Sport Endurance EVO Issue 23/2018

N. 23 SPRING SUMMER 2018

www.sportendurance-evo.com

photo by Padise Equestrian Center

MADE in ITALY

PADISE ENDURANCE FESTIVAL ERMELO: THE PLACE TO BE FONTAINEBLEAU: ENDURANCE WITH A CAPITAL “E” THE RUSSIAN CUP 2018

x-bionic® aquatic sphere

x-bionic® power sphere

APANI®

AdventureLand

X-CARD

We have prepared

a new X-CARD loyalty program for you Fast cashless payment Convenient registration at www.x-bionicsphere.com

€100.00 credit you will be given a credit of €20.00 Every time you spend

Charge your X-CARD with any sum and you can use it for payments throughout the entire x-bionic® sphere x-bionic® sphere

Dubová 33/A, Šamorín

www.x-bionicsphere.com

www.sportendurance-evo.com

6

PADISE ENDURANCE FESTIVAL

14

X RAID DE TORDERA SPANISH ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 2018

20

SARDINIA ENDURANCE FESTIVAL 2018

34

46

58

68

FONTAINEBLEAU: ENDURANCE WITH A CAPITAL “E” PATAGONIA: AN EXTREME ENDURANCE RIDING EXPERIENCE 2018 ITALIAN ANICA CHAMPIONSHIP AND MIPAAF RIDE DUTCH ENDURANCE FESTIVAL 2018

74

THE FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES TRYON 2018 - TEST EVENT

82

PERRINE CAMPANINI AND HER KNOWN STABLE

86

THE RUSSIAN CUP 2018 TERSK STUD, THE PLACE WHERE PERSIK WAS BORN

N. 23 SPRING SUMMER 2018 Quarterly Endurance Riding Lifestyle Magazine Printed on the 29th of June 2018 Next issue 10th of October 2018 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) Marketing and Business Developer Elena Vanni (elenav@sportendurance-evo.com) Artwork Vincenzo Brancadoro (brancadoro@gmail.com) Supervisor Gordana Dennis and Anne Jonchery Photographers Barbara Miller, Oreste Testa, Maarten Hanke, Murielle Mulder, Francesca Landi, Alexia Khruscheva, WEG Tryon press office, Berta Bartis, Pía Vergara, X. Collaborators Tordera press office, Padise Equestrian Center (photo cover), x-bionic® sphere press office, Gordana Dennis, Angela Origgi, Perrine Campanini, Isidora del Rio Printed by Dedalo Litostampa S.r.l.

Advertising elenav@sportendurance-evo.com Subscription www.sportendurance-evo.com Contacts +393287373031 +393489140620

DOWNLOAD THE

APP FOR FREE

Editorial

by Luca Giannangeli

I

t seems like yesterday when we were all in Mont-Saint-Michel attending the WEG. Today, not long after, we find ourselves on the other side of the world, in Tryon, North Carolina.

I have to admit I’m usually a bit argumentative...debate does indeed create audience! However this time I want to be positive and pleased with the type of endurance that awaits us.

The story told by our reporters on the scene is about a pre-ride that recalls ancient times... when endurance riders could only rely upon themselves. With little assistance and eyes focused on a ground that has continuous direction changes and ups and downs, typical of Tryon’s track. Therefore, it’s a journey into the past that will put almost every binomial at the same level.

Everyone will have to deal with level ground, hills, slopes and rationing the horse’s strength because there won’t be any assistance for several kilometers and if a rider needs to wet his horse he has to get off and fetch water by himself in one of the arranged watering places.

What a challenge... break a leg!

www.t-trackgps.com info@t-trackgps.com

Saddles with passion since 1903

selleriapariani.it

RC Sand Saddle Saddle without flaps and with long billet straps in Biothane.

Stirrup bars have been shifted back to help the rider to maintain a correct position and an optimum balance. Skirts are padded to provide maximum comfort. Rider’s weight is equally spread on horse’s back thanks to the spring tree.

Panels are made with felt and expanded polyurethane.

Colours and sizes customizable Weight: 3 kg

ACME Srl Cavriago (RE) - Tel: +39 0522 941919 tech.info@acmedrugs.com - www.acmedrugs.com

gastric ulcer: causes, treatment and prevention

S

tress is the origin of ulcers in horses. The pathology causes acute abdominal pain, poor physical condition and opaque hair coat but sometimes its symptoms are subtle and the horse may be irritable, have poor appetite and be reluctant to train; in these cases the disease is often underestimated.

Physical and psychological suffering could be caused by the mare’s separation from her foal, training, transport stress or a new environment with hostile social groups.

Stressful situations implicate an overproduction of cortisol and hydrochloric acid.

The best way to prevent and cure gastric ulcers is to reduce stressful events and psycho-physical suffering...you can do this by working on several matters: NUTRITION: Unlimited forage but above all alfalfa feed, reduce stomach acidity (PH 4). Prolonged chewing accompanied by the ingestion of abundant saliva causes a physiological absorbing effect.

High starch food facilitates fermentation with lactic acid production, for this reason the quantity of cereals must be reduced.

TRAINING AND COMPETITION: Intense physical activity causes gastric ulcers, not only due to stress but also because when working, the moistening of the gastric mucosa decreases.

Furthermore, intense training and competition are tiring and modify appetite, leading to long periods of fasting that increase gastric acidity. Therefore, it is necessary to provide appropriate supplements in order to support high energetic requirements: low calorie energetic food containing absorbing, astringent, soothing substances and no cereals. DEFENDER is one of these products. It is a complementary feed based on aluminosilicates, available in oral paste and granules which give a mechanical protection to the gastric mucosa creating a patina that spreads on its surface.

TRANSPORT: During transport avoid a lack of hay because horses must never be left on an empty stomach for too long

a time. There is a constant secretion of hydrochloric acid so if the stomach is empty, the acid will corrode it causing ulcers.

TREATMENT: When a horse is treated for gastric ulcers it is usually too late. Gastro-resistant omeprazole should be used regularly to prevent ulcers, suffering and poor health conditions.

There are different omeprazole formulations, some are gastro-resistant, others are not. The first formulations are very effective and you can tell the difference from others by reading the information on the packaging.

Omeprazole doesn’t have a direct effect on the gastric mucosa in fact, in order to prevent and treat ulcers, it must be absorbed by blood at an intestinal level where it then returns to the mucosa secretive glands through blood circulation, inhibiting hydrochloric acid.

Given that on contact with gastric acids omeprazole loses its effect, you should use only gastro-resistant formulations to ensure its full efficiency, otherwise it will only work minimally.

ACME, the company specialized in research and production of medicines for sports horses, advises to get in touch with the veterinarian in order to plan an efficient treatment and prevention programme for gastric ulcers based on gastro-resistant omeprazole. This sort of programme should be addressed to all those horses subject to stress.

The brand-new equestrian centre near the coast of the Baltic Sea plans to bid to host the World Endurance Championships

Padise ENDURANCE FESTIVAL

6

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

B

eautiful Padise county is located in Estonia - the small country in Northern Europe that has an amazing variety of landscapes, from over a thousand picturesque lakes to dense forests, where various animals live.

The rare endurance venue can offer the loops which include the forest tracks, field roads, and beach sand. Padise is one of them. This place is located just a few kilometers from the coast of the Baltic Sea. In 2017 Padise Equestrian Centre hosted two FEI Endurance international events, under the name Padise Endurance Festival I and II respectively.

This year, Padise Equestrian Centre is hosting six FEI events during the season, naming them Padise Endurance Festival III to VIII. Organizers prepared the world-class facilities, including the permanent endurance village with a cozy national design, impressing all the officials and participants.

For two weeks in a row, 3rd and 4th Editions of the Padise Endurance Festival were held on 24 and 31 May 2018. These high-level equestrian events gathered riders from dozens of countries of Europe as well as riders from the U.A.E. It was the first time in the history of the Republic of Estonia when horses arrived by several planes and landed in Tallinn Airport.

Over 20 horses came from Spain, Italy and Great Britain to compete in the championship level distance of 160 km.

On 24 May, riders from six countries took part in the race and set off on 120 and 160 km long distances. In addition to Estonians and Finns, there were contestants from the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Italy and Norway.

The 160 km leaders were from the UAE (led

by Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum and Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum) and Spain. The other group included the Norwegian riders Jeanne Holum and Olaug Espel Carstensen and the Italian rider Simone Seotto.

The podium was taken by the UAE competitors Abdulla Ghanim Al Marri on horse Espelho Dos Condes (17,25 km/h), Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum on horse Jasmina De Vere (17,24 km/h) and Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum on horse Valkiry La Coudrelle (17,23 km/h). In the morning of the same day, the start was also given to a distance of 120 km, involving four competitors - Kairit Jarv and Ines Beilmann-Lehtonen from Estonia and Roosa Salopaa and Mari Marjatsalo from Finland.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

7

O

n the first loop, M. Marjatsalo was eliminated for irregulate gait, and after the second loop, for the same reason, his teammate, R. Salopaa was out. The rivals were experienced and victorious Estonian riders, and the competition ended with a gallop, which had been cheered by spectators.

Kairit Jarv on Mustafo Malabah with average

8

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

speed of 16,17 km/h was the first and, secondly, Ines Beilmann-Lehtonen on Local Sunshine arrived two seconds later. Next week, Padise Endurance Festival IV will take place held with 22 competitors from 6 countries.

The big news that shook the headlines of Estonian media was the visit of the Crown Prince of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The people of Estonia were surpri-

sed and delighted to see the Crown Prince of Dubai riding his bike along the streets of Tallinn.

The next day H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum participated in 160 km endurance ride of Padise Endurance Festival IV. The Royal Family of Al Maktoum loves horses veryu much, especially the Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who is known for his significant support and promo-

tion of endurance worldwide. The racing day started at 7:00 in the morning, when the start was given to the longest, 160 km race, where 13 riders participated. In the course of the day, 5 loops, 20-40 km long, were followed by breaks.

The first competitors finished in the evening. After nearly eight hours on the back of their journey, riders led by the Crown Prince appeared from the forest and crossed the finish line.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

9

Crown Prince of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Jelena Sbitneva, General Manager of Estonia Equestrian Club

T

he first to finish was H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum, he won the ride with Upedro (total time 7:43:51, average speed of 20.69 km/h), followed by Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum on horse Simbel Al Ain (time 7:43:52, average speed of 20,69 km/h), and third was Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum with Shamann De Bodraden (7:43:53, average speed 20,69 km/h). A total of 10 riders finished.

In addition to the 160 km ride, there were also competitions for 120 km and 80 km.

Two-star competition for 120 km met two participants from Denmark and Poland. Merethe Neland on Larka won this distance in 8:32:42 and average speed of 14,043 km/h, while Katarzyna Klosek on Cesigrom got the second place in 8:44:24 and average speed of 13,73 km/h.

Podium for one-star competition of 80 km was fully taken by Estonian riders. The first place went to Mari Helen at the horse Von Spitspeter completed the distance for 4:49:20 with average speed of 16,59 km/h. Second was Eveli Parna on Ragazza (4:59:24, average speed

10

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

16,03 km/h). Elise Laur on Rossa (4:59:25, average speed 16,03 km/h) conquered third place. There were 7 riders at the starting line.

Padise Endurance Festival is held in Padise Equestrian Centre and organized by Estonia Equestrian Club.

General Manager of Estonia Equestrian Club is Jelena Sbitneva - the organizer of many international and national competitions, including the Endurance Championships of Estonia, the rider, the trainer, the horse owner, the chief of JS Endurance team, and the member of the Endurance Committee of the Estonian Equestrian Federation. As a true patriot of endurance sport and horse lover, Jelena aspires to develop endurance discipline and equestrian sport both in Estonia and at the world level.

Jelena Sbitneva said: “Padise Equestrian Centre is creating the new vector in development of equestrian sport as a first of its kind permanent endurance village in Europe.

We conduct the competitions as a demonstration of our efforts, and we are going to submit the bid to host World Endurance Championships in the near future.

Our mission is the care and maintenance of

horse welfare and establishment of cultural and sports relations between Estonia and other countries.

We express our gratitude to the Estonian Equestrian Federation and to the FEI for their cooperation. We would like to express special thanks to our general sponsor - Meydan Group - for the outstanding support. It is our honor to have such a great partnership.�

Padise Endurance Festival V, VI and VII will be held for the three weeks in a row - on 28 June and on 5 and 11 July, while Padise Endurance Festival VIII is scheduled for 11 August.

Evelin BĂśtker, Secretary General of the Estonian Equestrian Federation and Jelena Sbitneva, General Manager of Estonia Equestrian Club

For more information about PADISE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE visit www.pec.ee and Facebook page: https://Facebook. com/PadiseEquestrianCentre SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

11

BURIONI LINE

CL18 “black” “The back of the horse always dry” - 1,3 kg.

T

he special and innovative structure of this pad shows a multitude of little bulges with lateral holes permitting an intense, horizontally directed air circulation.

Besides creating a shock-absorbing cushion effect every time they are compressed and released, the bulges generate a flow of refreshing air which keeps the back of the horse perfectly dry.

Discover the secret hidden inside

Black

White

Blue Royal

Red

Green

Yellow

Brown

Bordeaux

Fucsia

Burioni Manufacturing Tel. +39 0541 915580 info@burioni.com - www.burioni.com

innovation and technology

X Raid de

TORD spain

Spanish Endurance Championship 2018

26

binomials met at the Spanish Endurance Championship 2018 and challenged one another to conquer the prestigious title. The International rides were run by a total of 144 binomials and 87 of them concluded their task.

14

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

DERA Photo by Berta Bartis

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

15

The Spanish Champion 2018 Maria Alvarez Ponton with T’Aime de Coeur

T

he WEG are coming up so it is quite a particular season and it is hard to tell who, among the participants, was running to conquer the title or to show off his binomial in order to find a place in the team.

However, to be precise, 50% of the riders concluded the CEI3*, a quick race that needed to be interpreted at its best.

The multi-champion Maria Alvarez Ponton conquered the title of Spanish Champion and won the CEI2* scheduled the following day…an amazing result!

T’Aime de Coeur (Ulm de Domenjoi x Temira HH) won gold medal at 20,69 km/7h. Paula Muntala Sanchez with Shamman de Bodraden (Azziz de Gargassan x Noa du Finistere) win silver medal and Marta Matas Fagrega with IV Style (unk) achieve bronze.

Once the event was over we had a little chat with the organizer, Mr. Joan Rodriguez, who was happy to share his opinion with us: “I am very satisfied with the outcome of this event. The participation of 70 French binomials proves that Tordera is by now an important and basic appointment for those attentive riders who really care. We didn’t have many binomials at the Spanish Championship but it is indeed a very special season because the WEG are coming up. To tell the truth, now-adays it is hard to register a larger number of binomials in 160 km rides for several reasons: The first main difficulty is to switch from a 2* ride to a 3* one. A 40 km difference doesn’t seem much but it does make a difference.

Those who run that 40 km difference are not necessarily champions but they are definitely endurance horses!

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

17

Silver Medal Spanish Champion Paula Muntala Sanchez with Shamann de Bodraden

Bronze medal Spanish Championship 2018 Marta Matas Fagrega with IV Style

18

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

1st place CEI2* Maria Alvarez Ponton with Shagya Endurance

View complete rankings on

Spanish Championship http://www.enduranceonline.it/db/pdf/2018/20180421_Tordera_ESP.pdf

CEI2* - CEI2YR - CEI1* http://www.enduranceonline.it/db/pdf/2018/20180420_Tordera_ESP.pdf

I

n Europe there aren’t usually many horses in 160 km rides because they are usually sold before reaching that qualification. Horses that reach CEI1* rides are always more frequently sold to the Arab market who is the leader in this field. Not many people decide not to sell a strong horse in a CEI3*…if requested!

That’s all for now, I wish to thank Meydan, our main sponsor, without them we wouldn’t have reached this great result. Free registration is definitely a good reason for chosing a location rather than another one. To see the HH Sh. Mohammed Cups on our podium was a great emotion. I would also like to thank Setzi, Burioni and all the other sponsors.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

19

A

s always, Sardinia, the second largest island of the Mediterranean Sea, gifted everybody with a wonderful week-end that tasted of summer and proclaimed itself the real winner of this festival!

It is quite difficult to organize an event on an island especially when it’s peak season for endurance riding.

The Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary but more important the 100th birth anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder and Father of the UAE

Photos by Oreste Testa 20

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

SARDINIA E N D U R A N C E F E S T I VA L

2018

Another amazing experience sponsored by the H.H. Sh. Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

21

T

he ride in Tordera was held more or less at the same time and so were many other races around Europe, but despite everything, the Horse Country Resort in Arborea (OT), registered more binomials than the last edition. It was Spring time but it seemed

22

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

like summer, Italy seems to be going through a process of tropicalization with hot weather and sudden heavy rains. Mother Nature is the beautiful frame of this endurance ride, attracting riders but also many other people who simply attended the event.

The CEI3* began in the dark but when the sun

rose you could admire the beautiful sea and the maritime pine groves. By the sea, in MaccedĂŹ, a small fishing village, many of us were lucky enough to spot the flight of some pink flamingoes right above the sea...they seemed to greet the horses passing by.

A timeless town where the rhythms of life

seemed to be driven by the engines of the typical fishing boats and the sound of the local Sardinian dilect, a completely foreign language to the ears of those coming from other areas of the same island.

Hence a real paradise for the heart, eyes and legs...yes, the legs of the competing horses.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

23

Winner CEI3* Luca Zappettini with Agraria

24

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

2nd place CEI3* Stefano Mori with Aechemea della Bosana

I

n fact, the ground was perfect for everyone, for those wishing to qualify and for those wishing to show their horses off, dreaming of the next European or World events.

The Giachino family supported by Miss Lara Sawaya hit the target once again. The objective is to make Sardinia popular worldwide, not only for its beautiful sea and landscapes but also for its horse care, horses have always been exported everywhere and Sardinians have always dedicated themselves to this beautiful animal.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

25

3rd place CEI3* Chiara Marrama with Quintaessenza

26

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

A

flat racing competition concluded this sports week-end and represented the climax of an event that began with endurance and was characterized by conferences regarding local equestrian tourism and nutrition / integration of the

sports horse. These conferences received the support of two great brands: ACME and GUIDOLIN, the sponsors of the event.

Flat racing returned to Chilivani greeted joyfully by enthusiasts, jockeys, breeders and all those people close to the world of racecourses.

Winner CEI2* Adrien Benedetti with Uzim d’Altare

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

27

2nd place CEI2* Antonello Mulas with Su Rai

28

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Winner CEI2* Ladies Linda Josa with Giorgio and 2nd place Giada Bottiglia with Soraia b.c.

The Endurance Ride

3rd place CEI2* Ladies Elisabetta Montanari with Verbenadella Bosana

I

n April, during Italy’s long week-end, around 100 horses invaded the Horse Country Resort in Arborea. The riders’ behaviour during the ride was absolutely exemplary: maximum respect for the horses despite the track attracting high speeds. The ride was characterized by perfect strategies making the vets’ job easy and the clinic was empty. Arborea hosted the 100 mile ride (160 km), strongly wanted by Miss Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and main sponsor of the event. We asked Miss Sawaya why she wanted this ride so much and she declared: “Endurance is a sport that the Festival is very keen to support and we have been doing this with a special focus on female riders and young riders. This year in 2018 we not only mark the 10th anniversary of the Festival but more importantly the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder and Father of the UAE.” The Italian rider Luca Zappettini with Agraria (Piruet x Agora) won the CEI3*, followed by Stefano Mori on Aechmea della Bosana (Unk) and Chiara Marrama on Quintaessenza (Unk).

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

29

Winner CEI2*YR Chiara Bruschi with CG Twice Nimros

F

rench National Anthem for the Open Cei2* conquered by Adrien Benedetti on Uzim d’Altare, followed by two Italian riders: Antonello Mulas on Su Rai (Barrone x Malvasa Mia) and Marco Angeli on Sabra Nirwana (Kfir x Haviva Magic).

The HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies CEI2* was again an Italian sweep but ended in a close contest with Linda Iosa on Gi-

orgio (Unk) beating Giada Bottiglia on Soraia (Caligola x Fusida). Elisabetta Montanari on Verbena della Bosana (Ber Phanat x Dryna El Aj) finished third place.

Alessandro Generali rode A Big Aladyr (AB Mostly La Piana x Da Natura) to victory in the 90 Km CEI1* with Rolland Vergé on Malik’sha d’Olmarellu in second place. Carmine Calvanese on Luke (Veronese x Vincente Sempre) finished third.

The national categories were held the following Sunday, view rankings on the links that appear below International Categories Rankings

National Categories Rankings

http://www.t-trackgps.com/ events/endurance-riding/68.html

http://www.t-trackgps.com/events/ endurance-riding/71.html

winner CEI1* Alessandro Generali with A Big Aldair

30

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

HORSES, PETS AND ALL KIND OF ANIMALS REQUIRED Shipping Everywhere Transport in Europe by Trasporti del Belvedere di Alessio Modena O. +39 331 254130 M. +39 335 5219207 trasportidelbelvedere@gmail.com

We are IATA agents since 1975 representing all major Airlines worldwide; we handle all kind of animals from Italy to the 5 continents according to the IATA regulations. We manufacture all kind of IATA containers according to LAR (Live Animals Regualtions) manual in use. We supply our customer with all the information concerning sanitary documentation required at origin and at destination Pianeta Cavallo S.r.l. by Mario Sivieri info@pianetacavallo.it Tel. +39 02 33490249 San Rossore (Pisa) and Valeggio sul Mincio (Verona) official shipping agent

FIND US ON FACEBOOK SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

31

ANICA special prizes Agora) ridden by Luca Zappettini who won the most important category, the 160 km CEI3*. First binomial in the ranking.

The Pureblood Arabian that won the CEI1* led by Alessandro Generali was A Big Aladyr (AB Mostly La Piana x Da Natura).

Regarding the 120 km CEI2* the prize was awarded to Sabra Nirwana (Kfir x Haviva Magic) ridden by Marco Angeli, who ranked third.

As far as the same category for Young Riders was concerned, the prize was awarded to CG Twice Nimroz (Sanim x CG Afef) ridden

by Chiara Bruschi and first in the ranking.

Soraia (Caligola x Fusida) ridden by Giada Bottiglia, was elected best ANICA Pureblood Arabian in the Ladies 120 km ride and won Best Condition Award too.

Sunday was dedicated to the three classical scheduled categories.

ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE ITALIANA Oriente di Gallura (Darike CAVALLO ARABO x Diva de Nulvi), ridden by Marta Pinna, was elected best ANICA Purebred Arabian of the 30km ride and ANICA couldn’t but be present in this horse finished in second place. land of excellence with its valuable prizes In the 60 km CEN ride, Sanna Costantino rededicated to the winners of all the categories ceived the ANICA trophy for Unuburghesu present in this 2 day endurance event.

(Bonorvesu x Mottea).

Three representatives of ANICA attended this ANICA’s objective is to give value and prestige long week-end event: Domenico Ciceroni, to its Purebred Arabian horses and to their ridAnica’s General Secretary, Maurizio Muntoni, ers, owners and breeders. The idea is to give Councilor and person in charge of the Engreater support to the riders during the rides durance Department and Annalisa Landucci, in Italy and abroad.

Councillor and Person in charge of the Flat Sardinia proved that the chosen path is the Racing Department. right and winning one.

A beautiful wooden inlaid plate representing Arborea’s Organizing Committee expressed the much coveted buckle of the Tevis Cup, special thanks on a dedicated page to all was exhibited in the showcases of the best those that through their contribution led to the success of this event.

ANICA Purebred Arabians.

See you next year!

The prize was received by Agraria (Piruet x

32

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

33

FONTAINEBLEAU

L

ast March (30 – 31), Le Grand Parquet Equestrian Stadium in Fontainebleau hosted one of the most important rides in the world and in Europe. The organization was led by the Grand Parquet Endurance Association and the Cabardos family.

34

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Just a few kilometers from Paris, the 25.000 hectare forest of the largest commune in the Ile-de-France region, was invaded by around 400 horses on the occasion of the customary international endurance ride.

This French event was the first one of the “5 Capitals” circuit sponsored by the H.H. Sh.

ENDURANCE WITH A CAPITAL

E

Text by Luca Giannangeli Photos by GP Press-Leon Blurck and Barbara Miller

Sponsored by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival. Apart from Fontainebleau the circuit includes Sardinia (Italy), Madrid (Spain), Brussels (Belgium) and Lisbon (Portugal). The Grand Parquet of Endurance is for riders who wish to be part of the history of Endurance and definitely not for those who just participate in order to win im-

portant prizemoney or to show off their horses so that they can sell them well.

To win or to end up on the podium of the CEI3* or other categories means you have achieved very high technical levels because this is the place where you compete against only the world’s best horses.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

35

W

hat struck me most when I first entered the Grand Parquet Stadium was its pleasant atmosphere. Although it hosted almost 400 horses, you had the impression that everything was organized and synchronized, just like a perfect machine.

Although the entire area was very wide, everything was at your fingertips and the different ride zones perfectly deployed.

No tension nor complaints...just perfection.

Not even the rain, the wind or cold weather seemed to bother the attendees and their work.

A great number of volunteers worked hard in order to make everything go as smoothly as possible and in the right direction, proving that a lot of people really do care for endurance. I couldn’t help but notice some interesting details: different languages seemed to spread throughout the venue...French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Hindi...a kaleidoscope of different colors and flags brought together by real and tough endurance...km after km.

Caroline Cabardos - Organizer

The event

T

he presence of the GPS T-Track system was a guarantee of success...every rider was monitored for safety reasons and in order to give full transparency to every-

one’s track.

T-track registered 11.500 visits between the 26th and the 31st of March...an exciting result!

36

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Gilles Cabardos - Organizer

Before proceeding to the ride’s results I would like to say thank you to two very special people: Caroline Cabardos and her husband Gilles.

I watched them as they moved from one area to the other, perfectly coordinating the different sectors; they were always ready to intervene with their radios.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

37

T

hey are both very calm and intelligent but most of all, they possess one of the rarest qualities, they are humble despite being the organizers of one of the most important events in Europe.

T 38

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

he CEI3*, first ride of the Festival’s 100-mile endurance series to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was won by

The ride Winner CEI3* Ali Abdullah Al Subaie with Henham Romeo

Bahrain’s Ali Abdullah Al Subaie with Henham Romeo (Lormar Marengo x Al Shaqab El Riyala). The grey horse, born in 2006, had no other important results before achieving this great victory.

2nd place CEI3* Daniele Serioli with Up To You Art

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

39

T

he young Italian rider Daniele Serioli with Up To You Art (Nabath x Billou Al Maury) conquered a second place that will definitely make the history of endurance.

This bay horse born in 2008 was running his first 160 km ride and concluded the race at an average speed of more than 18 km/h. His brilliant result attracted the attention of Dubai’s Royal stables.

Carlos Augusto Amaral Paes de Barr from Brazil with Koheilan Kajla (Izsofalva Koheilan x Amurath Thalia) conquered the bronze medal.

Behind them were two other riders from Brazil.

The Ladies podium is a French one: out of 27 lady riders, Alice Fabre with Al Baraka de Flauzin (Finift des Meures x Joyeuse Fleur) won gold medal. Last year, always in Fontainebleau, this same binomial won the CEI1*.

Laetitia Glorian with Adibou (Montloubet de Lisa x Lamra) conquered second place, Adibou was third at last year’s CEI2* in Monpazier.

Julia Montagne with Havana de Bozouls (Fauzi x Jade) won bronze medal, Havana de Bozouls was 5th in last year’s CEI3* in Madrid.

1st and 2nd place CEI2* Ladies Alice Fabre with Al Baraka de Flauzin and Laetitia Glorian with Adibou

40

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Fourth place went to Bahrain’s Sheikha Najla Bint Salman Al Khalifa on Valdajir Nabath x Naizak bint Galal).

The German European champion, Sabrina Arnold with the stallion Bolt de Venelles (Said Lotois x Lady Sik de Brisal) won gold medal at the CEI2* with an average speed of 21 km/h.

She crossed the finish line with Laetitia Pegaz Tocquet with Azur du Colombier (Jazz de Marjolaine x Hevea El Indalo).

Bahrain conquered third place with Mohammed Hilal Al Khatry on Tarik Daragon (Be Pop del Sol x Ganja).

The victory of the CEI2YR went to France too thanks to Manon Valerio with Gindastik (Sol d’Oa x Gingerbread Girl).

Laure Vincent and Nawaabi (Psynergy x Neugomonnaia) won the amateur elite CEI2*.

View the full rankings on: http://www.atrm-systems.fr/index0eng.htm

3rd place CEI2* Ladies Julia Montagne with Havana de Bozouls

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

41

Podium CEI3*

FONTAIN 42

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

NEBLEAU

Podium CEI2* with Sabrina Arnold and HH Sh. Mansoor team

an Extreme Endurance Riding Experience

44

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

T

he endurance competition that takes place in Torres del Paine is the most southernone in the world, where, as they say in Patagonia, the American continent

begins.

Torres del Paine National Park, declared a biosphere reserve and one of the eight wonders

of the world, is the fifth most visited place by tourists in Chile. The scenery is perfect for an event like this, allowing you to fully enjoy it with all your senses.

The competition takes place in the heart of the National Park, where you pass by native trees that look like Bonsais, with the infinite Autumn colors.

Photos By PĂ­a Vergara instagarm.piavergarafotografia

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

45

T

he path crosses endless golden pampas where condors, guanacos, Ă‘andues and a diverse fauna and exotic flora are the silent witnesses of the run.

The competitors will enjoy the comfort and service of the Hotel that annually hosts them with the hospitality of the place, nice people with weathered faces, in which a simple smile makes you forget how difficult it is to live in these remote latitudes. Participants will not wait long for the typical roasted lamb on a spit paired with a premium Chilean wine, enjoying

46

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

the end of the day sharing their tales and adventures of the day.

This is the perfect scenery for riders loving exteme adventures and nature where a passion for horses comes together with one of the most beautiful places of our planet.

Centuries of natural selection in which the weakest horses fell victim to weather and predators, like mountain lions, has created a type that mixed with Arabian horses produced a very special and unique breed.

Without a doubt this is a one of a kind experience not to be missed!

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

47

For more information visit www.lastorres.com and www.endurance.cl

The Royal Cavalry of the Sultanate of Oman and Sport EVO for the development of endurance riding

Winner of CEI3* of Babenhausen (Ger) Adil Al Balushi with Toscane des Pacoulis

Photo by Barbara Miller

P

I

E

R

G

I

O

R

G

I

O

Di Benedetto At the age of 19, Piergiorgio turns his passion into a job… that’s how EQUITIME was founded

T

ry to imagine a man sitting in a dark room, with his elbows resting on the sewing machine and his head bent downwards, looking at the colored piece of fabric lit by a lamp and accompanied by the background sound of the stitcher.

That man, absorbed in his job, is Piergiorgio Di Benedetto. Against all odds, with sacrifice and time he succeeded in conquering a place in the market of endurance riding, becoming the most valuable reference for many riders.

As he was sewing, reading through some old issues of Sport Endurance Evo we’ve had a little chat…

52

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

I

mmaginate una stanza buia, i gomiti sull macchina da cucire, la testa bassa, una lampada ad illuminare un tessuto coloratoe l’iimancabile suono in sottofondo della cucitrice.

E’ Piergiorgio Di Benedetto quello chino e concentrato; contro ogni pronostico si è ritagliato col tempo e col sacrificio, un’importante fetta di mercato nell’endurance e non solo diventando il punto di riferimento per molte amazzoni e cavalieri.

Tra un taglio e un cucito, sfogliando vecchi numeri di Sport EVO, abbiamo scambiato quanttro chiacchiere con lui, di seguito il risultato...

Piergiorgio Di Benedetto

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

53

W

hen did you decide to open an Equestrian shop and why?

I was only 19 years old when I realized that my region, Abruzzo, lacked a reference point for local equestrian disciplines.

A specialized saddlery, a place that kept this sport alive and supported its development was strongly needed. So, probably because of my young age, driven by a risky and thoughtless decision, I chose to give myself a challenge in a period of market crisis.

I must thank my father, Angelo Di Benedetto, who supported me with great enthusiasm from the beginning although he was well aware of the difficulties present in this field.

Today, after 9 years, I’m proud of my choice and of the great results I have achieved.

Equitime is now an avant-garde company. It is continuously updated and always caring with its customers.

We have created a veritable worldwide known brand: Equitime Endurance Products.

54

Q

uando hai deciso di aprire un negozio per equitazione? E Perchè?

Avevo 19 anni quando mi sono reso conto che nella mia amata regione, l’Abruzzo, mancava un vero e proprio punto di riferimento per l’equitazione abruzzese.

C’era bisogno di una selleria specializzata, di un posto che tenesse vivo questo sport e che magari contribuisse alla sua crescita. Così, nel pieno di una crisi di mercato, ho preso l’incosciente e rischiosa decisione di mettermi in gioco. Complice forse la mia giovane età.

Per questo ringrazio mio padre, Angelo di Benedetto, che ha appoggiato la mia scelta con entusiasmo pur conoscendo le difficoltà del mondo del commercio.

Ora, a distanza di ben 9 anni, sono orgoglioso del mio percorso e dei risultati ottenuti.

Ad oggi Equitime è un’azienda all’avanguardia, in continuo aggiornamento e costantemente attenta alle esigenze dei clienti. Abbiamo creato un vero e proprio marchio “Equitime Endurance Products” che è apprezzato in tutto il mondo.

In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of today’s endurance?

I believe that Italian endurance has never been as flourishing as it is today. This equestrian discipline is now developing strongly thanks to those passionate who invest and believe in this sport.

Unfortunately, from an institutional point of view endurance is not considered as highly as other “noble disciplines” despite evidence proves that the achieved results are clearly better.

Our Federation needs true riders, people that have experienced endurance with their own eyes and are aware of its problems.

It would also be most appropriate to incentivize Italian Horse Breeding and allow the breeders to invest in high quality horses.

I’m sure that in just a few years, Italy will be able to compete against the giants of Endurance: Spain, France and the UAE. What really worries me, more than anything else, is the lack of generational turnover in endurance riding. We must rely on children, support pony centers and give an economic support to those who wish to introduce their kids to this sport.

Cosa va e cosa non va secondo te nel mondo dell’endurance di oggi?

Ritengo che l’endurance italiano non sia mai stato così fiorente come lo è in questo periodo, c’è infatti una forte crescita della disciplina ma questo grazie solo ai numerosi appassionati che investono e credono in questo sport.

Non possiamo negare però che a livello istituzionale siamo poco considerati rispetto alle “nobili discipline” nonostante gli evidenti risultati che, dati alla mano, sono nettamente migliori.

In federazione abbiamo bisogno di cavalieri veri, di persone che hanno toccato con mano questo sport, coscienti delle vere problematiche del nostro endurance.

Sarebbe poi opportuno incentivare l’allevamento di cavalli italiani e permettere agli allevatori di investire su cavalli di qualità.

Sono sicuro che nel giro di pochi anni l’Italia potrà competere con i colossi dell’endurance come la Spagna, la Francia e gli Emirati Arabi.

Onestamente ciò che più mi preoccupa è la mancanza di ricambio generazionale in questa disciplina. Bisogna puntare tutto sui bambini, sostenere i centri pony e offrire agevolazioni economiche a chi introduce i ragazzini all’endurance.

Why did you continue to run and live for Endurance…what is your driving force?

In my own small way, I can’t but invest in the

Cosa ti ha spinto a continuare a correre e vivere di endurance?

Io, nel mio piccolo, non posso far altro che inve-

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

1st place CEI2* Italia Endurance Festival 2016.

Piergiorgio di Benedetto with Shaolin Roch’Hellou

research of quality materials and in the production of specific articles for endurance, hoping to give a little contribution to the development of this wonderful sport. I am constantly driven by the desire of reaching new goals… on the track or in my laboratory.

stire nella ricerca di materiali di qualità e nella produzione di articoli specifici per l’endurance sperando di dare un minimo contributo alla crescita di questo sport. Sono costantemente spinto dalla voglia di raggiungere nuovi traguardi, che siano in gara o nel mio laboratorio.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

55

F

rom the very beginning, ANICA (National Arabian Horse Association) and MiPAAF (Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies) believed that a successful cohabitation was possible. We would like to remind all our foreign readers that ANICA was founded in Rome on the 12th of November, in 1979. In 1982, when the first volume of the Italian Purebred Arabian Horse Stud Book was published, ANICA was officially recognized by the W.A.H.O. (World Arabian Horse Organization). On the other hand, one of the main objectives of MiPAAF concerning the safeguarding of the horse is to encourage breeding and improve competition horse breeds, especially the Thoroughbred and Italian trotters.

ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE ITALIANA CAVALLO ARABO

Photos by Oreste Testa

Montalcino, Siena (Italy) V Trofeo del Brunello

56

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

A.S.D. GENERALI ENDURANCE

2018 Italian ANICA Championship and MIPAAF ride SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

57

58

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

T

he location of Montalcino in the province of Siena, proved to be perfect right from the start.

Thanks to the organization of the expert team Generali, to Fideuram - Private Banker, the main sponsor, and to the support of many Italian businesses like Equitime or Horseplus SK, the event turned out to be successful.

Last but not least, a great contribution to the event’s positive outcome was also given by the beauty of the venue that hosted several briefings and the prizegiving ceremony. The location offered the perfect background for the many pictures and videos that were taken of the horses and riders passing by.

Castello Banfi was built in 1978 thanks to the Italian-American brothers John and Harry

Mariani. Ezio Rivella, one of the greatest Italian winemakers, stood by the Mariani family’s side. He declared that thanks to the richness of the soil in this area and a privileged microclimatic position, the assimilated territories had great development potential.

The ribbon cutting ceremony of an event with a capital E took place here in Montalcino, in one of the halls of the Banfi Castle. The ceremony was attended by several representatives of the Horse World: Domenico Ciceroni, General Secretary of ANICA, Pierluigi Grassi,MIPAAF inspector, Alessandro Cagnazzi, Manager of the Non-Olympic disciplines department in FISE (Italian Equestrian Sport Association) and some representatives of the National Endurance Committee like the local Giorgio Presenti.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

59

T ANICA Italian Champion 30 km. Vanghog with Marco Cavallo

ANICA Italian Champion CEN A BF Enigmatika with Susanna Farina

ANICA Italian Champion CEN B Stella by Caligola with Valentina Mencuccetti

60

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

he attendees’ opinions have been very positive and lead this ride in Montalcino to a very prosperous future.

During the briefing, Mr. Ciceroni and Mr. Grassi reiterated that a cooperation between ANICA and MIPAAF had been very productive and thanked the Italian Equestrian Sport Federation for the efforts that lead to the achievement of such a result. They also thanked the Organizing Committee that hosted the two important appointments in a single competition. Mr. Cagnazzi, who received smiles and a big round of applause, greeted the audience by saying: “Today we are here in this fantastic location thanks to a skillful Organizing Committee that was able to blend sport with the image of the event – he then jokingly declared – “If other organizing committees try to match this feat, I’m sure it will be a tough task!”.

the ride

Winner and bc CEI1* Edoardo Messina wih Maitrix

The ANICA Italian Championship and the MIPAAF leg with their important prizemoney were held in Montalcino.

In order to ensure maximum transparency for the final ride result, ANICA and MIPAAF, supported by the Organizing Committee, decided to use one of the most functional GPS tracking systems on the market and a pioneer in Endurance, T-TRACK. On the ride day the GPS registered 3500 users, guaranteeing safety to the riders and making the ride safe and spectacular. Everybody, sitting comfortably at home, could follow the ride LIVE.

Winner MiPAAF CEN B Ivano Guerrini with Kimbley

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

61

T

he track was perfect for the legs of the horses and for the riders’ eyes. A technical and demanding track but never boring and with perfect ground.

The nice weather aided horses and riders making the day a beautiful and unforgettable one. Perfect organization, a pleasant and smily atmosphere and conviviality are the simple but winning ingredients of the V Trofeo del Brunello.

Simple ingredients that shouldn’t be taken for granted because backstage many people, including the Team Generali, were working hard to achieve this great result.

Let’s give a round of applause to Chiara, Alessandro and to all their entourage...they definitely aced it!

Alessandro Cagnazzi (Fise) and Giorgio Presenti, FISE Endurance Commission

62

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

The winners The long ride of the day was won by Stella

by Caligola ridden by Valentina Mencuccetti who were declared 2018 ANICA Italian Champions. BF Enigmatika led by Susanna Farina conquered the 60 km ride and Vanghog with Marco Cavallo won the novice ride.

The ride reserved to MIPAAF horses was quite challenging too. Kimbley with Ivano Guerrini conquered first position in the CEN7B special ranking.

M. Cangrande and Claudia Dondero dominated the CEN/A and Leonardo Bellaccini with Incantus Bosana conquered the novice ride.

Saturday’s CEI1* was won by Edoardo Messina with Maitrix.

Alessandro Cagnazzi FISE, Nico Belloni speaker and Giorgio Presenti FISE

Pierluigi Grassi - Ispettore MiPAAF

Domenico Ciceroni - ANICA

Prize ceremony

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

63

We find the best transport solution for highest and most individual requirements!

Take advantage of our passion for horses, our experience and our highly qualified team and a reliable, world-wide network of selected partners. p road transport in Germany and Europe p import and export clearance p pre export quarantine in our own quarantine stables p completion of all export documents and customs formalities p global horse transportation by airfreight p flight attendance by professional grooms

Agricon-Logistics GmbH & Co. KG | International Horse Transports Bargloy 17 | 27793 Wildeshausen (Germany) Fon: +49 (0) 44 31 - 73 84 -80 | Fax: +49 (0) 44 31 - 73 84 -81 Mail: info@agricon-logistic.com

www.agricon-horsetransports.com

B

etween the 10th and 13th of May, Ermelo turned into the world capital of Endurance.

Many binomials from 14 different countries were welcomed by the KNHS, that stands for Koninklijke Nederlandse Hippische Sportfederatie (Federal Equestrian Center of the Netherlands).

The Festival was a very important occasion for those in who needed a useful qualification for the WEG that will take place in Tryon next September.

The etymology of the word Ermelo is quite interesting: Lo means woods while Irmin has several interpretations, among these Great,

Divine. However, it probably derives from the ancient Germanic God, Irmin.

For quite some time, the town consisted of just a few farms, a windmill and a church. It didn’t grow much until the 19th century, but in 1830 a road was built in order to give access to this part of the Veluwe and by the end of the 19th century the town had a railway station too.

After the second world war a housing shortage lead to a rapid growth of Ermelo.

The several campsites in Ermelo’s surrounding forests are popular among Dutch and German tourists. Cycling through these forests and heaths is a very popular activity, especially in the summertime.

Dutch Endurance Festival 2018 Senior and Young Riders Championships 66

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

the ride For the first time, Frens Van’t Zand was the executive director in charge of the organization.

Supported by his wife and his son, he supervised the event from his post overlooking the vet area.

As far as the vet and surrounding areas are concerned (cooling area, starting line and finish-line), Ermelo seems to be the ideal location for a high level European Championship.

Ermelo’s track is just as perfect and is considered one of the most beautiful European ones.

It is a hilly track with perfect ground for endurance riding, it gifted everyone with fast

and exciting rides. The big challenge was to conquer the title of Senior and Young Riders Champion of the Netherlands.

Georgette Zeijen with D-Prodigy win the much coveted title and become the 2018 Champions of the Netherlands. The 17 year old gelding, who is the son of Primo and Dolce Vita, led the Dutch rider to victory at an average speed of 15,82 km/h. When interviewed by Sport Endurance Evo the winner declared: “I am very happy... I honestly didn’t expect it. I dedicate this victory to my 17 year old horse.

The amazing track, perfect weather and brilliant crew team are the ingredients that led to this great result.

Ermelo – The Netherlands Photo by Sport EVO, Maarten Hanke and Murielle Mulder SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

67

I

want to thank everybody for the success of this event, thank you to the volunteers, to T-Track Timing system...everything and everyone led to my victory and now it’s time for Champagne!”.

Louna Schuten from Belgium and Sabah du Courtisot (Kheersik (Persik) x Roxane Blonde) win the 160 km Open ride, followed by Barbara Lissarague with Alhabac (Ainhoa Ahkarad x Sibelle d’Oa) and another rider from Belgium, Danny Droghini with Ge Saroum. The third rider of the general ranking, Anne-Marijn Kok and Da Fuica da Marinela (Orlando x Fuica) are the YR Champions of the Netherlands. While the very competitive Al Samarraie sisters are ahead of Anne-Marjin Kok in the general ranking with Warsana al Samarra and Zarah 41, 2002 Shagya horse (Okeano x Zahira). Nayla finished last year’s Young Riders World Championship in Valeggio sul Mincio (Italy) in 14th position at

21.00 km/h.

The Cei2*, the 2 day CEI2* and two CEI1* were also run throughout the event.

This 3 day event in Ermelo ends successfully, leaving a nice memory in everybody’s heart and mind. See you, hopefully, at the 2019 European Championship...who knows!

68

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Dutch YR Champion Anne Marijn Kok with Da Fuica da Marinela

The Organizer Frens Van ‘t Zand and his nice family

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

69

Winner of CEI2* open Sidwell Le Bris with Kephren Ar Menez

70

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

1st and 2nd place CEIJY2* Nayla and Moira Al Samarraie Warsana al Samarra and Zarah 41

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

71

Anne Marijn Kok

Dutch Champion Senior 2018 Georgette Zeijen with D-Prodigy

View all results on: http://www.t-trackgps.com/events/ endurance-riding/72.html

CEI3* open winner Louna Schuiten with Sabah du Courtisot

72

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Winner Dutch Championship Senior 2018 Georgette Zeijen with D-Prodigy

Vets and Judges

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

73

1987

Gaston Mercier ENDURANCE EUROPEAN CHAMPION

2017 A LWAY S AHEAD WITH ENDURANCE SADDLE

FLORAC 2.0

HORSE & RIDER COMFORT 2 KG WEIGHT UNEQUIPPED B I OT H A N E G I R T H ST R A P CARBON TREE 10 YEARS WARRANTY WATER RESISTANT NATURAL LEATHER w w w. g a s t o n - m e rc i e r.c o m

W

e asked Angela Origgi, Chef d’Equipe of the Italian Endurance Senior Team and winner of the silver medal at the European Senior Championship in Brussels (2017), to give us her opinion regarding the track that will host September’s next WEG. Just like many of her European colleagues, she declared that Tryon is going to be a tough ride, a ride that needs to be interpreted.

Angela said: “I found this track different from the usual ones. It is neither good nor bad, it’s just different from the WEG’s past editions.

The track, which consists of continuous slope changes, really puts the riders and horses to the test, both technically and athletically speaking. Even though the slopes are not too steep they are recurring. As far as the flat parts of the track are concerned, they are absolutely perfect...at least when it is not raining heavily! In every ride, the track and the weather are the same for everybody but in Tryon you must be prepared to face a trail that breaks out of the ordinary routine.

76

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Try

yon

A

bbiamo chiesto ad Angela Origgi, Chef d’Equipe of the Italian Endurance Senior Team nonchè Silver medal at the European Championship Senior, Brussels 2017, un suo parere del percorso che ospiterà a settembre i WEG di endurance.

Il suo commento, in linea con quelli di altri suoi colleghi Europei, conferma che Tryon sarà una gara dura, da interpretare.

Dice Angela: “Ho trovato il percorso diverso dai soliti. Non è né brutto né bello, semplicemente diverso dai percorsi che abbiamo si sono visti nelle passate edizioni dei WEG. Il continuo cambio di pendenze non elevate ma decise e ripetitive, mette alla prova la preparazione atletica e tecnica dei cavalli e dei cavalieri.

I fondi mi sono parsi invece ottimi, almeno in ssenza di precipitazioni importanti.

In un qualunque gara percorso e clima sono le uniche cose uguali per tutti; a Tryon bisogna arrivare preparati ad un tracciato che esce fuori dai soliti schemi.

The FEI World Equestrian Games™

Tryon 2018 - Test Event

A DÉJÀ-VU OF OUR OLD ENDURANCE SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

77

A

s Italian Chef d’Equipe I really appreciate this track because our binomials should excel at it.

We have excellent horses that seem to have an aptitude for these sort of “rough” rides rather than for flat tracks.

78

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

C

ome Chef d’Equipe Italiano apprezzo questo percorso perché dovrebbe valorizzare meglio i nostri binomi in quanto abbiamo ottimi cavalli forse più portati a gare mosse che gare dal percorso pianeggiante.

Angela Origgi

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

79

A

s for the riders, we had to carefully select the most experienced ones with excellent technical, physical and mental training. I remind you that this time only 4 binomials would leave, so we had a very narrow margin of error.

If this Test Event had been scheduled in September 2017, our Chef d’Equipe would probably have had more time to work on the selection programmes. But, since it took place in April, we were left with little intervention margin.

It all turned out very repetitive because although the 4 test phases have a lot in common, as far as I understood, the Organizing Committee is preparing two other loops for September. It would have been perfect to see them now.

I had a good impression of the entire organization... a great, busy and available staff.

Part of the Tryon International Equestrian Center is still under costruction. Some things could be improved, starting from the size and management of the vet gates. Regarding this specific matter I wrote a report to my Federation, listing some constructive remarks that

80

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

could tbe useful to the O.C. During this Test Event I felt a sort of deja-vu of our old Endurance. A demanding track, long stretches with no assistance, large water tanks along the trail, sponges tied to the saddles... less technique but definitely a lot of passion.

The Organizing Committee’s task is to make the coexistence of the conservative American tradition and the needs of Modern Endurance possible. In a world event, the necessities required by modern endurance are as important as tradition.

Try

Q

uanto ai cavalieri sarà fondamentale selezionare atleti di esperienza e con ottima preparazione tecnica, fisica e mentale. Ricordo che questa volta partiranno solo 4 binomi e che quindi il margine di errore sarà pochissimo. Se questo Test Event fosse stato fatto come da programma in settembre 2017 tutti noi Tecnici avremmo avuto più tempo per lavorare sui programmi di selezione. Fatto a fine Aprile non dà molto margine di intervento.

E’ risultato essere molto ripetitivo perché le quattro fasi del test hanno tantissimo in comune ma, da quanto ho capito, il Comitato Organizzatore predisporrà altri due anelli per settembre. Ovviamente sarebbe stato ottimale vederli già ora.

L’organizzazione mi è parsa impegnata e con un grande staff a disposizione. Parte del Tryon International Equestrian Center è ancora in costruzione. Tante cose sono migliorabili partendo dalla dimensioni e dalla gestione del cancello veterinario. A questo proposito ho scritto una relazione alla mia Federazione con alcune osservazioni costruttive che credo possano essere utili al C.O. In generale al Test Event ho vissuto dei dejavu del nostro vecchio endurance. Il percorso impegnativo, i lunghi tratti senza assistenza, grosse vasche d’ acqua sul percorso, spugne legate alla sella, forse meno tecnica ma … tanta tanta passione.

Compito del C.O. sarà far coesistere la tradizione americana più conservatrice dell’endurance e le esigenze dell’endurance moderno altrettanto fondamentale soprattutto in occasione di un evento mondiale come questo.

yon

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

81

P E R R I N E

W

ho is Perrine?

I’m almost 30 years old and I have dual nationality, French and Italian, because my dad is Italian. I live in France near Lyon. I began horse riding when I was still very young, at only 6 years old.

I achieved a baccalaureate in marketing and a second level BTS (Brevet de technicien supérieur) in tourism and then I decided to start working at Jean Philippe France’s stable in order to gain experience in endurance riding. As you see, I aimed for France’s top stable because I had no intention in wasting my time. After this very important experience I decided to go back home and open a stable of my own.

What do you like to do in your spare time...if you have any!

I love sports...I’m definitely a sportswoman. I like to play handball, I like canoeing, running, going to the gym...everything. With my job I don’t have a lot of spare time but when I do I dedicate it to sports.

You are a registered member in Italy and France...why did you choose Italy?

I chose Italy because my father is Italian and I have Italian nationality too.

82

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

C A M PA N I N I and her known stable Short interview with the Team Silver Medal at the European Championship Senior 2017

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

83

H

e’s from Calabria but unfortunately I haven’t had time to visit its beautiful beaches yet, hopefully I will in the future. My grandmother is from Calabria and my grandfather lives near Bergamo.

Why do you love endurance so much?

Actually I first began with Show Jumping then with Horse-Ball and Eventing. When I opened my own stable I decided to practice endurance too.

Tell us something about your stable...how many horses do you have?

I have 45 horses, my family and I breed French

Perrine Campanini

84

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

and Tunisian blood-lines. We have a good selection of brood-mares because we don’t breed for pleasure but to produce foals for competition and high level sports only. We breed to obtain high quality blood-lines only.

Marketing is also very important for us.

I am a breeder but I’m also a trainer and I’m the manager of the Thai Team.

Who would you like to say thank you to?

I thank my family and my friends for their support and for always believing in my projects.

I would like to thanks a lot my Thailand owner mister Ratanakul for his support and my sponsors: Forestier, Equiperformance, Equitime.

Perrine’s best last results 14/10/2016: 6° place CEI2* 120 - Fontainebleau (Fra) with VEGA DU CLOS (Av. speed 19.73 km/h) 08/04/2017: 2° place CEI3* 160 - Vittorito (Ita) with SILMIR (Av. speed 16.35 km/h) 02/06/2017: 4° place CEI3* 160 - San Vito al Tagliamento (Ita)with VEGA DU CLOS (Av. speed 18.38 km/h) 17/08/2017: 9° place CH-EU-E 160 - Brussels (Bel) with VEGA DU CLOS (Av. speed 19 km/h) 19/05/2018: 2° place CEI2* 120 - Etalle CEI2* 120 with COURTYARD EPONA (Av. speed 16.78 km/h) 26/05/2018: 3° place CEI2* 120 - Rocca Priora with VEGA DU CLOS (Av. speed 13.39 km/h) All results: https://data.fei.org/Person/Performance.aspx?p=B785A17B8ED2312133C89C4E0172C034

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

85

J

ust after a pleasant and short trip from Europe, Sport Endurance EVO and T-Track Timing & GPS land in Moscow.

Once the luggage from Milan, Venice, Sophia and Rome has been collected and the electronic devices have gone through customs control, it’s already time for us to catch a second flight. In the dead of night, we reach Mineral Wodi.

This small town, located in the vastness of Southern Russia, between the Black and the Caspian Sea, welcomes us with great enthusiasm and curiosity.

From the very beginning, the cultural differences between our countries and this Russian town stand out, but the horse, our common denominator, evens them out.

86

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

Natalia’s kindness, hospitality and friendliness immediately makes everybody feel at home.

She is the spokesperson of the Manager of Tersk Stud and she provides us with an unforgettable and pleasant stay.

This is the home of Persik... older people used to talk to me about him when I was just a boy and I imagined him... a majestic grey horse, similar to a marble sculpture.

A story from the publisher Luca Giannangeli

Tersk Stud... the place where Persik was born

2018

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

87

88

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

CEI3* podium

A

fter many years I had the opportunity to interview Ive Richardier who purchased him and brought him to France. Today I’m here...standing in the stall where he was born and where he moved his first steps.

Tersk Stud is definitely something you don’t expect. As soon as you turn the corner, in the middle of a never-ending expanse, right between two uplands, the white and purple structure you were dreaming of a long time ago, becomes a reality.

The main body of the building hosts the stallions while the round arena is dedicated to Horse Show. The sight of the marble stalls, the smell of hay and the continuous neighing, refresh us after the long trip.

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

89

I

t is birthing time and dozens of foals are running happily in the paddock, eager to discover the new world, while the horses that will be running Sunday’s International FEI Russian Cup 2018 are slowly coming forward.

Everybody is very excited because, for the very first time, technology reaches this faraway land in order to support Russian Endurance and launch it into the future.

Bridle transponders, a GPS in the riders’pockets, an App, Web Sites...all the binomials had to do was run. T-Track took care of everything else thanks to the support of a brilliant Veterinary Committee and Ground Jury.

I personally conducted a survey of the track myself in a Lada Niva...another one of my childhood dreams. Considering that I used to and still live in the mountains, it always seemed to be the only small car powerful enough to be able to drive through snow-covered and dirt roads.

This country soon revealed a beauty and infinity that we all admired from the windows of our car. The Technical Delegate, Gabriella Bosco, the 4* judge Franco Pitti (there in Russia

90

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

in the role of T-Track Timing System Manager) and I couldn’t but appreciate the beautiful landscapes, pulling over from time to time to take pictures...a never-ending but interesting car ride! The ride track was fast but technical at the same time and absolutely safe.

The competition began with a CEI3* at 4.30 in the morning, it was still dark.

3 binomials showed up at the starting line and the two finishers rode 160 km in perfect solitude. A tough physical and mental challenge for both riders and horses. The third binomial was eliminated at the second to last loop due to a very careful check-up by doctor Barelli, another Italian friend who attended this Russian ride. Armida chose to stop this very beautiful palomino because he was visibly tired.

I couldn’t but notice the subtle and honest smile of the eliminated rider after the sad verdict...we have lot to learn!

But I’m sure that these local riders can learn a lot from us too, with our presence and future apprenticeships they could learn, improve and grow.

The calm, carefree atmosphere and some tiredness lead us to late in the evening and as the sun set the prizegiving ceremony took place. Trophies, equestrian products and even a good lineage horse...the happy winner received a horse’s passport with the Waho Echao stamp on it too!

We were happy and encouraged to improve because many people followed the ride on T-Track App and Live GPS. We hope it is not a farewell... Russia captured our heart and we will not let it go so easily!

Team vets and judges

View rankings on http://www.t-trackgps.com/events/endurance-riding/37.html

CEIJY2 final with the winner Daria Loseva with Sunrise

SPORT ENDURANCE EVO

91

Flashback to

Photos by Activ’images

THE CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 Samorin – Slovakia

1st place Lionel Sanders (CAN)

TOP 3 women: 1st place Lucy Charles (GBR), 2nd place Anne Haugh (GER), 3rd place Radka Vodičková (CZE)

When people talk about the world triathlon, it is all about x-bionic® sphere in Samorin.

After a successful last year’s premiere of the world championship in triathlon, organized under the title of Challenge Family, x-bionic® sphere organized this year a triathlon event of worldwide significance. The Championship 2018 took place on June 2 – 3, 2018. All triathletes who qualified for The Championship 2018 through the Challange Family qualifying races, took part in it. For those who did not qualify, but participated in three or more triathlon races organized under the title of Challenge Family, were given an opportunity of so-called loyalty slots.

Lionel Sanders and Lucy Charles defended their titles from the last year.

The triathlon king of the 2018 year, in x-bionic® sphere became Lionel Sanders. The Canadian has sovereignly defended his title from the last year, when he triumphed against German duo Sebastian Kienle and Florian Angert. Sanders beat Kienle last year with a stiff fight to the finish line – maybe that is the reason why he also joked about his win from 2017 before the start: “That was exactly the race I will tell about my grandchildren one day.”

Even though, the canadian triathlete did no belong among the best after the swim course, first place was achieved. “I’m a bad swimmer, I am always one of the last out of the water and then I have to catch up with the others. But I know I have to put aside negative thoughts, stay focused and positive, and push it to the limits of my own strength. I’m glad I made it and at the end, I was running alone to the finish line,” said Lionel Sanders. Kienle, who had more than a minute’s advantage against Sanders, did not try to hide his disappointment. “I chose different tactics than last year, but the result was the same. What can I say? I do

not know what to do to defeat Lionel. But I will continue to try,” said Sebastian Kienle who is only 33 years old. Bronze medalist Florian Angert was extremely satisfied with his performance. “In the few last races, I have always stayed behind the best, therefore I am proud of the result in x-bionic® sphere. It is my second year to compete against the professionals and to be on the stage with the best triathletes of the world, is a great honour. Especially, when most of the triathletes does not even now me,” he added.

In the women category, Lucy Charles defended her title. The British triathlete has made a major headway on the swim course.

In the second place finished German Anne Haug and the third place was taken by Czech representative Radka Vodičková.

“I am so happy. I knew it would be a very challenging race, and if I want to win, I have to work on my cycling,” said Lucy Charles.

“I realized that Anne could still take over the first place on the run course. Approximately two kilometers before the finish line, I found out that Anne is one minute behind me and I was hoping she could no longer catch me. But you never know for sure.

During the last year’s championship in x-bionic® sphere I was ill, but today it was my race. “ The silver German Anne Haug did praise x-bionic® sphere complex and she was satisfied with her performance as well, although she did not reach the first place. “I put everything on the swim and bike course to be able to catch up with Lucy at running. I did my best, it was a great race,” said Haug.

The Czech Radka Vodičková was excited as never. “This is an unexpected result for me, best in my career so far. I still can not believe it. On the run course, I kept counting how many girls could catch up with me, I was hoping to stay at least in the first six. But to be placed on the stage is amazing,” added Vodičková, who became a mother in January 2018.

Rudy Garcia Tolson (USA)

Richard Varga (SVK)

Richard Varga was betrayed by his bike.

Garcia-Tolson introduced himself in an unusual relay.

Most successful Slovak triathlete Richard Varga did not finish the championship caused by a bicycle damage. As usually, after being first out of water, Richard Varga set off a bike course with a minute’s lead ahead of his rivals. Yet, step by step he began to slow down. “I started to slow down, but as the wind was blowing strong, I did not really realize what was going on. My wheel gradually emitted air. Later I found out that I was riding almost on the rim,” explained a disappointed Slovakian representative who entered the race with a new bike.

It was an outstanding performance at The Championship 2018 by Rudy Garcia-Tolson, an American who runs with the prosthesis on both legs. At The Championship 2018 he formed an unusual twomember relay team with the Slovakian Mario Hoffmann. 29 yearold US Paralympic winner in swimming Garcia-Tolson took part in swim and run crouse, while Mario Hoffmann managed the middle part of the race on bike. The strong duo ended in a honorable 11th place. “It was a great race. I swam with the professionals, and that was definitely challenge for me. Yet, I did not swim as good as I could,” said Garcia-Tolson. “When Mario passed me a relay for run course, some women were running out, so I said to my self I will run with them. But it was not possible. I had to stop for four times to adjust the prosthesis, because I was really sweaty. But the people around the track were amazing, they were encouraging.” Mario Hoffmann confirmed that it was difficult race for him as well: “I did not train last few weeks. It was not the way I wanted it to, but I did everything that was in my powers, because it was about Rudy for me. My performance is hard to compare with Rudy’s, since he showed a fantastic performance,” said Mario Hoffmann.

The cause of the problem was not discovered. “I do not know if it was because of the hot weather, or it had something to do with a valve, or if I hit some small nail or glass.” He resigned at the 22nd kilometer on the bike course “If it happened anywhere else, I’ll shake my head and I would say okay, it happens. But at home...

I know I could have a good result this year. I felt really good and strong. It’s a huge disappointment for me,” added 29 year-old Richard Varga.

The only Slovakian representative among professional women was Nikola Čorbová, who finished 14th.

“It was a one hell of a ride for me. Two weeks ago, I had an injury and today it was mainly about getting to the finish in one piece.

Great thanks belongs to my coach and to my boyfriend who believed in me. It hurted, but I did not give up,” he added.

For the second time, Filip Šebo the former slovakian football foward participated at The Championship. “It was harder than the last year. I swam without neoprene, which is a huge difference for the triathlete. Besides, it was very windy, therefore I’m glad that I finished in a similar time as last year,“ said Šebo. In the “30-34 years” category he finished in 31st place (4:46:41).

Challenge Family CEO Zibi Szlufcik did not miss the triathlon weekend in x-bionic® sphere. “x-bionic® sphere offers extraordinary conditions for triathletes. This is a moment that our sport really needs,” said Zibi Szlufcik.

June 2019 will be again all about triathlon in the x-bionic® sphere, and the world triathlon elite has already marked The Championship 2019 in their sports calendar. Chance of overcoming your limits and an amazing side events are a guarantee that triathlon will be a real challenge for everyone.

Podium Podium saddle is back... stronger than ever...

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

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, 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