THewestmrolandgazette.co.uk
Saturday 30th May 2009
A National Endurance Riding Event at Tebay attracted 110 riders.
Endurance Riding is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, with events ranging from the 100-mile international senior championship to 10-mile pleasure rides.
The Tebay course contained the minimum road work, so riders could enjoy the open space of the fells and bridleways. Competitors came from as far away as Bolton and Newcastle with many local riders also taking part.
Kath McGhee from Ambleside riding Foxghylls Folly completed the 65km course at an average speed of 12.11 minutes with a final heart rate of 48, earning a well-deserved grade 3.
In the 40km course, Annie Rose from Millom and Therry Cooper from Kirkby-in- Furness successfully completed the class on their Clydesdales.
Jackie McClure from Broughton-in-Furness took part in the 25km and 16km pleasure rides.
Ros Denby, ride organiser and chairman of the Cumbria Group of Endurance, said: "it was a great day; competitors achieved excellent results and enjoyed the ride and it was fabulous to welcome many non members to take part in the pleasure rides."
More information can be found at the group website at www.endurancegbcumbria.co.uk or contact the group secretary: Nikki Pearson at Gilson’s Forge, Brocklebank, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 8DL (016974 78203).E-mail: nikki.s.pearson @ btinternet.com.
samedi 30 mai 2009
vendredi 29 mai 2009
Great Britain: News from the EGB Chair of Selectors - Cathy Brown
Endurancegb.co.uk
26th May 2009
A list of the British Team Elite Squad for 2009 has been announced .......... it is as follows
Rachael Atkinson - Vanash
Liz Booth - Istanbul Rio
Becky Broughton-Booker - Java Sunlight
Ros Clapp - Nazeeka
Janice Cockley-Adams - Khadidja du Pont
Dominique Freeman - Roger
Fiona Hamilton - Sharifah
Annie Joppe - Dilmun
Jill Kent - Bitterwell Spirit
Jan Marsh - Morning Line
Catriona Moon - Leila
Nicky Sherry - Shimmering Blue Jasmine
Kirsty Wiscombe - Eskar
Christine Yeoman - L M Midday and L M Taquillero
26th May 2009
A list of the British Team Elite Squad for 2009 has been announced .......... it is as follows
Rachael Atkinson - Vanash
Liz Booth - Istanbul Rio
Becky Broughton-Booker - Java Sunlight
Ros Clapp - Nazeeka
Janice Cockley-Adams - Khadidja du Pont
Dominique Freeman - Roger
Fiona Hamilton - Sharifah
Annie Joppe - Dilmun
Jill Kent - Bitterwell Spirit
Jan Marsh - Morning Line
Catriona Moon - Leila
Nicky Sherry - Shimmering Blue Jasmine
Kirsty Wiscombe - Eskar
Christine Yeoman - L M Midday and L M Taquillero
Australia: Clare saddles up to ride 240km in South Africa
READY TO RIDE: Clare is
looking foward to the
challenge of representing
Australia's Endurance Squad
Inverell.yourguide.com.au
JACINTA DICKINS
29/05/2009
Local schoolteacher and endurance rider Clare Fleming has been chosen to ride for Australia in South Africa.
This follows an invitation from the Australian Endurance Squad to join the team competing in the South African Endurance Championships, held in the first week of July.
The horse riding championships consist of three 80-kilometre rides over three days, a total riding distance of 240kms.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to see another part of the world, and I am very excited about the prospects of riding in Africa," Clare said.
"It will be a great experience to wear the green and gold."
The Australian team arrive at Johannesburg Airport on June 27, and then spend a week getting to know their allocated horse before the ride at Fauresmith on July 7.
This trip is self-funded, although accommodation and horses will be supplied by the host country.
Clare's teammates in the Australian Endurance Team are Jennifer Gilbertson, Mette Sutton and Tami Parnell from New South Wales, Gayle Holmes from Queensland, and Jil Bourton from South Australia. The Team Manager is Graeme Gilbertson. There are also two crew members, Robyn Parnell and Liz Armstrong.
Being accepted into the Australian team was a great achievement for Clare, as she began endurance riding in 2002, following lots of encouragement to do a 40km training ride at Tingha.
Since then, Clare has worked her way up to the top level of competition in endurance.
The Fauresmith International Endurance Ride is considered one of the toughest in the world.
The first ride was in 1965 as a consequence of an argument in the magazine Landbou Weekblad about the breed of horse that had the best endurance ability.
A race settled the issue, with the Arabian breed emerging victorious.
The ride has grown to between 250 and 300 entries each year.
"I believe it will be a great experience and an exciting way to see South Africa, looking between the ears of a horse," Clare states.
Clare was chosen in the team due to her consistent success as an endurance rider.
She placed eighth Lightweight in the NSW 160km State Championships and second Lightweight in the QLD 160km State Championships in 2008.
She was among the 48 per cent that successfully completed the Nanango Tom Quilty, Australia's National/International Endurance Competition.
She placed third Lightweight Endurance Rider and was successful in winning the prestigious Best Condition award.
By the end of last year, Clare ranked fourth in Australia for the Lightweight Point Score.
jeudi 28 mai 2009
Australia: Competitors endure Elmhurst tracks
Araratadvertiser.com.au
Dianne Leehane on Shah
Photo: PETER PICKERING
26/05/2009
ELMHURST - Horse riding enthusiasts from across the state converged on Elmhurst on the second weekend of May for an endurance competition.
The event was held in spectacular conditions at the Elmhurst Reserve, with competitors setting out at midnight on Friday for a 160 kilometre ride through the Mt Cole and Pyrenees Ranges.
Riders of all abilities participated in the event, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
The first ten combinations across the line received embroidered woollen rugs, donated by various sponsors.
The fittest horse combination in all four weight divisions were also awarded prizes.
The 160km ride was won by Jennifer Annetts and Jamie Mollema of New South Wales in the time of 10 hours and 45 minutes.
The weekend of riding ended at midnight on Saturday after the conclusion of an 80km endurance ride and a 40km training ride.
The 80km ride proved the most popular attracting a field of 34 riders.
The event was won by Rose Ross of South Australia in a time of five hours and eight minutes.
Organisers said the response to the endurance competition was extremely positive, with many competitors commenting on the great atmosphere and stunning scenery.
They have thanked the property owners who gave up the use of their land and the many volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.
Dianne Leehane on Shah
Photo: PETER PICKERING
26/05/2009
ELMHURST - Horse riding enthusiasts from across the state converged on Elmhurst on the second weekend of May for an endurance competition.
The event was held in spectacular conditions at the Elmhurst Reserve, with competitors setting out at midnight on Friday for a 160 kilometre ride through the Mt Cole and Pyrenees Ranges.
Riders of all abilities participated in the event, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
The first ten combinations across the line received embroidered woollen rugs, donated by various sponsors.
The fittest horse combination in all four weight divisions were also awarded prizes.
The 160km ride was won by Jennifer Annetts and Jamie Mollema of New South Wales in the time of 10 hours and 45 minutes.
The weekend of riding ended at midnight on Saturday after the conclusion of an 80km endurance ride and a 40km training ride.
The 80km ride proved the most popular attracting a field of 34 riders.
The event was won by Rose Ross of South Australia in a time of five hours and eight minutes.
Organisers said the response to the endurance competition was extremely positive, with many competitors commenting on the great atmosphere and stunning scenery.
They have thanked the property owners who gave up the use of their land and the many volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.
jeudi 21 mai 2009
Australia: Treble for Sutton, fourth win for Mills
Mudgee.yourguide.com.au
BY DON MAHONEY
21/05/2009
Local riders came to the fore winning all but one division in the Mudgee Endurance Club's 80 kilometre ride at Cooyal last Sunday.
A massive 130 riders took to the Cooyal course over the weekend with 15 in Saturday's social ride and on Sunday 87 rode in the 80 kilometre ride and 28 in the 40 kilometre training ride.
Middleweight rider Mette Sutton, who will ride in South Africa in July, won the ride for the third consecutive year on "Tuldar The Magician" and also took out the fittest horse award.
Suton said she had to make up ground after being placed 10th at the half way mark.
"In the final leg 'Magic' picked up his pace and rounded up the leaders one by one and was over the line first and still able to pass the fitness tests in great shape.
Garry Bennett continued his recent strong results when he rode "Karabil Yaningi" into second place behind Sutton in the middleweight division.
Gloria Mills won the lightweight division and her mount, "Glendos Sabodie" gave her the double when he was announced the fittest horse in the division.
Mills and 'Sabodie' were also awarded the perpetual trophy for the First Anglo Arab. Mills went into Sunday's ride with three previous wins in the event
The Braithwaite trophy for the first junior was taken out by Ben Hudson and his horse was also the fittest horse in the division, which had six riders.
Other local juniors to finish were Alanna Byrne and Leanne Maynard.
A highlight of the ride was the 2470 kilometres clocked up by the local combination of Bernice King and "Noble Novaar Destiny".
Scott Devonport was the only visiting rider to win a division when he was successful in the heavyweight division.
Club spokesperson Pat Dickinson said that the club was pleased to also have one rider from Perth (Western Australia) and, for the first time a rider from Namibia.
"Unfortunately our visiting international Gawie Viljoen was unlucky on the day when his mount (supplied by Keith, Bev and Mette Sutton) was lame at the end of the first leg and was vetted out," Dickinson said.
"Gawie said that despite the vet out he enjoyed his time at the Cooyal ride.
"The weather was wonderful and we had few problems other than one visiting rider who suffered a fall near check point two, was unconscious for 40 minutes and was taken to hospital.
"The rider was admitted to Mudgee Hospital for overnight observation.
"The club would like to thank Peter Lynch from Botobolar and his crew who assisted after the fall and Keith and Bev Sutton who cared for the rider’s three children and Mette Sutton who ensured the rider was reunited with her children after discharge from hospital."
The Club had many supporters headed by head vet Ray Gooley who reported there no vet outs on heart rate or metabolics, which he said was pleasing.
The Cooyal Progress Association did a great job of preparing the base at the Cooyal Park and on Saturday night catered for more than 100 dinners.
The Cooks Gap and Cooyal fire brigades manned the check points while Hartley Sutton checked the course on a motorcycle prior to the start to ensure all markers were in place.
The next endurance ride in the district is the Gulgong ride on Sunday June 14.
BY DON MAHONEY
21/05/2009
Local riders came to the fore winning all but one division in the Mudgee Endurance Club's 80 kilometre ride at Cooyal last Sunday.
A massive 130 riders took to the Cooyal course over the weekend with 15 in Saturday's social ride and on Sunday 87 rode in the 80 kilometre ride and 28 in the 40 kilometre training ride.
Middleweight rider Mette Sutton, who will ride in South Africa in July, won the ride for the third consecutive year on "Tuldar The Magician" and also took out the fittest horse award.
Suton said she had to make up ground after being placed 10th at the half way mark.
"In the final leg 'Magic' picked up his pace and rounded up the leaders one by one and was over the line first and still able to pass the fitness tests in great shape.
Garry Bennett continued his recent strong results when he rode "Karabil Yaningi" into second place behind Sutton in the middleweight division.
Gloria Mills won the lightweight division and her mount, "Glendos Sabodie" gave her the double when he was announced the fittest horse in the division.
Mills and 'Sabodie' were also awarded the perpetual trophy for the First Anglo Arab. Mills went into Sunday's ride with three previous wins in the event
The Braithwaite trophy for the first junior was taken out by Ben Hudson and his horse was also the fittest horse in the division, which had six riders.
Other local juniors to finish were Alanna Byrne and Leanne Maynard.
A highlight of the ride was the 2470 kilometres clocked up by the local combination of Bernice King and "Noble Novaar Destiny".
Scott Devonport was the only visiting rider to win a division when he was successful in the heavyweight division.
Club spokesperson Pat Dickinson said that the club was pleased to also have one rider from Perth (Western Australia) and, for the first time a rider from Namibia.
"Unfortunately our visiting international Gawie Viljoen was unlucky on the day when his mount (supplied by Keith, Bev and Mette Sutton) was lame at the end of the first leg and was vetted out," Dickinson said.
"Gawie said that despite the vet out he enjoyed his time at the Cooyal ride.
"The weather was wonderful and we had few problems other than one visiting rider who suffered a fall near check point two, was unconscious for 40 minutes and was taken to hospital.
"The rider was admitted to Mudgee Hospital for overnight observation.
"The club would like to thank Peter Lynch from Botobolar and his crew who assisted after the fall and Keith and Bev Sutton who cared for the rider’s three children and Mette Sutton who ensured the rider was reunited with her children after discharge from hospital."
The Club had many supporters headed by head vet Ray Gooley who reported there no vet outs on heart rate or metabolics, which he said was pleasing.
The Cooyal Progress Association did a great job of preparing the base at the Cooyal Park and on Saturday night catered for more than 100 dinners.
The Cooks Gap and Cooyal fire brigades manned the check points while Hartley Sutton checked the course on a motorcycle prior to the start to ensure all markers were in place.
The next endurance ride in the district is the Gulgong ride on Sunday June 14.
mercredi 20 mai 2009
Great Britain: Reeves finds silver lining at Exmoor
Ashbournenewstelegraph.co.uk - Full Article
20/05/2009
ASHBOURNE'S linda Reeves joined riders from across the country at one of the best-known competitions.
The Endurance Riding World’s 009 Golden Horseshoe is held over the challenging terrain of Exmoor in North Devon.
Reeves, who works as a pharmacist, was in action in the Exmoor Stag ride, which covers a stamina sapping 120km over two days.
She completed the tough ride with a silver award, riding the 15.1hh Arab ex-racehorse Faleh, who is now 14.
The pair were on target for a top gold award right until the final vet inspection on day two, when the horse's slightly raised pulse rate cost one vital penalty point.
"Faleh's pulse ride was just two points over the allowed limit," said Reeves, who is a busy mum of three daughters.
"He raced successfully on the flat but was too highly strung, a problem that gradually got worse.
“I've had him for six years now and he can still get excitable at the start of a ride, but we do our best to contain it."
Strong winds, sunshine and moderate temperatures created almost perfect conditions for this year's ride and the high standards of horsemanship to be seen there led to a record number of awards.
"The course was really nice this time and we were lucky with the weather," Reeves added.
"The actual venue site was the windiest it was windy on the coastal paths too, but good conditions meant things weren't as testing as they can be over Exmoor.
“Endurance is such a friendly sport and we were all routing for each other."
Reeves's eldest daughter, 14-year-old Bethany, is following he mum's footsteps in the sport.
"Bethany has reached advanced level on her horse and we may to the national Red Dragon ride in North Wales together later in the year," Reeves added.
"My two other daughters do pony club activities with the Meynell branch."
20/05/2009
ASHBOURNE'S linda Reeves joined riders from across the country at one of the best-known competitions.
The Endurance Riding World’s 009 Golden Horseshoe is held over the challenging terrain of Exmoor in North Devon.
Reeves, who works as a pharmacist, was in action in the Exmoor Stag ride, which covers a stamina sapping 120km over two days.
She completed the tough ride with a silver award, riding the 15.1hh Arab ex-racehorse Faleh, who is now 14.
The pair were on target for a top gold award right until the final vet inspection on day two, when the horse's slightly raised pulse rate cost one vital penalty point.
"Faleh's pulse ride was just two points over the allowed limit," said Reeves, who is a busy mum of three daughters.
"He raced successfully on the flat but was too highly strung, a problem that gradually got worse.
“I've had him for six years now and he can still get excitable at the start of a ride, but we do our best to contain it."
Strong winds, sunshine and moderate temperatures created almost perfect conditions for this year's ride and the high standards of horsemanship to be seen there led to a record number of awards.
"The course was really nice this time and we were lucky with the weather," Reeves added.
"The actual venue site was the windiest it was windy on the coastal paths too, but good conditions meant things weren't as testing as they can be over Exmoor.
“Endurance is such a friendly sport and we were all routing for each other."
Reeves's eldest daughter, 14-year-old Bethany, is following he mum's footsteps in the sport.
"Bethany has reached advanced level on her horse and we may to the national Red Dragon ride in North Wales together later in the year," Reeves added.
"My two other daughters do pony club activities with the Meynell branch."
lundi 11 mai 2009
Australia: 80km ride a success
Taree.yourguide.com.au
MICK MCDONALD
22/04/2009
THE Kiwarrak 'no frills' horse endurance ride held recently at Hillville was yet another great success, with 114 riders from all around the State.
Riders came from as far away as the south coast and from the far west to tackle the 80kms ride, while 74 mostly local riders enjoyed the 20km and 40km rides.
By Saturday morning the normal horse paddocks had turned into a city of trucks and horse floats.
Manning Trail Riders Club again turned out in force, this time many of the previous 20km riders had a go at the 40km ride - with great success.
Lake Macquarie Trail riders Club had some members come down from Tamworth, who all say they are now hooked on endurance.
Port Macquarie Pony Club was well represented, with some decorated ponies enjoying the 20km ride sporting pink ribbons.
The 80km ride was won by Terry Wood, a middleweight rider on 'Tallawarra Spy' in 4hrs 34mins.
First heavyweight rider was Peter Strickland riding 'Bara Park Mingara' in 7hrs 36mins.
Carol Layton won the lightweight division riding 'Omani Mr Squiggle' in 5hrs 32mins.
First junior was Alex Jones riding 'A'Landell Rifle' in 7hrs 3mins, closely followed by 14-year-old local rider Shannen Thorsby from Nabiac riding her beloved horse 'Dan' in 7hrs 44mins.
Shannen was attempting her first ever 80km ride. Shannen and 'Dan', could be champions in the making.
With a lot of hard work by a handful of enthusiastic locals and the support of local business and volunteers, the Kiwarrak endurance horse ride is turning out to be another great event.
"To continue this success we need to get bums in saddles, so let's keep up the good work and keep supporting both this great ride and the two other local rides,'' an organiser said.
For more information on endurance horse riding in NSW visit the NSW ERA web site at http://www.nswera.asn.au.
MICK MCDONALD
22/04/2009
THE Kiwarrak 'no frills' horse endurance ride held recently at Hillville was yet another great success, with 114 riders from all around the State.
Riders came from as far away as the south coast and from the far west to tackle the 80kms ride, while 74 mostly local riders enjoyed the 20km and 40km rides.
By Saturday morning the normal horse paddocks had turned into a city of trucks and horse floats.
Manning Trail Riders Club again turned out in force, this time many of the previous 20km riders had a go at the 40km ride - with great success.
Lake Macquarie Trail riders Club had some members come down from Tamworth, who all say they are now hooked on endurance.
Port Macquarie Pony Club was well represented, with some decorated ponies enjoying the 20km ride sporting pink ribbons.
The 80km ride was won by Terry Wood, a middleweight rider on 'Tallawarra Spy' in 4hrs 34mins.
First heavyweight rider was Peter Strickland riding 'Bara Park Mingara' in 7hrs 36mins.
Carol Layton won the lightweight division riding 'Omani Mr Squiggle' in 5hrs 32mins.
First junior was Alex Jones riding 'A'Landell Rifle' in 7hrs 3mins, closely followed by 14-year-old local rider Shannen Thorsby from Nabiac riding her beloved horse 'Dan' in 7hrs 44mins.
Shannen was attempting her first ever 80km ride. Shannen and 'Dan', could be champions in the making.
With a lot of hard work by a handful of enthusiastic locals and the support of local business and volunteers, the Kiwarrak endurance horse ride is turning out to be another great event.
"To continue this success we need to get bums in saddles, so let's keep up the good work and keep supporting both this great ride and the two other local rides,'' an organiser said.
For more information on endurance horse riding in NSW visit the NSW ERA web site at http://www.nswera.asn.au.
dimanche 10 mai 2009
Australia: Age shall not weary Sadaqa
Theland.farmonline.com.au
PHIL THOMSON
10/05/2009
WORLD-renowned stallion, Chip Chase Sadaqa, is an old-timer but is still one hell of a stud.
An unnamed Middle Eastern sheik’s offer to buy all Sadaqa’s 128 offspring residing at Queensland stud, Toft Endurance, was refused in recent months.
It came as the ageing, Bathurst-born bay stallion was awarded the 2008 World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO) Trophy.
The 32-year-and-two-month-old stallion serviced six mares every month this past season, for a tidy sum of 34 in about 24 weeks.
Punching the numbers into a calculator reveals the horse’s owner, Peter Toft, missed out on at least $5.1 million when he knocked back the Arab leader’s offer but it was probably more like double this amount.
Peter loves training endurance horses more than making quick money.
He does not know when the sun will set on the virility of Sadaqa, who will impregnate one mare a month this winter to stay in shape.
Read the full story in this week's The Land.
PHIL THOMSON
10/05/2009
WORLD-renowned stallion, Chip Chase Sadaqa, is an old-timer but is still one hell of a stud.
An unnamed Middle Eastern sheik’s offer to buy all Sadaqa’s 128 offspring residing at Queensland stud, Toft Endurance, was refused in recent months.
It came as the ageing, Bathurst-born bay stallion was awarded the 2008 World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO) Trophy.
The 32-year-and-two-month-old stallion serviced six mares every month this past season, for a tidy sum of 34 in about 24 weeks.
Punching the numbers into a calculator reveals the horse’s owner, Peter Toft, missed out on at least $5.1 million when he knocked back the Arab leader’s offer but it was probably more like double this amount.
Peter loves training endurance horses more than making quick money.
He does not know when the sun will set on the virility of Sadaqa, who will impregnate one mare a month this winter to stay in shape.
Read the full story in this week's The Land.
mercredi 6 mai 2009
USA: Around the World on Horseback
Parkrecord.com
Kamas endurance rider returns from Malaysia
Alisha Self, Of the Record staff
Posted: 05/05/2009
Over the past decade, Beverly Gray has traveled to Spain, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, Malaysia. No, she's not a U.S. ambassador, international businesswoman or employee of National Geographic. Gray is a U.S. Equestrian Team endurance rider and endurance horse trainer, and her career has led her to places that most people only dream of visiting.
Gray moved to Park City in her early twenties, bought a horse and began to participate in Ride and Tie races, which involve teams of two runners and one horse that alternate running and riding the horse. One person rides the horse a mile or so, then he or she ties it to a tree and takes off running while the other person catches up to the horse, unties it and rides past the teammate, and so on.
The races whetted Gray's appetite for endurance events, and during lulls in the Ride and Tie circuit she entered endurance races to keep her horse in shape. Eventually she got hooked and made endurance racing her full-time passion.
Endurance racing has been around the United States for more than 50 years, but its global popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. "It's become one of the fastest-growing equestrian sports in the world," says Gray.
Endurance races range from 25 to more than 100 miles, and can last from a couple of hours to a few days. The primary focus is on the horses' welfare, and veterinarians are present at checkpoints along the way. "They're very strict with the horse, and you have to meet certain criteria including hydration, pulse, respiration and lameness evaluations," Gray explains.
In her 30 years of competing, Gray has entered 287 races, completed more than 16,900 race miles and captured 82 wins. In 2002, she qualified to compete with the United States Equestrian Team at the World Equestrian Games in Spain, and she joined the team again in 2005 in Dubai.
In addition to competing in exotic locations all over the world, Gray also has had the opportunity to ride historic trails in the U.S. including the original Pony Express Trail and some of the Gold Rush routes.
Gray, who moved from Park City to Kamas four years ago, currently owns four Arabian horses, which are preferred for endurance racing because of their natural stamina. "I've had more than one once-in-a-lifetime horse," she says. "They've helped me achieve a lot of my goals."
Last month, Gray returned from Melaka, Malaysia, where she competed in the second annual Melaka Grand Invitational Endurance Race. Melaka is a historic city located about two hours outside of the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Upon arriving in Melaka, Gray met her partner for the 120-kilometer race (approximately 75 miles), an Anglo Arabian gelding from Singapore named Max. The pair joined a pool of competitors from all around Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
She also rubbed shoulders with the King of Malaysia, who is an avid endurance racer. "He's very enthusiastic about endurance racing. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him," she says. "That was the highlight of the trip."
Although Gray and Max were disqualified at the 80-kilometer checkpoint due to the horse's shoe causing some irritation, Gray is grateful for the opportunity to compete and explore the city of Melaka. "Each phase of the race trail meandered through little villages, dense forests of date palms, rubber trees and vegetation of numerous varieties and fragrances," she wrote in a recount of the trip.
Gray says the sport is something she plans to continue for years to come. "It's a sport for all ages, and the whole family can get involved," she says. Gray's husband helps with the training, and her sister, a local photographer, sometimes tags along to document her adventures.
To read more about Gray's accomplishments and to find out about upcoming races, visit www.bevgrayusa.com.
Kamas endurance rider returns from Malaysia
Alisha Self, Of the Record staff
Posted: 05/05/2009
Over the past decade, Beverly Gray has traveled to Spain, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, Malaysia. No, she's not a U.S. ambassador, international businesswoman or employee of National Geographic. Gray is a U.S. Equestrian Team endurance rider and endurance horse trainer, and her career has led her to places that most people only dream of visiting.
Gray moved to Park City in her early twenties, bought a horse and began to participate in Ride and Tie races, which involve teams of two runners and one horse that alternate running and riding the horse. One person rides the horse a mile or so, then he or she ties it to a tree and takes off running while the other person catches up to the horse, unties it and rides past the teammate, and so on.
The races whetted Gray's appetite for endurance events, and during lulls in the Ride and Tie circuit she entered endurance races to keep her horse in shape. Eventually she got hooked and made endurance racing her full-time passion.
Endurance racing has been around the United States for more than 50 years, but its global popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. "It's become one of the fastest-growing equestrian sports in the world," says Gray.
Endurance races range from 25 to more than 100 miles, and can last from a couple of hours to a few days. The primary focus is on the horses' welfare, and veterinarians are present at checkpoints along the way. "They're very strict with the horse, and you have to meet certain criteria including hydration, pulse, respiration and lameness evaluations," Gray explains.
In her 30 years of competing, Gray has entered 287 races, completed more than 16,900 race miles and captured 82 wins. In 2002, she qualified to compete with the United States Equestrian Team at the World Equestrian Games in Spain, and she joined the team again in 2005 in Dubai.
In addition to competing in exotic locations all over the world, Gray also has had the opportunity to ride historic trails in the U.S. including the original Pony Express Trail and some of the Gold Rush routes.
Gray, who moved from Park City to Kamas four years ago, currently owns four Arabian horses, which are preferred for endurance racing because of their natural stamina. "I've had more than one once-in-a-lifetime horse," she says. "They've helped me achieve a lot of my goals."
Last month, Gray returned from Melaka, Malaysia, where she competed in the second annual Melaka Grand Invitational Endurance Race. Melaka is a historic city located about two hours outside of the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Upon arriving in Melaka, Gray met her partner for the 120-kilometer race (approximately 75 miles), an Anglo Arabian gelding from Singapore named Max. The pair joined a pool of competitors from all around Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
She also rubbed shoulders with the King of Malaysia, who is an avid endurance racer. "He's very enthusiastic about endurance racing. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him," she says. "That was the highlight of the trip."
Although Gray and Max were disqualified at the 80-kilometer checkpoint due to the horse's shoe causing some irritation, Gray is grateful for the opportunity to compete and explore the city of Melaka. "Each phase of the race trail meandered through little villages, dense forests of date palms, rubber trees and vegetation of numerous varieties and fragrances," she wrote in a recount of the trip.
Gray says the sport is something she plans to continue for years to come. "It's a sport for all ages, and the whole family can get involved," she says. Gray's husband helps with the training, and her sister, a local photographer, sometimes tags along to document her adventures.
To read more about Gray's accomplishments and to find out about upcoming races, visit www.bevgrayusa.com.
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