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2026 Rides of March photos by Bill Gore


2026 Rides of March Endurance ride photos in Nevada by Bill Gore:
https://williamgorephotography.smugmug.com/2026-Endurance-Rides/Rides-of-March-2026

Great Britain: Jo Chisholm Appointed England Chef d’Equipe Ahead of 2026 Home International




March 31 2026

Endurance GB has announced the appointment of Jo Chisholm as Chef d’Equipe for the England Squad ahead of the 2026 Home International, which will take place in Scotland on 5–6th September.

With a lifelong involvement in endurance riding spanning more than four decades, Chisholm brings extensive competitive and team experience to the role. Having started in the sport in 1989, she has amassed over 17,000km of competition mileage and completed eight 160km rides, alongside representing England as a rider at Home International level.

“I am very honoured to be appointed HI Chef,” said Chisholm. “This gives me another opportunity to give more back to the sport I love using all my experiences, and I hope to do my country and team proud.”

Chisholm is perhaps best known for her long-standing partnership with Grey Medlar, with whom she achieved multiple top results, including success at the Golden Horseshoe Ride and a BERA National Championship title in 2002...

Read the rest here

Global Coordination of the AlUla World Endurance Championship


SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET - April 1 2026 - Participation in the AlUla endurance events, particularly the upcoming FEI World Championship, involves a massive global coordination effort centered on National Federations (NFs). The participation framework is structured around strict team compositions, complex logistical support provided by the Organizing Committee (OC), and a tiered qualification system.

Global Reach and Team Composition

The events in AlUla are designed to accommodate a vast international field. The 2024/2025 season competitions and the test events have attracted approximately 200 elite athletes from more than 60 nations, with recent reports indicating participation could reach 300 riders from over 70 countries...

Read the rest here:
< http://endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2026WorldEnduranceChampionship/GlobalCoordination.html

Great Britain: ‘Unlikely’ Cob Secures Runner-Up Spot in Competitive Finish at Haywood Oaks


March 29 2026

An eye-catching performance from an unconventional partnership saw Jennifer Gaimster and her 14.1hh piebald cob, Striker, take second place in the 80km CER at the Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride on 28th March 2026.

Representing the West Riding Group of Endurance GB, the pair completed the course in 6 hours at an average speed of 13.3kph, delivering a confident and competitive ride capped off with a thrilling racing finish.

Striker, a 2014-born gelding with no recorded breeding, is not the typical profile of a high-level endurance horse – making the result all the more notable. The partnership only began their endurance career together in 2023 but have shown consistent progression through the ranks.

During the 2025 season, they recorded a third place at Avon Valley (62km CER), a fourth at Cirencester (80km CER at the Inter-Regional Championships), and an 11th place finish at the Red Dragon Festival of Endurance (80km CER). At Haywood Oaks, they stepped up again to secure their highest placing to date.

“Haywood Oaks was our first ‘race ride’ of the season and what a day it turned out to be,” said Jennifer. “Striker was calm and focused from the start, and we found a great rhythm early on.”

The pair rode in company with Iola Chapman, eventual winner, for the duration of the course, maintaining a steady pace across varied conditions, including sunshine, strong winds and hail. As the finish line came into sight, the competitive nature of the class came to the fore.

“We’d ridden together for the whole 80km, but when we turned for home, it was time to race. It was our first racing finish – I asked him to go, and he did. To feel that energy still there after 80km was incredible.”

As always in endurance, the result hinged on the final veterinary inspection. Having vetted out at the same venue the previous year, Jennifer admitted to feeling the pressure.

“There were definitely some nerves going into the final trot-up. But this is what the sport is about – the vets are there to ensure the horse’s welfare comes first.”

Striker passed with a heart rate of 50bpm and was awarded an ‘A’ for action, confirming an excellent recovery and securing their second-place finish.

“The relief was huge. I burst into tears – he’d done everything I could have asked of him.” Jennifer was quick to acknowledge the support behind the scenes, including organisers, volunteers and her crew, highlighting the collective effort that underpins success in the sport.

With a strong start to the 2026 season, this partnership continues to demonstrate that performance in endurance is not defined by breeding alone, but by careful training, horsemanship, and the strength of the horse-and-rider partnership.

UAE: Private Stables Ride


www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2026CrownPrinceofDubaiEnduranceFestival

March 31 2026

Consistency key to a stunning win for Al Marri and SM Private Stables

Consistency in sport is pivotal and Fatma Jassem Al Marri turned up a shining example of it when ensuring a facile victory for SM Private Stables in the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival’s Private Stables competition.

The 120 km event witnessed Al Marri make consistent leaps up the leaderboard on the back of Celebryta to bring herself to within striking distance, and then crank up the heat aboard her 12-year-old to win rather comfortably ahead of the rest of her rivals.

Al Marri and Celebryta completed the four-loop ride in four hours 14 minutes and 50 seconds (4:14:50), recording an average speed of 28.25 kph over the 120 km distance…

Read the rest here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2026CrownPrinceofDubaiEnduranceFestival/#PrivateStablesRide

UAE: Yamamah Cup for Mares


www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2026CrownPrinceofDubaiEnduranceFestival

March 30 2026

Al Mansoori and SW Jashfiya AA 50 hold their nerve to win Al Yamamah Cup

The 2026 Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival resumed at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Monday with M7 Endurance Stables recording a narrow victory in the Al Yamamah Cup for Mares courtesy of a textbook perfect ride by Hamdan Ahmad Al Mansoori aboard SW Jashfiya AA 50.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Al Mansoori and his 10-year-old mount went through the motions with absolute calm to claim one of the biggest prizes of their career after completing the ride in four hours 18 minutes and 18 seconds (4:18:18), having posted an average speed of 27.87 kph…

Read the rest here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2026CrownPrinceofDubaiEnduranceFestival/#YamamahCupforMares

Richard Sacks 1950-2026


Legacy.com

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sinai Mortuary of AZ on Mar. 19, 2026.

| Richard Sacks, a cherished family man, respected business owner, and lifelong animal lover, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, in Phoenix, AZ, at the age of 75. Born on June 23, 1950, in Brooklyn NY. He attended Sheepshead Bay High School and later Harpur College. Richard's educational pursuits culminated in earning an MBA from New York University-an achievement that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Richard founded several businesses over his lifetime ranging from computers, equestrian products (Equipedic), animal nutrition and even a hot dog stand. Richard spent his early professional years in Santa Cruz, California, and his later years in Tularosa, New Mexico.

Richard's legacy is carried on through his loving daughters, Jordyn and Rebecca. His grandchildren Sean and Evelyn. He is also survived by his sister Natalie and numerous cousins.

Richard's Jewish faith was a guiding light throughout his life, providing him with strength and comfort.

As we bid farewell to Richard Sacks, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey completed with grace and a legacy of love that will continue to resonate for generations to come. His memory will be cherished, and his spirit will remain a guiding force in the lives of those he has left behind.

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

Endurance Horse Podcast: A Valentine’s Horse & A Lifetime of Miles – Dennis Summers


EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

Saturday Feb 14, 2026
hosted by Christina Hyke

It started with a Valentine’s Day surprise.

Years ago, Dennis Summers surprised his wife Sue with a special Valentine’s Day gift, a Paint/Arabian cross — before the fence was even up on their property, Dennis tied the horse a tree while they finished preparing the property. That moment would become part of a lifelong journey with horses and eventually into endurance riding for both Sue and Dennis Summers.

In this episode of Endurance Horse Podcast, we trace that journey — from an article in Western Horseman that sparked a deep curiosity about endurance, to competing at some of the top rides in the world, and eventually back to the grassroots level of growing and protecting the sport he loves.

Dennis is an international endurance rider, author of 4th Gear and The Long and Winding Road, and a founding member of the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA). But more than titles or accolades, this is a story about partnership, perspective, and the horses that shape us.

Along the way, we talk about more than one special horse — including the one that truly inspired his most recent book. We talk about training, longevity, listening to the horse, and what matters after thousands of miles.

So sit down, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and enjoy this story as it unfolds around our virtual campfire.

Every mile a memory.

See more and listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/a-valentine-s-horse-a-lifetime-of-miles-%e2%80%93-dennis-summers/

*Endurance Horse Podcast is hosted by Christina Hyke, 2021 WI Horse Person of the year and brings endurance riders together from around the world gathering around our virtual campfire sharing goals, training, stories and progress. Our authentic conversations feature ride stories, the show features endurance riders of all levels, from decade teams to total beginners, ride managers to AERC leaders, legacy horsemen and horsewomen, and equestrians who believe the journey with the horse is the truest reward.

Endurance Horse Podcast just may be the virtual campfire you have been looking for whether you are green as grass new to endurance riding, a trail rider who is curious about endurance and planning on aiming for the first steps on the endurance ladder, or maybe you are setting your sights on chasing toughest event the sport has to offer, we are here for you every mile of the way. This podcast celebrates the heart of the sport- the horse, the rider and the trail— every mile a memory.

Support this podcast & help keep it on the airwaves by joining one of our events today at WARHORSE Endurance® Challenges*

Wales: Man versus Horse Race in Llanwrtyd Wells secures sponsor


CountyTimes.co.uk - Full Article

23 March 2026
By Josh Price

One of Wales’ quirkiest endurance events has secured a new headline sponsor for its 45th year.

Cambrian Training Company and its sister business Trailhead Fine Foods, a leading Welsh work-based learning provider and snack manufacturer, will back the iconic Man versus Horse Race in Llanwrtyd Wells for its 45th running on Saturday, June 13.

The 22-mile race will see runners and horse riders compete across tarmac roads, farm and forestry tracks, open moorland, bridleways, and rivers, climbing up to 4,000ft.

This year introduces a brand new course and GPS tracking...

Read more here:
https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/25960218.man-versus-horse-race-llanwrtyd-wells-secures-sponsor/

‘A bond like no other’: farewell to horse Dilmun who represented Britain and completed extraordinary feats


HorseAndHound.co.uk - Full Article

Eleanor Jones
22 March, 2026 17:52

The owner and rider of a horse who twice represented Britain and completed extraordinary feats of endurance has paid tribute to his character and their bond after his death aged 27.

Annie Joppe’s Arab Dilmun, with whom she contested the 2009 European Championships and 2014 World Equestrian Games (WEG), had spent a happy retirement with Annie, being pampered, loved and bossing the yard until the end.

“He was a star,” Annie told H&H.

But Annie nearly did not buy Dilmun at all; she said she first saw him advertised as a five-year-old, thought he looked good and went to see him.

“I went to try him, agreed to buy him and had the most terrible journey,” she said. “He wouldn’t load, it was awful, so he went back as I’d only had him on trial.

“Then, a year later, a friend of mine said ‘I’ve got this horse for sale’ and it turned out to be him. It was quite freaky really; I didn’t know she’d bought him.”

Annie said natural horsemanship techniques helped Dilmun learn to load happily, and “after that, he was brilliant”...

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/endurance/farewell-dilmun-annie-joppe-918978

Bonnie Swiatek recognized as 3-time Century Club endurance rider


WyomingNews.com - Full Article

Boomerang staff
March 21 2026

Albany County resident Bonnie Swiatek has taken long-distance endurance horse riding to its highest level when she was recently honored by the American Endurance Ride Conference.

After Swiatek attended the Mountain Region Endurance Riders Conference on Jan. 31, 2025 and Feb. 1 of this year, she was presented with a framed award as a three-time Century Club Member. The mountain region comprises of members from Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and southwest South Dakota and western Nebraska

In the 54 year history of the national AERC organization, Swiatek is the only person to ride three horses into the AERC Century Club, which is when the ages of the horse and rider total 100 years or more each time. It took her four years with her Arabian mares...

Read more here:
https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/bonnie-swiatek-recognized-as-3-time-century-club-endurance-rider/article_bd6b2058-65d0-4dbe-b783-8aa91b7c982b.html

Endurance in Sardinia: the 2026 season kicks off in Abbasanta


CavalloMagazine.it - Full Story

The 2026 endurance season in Sardinia kicked off at Tanca Regia: 42 starters, women's victories in Cen B, and young horses and promising newcomers taking the lead.

17 March 2026

The 2026 Endurance season has started at the Asvi facilities in Tanca Regia in Abbasanta with the 1st stage of the Asvi Young Horses Circuit , 1st stage of the Sardinian Championship.

A total of 42 participants took part in the event organized by the Agency for the Development and Promotion of Horse Racing (ASVI), which invests €9 in prize money for each race in the Young Horses Trophy. The day was supported by the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE).

To impose itself in the Cen B, the category on the longest distance (81 km) was Maria Giovanna Mulas on Anglo-Arab Erula Lady AA.

Behind his back Marica Anna Marras su She of the Ma who won the Best Condition both in the Asvi and Fise classifications, that is, the classification that takes into account the horse's best physical condition at the end of the race...

Read more here:
https://www.cavallomagazine.it/en/sport-equestri/endurance-sardegna-abbasanta-stagione-2026-asvi-tanca-regia

Tevis Cup Ride Director Search for 2027 and Beyond


March 18 2026

The Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) is conducting an international search to identify a new Ride Director for the Tevis Cup, beginning with the 2027 Ride.

Preferred qualifications include leadership experience, equestrian experience, and proximity to our ride venue in Northern California. Experience managing a backcountry endurance event with international exposure and publicity is a definite plus.

Your leadership support includes an experienced ride committee, experienced ride volunteers, and a well-documented process for conducting the annual ride. The Tevis Cup Ride receives strong financial support from the WSTF Board and a compensation package is available. 

The WSTF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
https://teviscup.org/

Please direct all inquiries to our WSTF president at wittenauer.jerry@gmail.com

Chef d’Equipe Concerns for November’s 2026 World Endurance Championship


SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET - March 17 2026 - Based on the Chef d’Equipe Seminar held during the test event in November 2025 and the subsequent trials in February 2026, National Federations (NFs) provided feedback centered on two main areas: the technical difficulty of the course and logistical support for teams.

1. Technical Course Feedback

The primary concern raised by NFs related to the design of the new track loops...

Read the rest here:
http://endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2026WorldEnduranceChampionship/ChefConcerns.html

2026 Lizard Run photos by Becky Pearman


2026 Lizard Run Endurance ride photos in South Carolina by Becky Pearman:
https://beckypearman.smugmug.com/Other/Endurance-2026/Lizard-Run

Endurance GB Announces New International Selection and Squad Support Team




March 14 2026

Endurance GB has announced a series of appointments to its International team, strengthening the selection and operational structure that supports British riders competing at championship level.

The new team brings together decades of experience across endurance riding, international competition, horse management and event organisation, helping to ensure that Great Britain continues to develop strong horse and rider combinations capable of competing on the world stage.

The appointments include two Team Selectors, a combined Selector and Logistics Manager, and a new Administrative Squad Support role to assist with the organisation and coordination of international campaigns.

What is endurance riding?

Endurance riding is a long-distance equestrian discipline that tests the fitness, partnership and management of horse and rider. Competitions range from introductory rides of around 16km through to international championship distances of up to 160km in a single day. Horses undergo regular veterinary inspections throughout the event to ensure their welfare and fitness to continue, making horse care and careful preparation central to the sport.

Endurance GB is the National Governing Body for endurance riding in Great Britain, supporting riders from grassroots participation through to international competition.

Strengthening the international programme

The newly appointed team will work alongside the wider squad management structure to monitor performances, support riders progressing through the levels and assist in the selection of horse and rider combinations to represent Great Britain at international championships...

Read the rest here:
http://news.endurance.net/2026/03/endurance-gb-announces-new.html

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