Sport Endurance EVO issue n. 21/2018

N. 21 AUTUMN WINTER 2017

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MADE in ITALY

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ENDURANCE IN BULGARIA GROWS SANTA SUSANNA: A GREAT SUCCESS WEC JYR VERONA 2017

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N. 21 AUTUMN WINTER 2017 Quarterly Endurance Riding Lifestyle Magazine Printed on the 10th of January 2018 Next issue 5th of April 2018

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Registered in the Court of L’Aquila (IT).

Registration n. 572, February 2nd, 2008 Publishing Company Cultural Association Sport Endurance EVO Via Alba Fucens, 22 - L’Aquila Italy - VAT IT01628140665 Publisher/Manager Luca Giannangeli (lucag@sportendurance-evo.com)

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NORDIC BALTIC CHAMPIONSHIP KURTUVĖNAI, LITHUANIA

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ANICA ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2017

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LORMAR & ERASA ENDURANCE RIDE SOUTH AFRICA

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LOTS OF FLAGS FLAPPING IN THE AIR...

VALEGGIO SUL MINCIO, ITALY

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MOIRA AND NAYLA THE AL SAMARRAIE SISTERS IN VERONA

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U.S. YR TEAM AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP JYR 2017 VALEGGIO SUL MINCIO, ITALY

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GOBI DESERT CUP 2017

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ENDURANCE IN FOLLONICA KEEPS GROWING

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THE CASTLE RACE BEAUTIFUL RIDES GROW SILFIAC, FRANCE

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64th SANTA SUSANNA THE MOST ANCIENT EUROPEAN RIDE BARCELONA, SPAIN

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INTERVIEW WITH CAMILLA MALTA

Marketing and Business Developer Elena Vanni (elenav@sportendurance-evo.com) Artwork Vincenzo Brancadoro (brancadoro@gmail.com) Supervisor Giovanni Graziani (sportendurance2@gmail.com) Photographers Chiara Gobbetti, Oreste Testa, Barbara Miller, Enrico Querci, Debra Wylde, SassoFotografie, Johanette van Heerden, Berta Barnils, Antonio Matas Contributors Camille Champagne, Patrizia Giacchero, Carmen du Preez, Beata Dolan, x-bionic® sphere, Dana Rossmeier, Kathleen Landwehr Printed by Dedalo Litostampa S.r.l.

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Editorial

by Luca Giannangeli

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nother year has gone by. Sport Endurance EVO is now 5 years old and proudly boasts 21 issues.

Many partners have supported us along the way, someone is still with us, others have left, but this is normal.

Just like major world newspapers and magazines, we carry on having to face quite some difficulties. Printing and shipping costs are heavy but this is the price of quality. The perfume of printed paper definitely costs and we will hold on to keep the value of endurance high.

Endurance riding, the discipline we all love so much, is going towards a 5 star direction...FEI will promote this new category with other new regulations but unfortunately, meanwhile, many horses are paying for the current lack of some important ones.

I wish for a maximum of 2 CEI3* 160 km rides per year or 3 CEI2* 120 km in one year... just like it is in cycling, Tour de France, Giro d’Italia or the Vuelta. Very few can succeed in both of them!

We’ll see...hoping that the upcoming 2018 will be full of satisfactions!

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Horse management

in cold weather or winter

H

ealth and well-being of horse athletes can be strongly affected by winter’s climate change. Horses are animals that usually tolerate cold weather and naturally bear the wind and low temperatures. However, it is important to adopt some precautions in order to guarantee a peaceful winter season to your horse. First of all, you should increase its calorie intake through feed ration in order to guarantee more energy. The simplest way would be to increase hay quantity or to add some alfalfa. To increase energy you could also boost the quantity of cereal but being careful not to exceed the advised amount of starch. In fact, a surplus of complex sugars could lead to muscle and metabolic disorders or laminitis, that is exactly why it is preferable to choose fats, especially in the form of long chain polyunsaturated fats (KILOTONE).

As food ration increases, especially when it comes to fodder, it is very important to favor water consumption to avoid costipation and colic. This can be done by giving your horse mineral salts (REIDRATA) or ready to use mashes (SLURP) that are administered with warm water and which task is to regulate intestinal activity.

To improve fiber and starch digestion it is appropriate to add Saccharomices cerevisiae, a yeast that reactivates the physiological conditions of the intestine (REPLAY).

In order to fully satisfy your horse’s basic necessities, it is advisable to give it a greater supply of Vitamin C against oxidative stress and to strengthen the immune system in cold weather.

If you administer ascorbic acid (CITRUM C) supplements to your horse, these will definitely fight against the deficits of the immune system or the excessive production of free radicals.

Lastly, to provide additional heat, it is advisable to cover your horse with appropriate blankets of the right size. The blankets must be made of light or heavier, waterproof or breathable fabric according to environmental temperature.

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NORDIC BALTIC Endurance riding in a place of peace, nature and beautiful people

CHAMPIONSHIP

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K

urtuvėnai is a small town in the Šiauliai County, northern-central Lithuania.

The Nordic Baltic Endurance Championship 2017 took place last August in Kurtuvenai Regional Park, a beautiful natural environment.

The location

Kurtuvenai Regional Park, a 17266 ha area, is located in the South-Western part of the Šiauliai District and in the Northern part of Kelmė District. The park was founded in 1992 and its aim is to protect the hilly landscape of Kurtuvėnai and its forested and laky surroundings.

Kurtuvėnai, Lithuania

Photos by Chiara Gobbetti and Oreste Testa SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

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ts natural ecosystem and cultural heritage, create the ideal conditions for tourism and recreation.

30 small lakelets swash and 20 forest rivulets run in the shelter of forests. Kurtuvenai settlement is surrounded by nearly 100 fishery reservoirs.

In the western part of the park spurt the wellknown springs of Svile, considered the biggest in Lithuania. In scoops of former lakes there are many little swamps.

Kurtuvenai RP predominant forests are coniferous; its tessellated landscape is characteristic with high vegetation biodiversity, it boasts 981 plant species and some wolves live in the western part of the park.Â

The ride On the 15th of September around 50 binomials met in Kurtuvenai to run an important equestrian event.

The 120 km CEI2* was the longest ride of the day, it registered a good average speed: 18,52 km/h.

Two competitive women riders crossed the finish line together with an amazing sprint.

The blonde Kairit Jarv with Mustafo Malabah got the better of the dark-haired Olaug Espeli Carstensen with Yassir II. Marian Kikas with Jalizko finished 12 minutes behind first and second place.

1st CEI2* Kairit Jarv

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CEI2* 1st and 2nd place Kairit Jarv with Mustafo Malabah and Olaug Espeli Carstensen with Yassir II

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CEI1* 1st place Izabela Drazba with Draka

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f the two CEI1* rides, one was dedicated to Young Riders only. The 80 km long track was flat with perfect ground.

A final sprint for Izabela Drazba

with Draka too, followed by Sanna Podekrat with Pleyon. The under 21 winners were Annabel Kaldvee and Nilsson Ox. Lithuania must be visited at least once in a lifetime.

CEI1* 2nd place Sanna Podekrat with Pleyon

CEI1YJ 1st place Annabel Kaldvee with Nilsson Ox

view ranking on qr code http://my6.raceresult.com/82038/RRPublish pdf.php?name=Result%20Lists%7CFINISH-2&contest=0&lang=it

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Italian Championship 2017 One location, one flag, many disciplines...

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he Italian ANICA Championships took place last September 16, 2017 at Rome’s Capannelle racecourse. ANICA is the Italian National Association for the Arabian Horse. Besides Flat Racing and beauty Show, Rome hosted endurance events too, in fact the Association boasts a good number of enrolled Arabians. The event was strongly desired in the same location in order to give a single showcase to all the many disciplines involved. Thanks to the willpower of Francesco Santoro, the President of Anica, and the dedication of some councilors like Domenico Ciceroni, Annalisa Landucci and Claudio Mazza who is show representative, the dream of bringing the Championships in Italy’s capital, became a reality.

Photo by Enrico Querci

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he technical management was entrusted to Walter Murino with who we had a little chat just after the event (check out the interview on the right side of the page). Along the way, the event poster was enriched with more and more logos which chose to support this important initiative.

We are mainly talking of ASI (Italian Sport and Social Associations) which is among one of the most important Sport Promotion institutions approved by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and by Roma Capitale settore Sport.

In this particular case, ASI’s mission perfectly embraces one of Anica’s several values which focuses on fostering social aggregation and integration. ASI also owns a 3 km track dedicated to disable and able-bodied boys and girls.

A co-operation with FISE brings to a renewed enthusiasm that allows Sport and the Arabian horse to develop together, side by side.

After some fine tuning, the entire machine is now ready to start.

What is ANICA? ANICA was founded in Rome on the 12th of November 1979. The Association was approved by the W.A.H.O. (World Arabian Horse Organization) in 1982, exactly when the first volume of the Purebred Arabians Stud Book was published in Italy.

The A.N.I.C.A. is the only institution in Italy responsible of the Italian Stud Book for Purebred Arabians. It is authorized by the WAHO and the Ministry of Agriculture.

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Interview with

Walter Murino How did you come up with the idea regarding the Italian Anica Championship 2017 at Rome’s Capannelle racecourse?

The idea comes from Anica’s desire to find an “all round” location for the coexistence of all the disciplines: endurance, show, flat racing and western dressage. Unfortunately as far as this last discipline is concerned, we still didn’t manage to organize something since there are just few enrollments.

We’ll see what happens in the next years...

And what is the feedback regarding endurance?

Judgements have all been unanimous and positive. The track was technical and to interpret. Unfortunately the graphics rendering of the racetrack loops (concentric and often on the racecourse loops), does not do justice to their real quality.

The racecourse of Capannelle offers very wide spaces, for this reason it never gets boring or annoying even to ride along the loops more than once. Consider that the shortest track was 35 meters long! It is difficult to give a real graphical representation of such wide spaces so the maps resulted a bit too misleading. The ground of the racetrack was perfect for all the horses but the greatest success of all was that for the first time junior, senior and under 14 riders ran together in safety.

The 8 check points that were established in different parts of the racecourse guaranteed serenity to riders, horse owners, assistance crews, etc.

I would like to seize this opportunity to thank the three councilors of Anica that assisted us: Ciceroni, Landucci, Mazza and of course the President of ANICA and Sport Endurance. Last but not least, thanks to the FISE who, through the cooperation with ANICA, was able to find the right way for the coexistence of different regulations.

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LORMAR ERASA endurance ride L

ormar Endurance took place in October 2017.

We are based in the heart of the Karoo and have the luxury of having beautiful Mountains and scenic terrain with many kinds of buck and small wild life to see along the Legs.

It is with great sadness that we heard about the passing away of Piet “Pad” van der Merwe on 30 November 2017 after a severe stroke.

Shortly before his death, Piet was thrilled to hear that this special article on the Lormar endurance ride in October 2017 at Fairview farm, will appear in issue 21 of Sport Endurance “EVO” Lifestyle Magazine in Italy.

He shared his excitement with all his Facebook friends on the morning of November 17, just before he fell ill and was taken to hospital in Bloemfontein the same day. He never returned home...

His service of remembrance was held on his farm, Fairview, on December 8. Friends, lovedones and acquaintances from all over South Africa came to celebrate his life and to pay tribute to this legend in the endurance world.

Piet still had a lot of plans and appointments, people to meet and places to go, but somehow he was taken away at the age of 61. One of his plans on his itinerary was to ride a few hundred kilometres with his bicycle all along the gravel road from his farm, Fairview to the sea. He never ever ran out of plans and still had a lot which he could not fulfill … the legend of Piet Pad will surely live on in the memories of all whose hearts he touched…

Piet was a mentor, role model and inspiration to thousands of people all over the world. He was always full of humour and very passionate about his Arabian horses, endurance rides, his family and his farm.

Though he may be gone, his light will still live on in the eyes of all those who speak his name.

His legacy at Lormar Endurance will be continued by his family Annette, Pieter, Charlotte and Briers.

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In the heart of the Karoo, South Africa Photos by Johanette van Heerden Microphone to Carmen du Preez...

We had perfect weather and some wind during the day. The ride is known for its social and happy atmosphere as everyone always has a good time.

We had 6 beautiful legs on the 160 km.

The first leg was perfectly flat to be able to ride in the dark and then the fun started on the second leg where some inclines and difficult terrain were introduced for small stretches.

The third leg was the iconic mountain loop where riders and horses were pushed to be cautious and vigilant.

The mountain leg is a true test of good judgement and rider skill.

The blue leg is basically flat to give the rider and horse an easy loop after the mountain. The

yellow loop is flat but has a small stretch where you pass the side of the mountain down to the river bed and ride through a small stretch of sand. The red loop is flat with a small incline for a very short stretch. The ride provides a full house of technical aspects. The intention was to have riders go back to the roots of endurance where speed is not an option but skill and good judgement helped achieve the ultimate goal. We enjoyed an elimination percentage of only 14% which meant we are heading towards the goals of slower safer Endurance rides where skill and love for the sport is judged not the speed which is a killer in a horse’s competitive life span.

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Article published from a local newspaper The LORMAR FEI 3* & ERASA endurance ride took place from 19 – 21 October 2017 at Fairview farm in the Middelburg district. 153 riders entered the 40 km, 80 km, 120 km and 160 km rides. These rides were definitely not easy and

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the ability of horse and rider were extremely tested. The weather conditions were ideal for the 3 days with clear skies to enjoy the scenery and game on their route through the mountains. The light breeze was welcomed and used by the experienced riders to assist with the physical conditions of the horses. The competitors even had a wide view of Compassberg, the highest peak in the Eastern Cape on their route through the veld, rocks and mountain.

The Lormar Team, all competitors, vets and officials enjoyed the exciting and competitive 3 day event in Middelburg district. One of their main aims was to bring the percentage of horse fail-to-complete down. According to the Foreign Vet, Dr Monica Mira, who came all the way from Portugal, they had a huge success

rate of only 14 percent of the horses which did not complete the ride, which compares to the lowest in the world. The treatment vet, Dr Marc Walton from Hermanus, shared this statistic with all present at Saturday evening’s prize giving and complemented the owners and riders on their achievement to prepare the horses properly for such a challenging event and the fact that 86% of the horses completed the race.

Odet van Wyk (with Saruk Sumu), Mabet Cilliers (with Waterlea Juniper) and Dirk van Wyk (with Akasha Farashah) competing in the last leg of the 160km endurance ride

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LORMAR ERASA endurance ride SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

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Mabet Cilliers from Saruk Stud (with Waterlea Juniper) completed the ride in the fastest time and also received the prize for the best conditioned horse! She is therefore the Overall winner of the 160km Endurance Ride

T

he international riders from Slovakia, Australia and Portugal who participated agreed that next time more European should come and experience this Lormar Endurance event in the Karoo to see what a real test of endurance it is for both horse and rider. October 2018’s three star will be a challenge to horse and rider more or less the same as this event now in 2017. The competitors loved the venue and the even interesting and beautiful Karoo track. Some of the routes

were really challenging, but an ideal experience to the youngsters to learn to understand the ability of their horse and to improve their own horsemanship. Â Vets came from as far as Hermanus and Modimole and the Foreign Veterinary, Dr Monica Mira, even came from Portugal! Robert Lord was the Chief Steward and ERASA Ride Master at the event. FEI officials from all over South Africa were present and Susan de Meyer and Shanie Bosch-Fourie even came from Namibia.

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M

abet Cilliers from Saruk Stud was the overall winner of the 160km ultimate endurance ride with her horse Waterlea Juniper. She also completed the ride in the fastest time and received the prize for the best conditioned horse. Megan Botha won the light-weight 160km endurance ride while Lutri van der Merwe had the quickest slip-time of 11 minutes 27 seconds. Junior winner of the 80km and 120km ride was Lara le Roux, who also achieved the fastest time for this category. The Olford Arabians trophy for the first full-bred Arabian horse that crossed the finish line, was presented to Louiza Hanekom with Perdeberg Arizona. The Eastern Cape champion on 120km was a junior Nicara Diedericks and on the 160km was Leeann Wels. Team Winners on the 120km was Garden Route Endurance Team and Saruk Team from Oudtshoorn won the 160km. A special prize, Spirit of Endurance, was presented to Jackie Joubert and Carlette van Eeden for assisting Nicara Diedericks when she fainted during the grooming session of her horse, by presenting her horse in her absence for the veterinarian inspection.

Piet and Annette van der Merwe and the Lormar Team would like to thank all the competitors, vets and officials who attended this occasion.

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A special word of thanks to the sponsors of this prestige event: SA Silobags, Western Shoppe, Vermate, Jody Loubser (horse physiotherapist) and White lens photographic services. Western Shoppe (www.westernshoppe.com), traders in fine saddlery and equestrian products made a huge contribution by sponsoring a lot of valuable and useful equestrian supplies for this event! Lormar Endurance is already looking forward to their next endurance event weekend, a three star ride in March 2018 at Fairview when the route will have flatter legs and more open country for horse and rider to prepare for the rest of the season.

Piet van der Merwe, the mind of the event

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Photos by Chiara Gobbetti and Oreste Testa

Gold medal to the U.A.E. and Valeggio sul Mincio 28

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when sport unites!

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he small commune of Valeggio sul Mincio wins the Championship’s gold medal for having hosted 300 horses from all over the world (33 countries) over a long week-end.

Every young rider deserves a bit of that medal because the young ones are the main characters of the Championship.

To witness the start of the 120 km young riders’ ride is definitely a wonderful show... saddles, helmets and colorful uniforms by country.

The Parco Giardino Sigurtà hosted the event’s parterre, gifting all participants with autumn’s

colors, the most beautiful ones.

A round of applause goes to James Coppini and Diego Albiero, the two organizers who managed to strengthen the relationship with Meydan and H.H. Sh. Moahammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. The Ruler of Dubai didn’t attend the event due to institutional commitments but his presence could be felt everywhere... especially in every corner where Meydan’s blue colors fluttered in the air.

Many women were also present in Verona to challenge one another in the prestigious Ladies Cup; 42 lady riders showed up at the start line and 24 of them finished the ride.

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World Champion JYR Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Almuhairi with Rabdan - Varech du Vrihou (Persiko X Elzara Bleue)

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Silver medal Ghanim Said Salim Al Owaisi with Shadeedah-Adadja de Bozouls (Benapi de Bozouls X Aljaye de Bozouls)

Bronze medal Maite Pradera Ledo with Qualif du Poncelet (Khadar X Lima du Barthas)

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the ride

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s usual, the UAE dominated the banks of the river Mincio just like Spain that is becoming more and more related to the UAE, a sort of cousin. France doesn’t surprise much with its fourth place but Qatar does by winning bronze medal and so does Brazil’s fifth place and Tunisia’s seventh.

Italy, the host, could have pretended more after winning silver medal at the Senior European Championship, but it surrendered to the vets and remained with two binomials only.

Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Almuhairi with Rabdan/Varech du Vrihou (Persiko X Elzara Bleue) brought back home the heaviest med-

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al after his colleague Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri from Abu Dhabi witnessed his 8 Minutes’ elimination.

Ghanim Said Salim Al Owaisi with Shadeedah/Adadja de Bozouls (Benapi de Bozouls X Aljaye de Bozouls) conquered silver medal, followed by Maite Pradera Ledo with Qualif du Poncelet (Khadar X Lima du Barthas) who won bronze.

The following day, after winning gold medal for the UAE team, UAE’s top endurance athletes claimed three more titles again to firmly establish the country’s depth and great wealth of talent in the sport of endurance riding.

The FEI Open Meydan Italia Endurance CEI2* Cup, a 120 km ride saw an impressive result for UAE riders who took the top four spots, Mansour Saeed Al Faresi claimed first position with the 9 year old Ukirfolie (Arques Perspex

X Bawadi). He was followed by Salim Said Al Owais riding Quotien Persky (Arques Perspex X Dand De Sky) in second and Saeed Al Harbi with Saida de Landas (Said Lotois x Eva Luna de Landas) in third.

The FEI Meydan Italia Endurance CEI2* Ladies Cup was won by Alia Ahmad Al Saboori from the UAE on Za’Amah/Nina bin Menfis.

Compatriot Aya Abdulla Ali came in just a few seconds behind, riding Teoalbac Quatre Vents (Na Figuroso X Poesie Quatrevents), while Argentinian endurance athlete Catalina Bastons was in third with Namyb (Arques Perspex X Saisa de Fontanet), the top three competitors were just seconds apart, and around ten minutes ahead of the rest.

Saif Ahmed Al Maozrui and Preume de Paute (Arohz de Malout X Querida La Divine), who

rides for MRM stables, claimed top spot in the FEI Open Meydan Italia Endurance CEI2*YJ Cup, here too the top five finishers in this race were all from the UAE. Second and third place for Khalaf Ahmad Saeed Al Ghaith with Eo Raki (Eo Raquin X Eo Kitaya) and Shaheen Yayhya Shaheen Khalfan Almazrouei with Sahib Delamousserie (Ainhoa Ahkarad*HN X Jalila de Launay).

Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club declared: “We are proud of the UAE team for winning the individual and team gold in the FEI Meydan World Championships for Young Riders and Juniors and for their fine performance in the other FEI rides at the festival. We also congratulate all the riders from 33 countries for competing with such great spirit and contributing to the two day festival and its success”.

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1st place CEI2* Mansour Saeed Al Faresi with Ukirfolie (Arques Perspex X Bawadi)

On the right: Ladies CEI2* 2 and 3 place Aya Abdulla Ali with Teoalbac Quatre Vents (Na Figuroso X Poesie Quatrevents) and Catalina Bastons with Namyb (Arques Perspex X Saisa de Fontanet) nd

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rd

CEI2* 2nd and 3rd place Salim Said Al Owais riding Quotien Persky (Arques Perspex x Dand De Sky) Saeed Al Harbi with Saida de Landas (Said Lotois x Eva Luna de Landas)

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Horses curiosity In 2017 the horse Varech du Vrihou was World Champion, he finished second at Tordera’s CEI2*, and won the 130 km Junior Championship at Euston Park.

Silver medalist Adadja de Bozouls, conquered 4th place in 2017 at the CEI2* in Castelsagrat and second place at the CEI2*YR in San Rossore, Pisa.

In 2016 Qualif du Poncelet, bronze medal, finished 6th at the World Championship in Samorin. In 2017 he only ran the CEI2* in Rio Frio (Portugal) conquering second place.

Ukirfolie, the winner of the CEI2*, won the CEI3* at Euston Park, 2 months before the ride in Valeggio sul Mincio.

Za’Amah, the winner of the Ladies Cup, won the Ladies Cup in San Rossore (Italy) 2 months before the ride in Valeggio sul Mincio.

A Championship to be remembered Starting from the sumptuous Opening Ceremony to the Prize Giving Ceremony, we can say that the entire organization of the event has been flawless.

Messages of congratulations reached the event from all over the world and a few complaints were made by those who simply have a different point of view, noticing problems that were actually quite bridgeable. The smiling Team of Italia Endurance Festival is always willing to improve and to offer the highest qualitative standards.

See you next June 2018...

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CEI2YR 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Saif Ahmed Al Mazroui with Preume de Paute, Khalaf Ahmad Saeed Al Ghaith with Eo Raki, Shaheen Yayhya Shaheen Khalfan Almazrouei with Sahib Delamousserie

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CEI2* Ladies winner Alia Ahmad Al Saboori aboard Za’Amah-Nina bin Menfis

Interview to Magda Sigurtà

by Chiara Belliure ClassHorseTV

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CEI1* 1° place Vito Grippo with Cayam Rdr (Danube Bleu X Kjrah)

The organizers James Coppini and Diego Albiero

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when sport unites

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Endurance riding grows in

Bulgaria

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E http://www.bucefalendurance.com/en/

ndurance riding is developing quickly in Eastern European countries. According to the latest results, Bulgaria stands on the top of the list driven by the Bucefal Endurance Stable.

Although endurance riders are still not so many in this beautiful green country, there’s a lot of enthusiasm and desire to develop and achieve good results.

2017 makes history due to the Bulgaria Team’s fifth place achieved at the Senior European Championships in Brussels, finishing ahead of strong teams like France, the Netherlands, Germany, etc.

A round of applause to the best three riders in the ranking: Ivan Stoichev with Moz (29th place), Denis Furlanski with Pompey (25th place) and Rumen Boyanov with Tihawan d’Emmare.

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n the 23rd of September, Nayla AL Samarraie and Warsana, grey female of 2007, finished the 120 km FEI Endurance World Cham-

pionship for Young Riders & Juniors 2017 CHM-YJ-E in 14th position, in Valeggio sul Mincio, Verona (Italy). She achieved this result after a bad fall just the day before the ride.

Moira and

the Al Samarraie sisters in Verona She falls but gets up again and then conquers 14th place at the WEC JYR 2017

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The picture shows the soldiers as they give emergency.

55 binomials managed to finish the tough world ride and Nayla from Germany succeed-

ed too. She ran the last loop at an average speed of 22,28 km/h, managing to get a smile out of Ahmed, her father.

Nayla Photos by Oreste Testa and Chiara Gobbetti

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Interview with Nayla ...

Nayla... did you expect this good result at the WEC? I trained my horse the whole year for this event and I knew her potential, so I did expect a good result. My goal was the TOP 20 and to reach a speed of 20km/h. From the very beginning, Warsana showed me that it was her day and that she was absolutely fit. Neither the track nor the speed was a problem for her.

In the end, the fact of reaching place 14 and a speed of 21km/h, was a positive surprise and made me even happier.

Could you have asked more to your horse or was it ok like this?

Warsana’s achievement was excellent and her heart rates were also great...I was very satisfied. Apart from that she could have shown more. But I didn’t think this was necessary.

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As John Farnell, endurance trainer from New Zealand, once said: “You must let some petrol in the tank!” It was her first championship and in my opinion she’s done a great job. She is still young, so there is potential to grow.

The German team and you have gone through very difficult days due to the theft of the saddles and your fall the day before the ride. Apart from this practical problem, how did your chef d‘equipe raise your mood... what words did he use?

At this championship our dad was the Chef d’Equipe and he gave the team power and positive thoughts by staying strong and focused on the race.

He believed in our capabilities and said to us: “Trust your horse and trust yourself.” There was no need for more words.

... and Moira We are collecting comments from young riders for the future of endurance. Which two rules would you add to the FEI regulations?

A little chat with Moira Al Samarraie and Zarah who finished their ride ahead of time, stopping at Gate 3.

First rule: it would be nice if all participant nations were to be treated equally and that the officials made sure this really occured. Starting from accessible toilets close to the Vet-Gate, secure parking for the trailer and cars, ending with the Crewing and Resting-Area. All this should be guaranteed equally to all nations.

Second rule: the prize giving ceremony.

Speaking of young riders it would be nice and important for them to receive deserved appreciation for their achievements, this would also help them grow. As a new rule, I would like all the riders who successfully reach the finish line to be named and honored at the prize giving ceremony. It is very unfair and frustrating to honor just the first three finishers and not the others. For those a plaquette would be enough.

The start and finish lines were at the beautiful Parcours Sigurta in Valeggio.

The well marked but in some parts stony and rough track led across the pretty and nice Italian landscape areas.

Unfortunately we had no scheduled opportunities to meet the riders of the other 33 nations. No special evening event or meeting was organized in order for us to stay together and share our experience.

But it has been a great experience indeed to compete against the best young endurance riders of the world!

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egarding the ride in Valeggio sul Mincio, USA ranked among the world top 10 teams with three binomials at the finish line. A brilliant result considering that your horses had to face a long trip to reach Italy.

How did you manage to achieve such a great result?

The result was the effort of all of our young riders, crew and staff.

We have been working hard to make changes in our program and this is a direct result of everyone’s hard work.

Mark Dial credit Mark Baldino

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Thank you for the cooperation to Mrs Dana Rossmeier and Mrs Kathleen Landwehr Interview with Mr. Mark Dial chef d’equipe of the U.S. team

at the World Championship JYR 2017 Valeggio sul Mincio, Italy

Photos by Sport EVO press SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

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T

he people were very gracious and very helpful, we loved Italy!

What difference did you notice between Endurance in the US and Endurance in EU...more specifically in Italy?

Competing away from home is always a challenge, especially when you have to ship as far as we do.

The speeds at which a lot of competitors average in Europe is somewhat higher than what we are used to.

For many of our young riders, this was the first time to compete against other athletes at the speeds we saw in Italy. That is a big challenge, but it is something we are working on. In addition, the vetting is stricter at a championship and the soundness of our horses is a big focus for the Team Staff.

The Young Rider Championship for the U.S. team was a great place for us to focus on our goal for a team completion.

Next year you will be playing at home...are you already working for the WEG?

Tyron is a great facility, but the trails will be very challenging for all the competitors. We have been working towards WEG since last year through observation events and preliminary vet evaluations on potential team horses. While our goal for WEG is to complete as a team, we need to make sure that the best team is fielded, which includes making sure that our horses and athletes are as fit, sound, and prepared as possible.

There is added pressure when you compete on home soil, but the new management at US Equestrian has been supportive of our Team Staff and willing to innovate and make the necessary changes to be successful.

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USA YR team

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GOBI DESERT CUP

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“

You may have what it takes, but it will take everything you have

Article and Photography Credits Debra Wylde Special Thanks to Camille Champagne for the cooperation

I

t was gruelling. Long haul international flights, new security procedures at Border control and fatigue mixed with expectation of a grand adventure were the emotional foundations of which we all arrived in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbataar.

The flights were the rites of passage for entry into Mongolia.

After a few too many cold beers the night before, our motley crew piled into our 4WD’s with oversized luggage, saddles, saddle cloths, varying lotions and potions and the cacophony of different languages and laughter as our drivers closed the doors, started the engine and pulled into the peak hour traffic.

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A

4hr drive out of the capital was punctuated with tourist stops including supermarkets for camel yoghurt ice cream, huge eagles, and the piece de resistance - the massive Chinggis Khan statue. Two hundred and forty tonnes of stainless steel, hand crafted, with fierce pride, on show to the world – the legend of Genghis Khan.

A warrior who came from very humble beginnings and by the end of his life he and his mounted armies had conquered most of the world as we know it. He was a brilliant tactician, had the ability to inspire absolute loyalty in his soldiers and together they laid the foundation for the Modern World as we know it today.

Arriving at the edge of the Mongolian steppes was like having a panoramic view of the divine.

The subtle, varying pastel shades of green, intermixed with purples and mauves stretches before you seemingly forever. The rolling hills giving theatre to the flatness of the Steppes and large herds of semi wild Mongolian horses, splendid in their varying colours brought home to the soul – we are in Mongolia, on the Khentti Plains, the birthplace of Genghis Khan.

Arriving at a beautifully organised camp, with a vibrant array of colours against a backdrop of jagged mountains created great excitement amongst the riders. Of course the overwhelming desire was to immediately ride the Mongolian horses.

Bags were hastily thrown into the tents, clothes changed, lunch woofed down, a briefing from the Race Director – Camille Champagne, Chief Steward – Colleen Shaw, VetsFEI vet Ann Lammens and Nara, one of the most skilled equine vets in Mongolia and we were off!

After being mustered by the Mongolian herdsman, the horses were tethered to the lines in the traditional manner. All with heads constantly bobbing up and down keeping the flies at bay. Restless hooves striking at the ground, dust circling, the sounds of snorting and the herdsman in their traditional deel coats, walking amongst them and strapping the horses for the riders.

The riders had two days training on the Mongolian horses before the race began. The Mongolian horses are approximately 13.3hh with a very choppy gait, which took the riders a bit of getting used to. Most of them chose to ride long in the stirrups and soon realised the horses had a strong forward movement when

Agvaan, Joyce Corbett, Kendall Moore, Steve Clibborn

HR Tess Sullivan & Lucy Croft

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“It is truly the most character building challenge I have ever faced and overcome”

Kendall Moore – Stannum Stud, Gobi Cup Rider 2017 they rode together. They have extremely hard hooves enabling them to cross the sometimes very rocky terrain. These horses did 80km per day and some were rested and repeated another 80km later in the race! Their stamina and work ethic is nothing less than heroic.

We’re off! The race begins with blessings from a Buddhist Monk and loud hooping and hollering from the entire camp and riders. The sound of horse hooves pounding across the ancient Mongolian steppes, riders and horses racing into the wind as one is an emotion that will remain with us forever. It is as if the horses connect with the ancient spirits of the land and together they travel in unison with the rider, ears forward and their huge hearts driving them onwards. These horses are easy to fall in love with, calm, patient, spirited and forgiving.

From the very first day, Camille Champagne – elite Endurance rider and Race Director said to the riders, “ Whatever you are expecting to occur on any given day, Mongolia will have something different!” To the frustration of many riders, Camille was right. They may have drawn a slower horse, or they were vetted out on certain days and they were left to deal with the roller coaster of emotions that arise with the perception of human failure and disappointment.

As an observer of the race, it was very clear to me that it was within most riders grasp to reach the 40km checkpoint. However, to reach the 80km checkpoint, having ridden the same horse all day and passing the official Vet checks required a different level of skill and horsemanship from the riders.

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T

hey had to be able to overcome any disappointment from the previous day (s), awaken with a new, focused and positive mindset, be at one with their horse, set long range goals and ride to the conditions. One of our two veterinarians for the 2017 edition of The Gobi Desert Cup was Ann Lammens, who owns and operates “EQUI REPRO” in Puylagarde Tarn et Garonne France. The following is a summary of her experience in Mongolia.

Quite simply, The Gobi Desert Cup is a race of horsemanship, culture, endurance, mental, physical and emotional fortitude.

If you are up for the challenge contact Camille Champagne via info@ gobidesert.com or visit the website: www.gobidesertcup.com Facebook: The Gobi Desert Cup

«It s already two months since we got back from the first Gobi Desert Cup in Mongolia, and well... it was an AMAZING experience!! Camille Champagne, the ride director, did a great job selecting and training the horses and it was a fantastic race!

We had 94 starts (16 riders riding 80km per day for 6 days). The vet outs were minimal; 3.2% were due to high heart rates, 3.2% were out of time and 7.4% was due to lameness. The lameness was mostly due to stone bruises. All those horses did their 80km bare foot! There wasn’t any invasive treatment necessary.

Compared to endurance in Europe and Australia where we often have up to 50% vet outs or even more, the Gobi Desert Cup did very well, and we can definitely say that Camille achieved her goal, taking care of the horses. Horse welfare and safety being her primary concerns! Every rider was supervised, official cars were following them during the whole race. They could stop the cars and ask for advice whenever they needed to and they also had access to water and hay on track».

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HR Alienor Le Gouvello (winner)

HR Kendall Moore and Joyce Corbett

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Winner podium of CEI3* Florac Al Farsi Faisal with Khara El Nedj, Al Fori Mahmood Marhoon with Dalila de Fontanel and Al Balushi Adil with Rafale de la Fageole

The Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman and Sport EVO

for the development of endurance riding

Photo by Barbara Miller

Text by Patrizia Giacchero Photos by SassoFotografie 62

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ENDURANCE IN

FOLLONICA

KEEPS GROWING I TA

T

wo cold but sunny days have framed the last long rides in Italy for 2017: the last CEI3*, CEI2* and Yr 2*.

A nice and by now well-known circuit with an efficient and cohesive organizing committee led by Giorgio Presenti called “Billy”, made the event welcoming for 200 binomials from 8 different nations.

The athletes challenged one another till the last meter of the 94+94 km CEI3*. 3 binomials struggled for two consecutive days till Luca Campagnoni with Najar Ruspina crossed the finish line first but, unfortunately they had to surrender to the final vet’s verdict and leave the victory to Simona Garatti and Boreal de Ghazal who were also awarded with the title of Best Condition. Boreal de Ghazal (Way to go x Borea de Ghazal), is a chestnut 1998 Pure blood Arabian gelding, owned by Mauro Bonotto and trained by Mr. Jean Cambon.

Tribute must be paid to this perfectly handled 19 year old horse who was able to gift us all with great emotions! Second podium position goes to Adelaide Scola with Orsenigo and third place to Riccardo Rusconi with Zambesi della Bosana.

The CEI2* also included the Young Horses’ final dedicated to 7 year old Italian horses who were born and trained in Italy.

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2 day CEI3* 1st Simona Garatti and Boreal de Ghazal

T

he 120 km struggle was won by Salvatore Mulas on Reseda, from Barone x Ferula trained by Peppino Medda. The ride finished in a wonderful sprint with second place Elisabeth Hardy on Rigoletto by Zaimes.

Giuseppe Ducci on Priscilla dei Mori conquered third place and Best Condition.

The CEI1* included the final ranking for 6 year old Italian Young Horses. Giada Bottiglia on

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Soraia (Caligola x Fusida), owned by Sandro Bottiglia dominate the final sprint while Carolina Tavassoli and Eufrate Blu win second place but have to surrender to the negative verdict of the Vet Commission.

Therefore second place goes to Boni Viada from Chile on Senattore and Valentina Galli on Voleca dal More achieve third place.

Thus the question then arises...

endurance needs elegance too Caterina Mutinelli

Pariani saddle, italian style http://pariani.it/ SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

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1st CEI2* Salvatore Mulas with Reseda

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I

n view of FEI’s decision to ban the World Championships to 7 year old horses to preserve their agonistic career, allowing 6 year old horses to run at 20/24 km/h doesn’t make much sense!

But let’s go on with our story...

The YR CEI2* was conquered by Giulia Maraghini and Alicante (Alcalde El rih x Jasmine GG, trained by Roberto Condin) followed by Anna Biagetti on Jassur and Elena Massaccesi

on Campanula Bosana.

To conclude, as far as the categories for Italian horses are concerned, Nicola Bussu on Tramariglio (Caligola x Lei) win the Cen A, in front of Nicola Tarducci on Kimbley and Filippo Cingolani on Tirriosu de Iloi; the 30 km ride dedicated to novices was won by Matilde Guidetti on Cafaggiolo di Pegaso (Bacio x Miss Bambolina) who crossed the finish line before Maria Perotti on Milordka de Helios and Marco Angeli on Utopia.

1st place CEI2*YR Giulia Maraghini with Alicante

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o conclude 3 the list of poCE I3* 2d dium winners ay sR icc we must mention ard oR us the victories of the last co ni w ith leg of the Tuscan Championship: in the 90 Za mb es km Cen B, Marina Roghi and Sussulto win with id ell aB os an amazing sprint, ahead of Claudia Cantoni on an a Bongo Bingo and Erica Gargiulo with Pensende di Gallura. The 60 km Cen A was conquered by Alessandro Generali and Marrazzu, while Elisa Bindi and Matris win the ride dedicated to novices. rd

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1st CEI1* Giada Bottiglia with Soraia

The Pine Racecourse awaits for you in 2018, we’ll be there, as always‌

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Silfiac

the Castle Race Beautiful rides grow

Camille Le Bourdonnec 9eme CEI2*

H

ere and then we happen to meet some small Organizing Committees willing to develop and make theirselves known. This is the case of Silfiac’s Castle Ride who seems to have all the papers in order to become an important event.

Silfiac is a very small French commune located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, in north-western France.

Due to year on year improvement, at present, the organizers of Silfiac are offering a perfect field of play to horses and riders, including really good ground quality loops, good vet gates and nice facilities.

The Organization Committee hopes that a French Championship will soon be held in Silfiac and probably other important events too.

After running Silfiac’s ride in July, Javier Cervera (Spanish Team gold medalist at the WEG 2014 in Sartilly), declared: “I am sure that in the near future, the race in Silfiac will become among the riders’ favourites. It is quite technical but with a good ground.

A well organised ride that provides a bonus for nice on site accommodation”.

Julien Goachet (member of the French Team and winner of many important international rides) declared: “I totally agree with my friends: Silfiac is a very pleasant ride, just enough technical and then it owns all the ingredients to develop into something great.

I’m sure it can only improve”.

Sport Endurance Evo had a word with the Organizing Committe of Silfiac regarding the race: “We are so proud of our first CEI**, we had 49 starters from Barhain, Spain, and France.

We decided to call the competition Castle Race because the start and outside vet gate are located next to castles. All of you are welcome to come”.

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Price ceremony

Start CEI1*

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Santa Susanna 64th

barcelona, spain

Text by Luca Giannangeli Photos by Berta Barnils, Antonio Matas, Sport EVO press 72

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he event in Santa Susanna is always a charming one; I honestly can’t tell why considering that the ride’s location can’t definitely be compared to Windsor or other famous racecourses around the world but it is certain that the atmosphere of this small town of Catalonia is really pleasant... it’s probably due to the beautiful nearby presence of the Costa Brava, its breeze, the accent of local people... I honestly can’t tell. The track inside Forestal Montenegro Currado is undoubtedly a charming one and offers breath-taking views on the sea.

The most ancient European ride SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

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2 day CEI3* 1st and 2nd place Maria Alvarez Ponton and Alejandra Dachs Izquierdo with Saphir el Fayad and Simbel Al Ain

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W

hat I personally love the best about this event is that everybody stays in the same hotel: riders, grooms, judges, vets, etc.

They all have dinner together, share aperitifs and at the end of the 3 day event celebrate together.

3 days are long, probably too long for me but I’m sure that if I were to ride too they would seem less boring!

CEI3* 2 days 3rd place Blanco Rodrigo Omar with Upedro

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2 day CEI2* 1st and 2nd place Paula Muntala Sanchez and Gil Berenguer Carrera with SW Desert and Ameskan

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The ride

D

uring Constitution Day, riders from 15 countries attended the events in Santa Susanna, which premiered a new organization and timing system, as well as a new GPS tracking technology that enabled the audience to follow the horses along the track on the Serra del Montnegre.

The 64th edition of Santa Susanna turned out to be tougher than expected; although altimetries were quite severe, they revealed indeed amazing landscapes.

Drought made things even harder in this part of Spain too that has been affected by it throughout the whole year.

80% of the race ground was composed by clay, a bit too hard exactly due to drought. The other 20% was stony and sometimes dangerous because of small channels created by agricultural means around the fields.

Just few rain drops fell in day 2 making the ground a bit softer despite its roughness remained. Riders’ eyes were often stuck on the ground to avoid its hidden dangers.

2 day CEI2* YR 1st place Jana OMS Quert with Ramses de la Rotja

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Juma’s team rider Gil Carrera Berenguer (2 day CEI2* 2nd place Santa Susanna 2017) uses

photo by Berta Barnils

Podium saddle

Podium

http://www.sellepodium.it | info@sellepodium.com | phone +39 06 71353130

2 day CEI2* YR 2nd place Manon Capitaine with Nevat Mir

WELL, NOW IT’S TIME TO APPLAUD THE WINNERS:

J

uma’s strong team had a say in all the ride

categories, starting from the 2 day CEI3*, the toughest one, conquered by the multiple champion María Alvarez Ponton on Saphir El Fayad (Ramses des Cistes x Fax).

2 day CEI2* YR 3rd place Kenza Bettenfeld with SW Duo

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CEI1* 1st place Guillem Soldevila Altarriba with Valkiry la Coudrelle

S

he was also crowned best rider of the weekend.

Alejandra Dachs with Simbel Al Ain (Fadasir x Blaida) conquered second place, finishing a split second behind Alvarez, and Omar Blanco with Upedro (Nabath*HN x Galjadie) achieved third place.

The winner of the 2 day CEI2* was the current Spanish Champion Paula Muntala with SW Desert (Bering de Piboul x Dielchem Hipolyte).

Gil Berenguer with Ameskan (Akbar* HN x Amethyste du Cayrou)crossed the finish line just a few seconds behind the winner. Third place for Joan Moret with The Right Way (Way to Go x Bacifica).

Juma’s team dominates the CEI2* YR too thanks to Jana Oms astride Ramses de la Rot-

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ja (Ghazal Imdal x Mahoud Warandabha).

The CEI1* was conquered by Guillem Soldevilla with Valkiry La Coudrelle (Akim*HN x Venetia des Agatchols).

Conclusions As always, Santa Susanna is set aside this year too, but it still remains one of the most beautiful rides in the world. It is definitely not its fireworks or powerful sponsors and buying/ selling showcase that make it so wonderful, what really counts is its passion, simplicity and desire of celebrating the end of the event together. Special thanks to the organizing committee led by Juan Rodriguez known by everyone as Mr. Sport HG. Santa Susanna passes with flying colors, see you in 2018!

Juan Rodriguez

Joan Campolier, Santa Susanna Major

Jordi Bordas

Ranking on: http://www.enduranceonline.it I come from Italy so I would like to express special thanks to my wonderful compatriots: Daniele Serioli with Moma (Caligola x Dolyanova) and Linda Iosa with Prezioso de Matta e Padru (Fisich x Cecille) who conquered fourth and fifth place respectively in the 96+96 km CEI3*. Thanks to Pietro Moneta with Psyche du Verdot (Lover de Gargassan x Erola du Chateau) who was able to achieve 16th position in the same category and Claudia Mariarosa Gaspa-Ward on Rebecca by Ercules (Ercules x Missambra) who conquered the 2 day CEI2*YR in 9 hours and 5 minutes.

Simone Ceotto with Abath Hipolyte (Nabath*HN x Koee du Pesquier) made a wonderful performance and win silver medal in the CEI1*.

Juma and Maria

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After almost a decade hiatus, x-bionic® sphere has decided to bring back the over 50-year tradition of this legendary athletic meet. P-T-S is currently ranked 27th in the world in the tough competition of a total 399 athletic meetings globally, once again welcoming the athletic elite and promising records again to be broken and unforgettable experiences each year. The event is live-streamed on Slovak national television and enjoys great popularity.

EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIP In December 2017, x-bionic® sphere will be hosting the European Cross Country Championships, an internationally acclaimed event. This is the venue decided by European Athletics to be the best location for this event. Once again, Šamorín will welcome elite athletes from all over the world and marks the first time that Slovakia has ever hosted an athletic event of such importance.

The programme accompanying the ECCC promises many opportunities and events for the general public and also sports enthusiasts willing to try the actual championship course for themselves. 900 runners will be able to compete in an amateur race open to anyone that takes place right after the end of the official championships. The whole event will be live-streamed, with great international coverage for the rest of the world expected.

LONGINES FEI WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS The best endurance teams from across the globe, featuring 133 riders from 45 different nations, came to Šamorín to compete along a 160-kilometre long course. Starting the event were successful riders such as Jaume Punti Dachs and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamad Al Maktoum of Dubai.

Grand ceremonies both opened and closed the World Endurance Championships, introducing the teams and celebrating their victories.

Both ceremonies were held at the indoor equestrian hall, creating an impressive show for everyone.

X-BIONIC® SUMMER TOUR Two weeks of international show jumping competitions took place at the magnificent facilities of x-bionic® sphere, attracting to X-BIONIC® SUMMER TOUR the equestrian elite with an event offering a total purse of €700,000 and 13 classes where the horses are rated for Longines World Ranking. Riders ranked among the top 70 from 20 different nations competed in the CSI 4*, while the CSI 2* and CSI 1* allowed amateurs to compete against the best international riders. Special competitions were organised for young horses between five and seven years of age.

The riders praised the exceptional training and competition environment alongside the hospitality x-bionic® sphere offered. The two-week X-BIONIC® SUMMER TOUR provided great sports achievements, a thrilling atmosphere and victory celebrations.

FEI EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP FOR YOUNG RIDERS, JUNIORS AND CHILDREN x-bionic® sphere was proud to welcome the 2017 FEI European Jumping Championship for Young Riders, Juniors and Children, a great moment in sport reserved for future European talent competing in the most prestigious Continental Championship. The event presented a perfect chance for riders and families to discover x-bionic®sphere’s attractions and enjoy a full week of sport competitions and equestrian passion.

X-BIONIC® INDOOR MASTER X-BIONIC® INDOOR MASTER is the season’s most elegant and exclusive event, with only a limited number of competitors. Situated in Europe’s biggest indoor equestrian arena with special VIP seating, all riders, equestrian teams and spectators can count on an extraordinary atmosphere featuring elite international riders from around the world competing for a purse of € 270,000, with horses rated for the prestigious Longines World Ranking in five classes.

Find out more at www.xbionicsphere.com www.facebook.com/challengesamorin x-bionic® sphere Dubová 33/A, Šamorín

Slovakia

2018 EVENT

x-bionic® sphere

CALENDAR

6th POMLÉ RUN 8 May 2018

Sixth edition of the popular running event for the whole family through Šamorín. The course begins and ends directly at x-bionic® sphere, where both older and younger runners can enjoy a wide spectrum of fun sports activities all day.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP 2-3 June 2018

Top triathletes from all over the world meet at The Championship, the new standard in international triathlons.

The thrilling race features a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.1 km run.

P-T-S

29 June 2018 Slovakia’s legendary Pravda-Televizia-Slovnaft athletic meet will celebrate x-bionic® athletic sphere the 53rd running. P-T-S welcomes the world’s athletic elite, with a promise of records to be broken.

ARENA SLOVAKIA SWIMMING MASTERS CUP 2018 30 June – 1 July 2018

An international swimming competition with a “Masters“ category provides the perfect warmup for the European Championships in Slovenia.

X-BIONIC® SUMMER TOUR 12-15 July 2018 19-22 July 2018

Two weeks of international show jumping competitions in the grand premises of x-bionic® equestor sphere. X-BIONIC® SUMMER TOUR welcomes riders and horses from all over the world.

X-BIONIC® CSIO FOR YOUTH 2-5 August 2018

future European talents competing in the YOUTH FEI NATIONS CUP, the FEI’s most prestigious youth circuit.

A full weekend of sports and passion for riders and their families.

X-BIONIC® CSIO SLOVAKIA 26-29 August 2018

With more than 50 years of tradition, CSIO Slovakia is a prestigious event that creates the ideal opportunity for riders from Slovakia to compete against the international show-jumping elite.

EUROPEAN KICKBOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS 13-20 October 2018

October in x-bionic® sphere will belong to kick-boxing. Europe’s bestathletes will compete for the first time

X-BIONIC® INDOOR MASTER Winter 2018

Show jumping’s most elegant and exclusive event in the biggest and most modern indoor equestrian hall in Europe.

Camilla, look at yourself as you are sitting in the saddle... what do you think? Is there something you would change?

Everytime we met you on the track you always looked very serious...is it just a mask or is it your personality?

believe it is very difficult to carry out a self-evaluation and a general evaluation of someone’s riding posture because everybody has his own different riding preferences and techniques.

Honestly, I think that posture is very important when running a ride... for several reasons: the horse has more balance and you will face better different types of ground and/or technical tracks; that’s why, in winter, my rest season, I go to a show jumping stable near home where I take riding lessons to improve my riding style.

There are things that still need to be improved from different points of view, among these my balance in the saddle.

At the stable I also have the chance to keep my filly who helps me complete my training and lessons. All this work is starting to bear fruit and I’m very happy about it!

My seriousness is a matter of personality, I’m usually very serious and accurate when I run a race, my composure comes from the concentration I try to keep throughout the ride in order to get the best from it. When I’m not competing you can easily find me smiling,

I

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SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

I love to be in the company of other people, especially those who share my same passion... endurance riding! Yes, when I’m not competing I’m definitely a different person!

Did you know that our photographers won’t publish photos of non-smiling people on social networks? Just joking... but we would like endurance to be considered as fun first and as a job later. What do you think?

There’s no beautiful photo without a beautiful smile, I absolutely agree! I also think that although endurance is a job, running a race can sometimes and at certain points be fun.

It is fun because you get to meet friends you haven’t seen for a long time since they live far away from you and it is nice to ride in company of people who are running the race with you.

interview with

Camilla Malta

for the development of italian endurance riding

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

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As we were saying before, you are still quite young, speaking of sports career, but you already own enough experience to judge. Is there something you would like to change in today’s endurance?

In my opinion, it is difficult to change endurance because it is a dynamic sport, this means that it already constantly changes.

But I think that it would be interesting to organize winter internships for those riders who usually compete in specific categories in order to exchange ideas, work plans and more. It would also be nice to get to know other riders better and learn to work with people that have different ideas from you.

Childhood dreams... a typical question!

It is indeed a typical question, but the answer is not that easy.

I do of course wish that horses will continue to be in my future life. I would like to improve my skills in this sport and hopefully turn my passion into a job!

My childhood dream would be to work abroad for a year...it is one of the toughest jobs in the world due to the strong efforts it requires but it is extremely satisfying too.

www.maltafratelli.com

www.mapei.com

www.sgcavalli.it

X-BIONIC® HOTEL X-BIONIC® HOTEL offers premium accommodation for up to 1 150 guests. At x-bionic® private sphere, all 282 hotel rooms are spacious, able to accommodate up to 4 guests, tastefully decorated and tailor-made to satisfy even the most demanding customers. x-bionic® strato sphere introduces the new era of luxury accommodation with pure design, noble materials and a new level of hospitality. Designated grand checkin area, luxury lounges, private elevator, exclusive living area with fireplace, all with 24/7 host service. Concept of 12 exclusive units – from studio to double junior suite with private terrace and built-in jacuzzi – are located on the top floor of 3 hotel buildings and offer beautiful view of the river Danube. x-bionic® sphere Dubová 33/A, Šamorín Slovakia www.x-bionicsphere.com www.facebook.com/xbionicsphere

4 different concepts of restaurants Wide selection of healthy food

Ideal conditions

for professional athletes and amateurs

More than

Offering high standard

area of resort

Professional conditions for

One of the

most modern Olympic equestrian centers in Europe

www.x-bionicsphere.com