at a convenient height to put the bridle on.

When it comes to riding, nothing holds Philippa back. In her 20s, she won a dressage scholarship at Windsor Park Equestrian Club, which she took up to train with John Lassetter. And although she’s had opportunities to pursue a para dressage career, on reflection she decided “it wasn’t for me”.

“I have the utmost admiration and respect for para riders, she says. “What they’ve achieved is incredible; that extra bit of grit and determination to do what they’ve done. People say I’d be such an inspiration, but as I’ve always competed on level terms, for me that is the achievement. I just consider myself as someone who rides in a unique way.”

Her tack is adapted so that the reins attach to the stirrups, and she finesses the contact with her toes.

Philippa likens her specialised reins to using side-reins for lungeing.

“You wouldn’t think twice about doing that,”she says. “But what I do has more give because I can soften with my feet whereas side-reins attached to the tack cannot.”

Philippa is a relatively new convert to endurance riding. After her first novice ride, she came back buzzing: “I knew there and then endurance was going to be my new passion. I found it the most friendly sport I’ve ever been involved in, made lovely friends along the way, and I absolutely love it. That wonderful bond that you build with your horse after spending so many hours in the saddle together over every sort of terrain imaginable. Totally trusting and respecting each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“It is a wonderful sport, it’s not ‘win at all costs’, horse welfare is paramount and everyone helps each other, even though it’s competitive. I’ve never known anything like it.”

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A 14-year-old rider who was told she would “never be an athlete” owing to a heart condition, is excelling in a new discipline with her former racehorse.

Warwickshire-based Amber Boiles was born with tetralogy of Fallot, a condition where a person’s heart has four defects. Amber had a hole in her heart, one ventricle too big, one too small, and another ventricle problem.

Lee Sterrey, Amber’s mum, told H&H her daughter had surgery to fix the condition when she was around a year old but doctors warned she would struggle with sport in the future.

Despite this, Amber learned to ride aged three and enjoyed competing in showjumping. In November 2021 she bought former Flat racehorse, Ignacio Zuloaga, known at home as Wilson. When she discovered Wilson had been retrained by his previous owner Ness Woodhouse to compete in endurance, Amber decided to attend an event.

“I wasn’t looking for an ex-racehorse but we found him and sort of fell in love. When you think of a thoroughbred you often think they’re quite hot headed, but he’s the opposite,” Amber told H&H.

“The plan had been to continue in showjumping because that’s what I’ve done my whole life, but we discovered Wilson really doesn’t like poles. When Ness suggested I come along to one of her endurance rides I found that Wilson really enjoyed it, and I thought we’ll keep going. I’ve always enjoyed going on long hacks, and Wilson seems to enjoy getting to look around at the views and not really having to focus, the way he would have in racing.”

Amber and Wilson were fifth in their first 26km graded event in April, and Wilson was awarded grade one – the highest grade – for fitness. The pair went on to complete a number of team events, including being part of the Hearts ‘n’ Cromwell winning team at the inter-regionals earlier in the year.

When the team qualified for the Endurance GB Red Dragon Festival in Wales in September but were unable to attend, Amber decided to enter the two-day Dragon’s Claw Challenge at the festival as an individual. Amber and Wilson won the challenge and Amber was awarded the young rider trophy for the entire event.

“Every ride I had done leading up to it had been on flat land with only little hills, so I definitely wasn’t expecting what I saw in Wales. Some of the hills were practically vertical,” said Amber.

“On the first day I started to struggle with my breathing as Wilson had become quite strong, and a rider that came up behind stopped to check I was ok. It’s really nice that everyone really looks out for each other. I was exhausted when I got back but I was not going to let that stop me competing on the second day. I wanted to complete the challenge for Wilson.”

Amber, who hopes to continue with endurance and see more young riders in the sport, said she does not let her heart condition stop her.

“When I was younger I tried tetrathlon but I really started to struggle with swimming and running, but equestrian sport suits me a lot better. You have two brains to think about, not just your own, so I’m more thinking about Wilson than what I’m doing,” said Amber.

“Because I have a condition I’m different to people, but I’m not really different. I don’t want to be brought down or compete in a lower class, I want to be up there. The doctors said I would never be an athlete but that sentence has stuck in my head and I want to prove them wrong.”

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EQUESTRIANS can no longer “stand on a castle and tell people to go away” but must engage with the public for our sports to survive.

In order to keep its social licence to operate — essentially, public acceptance of the involvement of horses in sport — equestrianism must not only keep equine welfare as its top priority but also demonstrate this to the outside world.

The latest tool to help this is an ethical framework for decision-making; a tool developed by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in conjunction with World Horse Welfare.

Charity CEO Roly Owers joined those involved in creating and testing the framework at a workshop on 4 October. The idea was to help inform the second phase of the research, which “aims to help provide sporting disciplines with a consistent ethical basis for the participation of equines in sport and leisure, designed to support the highest standards of welfare”.

The framework is essentially a process of steps, to be used to answer an ethical question. These include gathering and assessing evidence, from peer-reviewed studies to “lived experience”, and analysing the potential harms and benefits to stakeholders, including horses. The process should allow users to come up with an answer.

Madeleine Campbell, a senior lecturer in human-animal interactions and ethics at the RVC who is also a vet, rider and breeder, led the first phase of the project, the theory and function of the tool, and is leading the second, which aims to “optimise its function and uptake”.

“Because of [everything I do with horses] I’ve been very aware of the genuine will across the equestrian world to address the ethical challenges head-on, to protect and promote equine welfare,” she said.

“Because of my job, I attend different stakeholder meetings and conferences, and what’s become obvious is that there are a lot of conversations across equestrian sport about ethical issues, as and when they crop up, and a need to identify a consistent method that all of us in the sport can use to address them, to fulfil our shared aim of promoting equine welfare.”

Dr Campbell looked at ethical frameworks in other sports, and at animal welfare frameworks, to put the tool together. She said she believes a practice is ethical if it meets three key criteria: to minimise negative welfare effects and maximise positive effects, to identify and mitigate against any unnecessary risk, and to adhere to any relevant rules and legislation.

“What the framework doesn’t do, and isn’t supposed to do, is provide a ‘correct’ answer to any question,” she said, adding that rather it is a tool to help analyse ethical questions in a consistent way.

“It allows us to show the outside world that as a sport, we take ethical issues very seriously, and have a consistent method to analyse them, and reach evidence-based decisions, to form evidence-based policy,” she said.

The initial framework was tested repeatedly with professionals from a range of disciplines, and with a range of areas of expertise. Each time, the participants used the tool to answer a question and gave feedback. The framework was then refined and tested again.

One of these participants was former national endurance champion Susan Howes, who explained that she had been part of a group discussing an Endurance GB rule.

“I was joined by people with no endurance experience, and we were given an endurance question,” she said, adding that the group was asked whether the Endurance GB rule that allows novice, five-year-old, horses to complete 10 rides, to a maximum 450km total, in their first year of competition, was appropriate.

Ms Howes said she had always felt this was “an awful long way” for a horse of that age, but had to explain the issues to those with open minds. To her surprise, the process, including looking up records of horses who had completed the distance as novices, found no evidence to suggest this had done them any harm.

“I’d never done that, so it was a surprise to me, with my preconceived ideas, to find no evidence any horses had been compromised,” she said. “There were records of these horses competing years later, to advanced levels. We looked at the key considerations and the stakeholders, and concluded that, as long as the horses are fit enough and taken care of, this is actually ok.”

Ms Howes said it helped to have non-endurance people to challenge her opinions, and that explaining certain things to them “actually made me change my own mind”.

“A framework that allows that amount of debate on a controversial topic, which can make people change their minds and think about things in a different way is a really good process,” she said.

Dr Campbell said the aim is to engage with more regulatory bodies, and also grassroots sport. FEI veterinary committee chair Jenny Hall, who was in the workshop, said the committee will consider it, adding that she is “very excited about this collaborative opportunity to have these discussions”.

“What’s really good about this is that it brings in ethics; whether we should do something at all, and sometimes that’s the bit we don’t necessarily think about,” she said.

Ms Howes added that the framework is beneficial as it removes any emotion from the equation of difficult questions, and allows a logical process to be followed. It also might help if an incident has sparked a widespread reaction on social media, so a governing body can say it is using the framework to assess, and invite members to contribute, for example.

“We have to be prepared to justify our actions, and I think this framework can help us do that,” she said. “We can’t just stand on top of our castles and say ‘we’re fine, go away’, we have to be able to engage.”

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Endurance GB will open competitive ride entries at the beginning of next month, following the Government’s announcement that outdoor sport can resume in England from 29 March, but the flagship Golden Horseshoe Ride is cancelled.

One of the calendar’s feature events, the famous ride on Exmoor was scheduled for 22-23 May, but it will not take place this year.

“A combination of personal circumstances” affecting the Chisholm family, who organise the event, has led to its cancellation, along with uncertainty over “the impact of the restrictions on accommodation on Exmoor itself as UK tourism picks up”.

Other highlights of the endurance season look secure, with King’s Forest Summer hosting the inter-regional championships on 18-20 June and Cirencester accommodating the home internationals on 9-11 July.

This year’s national championship rides will continue at the British Horse Feeds and Golden Paste Company’s Red Dragon Festival of Endurance, which is scheduled for a week earlier than usual, on 24-27 September.

The UK’s FEI ride calendar has not yet been confirmed pending updates on international travel arrangements.

The first competitive rides of the endurance season are now expected to take place at Bilbury Salt Way in the Cotswolds and Tilford in Surrey on 11 April.

Phil Nunnerley, chairman of Endurance GB, said: “We welcome the Government’s announcement, and the re-opening of our sport is eagerly anticipated by everyone involved from riders to crews, organisers and volunteers. There is a great deal of excitement and momentum building for the 2021 season and we are anticipating a bumper year for the sport.

“Our major championship rides are all held at large venues which lend themselves to social distancing. So while these events may not have the usual social accompaniments this year, we are as confident as we can be that they will run, restrictions permitting.”

He added that the cancellation of the 2021 Golden Horseshoe Ride was “a great pity” but for “entirely understandable reasons as the Chisholm family will be re-opening their business the previous weekend but there were also uncertainties connected with accommodation locally and attempts to find an alternative weekend later in the year had drawn a blank”.

Endurance GB announced that Covid safety measures would be put in place at all events, including “health pre-screening and a full audit trail for all attendees”.

“Huge demand” is anticipated when entries open, and numbers are expected to be capped according to the social distancing capacities of each venue.

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Esther Young, Endurance GB’s operations director, said: “It will be vitally important for attendees to continue to follow the Covid safety measures, and we anticipate that we will be living with social distancing for much of the season.

“We are confident in our measures. There were zero transmissions at post lockdown events last year, and we were running events safely right up to the Christmas lockdown.”

Endurance GB’s calendar may still be subject to change and riders are being advised to check the sport’s website and social media regularly for updates. Welsh rides remain on hold at present pending announcements from the Welsh First Minister on the plans to relax Covid restrictions in Wales.

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Equestrian governing bodies are backing calls to the Prime Minister for urgent funding for the recovery of sport following the pandemic.

More than 100 sport and physical activity governing bodies, including British Equestrian, British Dressage, Endurance GB, the Pony Club and the British Horse Society, have written to Boris Johnson urging him to ring-fence funding for the recovery of the sector or risk “fuelling physical inactivity and related illnesses for a generation”. The letter comes during the Great British Week of Sport (19-27 September) and highlights the contribution of the sports and physical activity sector to society, with a combined workforce of more than 600,000 people.

It is hoped a support package, similar to that which has been provided to the arts and restaurants sector, will enable sport to continue to provide programmes and facilities that address the health inequalities highlighted by the pandemic and support the NHS in improving health outcomes.

“Grassroots sport, fitness, and wider recreational activity is proven to improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing. This makes our sector an essential service as our nation recovers from the damage caused by Covid-19,” the letter states.

“Prime Minister – you’ve long been a champion of the benefits of a physically active lifestyle and we were heartened to hear that commitment renewed this summer with the launch of the government’s obesity strategy. Our combined sector is delighted to be showcasing its reach into the heart of communities this week as part of the inaugural Great British Week of Sport.”

British Equestrian, which has been supporting ukactive’s Great British Week of Sport, said it was calling on Boris Johnson to “commit to position sport and physical activity at the heart of our nation’s post-Covid renewal”.

“Our sector is united in its call to the Prime Minister to back grassroots sport and physical activity so that our clubs, gyms and leisure facilities can throw their full weight behind fighting this pandemic,” said ukactive chief executive Huw Edwards.

“This is a health crisis and our sector can play a vital role in supporting our NHS by restoring the nation’s physical and mental resilience in the face of this terrible virus. We call on the government to deliver the urgent fiscal, taxation and regulatory support required to save sports and activity providers across the UK from disappearing from our communities at the time they are needed most.”

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Sport and Recreation Alliance chief executive Lisa Wainwright added that the strength of the coalition of the sports, recreation and activity sector “cannot be ignored”.

“The pandemic has put an incredible strain on our sector, which was forced to close for a prolonged period,” she said.

“It is imperative that our sector gets the support it requires from the government to get back to business, in order to ease the pressures on the NHS and play a central role in our nation’s recovery.”

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Many equestrian sports across the UK are coming to a halt as more bodies announce they are ceasing activities owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the Point-to-Point Authority, the Pony Club, Endurance GB, and the Hunting Office are the latest to cancel all events – following British Eventing’s announcement last night that all eventing would cease with immediate effect.

The British Horse Society (BHS) has cancelled its activities due to take place in Ireland; the BHS on Tour (29 March) and the National Coaching Convention (30 March). A spokesman said an update on the society’s other UK activities would be released today.

At the time of publication, the British Equestrian Federation, British Dressage, British Riding Clubs, and British Showjumping had yet to release statements on whether events under their remit would continue.

The Pony Club’s statement said the trustees had been in discussion yesterday and made the “very difficult” decision to cancel all centrally organised events.

“This includes the winter triathlon at Stoke Mandeville on Sunday (22 March) and the winter series final at Arena UK on 4-5 April,” said the statement.

“Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, requesting that we minimise social contact and non-essential travel, we advise all Pony Club activities cease with immediate effect.

“We would like to thank our members, parents and volunteers for their support in the decision to play our part in preventing the spread of covid-19.”

A spokesman for Endurance GB said its board had taken the decision to cancel all rides for at least the next couple of months.

“Following an emergency meeting, the board agreed unanimously in the light of the government advice and in the interests of ensuring the sport placed no additional burden on the NHS or put the health and safety of members, volunteers and officials at risk – all ride activity would cease until at least the end of May,” said the spokesman.

Endurance GB’s chair Phil Nunnerley added the situation would be under constant review in line with the latest advice, with the aim of resuming the season as soon as practical and safe to do so.

“This is a very sad situation,” he said. “I know during the enforced absence of the sport from the calendar our members will pull together, and our community will be an important focus for us all. I must underline our thanks to our organisers, officials, volunteers and staff for their support during these unprecedented times.”

The spokesman added ride organisers will be contacted and members will have entries refunded, while the board will be looking at ways to “boost” communication across Endurance GB’s social media channels including webinars and online training to maintain interest and focus on the sport.

The BHA said in a statement today (17 March) all racing in Britain is suspended from tomorrow to the end of April. This follows last night’s announcement the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival (2-4 April) was cancelled. Two race meetings remain scheduled to take place today behind closed doors at Wetherby and Taunton.

“The BHA took the decision to protect essential emergency services and the health and welfare of staff working in the racing industry,” said the statement.

“Racecourses and racing have obligations to ensure the safety of participants and provide medical cover which clearly cannot be fulfilled in these circumstances. This follows the new advice issued by government yesterday to combat the spread of the virus.”

BHA chief executive Nick Rust added the situation is a “national emergency” of which most have never seen before.

“We’re a sport that is proud of its connection to rural communities and to the local businesses that support our industry. But our first duty is to the health of the public, our customers and to racing industry participants and staff so we have decided to suspend racing following the government’s latest advice.

“Racing is a family and I know we will pull together over the coming days, weeks and months and support each other. By stopping racing, we can free up medical resources, doctors and ambulances, be they private sector or NHS, to assist in the national effort to fight this virus. And we can support industry participants and staff as they face personal challenges ahead and care for their own families.”

Mr Rust added there will be “difficult months” ahead for many.

“We need to focus now on ensuring that we can continue to look after our horses as the virus affects the thousands of participants and staff who dedicate their lives to caring for animals. We need to do what we can to support businesses inside and outside racing and the many people whose livelihoods depend upon this four billion pound industry,” he said.

The Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) announced today (17 March) the 2019/2020 season is now closed.

“This was a very difficult decision to make, recognising that many people’s livelihoods are involved,” said the statement.

“However the Prime Minister’s words made clear everyone should minimise social contact and non-essential travel. Furthermore our sport creates some medical burden, both on the course and potentially at the hospitals, where it would be unwelcome under the current circumstances.”

The statement added the PPA would like to thank everyone who has worked to keep this season going “so successfully” until now.

“We will be working on preparations to ensure we start next autumn in the same successful manner as last, and will soon be in touch with many of you for your thoughts and ideas,” said the statement.

A statement by the Hunting Office was issued to all masters and chairmen announcing all hunting would cease until further notice.

“This follows from the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday. I realise that for many still hunting that this will not be a popular decision but hunting cannot be seen to carry on when all other social, cultural and sporting activities have been cancelled,” said a Hunting Office spokesman.

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While cancellations continue to be announced across the UK, good news came from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) where riding schools are planned to re-open this week.

“Beas River, Tuen Mun, and Pokfula riding schools will open on 19 March (Thursday),” said the HKJC statement.

“In order to ensure the on-going safety of all and to mitigate the risk of spreading infection, special measures will be in place until further notice. We thank you for your continued support and understand at this challenging time.”

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Calls have been made for the “fullest possible” investigation after four horses sustained “shocking” catastrophic injuries at endurance rides in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Three horses competing in the CEN 120km Gamilati Cup (28 December) — Orange Glove ridden by Saif Ahmed Mohammed Alli Almazrouei of the UAE, L P Malvina ridden by Bianca Schutz of the Netherlands, and Aloha Diamond Jubilee ridden by Nadia Solange Fernandez of Argentina — suffered catastrophic injuries, as did one competing in the CEN 120km Al Maktoum Cup (29 December), Rafaela Heb ridden by Mohammad Ussain Habib Khan of India.

Endurance GB (EGB) director of welfare Antonia Milner-Mathews said the board was “shocked and saddened” by the incidents.

“We understand that although this was classified as a national (CEN) ride, there were at least 20 nationalities represented. It is clear that running these events with a very international flavour as CENs is not within the spirit of Article 101 of the FEI’s general regulations and we have grave concerns that such rides do not carry the level of scrutiny, welfare safeguards or sanctions that are in place at FEI CEI international level competition. We are calling on the FEI to review this,” she said.

Article 101 states a national event is limited to national athletes who take part “according to the regulations” of their national federations.

“While EGB feels that many of the new FEI rule changes coming into effect in 2020 will help improve welfare at international rides, the FEI must have backing at every level from national federations and sports’ governing bodies to both enforce and continually review both rules and the sanctions it imposes for failure to comply,” said Ms Milner-Mathews.

“Cleaning up endurance internationally must be the global priority for our sport in 2020 whatever that takes. At home, EGB is doing everything in its power to try to ensure the welfare of horses competing at EGB rides and as a result is continually reviewing its own policies and procedures as there is always room for progress.”

A spokesman for EGB added that it had re-issued the procedure by which British riders must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from EGB in order to compete at endurance rides abroad, including non-FEI competitions.

“Article 101 states individual foreign athletes, other than ‘athletes living outside their country of nationality’, may take part in national rides provided they have obtained written permission from their own national federation and from the national federation of the organising committee concerned,” he said.

“The purpose of these certificates is to allow the rider to evidence that they are qualified to ride at the required level under EGB domestic rules, and that there are no live or pending disciplinary issues which might preclude the individual from competing.”

EGB operations director and vice-chairman Esther Young said the body “strongly recommends” that riders do not compete in areas of the world where there are “serious and well-founded” concerns about welfare in endurance riding.

“The fact that EGB has issued a NOC is merely evidence that the rider is appropriately qualified and does not in any way condone their activities abroad. Riders make the decision to ride abroad at their own risk, and they must not bring the sport of endurance riding nor EGB into disrepute,” she said.

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“British riders riding overseas must remember that they remain subject to the EGB rules and recommendations, and that the EGB disciplinary policy applies to them wherever in the world they are riding. Our members are expected to uphold the highest standards of horse welfare and sportsmanship, and members who ride overseas can and do get referred to our disciplinary panel if they break our rules.”

Ms Young added FEI-registered riders should be aware that from 1 January they are expected under the new FEI rules to report any instances of horse abuse they witness to the FEI, whether or not it occurs at an FEI competition.

“EGB fully supports this requirement and will help and advise any rider wishing to report abuse,” she said.

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Endurance GB (EGB) saw an increase in membership during the 2019 season, while the organisation welcomed its fourth chairman of the year.

It was reported at the EGB annual general meeting on 24 November that membership had risen from 1,831 in 2018 to 1,943.

At a board meeting after the AGM, acting chairman Ann Dark, who had been in the position for just one month, stepped down and Phil Nunnerley was appointed.

EGB operations director Esther Young said the sport had attracted “positive attention” since the European Endurance Championships (15-18 August) at Euston Park, Suffolk.

“Most encouraging was the success of the new foundation graded rides, which provided growth at grassroots level and showed there is a healthy future for endurance. The link between joining and taking part is strong, underlining the clear pathway and support for new riders” she said.

EGB communications director Kerry Dawson told H&H changes in 2019, in which four people had served as chairman, had not had a negative impact, and Ms Dark’s was a “personal decision”.

“[Former chairs] Rebecca Kinnarney had health issues and Sue Box took on a degree; something had to give and, that was EGB,” she said.

The new board of directors will be Rosemary Attfield, Kerry Dawson, Rosemary Henderson, Antonia Milner-Matthews, Mr Nunnerley, Chris Wray, Esther Young and Constance Newbould.

Ms Dawson said Mr Nunnerley, Ms Henderson’s partner, “hit the ground running”.

“People are encouraged to put in nominations based on what skills they can bring and their experiences outside the sport with the view to being more strategic and businesslike in our approach to how we run. That’s one of the things we have achieved with this board,” she said.

Mr Nunnerley, a former Lloyds Bank director, said he was “honoured and delighted”.

“I recognise the challenge that goes with the role in leading and do not underestimate the responsibility both I and the board have in ensuring we continue to offer the support that allows our members to enjoy their sport at all levels,” he said.

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The “winning” rider at Royal Windsor’s CEI2* endurance ride was denied his victory for using his reins as a whip.

Jaafar Merza Abdul Nabi Hassan, riding for Bahrain, was the first across the line in the 120km international on 10 May.

But he was disqualified by the ground jury for using his reins as a whip on his ride, Assad, meaning the win went to Ghanim Said Salim Al Owaisi, of the UAE, on Maison Blanche Vengai.

Endurance GB chairman Rebecca Kinnarney said the disqualification sends a “clear signal” to those in the sport that horse welfare is “paramount”.

“Endurance GB welcomes the application of the rules by the ground jury at Royal Windsor endurance in respect of this rider,” she said.

“While most other equestrian disciplines allow whips and their rules accordingly pertain to excessive use, FEI endurance rules simply don’t allow whips to be used.

“Something being used as one was witnessed by the ground jury in this case, and so the rider was subject to a strict liability test.

“In the light of the current FEI investigation into the ‘reshaping’ of endurance, the outcome of the ground jury’s deliberations at Windsor sends a clear signal to all those involved in the sport as riders, trainers and crews as well as those watching the sport closely from the side lines that the welfare of the horse is paramount.”

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Ms Kinnarney also thanked the organisers and Crown Estate for hosting the ride. Six Brits finished in the top 14 in the 80km CEI*.

“The opportunity to compete at a major FEI ride here at Windsor gives British riders a wonderful experience at a showcase venue and we were delighted that 14 of our riders completed the CEI1* class successfully,” she said.

“The work of the veterinary commission was exemplary throughout the course of this ride and the technical delegate and organising team adapted to difficult conditions at the start in the mist to ensure safety.”

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Endurance riding is an international competitive sport involving riding over controlled, long distance courses. It’s an exciting and challenging sport with different levels of competition suitable for all abilities, as well as national and international championships. Many endurance groups also organise pleasure rides, which aren’t strictly competitive but can contribute to league points for members.

Esther Young, director of operations at Endurance GB, the governing body of British endurance riding, started out in the sport in 1997.

“I entered a pleasure ride with my Arab, Harry, caught the bug, and the rest is history!” she laughs. “Together we had a long career and reached advanced level. I love endurance riding as it’s the equine equivalent of marathon running — just you and your horse against the terrain. You can set your own goals, whether that be a 16km pleasure ride or the ultimate challenge of 160km in a day. Graded Endurance Rides are from 20km up to 90km in a day, and the horse and rider have to complete the course within set speed parameters. They then get awarded a grading at the end based on the condition of the horse when it finishes the ride. A Grade One means the horse has finished within the speed parameters for their class, with pulse of less than 44bpm (48bpm for longer classes), and has passed all the other vet checks.

“Competitive Endurance Rides and FEI rides are for advanced combinations and horses and riders compete against each other, covering at least 80km in a day. The first combination home who also passes the final vetting wins.

“Any horse can have a go at endurance riding, and we have all shapes and sizes of horse and rider out there on the circuit. The most successful horses tend to be around 14.2hh to 15.2hh, light to middleweight, with a good work ethic and an enquiring mind. The Arabian horse is known for its stamina, so there are a lot of pure and part-breds out there, but there are also a lot of pure and part-bred native ponies too, who do extremely well as they are built for the terrain. We also have some very ‘unconventional’ horses blazing trails!”

“With regards to training for your event, any horse who is fit enough to do a couple of hours of fairly active hacking should be fit enough to do a shorter ride. Afterwards, it’s a case of putting in the miles with plenty of long, slow work including lots of hill work if possible to build stamina. At the beginning, you can compete in your usual tack provided it’s well-fitting and comfortable. Specialised endurance kit such as weatherproof, synthetic tack and seamless riding tights may prove a more practical option at the higher levels.”

Endurance GB’s development director Alex Tennant has been competing for 22 years, for the past six with her pure-bred Arab Inferno. Last year, the pair were first in the multi-day 170km endurance ride at the FEI Royalties event.

“Endurance is a fantastically fun and rewarding sport to be involved in,” she says. “Just a few of the benefits include developing the relationship with your horse, taking on new challenges, riding across beautiful areas of the country not usually accessible to the public, spending time with friends and family, getting you and your horse fit and being involved in team competitions. It’s suitable for all types of healthy, sound and fit horses, ponies and mules! Most horses in regular work will be capable of completing a 30km ride comfortably within the set speed and heart rate parameters.”

Endurance rider Bridget Brown did her first endurance ride in 1987.

“Having grown up on a North Yorkshire hill farm I was used to riding for miles, in fact for the first job I had as a teenager, my horse was my transport!” she laughs. She currently competes with her two horses and has been part of the England squad three times.

“I would encourage anyone to have a go at endurance riding as from the shortest pleasure rides to the ultimate 100 miles you will find friends and help second to none,” she says.

To find events in your area, visit the Endurance GB website. Local groups also put on pleasure rides and training events, often advertised on Facebook or local equestrian websites.

“The bond that you gain with your horse is incredibly strong, and the memories that you will make together stay with you forever,” says Esther. “Just a word of warning — it is extremely addictive!”

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My voyage to Antarctica was, as expected, totalling amazing. Ice, whales, penguins, wild seas, albatrosses, icebergs, snow, Cape Horn (pictured above); just wow!

On my return to Cornwall I could not believe how wet and muddy it is. The Antarctic Summer (at least at the edge) has a lot going for it. Okay, it did rain and snow and the very sudden winds came from the South Pole and were bone-chilling, but we saw the sun most days. I didn’t feel cold or wet (yes I did wear three thermal layers, two fleeces, one ski jacket and a sailing coat). I have been reliably informed that it rained every day in Cornwall since I left six weeks ago!

Now to the stars of the blog — they are feral, filthy, fat and furry but they are also healthy and happy horses. You can worry so much about leaving your beloved horses while you go on holiday and six weeks is a long time, but THEY DID NOT DIE! It has, however, now left me with rather a lot of work to do to get them competition fit.

Firstly to tackle the mud and hair. Fantom has now been successfully, if not beautifully, scalped and after strategic washing, looks almost presentable. The same cannot be said of Chiara who determinedly resists any attempt to reduce her level of hair. For some reason known only to her, she cannot abide trimmers or even scissors under her jaw line although she is perfectly happy to accept brushing and stroking. Well, tomorrow is the day for the hair assault and I am thinking that just maybe if I use WARM SCISSORS I might be successful…

Today was a bit of a tidy up day, sweeping out the tack room, washing boots and towels which was quite a pleasant relaxing job until I saw my bridles… how did they get so dirty? No, they haven’t been used which means I must have left them like that! Joy oh joy, a tack cleaning session was a must and thank goodness they now look ready to rock and roll.

How can so much have happened in the endurance world in the six weeks I have been away? This is, after all, the ‘off’ season. I missed a fantastic seminar on international performance and welfare headlined by Roly Owers of World Horse Welfare. Endurance GB has announced a new scholarship scheme for young riders and juniors to encourage them to progress through the grades which will hopefully result in many more young riders being available for squad selection in the future. The EGB initiatives are coming in thick and fast with benefits for all of its members.

One slightly unfortunate thing though with being out of the loop is that I missed the deadline to express my interest in being considered for WEG (World Equestrian Games) this year. Another slight downside from my expedition is that I managed to pick up an injury when I jumped off a rock to avoid some penguin poo and aggravated an old injury. Physio starts this week and I am confident that I can recommence my own fitness training in a couple of week’s time. However, this has meant that I have had to put back competition schedules for all the horses by about a month with the first international competition now probably being at Royal Windsor in May.

There is another seminar on welfare to be held at the British Racing School in Newmarket coming up shortly with some really good guest speakers. Newmarket is, of course, the other side of the country to me so the logistics of attending this will mean three days away, something I’m not sure I can manage at this time.

Since my return, both Fantom and Chiara have done a week’s walking with a little trotting and both are extremely keen to do more. Next week will involve upping the trotting slightly and reinforcing some of the schooling they did at the beginning of the year. I had expected the ancient Wizard to be ridden a bit in my absence but sadly this was not the case and I will have to scout around for a jockey for him to keep him happy. Dilmun is like a polar bear; fat and hairy and extremely dirty. Tomorrow his shoes go back on and he will gradually make a return to work.

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I have to confess that since returning from Antarctica, I have enjoyed keeping up with the Winter Olympics and in particular following Lizzy Yarnold’s fantastic success through the eyes of her mother, a dedicated endurance rider. Much respect, Lizzy!

I think being away for quite a long spell has helped concentrate my mind and reinforce the goals I have set for myself and my horses. There is nothing like stepping back a little to put things into perspective.

Annie

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Endurance, what’s that all about? A long hack maybe or a madcap dash across the desert? The reality for one dedicated endurance rider is four beautiful pure Arabian horses and a sea of mud in deepest, darkest Cornwall. BUT the endurance season in the UK has just started, spring is upon us and the days are getting longer.

A quick intro to the four extremely ‘individual’ Arabs: leader of the pack is Dilmun who has achieved so much in his career culminating in representing his country at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in 2014, but is now 18 and having a slightly easier time; Fantom who is the current superstar, HS Chiara who is the future and Wizard, an older boy who makes occasional appearances either doing dressage or pleasure rides.

There was big excitement this weekend as the first squad session was upon us. Fantom was to attend this squad session having qualified for the European Championships to be held in Brussels in August. After having six months’ holiday doing absolutely nothing, he came back into work about four weeks ago and we have been steadily walking, starting with 10 minutes on the roads to now over an hour over a more varied terrain. In preparation for his assessment he had his expert massage, new shoes and a new haircut (very chic!).

Squad sessions are usually in the middle of the country which I guess is the only fair way and this time was no exception; Milton Keynes the home of the concrete cows. I have clearly led a sheltered life and Milton Keynes was a first for me. Definitely a doughnut city, with roundabout after roundabout; not what you want when towing your precious horse. However, the hub, where we were staying, was a revelation, more European than British in its outlook with outdoor eating and a huge variety of cuisine, happy days!

While Fantom was preparing for his meticulous inspection by the team vet, farrier and physio, Chiara was approaching a reasonable level of work. This will be Chiara’s second season in endurance and, although she is nearly eight-years-old, it will only be her second season of being ridden. Last year her positive, enthusiastic attitude saw her through the grades from novice to advanced and she completed all her FEI novice qualifiers. This year the plan is to take her through one- and two-star levels and, hopefully, make a first trip overseas. There is still a lot of preparation to do in terms of schooling and fitness and her first competition is just two weeks away, a local 40km graded ride where the focus will be on maintaining her rhythm rather than on going any great speed.

Dilmun also had a long holiday after last season and also had to complete several weeks of walking. Now he has upped his work to include some trot work and some gentle schooling. He will be aimed at a 50km competition which he won last year in April in preparation for Royal Windsor in May.

The ancient Wizard had an outing last week, purely a pleasure ride which he thoroughly enjoyed and was well within his capability. Fun is the name of the game for this old campaigner.

On to my own preparation for the season; well, my highlight was a lesson on a mechanical horse! To anyone un-horsey this must sound pretty sad but for an endurance rider it was a very valuable session. I spent 45 minutes on ‘Eric’, as he is known, going through the paces to ensure that I sit as centrally as possible with slight adjustments being made to my posture.

Less enjoyable preparation involves jogging (I will be running soon, I promise!) and pilates-type strengthening exercises designed to improve core stability and strength especially in the legs. We endurance riders do have to spend an awful lot of time in the saddle after all and we need to help our horses as much as possible by being light and balanced.

Annie

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A study to investigate the health of endurance horses in Britain has been launched by the Animal Health Trust and Endurance GB (EGB).

In 2015, 1,209 horses were registered with EGB, however, no objective information is available on the general health status or specific veterinary problems of British endurance horses.

The study, led by Dr Annamaria Nagy, a senior orthopaedic clinician at the AHT, was set up to “establish the prevalence of veterinary problems and to investigate whether horse, rider or management-related risk factors are associated with specific problems”.

EGB members are urged to complete a questionnaire for their horse.

“We will take information about the horse and tack that is used, as well as practical things such as shoeing, feeding and then the horse’s competition record and its general health in the past 12 months,” Dr Nagy told H&H.

Riders are only allowed to submit information about two horses.

“We’ve already had responses about 200 horses, but the more the better,” she added.

“From what I’ve seen in practice is there is a prevalence of lameness in endurance horses. We want to find out more. Sometimes horses are lame after a long distance ride. They then improve over shorter distances but the lameness returns when they tackle longer distances. There is currently no veterinary information available for endurance horses in the UK. We aim to identify the risk factors for the issues we find.”

She added that they will also look at respiratory conditions and colic, among others.

“The welfare of horses taking part in Endurance GB rides is absolutely paramount. We believe any study which helps broaden our knowledge of potential issues is worthy of our support,” said Harry Ingram from EGB.

“We look forward to reading the full results and encourage all of our members to take part in the survey. We are hopeful the results of the study will help Endurance GB further improve on an already excellent welfare record in the UK.”

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Endurance GB (EGB) has responded to scandals in the sport in the UAE, saying the organisation is “deeply concerned and shocked” by recent footage that has emerged.

On 30 January five riders — including the first three over the line — were disqualified from a junior/young riders 120km ride at Al Wathba for beating their exhausted horses.

A video clip of the final stages of the race went viral, leading for many calls on social media for the UAE to be resuspended immediately (news, 4 February).

“The board has been closely following with interest the progress of the FEI in improving horse welfare in the UAE, in accordance with the agreement put in place with the Emirates Equestrian Federation [EEF],” read a statement.

“While there have been reports of numerous improvements, especially at the Bou Thib venue, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the video that has emerged from a CEN [national] event at Al Wathba on the 30 January.”

EGB had previously been criticised for not speaking out against the continued welfare issues and scandals in the sport in the Middle East. The EGB board has now written to the British Equestrian Federation to voice concerns.

“We have asked that these are passed to the FEI,” read the statement. “We have requested that further action be taken and that this is made public as soon as possible. The FEI has a duty to address a culture of riding horses beyond their means in the sport of endurance.

“The board fully supports the FEI to intervene and implement new measures that protect horses and the sport worldwide.”

Last week (Tuesday, 2 February) four endurance rides in the UAE due to be staged were announced as “postponed” as worldwide outrage over the horse welfare crisis continued to escalate. And in another surprise move, all remaining rides in Dubai for the rest of the season have disappeared from the calendar of the Dubai Equestrian Club.

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FEI director of endurance Manuel Bandeira de Mello said: “Following meetings between the FEI and the EEF, the EEF has postponed four endurance events so that agreement can be reached on proposed measures to urgently address a number of serious issues in endurance in the region.

“The CEI1* in Dubai on 8 February [have] been postponed, along with national events on 4, 5 and 6 February. The FEI has set a deadline of 11 February for the EEF to come back with an agreement on the proposed measures.”

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Endurance GB (EGB) has closed its online members’ forum, to the surprise of members.

A spokesman for EGB told H&H that the decision was “not taken lightly” and that the board is “working hard to enhance existing communication platforms in light of the forum closing”.

He added: “It is not the board’s wish to censor members’ views. Sadly the forum became an increasing drain on time and resources, which we could not sustain.

“Our efforts are now focused on providing an excellent ride calendar, improving our infrastructure and promoting endurance riding in the UK. Any concerned members are urged to email the board.”

The forum had been administered by volunteers.

But a statement to members said that “once again we have had issues with individuals abusing the forum guidelines and the volunteers”.

The statement continued that the organisation was “keen to become more transparent so people can raise issues directly with the line director responsible for each operational area.”

One forum member said: “I feel very sad that the forum has been closed, particularly for the non-riding members who used it to keep in touch. On the whole it was a useful forum for debate and advice and to find people to ride with for new members and novice horses. It was also good for keeping up to date with what is happening. A very sad day for the society and the sport within the UK.”

Another forum has been set up, which already has nearly 300 members.

“After speaking with many members, it became clear that they wanted a place where they could exchange ideas, opinions, share ride details and ask other members for advice,” said a spokesman.

“The fact the EGB board voted unanimously to shut such a valuable resource without any official notice was a shame and we have simply offered an alternative. Endurance-Chat will be run by for anyone who is interested in our sport.”

Ref: H&H 28 January, 2016

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At least five horses have died as the UAE endurance season reaches its halfway point, with no significant reduction in rule-breaking or improvement in completion rates, despite FEI measures put in place.

Among recent measures, a horse euthanised at or after a ride must be notified as catastrophically injured (CI) in official results. By mid-December, six UAE CIs were listed, although the FEI says two listings were later advised as “mistakes”.

However, a further horse has since died. Australian-bred Woodbourne Elvis was euthanised on the first loop of the Boxing Day CEN 100km at Al Wathba.

“We are working closely with the Emirates Endurance Federation (EEF), including putting in place a separate injuries study to identify the cause of these catastrophic injuries,” said the FEI’s Manuel Bandeira de Mello.

The EEF’s five-month suspension for “major” welfare issues was lifted in August, after it signed a legally-binding agreement to apply FEI rules at both FEI and national rides.

The FEI drafted in new personnel to supervise the EEF’s day-to-day workings and the running of competitions. Two senior EEF figures, Dr Hallvard Sommerseth and Abdul Aziz Mohd Yasin Sheikh, were provisionally suspended after falsifying results of 15 CEIs, in a scandal exposed by H&H last March.

Finishers still low

Completion rates remain mostly well below 25%. At Dubai Endurance City on 12 December, just 13 horses finished out of 76 (17%). The FEI believes this shows rigorous vetting, although riders are not yet starting to “conserve” their horses. At the Al Wathba CEN 100km, also on 12 December, the top five all recorded final loop speeds of over 30kph.

FEI rules were tightened on 1 August 2014, and further constraints apply from 1 January, which include the ground jury’s right to halt any ride if rules are being breached.

At Al Wathba’s seasonal opener, 21 yellow cards were handed out for illegal crewing. But only a handful of yellow cards have been recorded since, despite clips posted on Facebook by official live-stream provider YAS of illegal “mobile crewing”, such as riders being handed a constant supply of “slosh bottles” outside official crew points.

YAS also filmed Sheikh Mohammed as a passenger in a car that was openly following on the piste, which breaches rules, at different rides.

The FEI has inspected these clips. Its spokesman said that on the first occasion, in late November, the ground jury allowed mobile crewing because of the extreme heat.

Another instance occurred during a national ride “for private owners”. The FEI says it has asked the EEF to address the issue of close-following vehicles, and will raise it again at a meeting with the UAE this week, but says rule-breaches cannot be punished unless reported within a 30-minute deadline after results (see p5).

It has also emerged that the Swiss federation, a long-time critic of Middle East endurance, sent a delegation to the FEI last month. The Swiss want horses and riders to qualify as a pair in two races before upgrading.

“The discipline’s credibility is at stake,” said the federation’s Dr Claude Nordmann.

Voting with their feet

HH Sheikh Sultan Al Nahyan has campaigned for reform for many years. He is running Bou Thib, one of the UAE’s three permanent venues, under FEI rules, but will award prizes only to riders meeting his own welfare-orientated criteria, which include a 20kph speed limit. However, at the Bou Thib ride last week, the start list for an 80km ride was drastically reduced — riders appeared to be voting with their feet.

However,the first two rides adopting a his “Top Condition Challenge” have enjoyed completion rates of 67%, with no horses spun for more serious metabolic issues requiring “invasive” treatment.

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Horses out of endurance for more than three years must requalify from novice before they can run over the longer distances, under new rules approved at Endurance GB’s (EGB) annual meeting.

The move follows the fatal injury sustained by Ijaaz at Hexham in August. An official investigation concluded his accident was unrelated to his fitness levels.

However, EGB received many complaints that the 20-year-old stallion started competing with a new loaner this spring, five years after being retired and had been vetted out lame twice before Hexham.

EGB has also sought clarification about how new FEI rules on rest periods will apply to national rides.

An EGB spokesman said it would hold an extraordinary general meeting with the aim of introducing these further rules before the 2016 UK season.

Ref: H&H 10 December, 2015

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Endurance GB (EGB) is reviewing rest periods and the procedure for returning horses to competition after a long break, following outcry over the fatality of a Ijaaz (pictured, top), a 20-year-old stallion, at Hexham on 1 August.

Ijaaz had been vetted out lame at his two previous rides this summer, having not competed since 2010. EGB’s official investigation has concluded that this did not contribute to his catastrophic fetlock injury at Hexham. But the EGB board is to discuss rule changes after receiving “numerous” emails from members.

Ijaaz, a well-bred Arabian by Narim-Ivory Wings, is understood to have been loaned earlier this year to Danielle Coulson, also known as Danielle Gray, who was herself returning to endurance after a break.

EGB’s existing rules did not require the pair to re-start over the shorter distances. Ijaaz was vetted out lame at the Wharncliffe Chase 80km ride on 7 June and again at his next start, the 92km Lindum Spirit on 25 July. He started again the following weekend at Hexham, where he sustained a fetlock injury.

An EGB spokesman said the board’s forthcoming discussion would not be related to the Hexham incident.

But he added: “During the past six weeks, we have received numerous emails from members who would like to see us review rest periods and rules regarding a break in a horse’s career. We will take this opportunity.”

The EGB rulebook recommends pro-rata rest periods between rides, but they are not mandatory. Under FEI rules, Ijaaz would have been grounded for six weeks after Lindum Springs. FEI rest periods have been increased recently, notably for horses lame at consecutive rides, among other moves triggered by the welfare scandals in the Middle East.

FEI Endurance Director Manuel Bandeira de Mello said: “The FEI encourages all National Federations and national governing bodies in endurance to adopt FEI rules, particularly regarding mandatory rest periods, as these rules are put in place to protect horse welfare.”

Up to 2010, Ijaaz completed 1,337 EGB kilometres with his owner, Frankie Turley. H&H was unable to reach Miss Coulson or Mrs Turley for comment.

Ref: H&H 24 September, 2015

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Endurance GB has declined to comment on why a suspended UAE trainer was allowed to assist British riders at last week’s King’s Forest endurance international (12 July).

The prominent Dubai-based trainer Anzaq Mehmood was seen using slosh bottles at crew points in photographs (not pictured above), which caused a storm on social media.

However, his status has fallen into a “grey area.”

Crewing was not specifically addressed in FEI guidelines about the practical application of the UAE suspension. However, an existing rule prohibits suspended persons from stepping on to the field of play, and was applied in a 2011 case involving Maktoum trainer Ali Al Muhairi.

Mr Mehmood is a Pakistani national, but subject to the suspension because he is administered by the UAE.

A popular figure who has spent several spells in East Anglia, he collaborated with the Dutch team and prepared their World Equestrian Games silver medal-winning horse Laiza de Jamila for Marijke Visser.

He has never been associated with the Maktoum-owned stables at the heart of the doping, welfare, horse-swapping and “phantom rides” scandals leading to the unprecedented UAE suspension in March.

But he was dragged into controversy in April when providing a forged permit to compete from the Pakistan federation. In an email to the Pakistan federation, Mr Mehmood said he had asked a third party to obtain it for him. The Dutch national coach Emile Docquier was dismissed soon afterwards, for undisclosed reasons.

A FEI spokesman said: “At this event [King’s Forest], [Anzaq Mehmood] wasn’t acting as a rider, trainer or official and did not need the authorisation of his home national federation to be on a crew.”

EGB declined to ask a direct question about the appropriateness of accepting his assistance until the suspension is lifted. A spokesman said: “As this is an FEI issue we do not wish to comment.”

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A 15-year-old girl has become the youngest rider to win Endurance GB’s (EGB) supreme champion trophy.

Hannah Maskell, from Buckinghamshire, won the trophy in her first competitive season — where riders race against each other over distances of no less than 80km.

The trophy is awarded to the horse and rider combination gaining the most points in all types of competitions run by EGB over the 2014 season, which runs from March until October.

Hannah’s successful season started with a win at her first 80km race in Brandon, Norfolk, on 27 April last year. She remained unbeaten in her next four races.

Last June, Hannah also won the young rider national title at Cirencester Park.

She said her horse Joyce’s Choice, “Jimmi”, is not the typical a Arabian endurance horse but a 16hh Irish Sports horse.

Hannah started endurance riding seven years ago with the Pony Club, and affiliated with EGB in 2011 to increase the distances she could compete in.

“Pony Club endurance is an ideal way to get into endurance if you have not done it before,” said Hannah.

“Once I tried endurance there was no looking back as it’s a great sport where you can really get to know your horse better. I would encourage all young riders to give it a go.”

This year Hannah wants to attempt the Red Dragon ride held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on 2-4 October.

The 2015 endurance season kicks off on 1 March with the Forest of Dean — March Hares ride, and in Lincolnshire the Wootton ride takes place over distances up to 65km.

For more information visit: www.endurancegb.co.uk

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Endurance GB (EGB) has accepted a “blanket” sponsorship from Sheikh Mohammed’s Meydan corporation, following an unprecedented members’ ballot of 570 to 405.

“A majority of EGB’s members have voted ‘yes’ in the recent ballot regarding proceeding with a proposed sponsorship agreement with Meydan,” said John Hudson, chairman of EGB.

The overall turnout was 55.2% (1010 members), with 56.4% (570) votes in favour of accepting the sponsorship, with 40.1% (405) against and 3.5% (35) abstentions.

“The proposed agreement, which offers benefits for all levels of the EGB membership, will enhance EGB’s ability to realise its long-term strategy and vision: to enable more people and horses at all levels to enjoy the sport of endurance to the highest standard of excellence,” added Mr Hudson.

The three-year deal, for an undisclosed sum, covers EGB’s entire international calendar, new technology and training bursaries.

It also reinstates three FEI rides at Euston Park, which were cancelled in 2013 when UAE doping and horse injury scandals drew worldwide media attention. These will involve inclusion in a global series announced by Meydan last week, just 48 hours after the EGB ballot closed.

However, debate has raged for months about the wisdom of allying the UK sport with the emirate at the heart of doping and horse injury scandals.

The idea provoked a storm of protest on EGB’s members-only forum and already some “no” voters have taken to the EGB forum to state they will not rejoin the organisation.

Barbury FEI ride organiser Linda Kidd was among members who lobbied for members to have the right to decide.

She said: “The board now has the responsibility to ensure that the proper arrangements are put in place to meet the expectations of all of the membership who voted, particularly on matters to do with horse welfare and compliance with FEI rules.”

Last year when questioned by H&H John Hudson said that EGB is financially sound and not reliant on the Meydan backing.

“EGB believes that inclusiveness, not exclusion, is the key to improving standards and culture,” he said.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 15 January 2015

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Members have until next week (7 December) to comment online about Endurance GB’s (EGB) controversial sponsorship from the United Arab Emirates, the country at the centre of welfare scandals that have rocked the sport.

But opponents returning from EGB’s annual general meeting on Saturday (22 November) told H&H they fear acceptance is already a “done deal”.

The three-year contract, for an undisclosed sum, is backed by Meydan and Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) and includes provision of high-tech equipment and sponsorship for all the UK’s FEI rides, reinstatement of the DEC-managed Euston Park venue, bursaries and support for training.

After the AGM, the board’s press statement said the package was “deliberately constructed to offer opportunities and benefits to all our members, and the sport as a whole.

“The EGB Board believes the proposed agreement would significantly enhance our ability to realise our vision and reinforces the implementation of the revised FEI rules.”

Attendees say the one-hour debate was “heated”, with concerns about availability

of “unconflicted” personnel to manage Euston Park, contract terms and exit strategies, and possible deferment until the conduct of Group VII countries visibly improves.

Ref: H&H Thursday 27 December, 2014

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An endurance organiser says she will never host FEI competitions again because of the behaviour of Group VII (Middle East) riders at her CEI in August.

A yellow warning card was issued to one UAE rider for “incorrect behaviour”, and another’s placing was demoted to completion after their altercations with road-crossing stewards at Barbury.

But organiser Linda Kidd believes further violations escaped censure because they were not reported within the FEI’s 30-minute rule.

Organisers “hand over” their site to FEI officials an hour before the start. Mrs Kidd says “inappropriate” corral areas and gazebos were erected too close to the vet hold area, “creating a potential health and safety risk”. She also alleges that the new limit on crew numbers was not enforced.

“We have run FEI events for four years, and this was the first time we’ve had Group VII,” she said. “Dealing with the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC) took up 95% of my time.

“Barbury was just eight days after the new FEI rules took effect on 1 August. You would have thought the UAE would try to respect them.”

Mrs Kidd wrote to Endurance GB (ECB) chairman John Hudson, but says he didn’t answer all her concerns. She also believes he understated rule-breaking during UK rides this summer in comments to H&H about the sponsorship EGB is discussing with DEC.

Mr Hudson said: “EGB are fully aware of the issues that arose at the Barbury Castle event and accept that we did not publicly acknowledge this. We would like to reassure members that we have received a full report from the organiser and are taking this experience into account when planning FEI rides in 2015 and beyond.”

Liz Finney, chief steward at Barbury, told H&H: “We did not find more than the allowed number attending any horse. There was obviously a large contingent of UAE grooms in the crew area due to the number of UAE-trained horses competing.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (13 November 2014).

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Endurance GB’s (EGB) “in principle” agreement to a blanket sponsorship from Sheikh Mohammed’s Meydan corporation is provoking a storm of protest on its members-only forum.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes a new training programme and provision of electronic equipment for FEI rides in the UK.

Rides will be reinstated at Sheikh Mohammed’s British base, Euston Park. They were cancelled in 2013 when UAE doping and horse injury scandals drew worldwide media attention.

Some members are threatening to leave EGB or stop officiating if it goes ahead.

Negotiations between British Equestrian Federation (BEF) chief executive Andrew Finding and Meydan CEO Saaed Al Tayer — who served together on the FEI Endurance Strategic Planning Group — were leaked to H&H in June, but members were notified only after last week’s deadline for items to be put to the AGM on 22 November.

One poster on the forum wrote: “I can smell the bullshit from Yorkshire. The reason none of this is on ‘our’ website is because they didn’t want the membership to know it’s a done deal and we’ve sold the society’s soul.”

UAE riders have received FEI yellow cards for offences including horse abuse this year. Asked if the UAE had turned over a new leaf, EGB chairman John Hudson said: “Clearly EGB cannot answer for the BEF or the UAE. However, from personal objective observation by EGB officials attending all FEI rides in Britain this year, there has been no evidence of any significant breaches of FEI rules by riders of any nation, or of horse welfare issues.

“These observations, together with the enhanced FEI rules and their stronger enforcement by impartial officials, provides confidence that future events in GB will be run to the same high standards or better.”

He added that EGB is financially sound and not reliant on the Meydan backing.

“EGB believes that inclusiveness, not exclusion, is the key to improving standards and culture,” he said.

This news story was first published in H&H magazine (9 October 2014).

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There were exhibitions of great sportsmanship, transparency at vetgates and heart-warming stories throughout the endurance competition at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) last week. Who can ever forget Jordi Santacreu jumping for joy as Mystair Des Aubus pinged down the final trot-up lane, ears still pricked, to secure Spain’s team gold?

But there weren’t many horses like him. By vetgate four, some survivors looked dead-eyed, as if all they could do was support their own weight.

If this represented the world’s best, why the mere 22% completion rate? Yes, the going was horrendous early on and the temperature clammy, but the idea of endurance is to conserve energy, which means slowing down where you have to.

FEI qualifications remain so slack Sheikh Mohammed could have defended his 2012 title despite attempting just one CEI in 733 days. The UAE’s Qurun Al Elm has had eight riders in 11 FEI starts. This was only his second outing under Abdullah Ghanim al Marri; they won Compiègne’s 120km CEI riding a last loop at 33.2kph in May.

Spectators gasped when the grey collapsed at vetgate three with colic.

FEI rules perpetuate a poor standard of equitation. Many nationalities were initially towed along, out of control, by fast-riding Middle Eastern teams on expensive purchases produced by professional trainers. UAE and Qatar each provided three of the 44 horses now grounded for 60 days with metabolic failures that needed veterinary intervention.

When FEI endurance chairman Brian Sheahan told media he was “proud to be associated with this championship” I thought I was in a parallel universe. The FEI still has a mountain to climb to rehabilitate endurance.

➤ Pippa Cuckson was presented with the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists’ 2013 Bureau Award at WEG for her exposure of the endurance scandal in H&H and other media.

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Endurance GB has selected its squad for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in Normandy, France. The endurance competition takes place on 28 August at the Bay of Mont St Michel in Sartilly.

The squad includes:

• Annie Joppe, riding her own Dilmun
• Beth Langley, riding Cate Langley’s HS Ametista
• Annette Masterson, riding Ann Harrison’s Millenium Chorus
• Catriona Moon riding her own Leila
• Anna Williams riding Jane Williams’ Crystal Wissam

The three non-travelling reserves are:

• Abigail Tennant, riding Delwyn Hall’s Barik
• Carri Ann Dark riding her own Kates Mate
• Annette Masterson riding her own El Sabio

Chef d’equipe Andrea Baker said: “This year sees a mix of experienced riders and those progressing on from young rider level.”

Annie Joppe has bought her 15-year-old grey gelding “Dil” up through the ranks. “He really is a horse of a lifetime. We’ve been working for so long and training so hard and it’s all come together — now we just have to do the job.”

Beth Langley came up though young riders with her pony, but WEG is her first senior championships. Her family have never missed a ride and will be her crew at WEG.

Anna Williams is another rider competing at her first senior championships. She moved back to the UK from Switzerland last year to train.

The one-day endurance competition is set over a distance of 160km with 5 vet checks during the course.

For more information visit: www.normandy2014.com

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A scheme run by Endurance GB (EGB) to let people experience competitive endurance riding before becoming a full member of the organisation, will continue for the 2013 season following its success last year.

“Try before you buy” — which was started in 2011 — offers free registration for a horse and rider so they can take part in two competitive novice rides up to 40km before committing to membership.

“[The scheme] has become so popular we have decided to continue it for 2013,” said Endurance GB’s Jo Claridge.

“The number of people wanting to take up endurance riding is increasing all the time, making it one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines.

“Many people who took part in Try before you buy in 2012 have now taken out full membership for this season.”

Participating riders will pay just the competitive ride entry fee of £37.

Riders may only participate in the scheme for one season — anyone who took part in 2012 will not be eligible to do so again in 2013.

For more information visit www.endurancegb.co.uk

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Endurance is to fall under increased anti-doping scrutiny next year.

But the independent integrity unit that oversees the drug testing of elite competition horses says the move reflects the expansion of the sport rather than a recent spate of failed drugs tests in endurance.

In the year to November, horse sport’s international governing body, the FEI, had investigated 15 doping cases, eight of them involving endurance riders, seven of which were from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

There are a further 10 cases pending investigation — nine of which are in endurance.

Paul Greenwood, the manager of the equestrian community integrity unit, said: “Endurance has grown so much in the past year and is now just behind jumping [in terms of number of events].

“We have focused on jumping in past years and now we want to increase our profile in the endurance world.”

FEI director of non-Olympic sports Ian Williams confirmed that the FEI would be paying special attention to Africa and the Middle East.

“We are working hand in hand with national federations in the region, as well as athletes and all those working in the community, to ensure that everyone is fully aware of their need to comply with the FEI rules,” said Mr Williams.

Dr Hallvard Sommerseth of the Emirates Equestrian Federation said more horses were tested in the UAE than in any other country and they had more than 6,000 starters in endurance last year.

Also because of the way the UAE season runs, the 2012 figures are made up of two seasons’ results.

“We are working very hard to reduce positive cases and to educate trainers, riders and vets in the UAE,” he added.

In the latest case before the FEI tribunal, UAE endurance rider Ahmad Ali Humaid Al Razzi was suspended from competition for 10 months and fined 1,000 Swiss francs (£665) on 12 November.

His horse Mandiji was found to have been given a bronchodilator (a drug that opens the airways) and painkillers, including bute, before it competed in the CEI*** 160km race in Al Wathbu, Abu Dhabi (10-11 February).

From 1 January, athletes suspended for a drugs sanction will lose their elite status, which allows fast-track championship qualification.

Riders will have to complete 10 three-star events before they can regain it.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (22 November 2012)

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Para riders will take part in their own class at Britain’s best-known endurance ride, the Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor, for the first time next year.

The organisers are looking for competitive riders with a disability to take part in a graded 25km para class at the 2013 event (12-14 May).

An escort and crew will be provided for each para rider to introduce them to the sport.

For more information, contact barbaraann.wigley@btinternet.com.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (8 November 2012)

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Britain’s young rider endurance team won bronze at the FEI European junior and young rider endurance championships 2012 in Mont le Soie, Belgium (8 September).

France claimed team gold and Italy silver in the 58-horse race.

Three of the original 61 horses were spun at the pre-ride inspection – Norwegian entrant Kine Eissland Holen’s Shere Khan, Finnish rider Joona Mickelsson’s Solomonas and Belgium’s Cairo, ridden by Raphael Van Cauter.

Nine teams fought it out over the dramatic scenery of the High Ardennes, with the French team finishing on 19:06:39.

Italy was just 74sec behind on 19:07:53 and the Brits – Carri-Ann Dark (Vavavoom), Beth Langley (HS Ametista), Kate Atkinson (Vanash) and Louise Rich (Oakleazefarm Cziko) came in third, on 20:54:43.

The individual winner was Mara Feola of Italy and Grigali, who finished with a speed of 18.907kph.

France’s Cesar Donnais won individual silver with Srour (18.906kph) and his team-mate Nina Lissarrague and Preume De Paute won bronze (18.904kph).

• For a full report, see H&H issue 20 September.

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Para riders are being invited to compete at two national endurance rides, as part of a new initiative to encourage disabled people to take up the discipline.

It will be launched at Puddingstone, Suffolk, on 23 September.

Emma Miller of the sport’s governing body, Endurance GB, said there had been interest from the Injured Jockeys Fund and Help for Heroes.

“We aim to have a World Championships,” she said. “The rides will be held in the same way as regular rides, although companion riders will be allowed.”

For more information visit www.endurancegb.co.uk

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (30 August 2012)

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The British Endurance squad has been announced for the European Championships (10 September).

Alice Beet and Adara Sauveterre, Tricia Hirst and Madjin des Pins, Karen Jones and Macadamia, Catriona Moon and Leila, Christine Yeoman and Richshakfy and David Yeoman riding Haszar will all be travelling to Florac, France.

The non-travelling reserves are Rachel Atkinson (Vanash), Sally Hall (Barn Owl), Annie Joppe (Dilmun) and Nicky Sherry (Shimmering Blue Jasmine).

“We have a top class team of riders who all have competed successfully in international rides,” said chef d’equipe Annabelle Scofield.

“Their horses have all proved that they are capable of the challenging terrain they will meet at Florac and the team will have every chance of delivering a very competitive performance. They have all worked really hard over a number of years as members of the British team squad, to produce well trained and very fit horses.”

Alice, who is the youngest member of the team at 24, said: “I am really pleased. I know it is going to be mountainous but Adara is a small and compact horse and I know she is ideal for that type of terrain.”

This championship will be the first time Karen Jones has been on the squad; “It is so exciting and I am very pleased to be selected. We train on the Exmoor hills all the time and he is a hill horse, so we should be suited to Florac.”

Christine Yeoman added: “We have a really strong team, and most importantly for Florac, the horses are strong. Having a horse that does hills is all important this year and I think we have a strong chance of a team medal.”

For more information visit: www.endurancegb.co.uk

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The FEI World Endurance Championships comes to the UK next year.

The event will take place at Euston Park, near Newmarket, and the provisional date is 25 August.

Endurance GB (EGB) said it will be a “huge boost” to Britain’s riders, especially in the year Britain stages the Olympics.

“We are delighted to be the host for this prestigious event, when the focus of the country will be so firmly fixed on sport in general,” said Jo Claridge, chairman of EGB.

“We look forward to being able to compete against the best endurance riders in the world on our own turf.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (9 June, 2011)

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Eventer Mary King has proved herself to be a natural at another horsesport — endurance riding.

Mary chose the tough terrain of Exmoor for her debut, after accepting an invitation to negotiate the first 40k (25 miles) of an 80k (50 miles) competition in the famous Golden Horseshoe Ride on Sunday (15 May).

And she completed at 12.8kph, fast enough to be listed among the possibles for a Gold award had she completed the second day at a similar speed with her horse clear of veterinary penalties.

Mary was riding Mellow Jazz, a 15hh Arab gelding who in 2004 competed on a British team in France and owned by Karen Jones from Culmstock, Devon. “He was wonderful out on the moor, very tough and so nimble,” Mary said afterwards.

“I am always keen to try something new and having watched the endurance competitors at the World Championships last year I jumped at the chance to try it myself.

“The preparation was impressive. The owners and riders are so dedicated, and the vetting was an education.

“Riding with my stirrups so long was strange, but I think I was fit enough. I’ll know tomorrow morning!”

And she added “I would love to come back and try it again — as long as I can ride Jazz, of course”

Mary was escorted over the Exmoor course by endurance Young Rider champion Abby Chisholm, 15, from Lydford on nearby Dartmoor.

“Riding with Mary was a dream come true,” she said. “She is very competitive!”

Mary jumped from the saddle and minutes later was dashing away for a journey to France for a three-star horse trial at Saumur

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Few horses that can boast such a comprehensive CV as 30-year-old Bobby, the 14.3hh skewbald who was recently crowned the Veteran Horse Society’s in-hand champion at Olympia.

The Helme family’s much-loved gelding started his ridden career competing in endurance with Becci Elme, who then passed over the reins to her younger sister Donna (now Kenyon).

Donna and Bobby went on to represent Great Britain in endurance at the World Equestrian Games in The Hague in 1994.

After Bobby hung up his endurance boots, he then starred in the showring under Lucy Helme, who partnered him with much success in coloured ridden classes.

Aged 30 — but not looking a day over 15 — Bobby stole the limelight at Olympia with the youngest member of the Helme family, 12-year-old William, who was making his show ring debut.

“This [winning at Olympia] is a dream come true and there wasn’t a dry eye in our household. We are proud to be custodians of such a wonderful horse and this achievement is well-deserved recognition for him,” said the family.

Don’t miss H&H’s full reports on all the action at Olympia, on sale today (23 December, 2010)

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Endurance GB, the governing body of endurance riding in the UK, has embraced the social network site, Twitter, to keep its members up-to-date with the very latest news and action.

The crew began tweeting at the World Equestrian Games (25 September-10 October) when they posted information more than 70 times, including 50 tweets during the 129km ride.

With detailed and instant coverage, followers were kept abreast of the action as it unfolded.

Endurance GB plans to continue using Twitter as a way to communicate with its members and fans.

Visit: www.twitter.com/endurancegb.co.uk.

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A group set up to publicise long-distance riding wants to hear about accessible routes in your area.

Equine Ramblers UK has added a new feature to its website listing routes used by riders across the country that can be linked up by long-distance riders.

Jenni Miller of the group said: “We need riders to share their personal routes, not national trails, council or British Horse Society-supported rides.”

Contact Jenni@equineramblersuk.co.uk or log on to www.equineramblersuk.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (19 August, 2010)

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Fundraising to get the British Endurance team to the World Equestrian Games (WEG 25 September – 10 October) is almost on target.

Members and supporters of Endurance GB (EGB) have been working hard this summer to raise the £30,000 needed for the team to travel to Kentucky next month.

“We have raised £25,685 so far, and money is still coming in, but we are hoping to find a backer who can take us to our total”, said Nikki Routledge, chairman of EGB’s marketing and sponsorship committee.

As part of the fundraising effort WEG team member Chris Yeoman raised over £1,300 by running the Bath Half Marathon.

And former British team member Tricia Hirst completed the London Marathon and then went to South Africa to take part in the Comrades Marathon, an Ultra Marathon of 56 miles which she completed in less than 12 hours, raising over £700.

EGB supporter Alison Saunders donated £517 from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to the fund.

“EGB members have been, and still are being, fantastic in their efforts to raise funds towards the cost of going to Kentucky and can be assured that the team will make their efforts worthwhile,” said chef d’equipe, Liz Finney.

For more information visit: www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk

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Endurance rider Beth Langley secured Britain’s highest placing ever at a young rider Europeans, coming fourth at the championships in Kreuth, Germany on 5 August.

Nineteen-year-old Beth, riding HS Ametista, covered the 120km (75 miles) at an average speed of 12.3mph, hassling a strong French team all the way.

“I was stabled opposite the French and, as my pony is only 14hh, I don’t think they saw her as much of a threat,” Beth said.

But, riding as an individual, she was free to follow her own tactics, antagonise the French and push for a placing.

“I stuck behind the French team for the first loop and let them do all the work which annoyed them,” she said.

“It was all or nothing for me, so I overtook the whole French team and logged the fastest time on the second loop, which they hadn’t anticipated.”

Overtaking two French team members whose horses were “exhausted and being kicked on like Thelwell ponies”, Beth slotted in to fourth place behind riders from France and Belgium and was just six minutes behind the winner.

The young rider added: “I live in Wales and my pony is used to cantering up and down hills which I think helped psych out the opposition.”

Based in Ceredigion, Wales, 19-year-old Beth is currently ranked 16th in the FEI young rider endurance world rankings, and was 13th at the world young rider championships in Hungary last year.

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A substitution has been made on the British endurance team heading to Kentucky this September for the World Equestrian Games (WEG).

The in-form David Yeoman and his ride Haszar have been picked from the bank of reserves to replace Alice Beet after her horse, Laouenne De Kerpont, went lame.

The original line-up was announced on 7 July.

“Although with rest it is a small problem, I am not prepared to travel Laouenne if I have any doubts in my mind. If I go I was planning to have a crack at it!” said Alice.

“So he will make an appearance at Florac and I will save him for next year’s Europeans. The management team has been so supportive.”

David and Haszar won the British National Championships in June, the 160km FEI*** at Cirencester in July and came second in the 120km FEI ride at Haywood Oaks in April.

Team chef d’equipe Liz Finney said: “David Yeoman has come into the team after some very good results with Haszar and we have a very strong team capable of finishing in a medal position.”

The riders who will now travel to Kentucky are:

• Beccy Broughton-Booker (Java Sunlight or Tawmarsh Muharram)
• Ross Clapp (Nazeeka)
• Janice Cockley Adams (Roxanne Du Bout Du Monde)
• Christine Yeoman (CJS Gai Forest or L M Midday)
• David Yeoman (Haszar)

Non-travelling reserves are (first) Sarah Rogerson with FFC First Scea Lord and (second) Dominique Freeman with Jayel Super.

WEG takes place in Kentucky, USA from Saturday 25 September to Sunday 10 October, with the endurance competition on Sunday 26 September.

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The British endurance team heading to Kentucky for the World Equestrian Games has been confirmed.

Alice Beet, Beccy Broughton-Booker, Ros Clapp, Janice Cockley-Adams and Christine Yeoman will represent Great Britain at WEG (25 September-10 October)

And the non-travelling reserves will be Charlotte Bryd, Karen Jones, Sarah Rogerson and David Yeoman.

The team horses are yet to be announced.

“We are confident that we have a strong team, with a vast amount of experience at international and championship level, capable of competing against the best in the world for medals,” said chairman of selectors, Di Latham.

Team member, Christine Yeoman, who was on the squad for WEG at Aachen, said: “I am really proud to be part of what I believe is an exceptionally good team. There is a very strong chance of bringing back a medal this time.”

And Beccy Broughton-Booker added: “It is always an honour to represent Great Britain and it’s why I compete. We have got a tough job to do but the team is more than capable of going out there and getting the job done. I imagine the country will be grassy and fairly flat, so the race pace will be fast. We will have to pull together as a team and use our professionalism.”

Along with reining, driving and vaulting, the endurance team receives little funding, and high fundraising targets are still to be met.

“The response from the endurance fraternity to the fundraising cause has been phenomenal — please keep it coming and thank you to everyone who has donated”, said Di Latham.

For more information visit: www.endurancegb.co.uk

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Endurance GB (EGB) has set up a series of non-competitive rides to help fund Team GB at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky.

EGB hopes to raise £120,000 to fund their riders at WEG (25 September-10 October).

More than 23 rides are being held throughout the country between now and August, and are open to anyone wanting to experience endurance riding.

The Kentucky Rides have been organised by regional Endurance GB groups, covering distances from 10 to 25 miles, to suit all levels of experience.

All are open to non-members. Riders can take part either for pleasure or as preparation for the competition season ahead.

“We have a really talented pool of riders and hope to be sending a strong team to Kentucky,” said EGB chairman Jo Claridge.

“These rides are an excellent way for those interested in endurance riding to get a taste of what is involved, or just enjoy beautiful countryside while raising valuable funds to support our international squad.”

Meanwhile, EGB senior squad member 52-year-old Tricia Hirst from Meifod in Powys is taking part in a marathon to help boost the fund.

Ms Hirst is training for the 56-mile Comrades Marathon in South Africa in May to raise funds. She hopes to qualify with her part-bred Arab Vlacq Abbattarik.

For details of rides near you, call 02476 697929 or visit www.endurancegb.co.uk, and to sponsor Ms Hirst, contact her on triciahirst@aol.com

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Feed company Dodson & Horrell is to support the 2010 Golden Horseshoe Ride (16-18 May) across Exmoor.

The company will help fund the vetting area and the six veterinary surgeons that examine horses before and after each day’s competition and on the course.

Organiser Barbara Wigley said: “Funding for the Golden Horseshoe Ride becomes more crucial year by year.

“For us to get support from a major company like Dodson & Horrell is not only a practical help but an acknowledgment that endurance riding generally is being recognised as a national equestrian discipline.”

Dodson & Horrell will also supply tubs of Surelyte, a comprehensive blend of electrolyte salts, as prizes in kind for various competition and condition awards, and goody bags for all competing riders.

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Endurance rider Christine Yeoman may compete in international competition once more after a provisional ban was lifted by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) on 16 November.

In a statement Mrs Yeoman said she was “delighted”, adding: “I am not guilty of any wrongdoing and feel this is a very positive step towards clearing my name.”

A spokesman for the FEI told H&H that although the temporary suspension had been lifted a final decision is still to be made by the FEI tribunal.

Mrs Yeoman was suspended after her horse Forest tested positive for the banned substance ractopamine at Euston Park on 9 August.

She suggested a contaminated tub of the equine antacid Neigh Lox had caused the positive test (news, 12 November).

A spokesman for Saracen, who distribute Neigh Lox in the UK, said discussions were still ongoing with the American manufacturers and he could not confirm if the substance had caused Forest to test positive.

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Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum makes his return to international riding on Wednesday (14 October) in the test event for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

The Sheik was banned from competition for six months after being found guilty of doping his horse Tahhan at the CEI 2* 120km in Sakhir, Bahrain, on 10 January and the CEI 2* 120km in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 28 February.

Traces of banned substances Guanabenz and Hydroxy-Stanozolol were found in the horse’s system.

His six-month suspension ended on 3 October and a spokesman for the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) confirmed that the Sheik is now “free to ride in international competition”.

Riders from the US, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Romania and Spain will compete in the Kentucky Cup Endurance in preparation for next year’s Endurance World Championship at the 2010 Games.

The team from the UAE will be led by Sheikh Mohammed and his son Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will also ride.

Kentucky Cup Endurance will feature both a 75-mile (120 km) race and a 100-mile (160 km) race comprising a series of loops through the Kentucky Horse Park and surrounding properties.

A report of the Kentucky Cup will be included in H&H’s endurance round-up in the issue on sale 5th November.

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Endurance rider Christine Yeoman has been suspended from competition after her horse tested positive to a banned substance.

Christine has been automatically provisionally suspended by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) after a positive dope test on her horse Forrest at the Euston Park ride on 9 August.

The horse tested positive for ractopamine — a feed supplement commonly given to pigs to promote muscle growth.

Chris — wife of Endurance GB’s chairman, John Yeoman — has competed for Team GB since 2006. But her suspension now rules her out of taking part in the European Championships in Assisi, Italy on 26 September.

EGB deputy chairman Jo Claridge expressed “surprise and disbelief” in response to the allegation on behalf of the sport’s UK governing body, adding: “The team members are devastated.”

In a statement on Endurance GB’s website, Chris Yeoman said she is “devastated” to learn of her suspension last Friday morning (17 September) and stated “categorically” that she has never knowingly fed ractopamine to her horses.

“I have never heard of it before,” said the rider. “I can only say at this stage I am trying to find out at this stage how this substance was found in my horse…I will do everything in my power to clear my name.”

Rachael Atkinson will take Chris’s place on the team, with her ride Vanash.

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