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  • Kathy Lea Arnold 1957-2025
  • 2025 FITS photos by Hanna Bartnick
  • 2025 Dr. Gail Conway Memorial Ride at River Run - John Nowell
  • 2025 Twenty Mule Team photos by Bill Gore
  • New Zealand: Horse prevails in Central Otago's Only Fools and Horses race
  • What Happens With the Horse’s Gut in the Heat?
  • MRM and Al Mazrouei make Magic in Dubai's feature HH Sheikh Mohammed Cup
  • 2025 Fursan Cup - Alex Shampoe
  • Three races in HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival
  • 2025 February's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast
  • British veterans retrace epic Lawrence trek in ‘living tribute to history’
  • Michigan's Shore to Shore returns for one year only in summer 2025
  • Meet 'Polo Super Ponies': World’s first genetically modified horses bred for 'explosive speed' in Argentina
  • 2025 AERC National Championship cancelled
  • Saudi equestrian wins Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla
  • Endurance breeder Dr Tom Sayvetz wins national award
  • UAE President's Emirates Cup Gallops Into Al Wathba
  • Gastric Ulcers as a Cause of Poor Performance in Horses
  • Canada: Horse riders say plan to pave Burnaby park trail for cyclists will cut off equestrian access


  • MORE NEWS...


    Kathy Lea Arnold 1957-2025


    Legacy.com

    Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bryant Funeral Home - Worland on Mar. 6, 2025.

    Kathy Lea Arnold

    May 9, 1957- March 4, 2025

    Kathy Lea Arnold, 67, of Basin passed away in Green River Wyoming, on March 4, 2025. She and Bud are together in Heaven now, probably chasing cows.

    Kathy was born May 9, 1957, in Iowa to Lloyd and Alta Morstad. She married Bud Arnold on September 4, 1988, and they spent their lives doing what they loved-- farming, ranching, and riding. Kathy loved all animals but most of all her horses. She was an avid horsewoman; an accomplished endurance rider competing across the country. She was very involved in Endurance including the Big Horn 100. In their younger days she and Bud enjoyed team roping.

    Survivors include sister Suzanne Morstad of Basin; sister-in-law Barb Arnold VanMatre of Green River; beloved companion Chancy; a herd of horses; and many friends including the special ones who helped her during the final days.

    She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Bud Arnold.

    Services will be held at 12 o'clock noon Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Mountain View Assembly Church (501 2nd Street Ten Sleep, Wyoming). Burial will be in the Ten Sleep Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathy, please visit our floral store.

    To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.


    2025 FITS photos by Hanna Bartnick


    2025 FITS Endurance ride photos in Florida by Hanna Bartnick, Feral Photography:
    https://feralphotography.net/events/


    2025 Dr. Gail Conway Memorial Ride at River Run photos by John Nowell


    2025 Dr. Gail Conway Memorial Ride at River Run Endurance ride photos in Texas by John Nowell, Remuda Photography:
    https://remuda.smugmug.com/Endurance-Rides/2025-Ride-Year/Dr-Gail-Conway-Memorial-Ride-at-River-Run


    2025 Twenty Mule Team photos by Bill Gore


    2025 Twenty Mule Team Endurance ride photos in California by Bill Gore:
    https://williamgorephotography.smugmug.com/2025-Endurance-Rides/20-Mule-Team-2025/Bill-Gore


    New Zealand: Horse prevails in Central Otago's Only Fools and Horses race


    RNZ.co.nz

    3 March 2025
    Joe Shaw
    joe.shaw@rnz.co.nz

    Four legs have - unsurprisingly - triumphed over two in the inaugural Only Fools and Horses race in Central Otago at the weekend.

    The race started as an idea tossed around at the pub, but on Saturday more than 50 runners and 26 horses and riders tackled the 40-kilometre race through the rugged terrain of Maniototo.

    Jorja James and her horse Ruby were victorious with a time of about two hours and 50 minutes.

    But James praised the runners for their efforts as they remained snapping at the heels - or should that be hoofs - of their four-legged competitors.

    "The runners did really well. I was actually so impressed by the runners - I could not run 40 kilometres any day," James said...

    Read more here:
    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543576/horse-prevails-in-central-otago-s-only-fools-and-horses-race


    What Happens With the Horse’s Gut in the Heat?



    Thehorse.com - Full Article

    January 6, 2025
    Posted by Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc

    An equine nutritionist describes the connections between heat stroke and leaky gut in horses and what you can do to prevent these problems.

    If your horse sweats and appears outwardly comfortable, he must be managing the high temperatures just fine, right? Not according to Clair Thunes, MS, PhD, equine nutrition consultant and owner of Clarity Equine Nutrition. During her presentation at the 2024 EquiSummit virtual conference, held Dec. 3-4, Thunes said horses suffering heat stress might appear outwardly unaffected. However, their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts struggle, which affects their health and performance. How Horses Manage Heat

    Horses heat up not only from the sun shining on them but also the heat generated during their metabolic processes. For example, the chemical reactions muscle cells use to contract large muscle groups during exercise all produce heat. Horses’ bodies need to manage heat to stay in a thermoneutral zone.

    The key way horses lose heat is through evaporation of sweat, said Thunes, “and when that doesn’t work, they rely on respiratory losses through heavy breathing...”

    Read more here:
    https://thehorse.com/1133363/what-happens-with-the-horses-gut-in-the-heat/?lid=y40rmdteuap1


    MRM and Al Mazrouei make Magic in Dubai's feature HH Sheikh Mohammed Cup



    February 22 2025

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival drew to a close at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Saturday with a tactically-astute performance from MRM Stables that resulted in a famous success for Saif Al Mazrouei aboard Magic Glenn Torque in the feature HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates Airlines.

    One of the most prestigious competitions on the world endurance calendar, the festival was held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Endurance Champion himself and one of the world’s most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport. The five-day Festival, organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, comprised four rides, with the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup drawing the curtains down on a frenzied week of competition that saw Al Mazrouei claim a second title in as many rides following his success aboard Bullio Ahnu in the Gamilati Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors on Thursday.

    Victory in the Gamilati was a fine achievement, but it is the 160 km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup that truly tests the skill, stamina and ability of both horse and rider, with the background support of the teams crucial throughout the five-loop contest. And it is in the big ones where the Bhanwar Singh-trained Magic Glenn Torque has time and again proved his class. It was much the same from the 14-year-old bay gelding on Saturday as he played his part in Al Mazrouei keeping close to the summit throughout the day, starting with fifth behind Spain’s Marc Vila Sabata, who led after the 40 km first stage aboard M7 Endurance Stables’ Malikan Wajir 13.

    Even as the Spaniard held sway over the first three loops, Al Mazrouei and his mount dropped to eighth and found themselves up at sixth at the end of the third. Sabata dropping out of contention during the course of the fourth loop spanning 30 kms, witnessed F3 Stables pair of Sultan Aref Mohsen and Colorado Armor emerging as leaders heading into the fifth and final loop over 20 kms.

    Al Mazrouei, meanwhile, would be making his bid from fourth, two minutes and 35 seconds behind the pace. But as he turned up the heat and went all out at a staggering 31.26kph, the Emirati ace cruised past the rest of his rivals to win, a 16 second buffer separating him from second-placed M7 Endurance Stables pair of Saif Juma Al Beljafla and Lalick De Fignols, who started the day at 20th and made consistent upward moves to finish the runners-up.

    Al Mazrouei’s winning time was six hours 20 minutes and 31 seconds (6:20:31), while second placed Beljafla was timed at 6:20:47. Third place was claimed by Al Aasfa 2 pairing of Ali Abdulla Al Falasi and Goliath Larzac (6:20:55).

    The first two events on the festival’s schedule, the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup for Ladies sponsored by Azizi Developments and the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup for Private Stables were won by Seeh Al Salam’s Omani rider Zamzam Al Hosani (Dorzok) and Al Awasif 2 Stables’ Ali Mohammed Qambar Al Blooshi (Sandine Raptor), respectively.

    ABOUT DUBAI EQUESTRIAN CLUB

    Established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Equestrian Club is a world leader in the sport of endurance riding and a pioneer when it comes to organising competitions in the United Arab Emirates at its purpose-built, state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City. Its annual calendar is headlined by two globally-renowned events: the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival.


    2025 Fursan Cup - Alex Shampoe



    2025 Fursan Cup
    by Alex Shampoe

    A week ago, I returned from one of my favorite trips to date—an experience that left me with incredible memories, lifelong friendships, and a deeper appreciation for endurance riding. I had the privilege of riding two amazing horses, reconnecting with friends from around the world—Jordan, Australia, Germany, and beyond—and making new friendships that will last a lifetime.

    The People Who Made This Trip Special

    Let me start with my team. Maya Janbey from Namibia, was experiencing Saudi Arabia for the first time. She speaks perfect English, German, and Afrikaans, and we instantly clicked. We rode together in the 120K and spent the day together after I was pulled from the 160K. Then there was Anne Wegner from Germany, whom I met last year when we rode for the same stable. Anne was invaluable in helping us navigate the venue and giving us confidence. I’m so grateful for both of them, and I can’t wait to see where our paths cross again.

    We stayed with Faisal, the owner and leader of our team, in a massive house where many of our crew members also lived. A good bit of them spoke some English, and a few were nearly fluent. They made us feel so welcome and safe from the moment we arrived. One evening, after a long day at the venue, a small group took us to the Old Town walk of AlUla. We enjoyed traditional Arabic food and explored the beautifully lit cave walkways and charming shops. The main stage, set against towering rocks illuminated with Arabic script, was breathtaking. It was a night I’ll never forget...

    Read the rest here


    Three races in HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival


    February 20 2025


    HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival's Ladies Cup

    Al Hasani makes history on opening day of HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Zamzam Al Hasani made history by becoming the first Omani female to win an event on the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival schedule when she claimed the Ladies Cup sponsored by Azizi Developments on the opening day of the 2025 meeting at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Tuesday.

    And what a victory it turned out to be as she made a colossal leap up the leaderboard to claim the summit in the nick of time aboard the Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables-owned and Salem Mohammed Al Sabousi-trained Dorzok. The pair were 11th heading into the last of four loops of the DIEC 101km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup for Ladies, but somehow managed to clinch victory by a second with a time of three hours, 22 minutes and 57 seconds (3:22:57).

    The Omani rider was followed home by a pair of M7 Stables riders in Argentina’s Milena Mendez, who might have been heartbroken after clocking a close 3:22:58 on the back of Poli, and fellow South American, Luba Leoni Varela, of Uruguay, who partnered Willowmere Encore and was home in 3:23:38. Both M7 Stables horses were trained by Mohammed Ahmad Al Sabousi.

    Al Maghaweer Stables’ Italian rider Veronica Giussani took command of the race aboard DS Creston having posted the fastest time over the first loop spanning 35 kms, but made way for Reem Al Mansoori on Al Aasfa 2 Endurance Stables’ Agora VF to take over during the course of the 25 km second loop.

    In a bid to keep reserve in the tank for the final loop, Al Mansoori rode with reservation during the course of the third loop over 21 kms and dropped to 20th on the leaderboard. That left Fay Mohammad Ali aboard Al Bararri Stables’ Hoggar D’Olbia as the one to catch during the course of the fourth and final loop spanning 20 kms.

    Al Hosani’s only major previous success had arrived in the CEN Ladies 100km Ladies Emirates Heritage Club Cup in 2017. Thereafter, she won a minor event at Barka in her native Oman. However, determined to make amends she ensured the opportunity did not pass her by. She started the day ranked 11th and moved up two spots during the second loop, but she was back to where she started going into the final loop of the competition after falling two spots. Aiming from 11th, 1m:20s behind Fay was never going to be easy, but determined as she was, Al Hosani revved up the engine of her 15-year-old Arabian partner and rode at 36.02kph during the final 20 km loop, up from 28.64kph previously, to go past Fay and a host of others and claim her well-deserved victory.

    For their part, Mendez and Varela did well to move into the podium spots after setting off for the final loop from 14th and 17th respectively.

    The Ladies Cup sponsored by Azizi Developments witnessed a total of 106 pairings start, but only 46 were deemed to have completed the ride.

    The HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Endurance Champion himself and one of the world’s most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport.

    The five-day Festival comprises four rides in all, with the Ladies Cup sponsored by Azizi Developments followed by tomorrow’s 101km Private Stables competition. The third event on the Festival’s schedule is the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, a 120km ride that will be held on Thursday, 20 February.

    The Festival culminates on Saturday, 22 February, with the showpiece HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, a 160km ride designed to test the skill and ability of both horse and rider. Pic

    *******


    HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival's Private Stables Cup

    Al Awasif claim a 1-3 in HH Sheikh Mohammed Cup for Private Stables

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Al Awasif 2 Stables clinched the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup for Private Stables on the second day of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival after Ali Mohammed Qambar Al Blooshi guided Sandine Raptor with absolute consistency during the course of the 101 km ride to gain a comfortable victory at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Wednesday.

    Riding the Australian bred eight-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding, Al Blooshi completed the four-loop ride in a time of three hours, 24 minutes and 37 seconds (3:24:37) to claim what was the biggest prize of his career so far.

    Finishing second were Zabeel Stables pair of Maitha Al Qubaisi and her mount Picnic Park Parisian Dawn with a time of 3:24:45, while third place was claimed by another Al Awasif 2 Stables rider Hind Albedwawi, who completed the ride aboard Schelmigra Truckstarr in a time of 3:24:53.

    Al Blooshi began the day with the 12th best time of the first loop spanning 35 km, which saw Anan Aref Al Katheeri take the summit on the SM Private Stables-owned Cadete TB. Al Katheeri managed to hold on to her position during the course of the 25 km second loop, but dropped to seventh during the 21 km third loop which saw Layla Al Marqooqi of Al Kamda Endurance Stables on Goldika Folie take charge of proceedings going into the fourth and final phase spanning 20 kms.

    With consistency Al Blooshi did well to move up the rung. He climbed four spots during the second phase and then a further three during the third loop and set himself to aim for glory from fifth. And with plenty left in the tank of Sandine Raptor, he was able to easily cast aside the four riders ahead of him and win with an average speed of 29.62 kph.

    Al Qubaisi was one of those riders ahead of him going into the final loop and managed to hold on to second even as Albedwawi stormed home to finish third.

    The HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Endurance Champion himself and one of the world’s most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport.

    The five-day Festival comprises four rides in all and got underway on Tuesday with the Ladies Cup sponsored by Azizi Developments, which was won by Omani rider Zamzam Al Hasani. The third event on the Festival’s schedule is tomorrow’s 120 km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors.

    The Festival culminates on Saturday, 22 February, with the showpiece HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, a 160 km ride designed to test the skill and ability of both horse and rider.

    **********
     


    HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival's  Gamilati Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors

    Al Mazrouei wins Gamilati for MRM by fractions of a second

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates: In an extremely keenly-contested renewal of the Gamilati Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, Saif Al Mazrouei managed to grind out a sensational victory for MRM Stables aboard Bullio Ahnu by the narrowest of margins after clocking the exact same time as Al Aasfa Stables rider Niroshan Periyalagan.

    The 120 km ride at Dubai International Endurance City was the third ride on the ongoing HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival schedule and brought joy to the home team as Al Mazrouei was adjudged the victor after a review of the fractions that made up the final second on the clock. Both Al Mazrouei and Periyalagan were clocked at an identical four hours, 21 minutes and 56 seconds (4:21:56).

    Emirati Al Mazrouei did well to stay close to the top of the leaderboard dominated by Seeh Al Salam Stables pairing of Hazeem Al Shehhi and his mount Nastasi. The pair led from the start and looked set to go all the way, however, Al Mazrouei, fifth after loop one and then second over the two subsequent phases, and company had different plans and put paid to the hopes harboured by Al Shehhi with higher revs on their respective mounts.

    While Emirati rider Al Mazrouei rode the final loop at 28.28kph, his Sri Lankan counterpart Periyalagan went about his business at a marginally quicker 28.55kph as he looked for a podium spot from his 10th-place at the end of the penultimate loop. It worked out well for the chasing pair as they turned the competition into a match race with Al Mazrouei winning by the skin of his teeth.

    Third place Mohammed Al Farsi aboard Al Maghaweer Stables’ HM Kika Kaiser did well to finish third with a time of 4:22:00, climbing 11 spots during the course of the final loop. Al Tayer Motors, sponsors of the Gamilati Cup for Mares, gave away 10 cars, including Defenders, to the top 10 finishers in the race. The event witnessed a total of 130 pairings start, but with 81 eliminated during the course of the competition, only 49 were deemed to have completed the ride.

    Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Endurance Champion himself and one of the world’s most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport.

    The five-day Festival comprises four rides in all and culminates on Saturday, 22 February, with the showpiece HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline, a 160km ride designed to test the stamina and skill of both horse and rider.

    ABOUT DUBAI EQUESTRIAN CLUB

    Established in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Equestrian Club is a world leader in the sport of endurance riding and a pioneer when it comes to organising competitions in the United Arab Emirates at its purpose-built, state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City. Its annual calendar is headlined by two globally-renowned events: the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival.




    2025 February's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast


    HorseRadioNetwork.com - Listen

    Endurance: Rider’s Mindset, Packing After Show and Green beans for February 11, 2025

    by Horse Radio Network | Feb 11, 2025 | Horses in the Morning

    Joanna Ziettero joins us to talk about the joys of packing up at the end of a show. Erin Grogan speaks about the “That Girl HRN Auditor Team” and “Green Bean Endurance” for 2025 and Kristen from The Distance Depot explains hackamores. Listen in…

    Listen:
    https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2025/02/endurance-riders-mindset-packing-after-show-and-green-beans-for-february-11-2025/


    British veterans retrace epic Lawrence trek in ‘living tribute to history’


    ArabNews.com - Full Story

    Nada Hameed
    15 February 2025

    Team of 5 covered more than 1,000 km across ‘stunning’ Saudi Arabia, Jordan

    JEDDAH: In a journey that followed the path of one of history’s most legendary desert crossings, a British team of four endurance riders has retraced the famous route of T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, across Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

    Their remarkable expedition, inspired by the historic trek that helped change the course of the First World War, was a feat of endurance, history and adventure.

    “A few of us last year were sitting around a table and mulling what was probably the most historic camel ride in recent history, and we came up with the one from Lawrence of Arabia,” Howard Leedham, one of the riders, told Arab News. “Nobody has ever done it since Lawrence, Auda Abu Tayi, Nasib Al-Bakri and Sherif Nasir did this ride.”

    Their journey mirrored the original path taken by Lawrence and his Arab allies in 1917, beginning in Al-Wajh, Saudi Arabia, and traversing the vast desert landscapes toward Aqaba, Jordan. Along the way, the riders passed through key historical sites mentioned in Lawrence’s book, “Seven Pillars of Wisdom.”

    Leedham said: “We stayed as faithful to the route as possible..."

    Read more here:
    https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590353/amp


    Michigan's Shore to Shore returns for one year only in summer 2025


    ShoreToShoreRide.com

    Don't miss it! - 250 miles (with options) - July 27 to August 2, 2025

    Michigan’s Shore to Shore Distance ride is a historic ride beginning on the east side and traveling across the state to the west side, from Oscoda, MI to Empire, MI. Riders and their horses will be able to dip their ‘hoof’ into Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

    40 years after the first ride in 1985-2018, the ride is being resurrected for one year only in 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to ride it, mark your calendars!

    Rhoda Ritter was an endurance rider and had the passion to create and manage a Michigan Shore to Shore 250 Mile race in 1985. The ride was a 5-day 50-mile ride totaling 250 miles held on the Shore to Shore Trail.

    Previous ride managers Wayne Gastfield and Bruce Birr kept the ride going until 2018.

    40 years after the very first ride, it’s coming back for one year only during the last week of July, 2025.

    Dr. Rae Mayer, D.V.M (head vet) and Bruce Birr (timer) will be assuming their roles just like they have done since 1985.

    For information on the ride, see:
    https://shoretoshoreride.com/


    Meet 'Polo Super Ponies': World’s first genetically modified horses bred for 'explosive speed' in Argentina


    MoneyControl.com - Full Article

    Scientists in Argentina have made history by creating the world's first genetically modified horses, designed to be faster and more agile.

    Curated by : Sheetal Kumari February 12, 2025

    Scientists in Argentina have made history with a new achievement. They have produced the world's first genetically modified horses. These animals were designed to be faster than Polo Pureza, an award-winning polo mare.

    Using Genetics to Boost Speed

    The horses were born in October and November last year. Experts at the Argentine biotech firm Kheiron used CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This tool allows precise changes in the genes of living organisms.

    Gabriel Vichera, Kheiron’s co-founder and scientific director, explained the process. "We design their genome before birth using genetic scissors," he said. This method enables scientists to cut and modify specific DNA regions...

    Read more here:
    https://www.moneycontrol.com/science/meet-polo-super-ponies-world-s-first-genetically-modified-horses-bred-for-explosive-speed-in-argentina-article-12938022.html


    2025 AERC National Championship cancelled



    AERC.org

    February 11 2025

    In light of the cancellation of the 2025 AERC National Championship ride, that was to be held at the Biltmore Estate, the National Championship Committee recommended canceling the National Championship for the 2025 ride season. While some ride managers showed interest in hosting it this year, the Committee determined it was unfair to those unaware of the opportunity, and that the short timeframe would not allow sufficient preparation for a true National Championship ride. The Board unanimously agreed.

    Going forward, the plan is to solicit ride managers on the eastern side of the US for the 2026 event. The Committee will present results by mid-summer, providing ample time for promotion and planning for the 2026 event.


    Saudi equestrian wins Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla


    ArabNews.com - Full Article

    Arab News
    09 February 2025

    • Muhannad Alsalmi completed the race in 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 15 seconds
    • Emirati riders Abdullah Al-Amri and Saif Al Mazrouei won 2nd and 3rd places, respectively

    ALULA: Saudi equestrian Muhannad Alsalmi topped the 120-kilometer Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla on Saturday, beating 200 riders from 64 countries around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

    Alsalmi completed the race in 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 15 seconds, for an average speed of 23.6 kilometers per hour, according to the report...

    Read more here:
    https://www.arabnews.com/node/2589525/amp


    Endurance breeder Dr Tom Sayvetz wins national award



    January 28 2025
    By Holly Corcoran

    The endurance community is proudly celebrating Dr. Tom Sayvetz of Asgard Arabians, who was honored with The Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeder’s Award at the USEF Pegasus Award ceremony on Thursday, January 23rd, in Lexington, KY. Dr. Sayvetz has devoted nearly 50 years to breeding award-winning Arabian horses from the finest Russian blended with French and Crabbet bloodlines. Together with his late wife, Halldis (Holly), who passed away in 2021, he poured passion and dedication into every breeding, foal crop, and success achieved by their horses.

    During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Dr. Sayvetz reflected on the significance of their Norse ship logo, saying, “The Asgard ship has finally landed and discovered our New World … I’m sure somewhere in Valhalla my Holly (Halldis) is beaming with joy and fulfillment.”

    Asgard Arabians are exclusively sport-bred, exemplifying exceptional athleticism proven by their accomplishments in AERC and FEI competitions. Under Dr. Sayvetz’s leadership, Asgard Arabians has bred 400 registered Arabian horses, of which 147 are AERC-registered and 45 are FEI-passported athletes. In FEI competitions, Asgard Arabians have competed 17,680 miles, achieving 202 Top Ten finishes and 42 first-place wins. In AERC events, their horses have successfully completed 120,470 miles, earning 1,329 Top Ten completions, 187 Best Condition awards, and 158 first-place finishes. Dr. Tom and Holly Sayvetz also supported the endurance community by donating 25 raffle horses to the Old Dominion Equestrian Endurance Organization, which hosts the Beast of the East OD 100-mile ride. Their horses have gained recognition not only across the U.S. but internationally as well, with many sold worldwide to enhance other breeding and competition programs. || This award represents a remarkable legacy and an extraordinary contribution to endurance, highlighting the achievement by excelling among many other breeds and disciplines. The entire endurance community joins in celebrating this milestone recognition, which honors both the Asgard Arabians’ achievements and Dr. Sayvetz’s unwavering commitment to the sport.


    UAE President's Emirates Cup Gallops Into Al Wathba


    DevDuscourse.com - Full Article

    The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba is set to host the 26th UAE President's Emirates Cup, showcasing elite riders. The opening ceremony featured cultural performances and tributes to horsemanship, with 146 riders registered for the prestigious 160 km endurance event under the patronage of Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 08-02-2025

    The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba is poised to host the 26th UAE President's Emirates Cup this Sunday. The event, held under the watchful eye of Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, promises to be a spectacle of endurance and skill, attracting top-tier male and female equestrians.

    The ceremonial commencement of the CEN 160 km endurance ride took place last night, treating attendees to a variety of cultural performances and equestrian displays...

    Read more here:
    https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/3258258-uae-presidents-emirates-cup-gallops-into-al-wathba


    Gastric Ulcers as a Cause of Poor Performance in Horses



    Thehorse.com - Full Article

    March 4, 2022
    Posted by Alexandra Beckstett

    Learn how gastric ulcers affect equine performance and the best ways for treating them in actively competing horses.

    Poor performance in horses can result from a single cause or a combination of factors, ranging from injury to illness. When trying to diagnose a medical reason for poor performance, veterinarians should always consider gastric ulcers as a potential problem. This is because these painful lesions are incredibly common in athletic horses. Fortunately, treatment and management methods are quite effective.

    Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM (LAIM), LVMA department head, equine committee professor, and director of the Equine Health Studies Program at Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, in Baton Rouge, described the association between gastric ulcers and equine performance and how to treat the condition during the 2021 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Why Equine Athletes Develop Ulcers

    How we manage performance horses, which is contrary to their physiological needs, sets them up to get gastric ulcers...

    Read more here:
    https://thehorse.com/1109363/gastric-ulcers-as-a-cause-of-poor-performance-in-horses/?lid=h29yvl06a6dw&uuid=019221faf031005d65535fac4bd40006f009a06700bd0


    Canada: Horse riders say plan to pave Burnaby park trail for cyclists will cut off equestrian access


    CBC.ca - Full Article

    Cyclists and city argue paving necessary to create safe commuting network

    Tessa Vikander · CBC News · Posted: Jan 19, 2025 8:00 AM MST | Last Updated: January 19

    Horse riders in Burnaby say they're being pushed to the side by the city's plan to pave a gravel trail for cyclists that riders and horses have been using daily for more than fifty years.

    City council approved the move to convert the trails along the south side of Burnaby Lake Regional Park last month, but riders with the Burnaby Horsemen's Association — which has its stables at the eastern edge of Burnaby Lake — continue to speak out against it.

    One of those riders is Vicky Gilker, whose horse Tommy is one of 59 horses cared for at the Burnaby Lake stables.

    "I was pretty upset about it," she said.

    Horses can't safely walk on pavement without special boots, and even then they must go slowly or else they may slip and seriously injure themselves, the horsemens' association says...

    Read more here:
    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/burnaby-horse-riding-trail-for-cyclists-1.7435211


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