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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
2026 Sugarloaf Spring Fling - Becky Pearman
2026 Sugarloaf Spring Fling Endurance ride photos in South Carolina by
Becky Pearman:
https://beckypearman.smugmug.com/Other/Endurance-2026/Sugarloaf-Spring-Fling
Evolution and Refinement of the AlUla Endurance Course ahead of 2026 World Endurance Championship
SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET - March 11 2026 - Based on the feedback from the "Chef d’Equipe Seminar" held during the test event in November 2025 and the subsequent trials in February 2026, the course modifications and reactions are summarized below.
Course Modifications: Addressing "Excessive Technicality"
Following the November trial, National Federations (NFs) and teams criticized the initial design of the new loops. The primary feedback focused on the "excessive technicality" of the tracks, specifically citing the difficult transitions between "stony footing and deep sand" which disrupted the horses' rhythm.
Read the rest here:
http://endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2026WorldEnduranceChampionship/CourseReview.html
Australia: Hoofbeats around the world
Pam Karner sets out on a leg of the 2022 Gaucho Derby in Patagonia. Photo: Sarah Farnsworth.
NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article
09/03/2026
Erle Levey
At one point Pam Karner was lying on the ground, crying to herself in pain.
Her horse was above her. That was when she realised the need to dig deep.
You do endurance riding for a sense of knowing … knowing that you can complete this ride as an individual and as a team, with other riders and with your horse.
It’s knowing that you have the knowledge, training and resilience needed at the time.
The question is: Are you ready to step up? Do have the built-in resilience?
With endurance horse riding it’s just a matter of digging deep enough and finding it.
It’s true grit – a matter of belief in yourself, your horse and the world around you.
From Bellingen on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and now in her early 70s, Pam Karner has completed the most extreme horse rides in the world.
These have included the Mongol Derby in Asia and the Gaucho Derby in South America.
Pam is in Africa at the moment, participating in another exciting endurance ride – through the Maasai Mara of Kenya’s highlands...
Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/09-03-2026/hoofbeats-around-the-world/
FEI provisionally suspends Sheikh Nasser al-Khalifa after the positive anti-doping of his Freesia de Lap mare
Chaccoinfo.com - Full Article
March 5, 2026
•Translated from Spanish•
The FEI has provisionally suspended Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad al-Khalifa, double endurance world champion in 2023 and 2024, after the positive for a banned substance detected in his mane Freesia de Lap. The control, carried out after a 160-kilometre race in Dubai on January 30, revealed the presence of atenolol, a beta-blocker included in the list of substances banned in competition. The suspension, automatic in these cases, has been in effect since March 2.
The positive for Lap’s Freesia came after the binomial’s victory at Dubai’s 3* CIS, where the eleven-year-old Anglo-Arab mare, trained by Muhammad Abbas Khalid, completed the test at an average speed of 20.85 km/h and with particularly fast heart recovery times. Atenolol, used in veterinary medicine to treat arrhythmias and other heart pathologies, can reduce the heart rate of the horse, a decisive parameter in the veterinary controls of the discipline. In the same competition, another Bahraini team horse, Divine du Vialaret, also tested positive for the same substance.
According to the anti-doping regulations of the FEI, a positive for prohibited substances implies the immediate suspension of both the horse and the rider until a hearing before the FEI Court. If the infringement is confirmed, the penalties can reach up to two years of suspension for a first offense, in addition to financial fines. The binomial is equally disqualified from the test in question. Sanctions can be reduced if the athlete demonstrates the absence of negligence or manages to trace the origin of the contamination by solid evidence. For the moment, neither Sheikh Nasser nor his coach have announced whether they will request the analysis of sample B.
Bahraini endurance had already faced recent sanctions. In 2023, the national team lost the gold medal won at the Bou Thib World Cups due to the steroid positive for Héra Durances, mounted by Abdoulrahmane Mohammed al-Zayed. Following the decision of the FEI Tribunal, the title passed into the hands of the French team. This new case once again places Bahrain’s team at the center of the controversy and opens a period of uncertainty for one of the most influential riders on the international circuit.
FEI Table of suspensions updated 3 March 2026 is here:
https://inside.fei.org/system/files/Table%20of%20Suspensions%20-%2003%2003%2026.pdf
Australia: Pink Ride tackles cancer
Charlotte Irwin and Cameo Pascale. Photo: Sarah Sullivan Photography.
NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article
07/03/2026
Erle Levey
It’s a long and at times lonely journey but the Bony Mountain Pink Ride is always ready to be part of the fight against breast cancer.
Showing the impact the Warwick Trail and Endurance Riders Club has been making over the past decade, the endurance horse ride this year attracted a record field of horses and riders for the two-day event at the Bony Mountain Recreation Reserve.
This was an indication of the significance of the ride – also the popularity due to its novel nature in which riders have dressed not only themselves but their horses in pink.
Honouring the fact that cancer sufferers and survivors are not alone, riders travelled for up to seven and eight hours to attend the event – from northern New South Wales to the South Burnett.
There were six rides over the weekend and 191 nominations.
The queue of horses lining up for the Temperature, Pulse and Respiration (TPR) checks was a sight to be seen.
But it wasn’t just the number of people supporting this event, it was their vibrancy and commitment to the cause...
Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/07-03-2026/pink-ride-tackles-cancer/
Gaucho Derby 2026 – Race Day 10 – Cheese Graters. Party Shirts.
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Stevie Delahunt
28th February 2026
Welcome back to the final day of the Gaucho Derby! So let’s get right into it! The Gaucho Grannies galloped gleefully in today with NBR in tow and these three stole our hearts and the show and a joint 33rd place to boot.
Not to be outdone on a dramatic finish, GHE with fellow riders ODU and ACA made sure one transpired. Upon the relief of crossing the line GHE collapsed off of his horse onto the ground having crunched some ribs previously underneath his horse. He can’t laugh or hug or, well, breathe easily but he secures the joint 36th place well within the ten day time limit with a finish with his mates around noon today. 6 hours to spare! Now if only he had some spare ribs...
Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-race-day-10-cheese-graters-party-shirts/
Malaysia: EAM banks on endurance 'horse power' to deliver SEA Games glory
Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) honorary secretary Datuk Major (Rtd) Yap Mou Soon (Left), seen here with president Mohamad Din Mat, said that the Association is expecting national riders to win at least six gold medals at the Malaysia SEA Games next year.
NST.com.my - Full Article
By Fadhli Ishak
March 3, 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) is expecting national riders to win at least six gold medals at the Malaysia SEA Games next year.
EAM honorary secretary Datuk Major (Rtd) Yap Mou Soon believes this is a realistic goal as they are planning to include endurance riding events to the Malaysia SEA Games programme.
This comes as no surprise as Malaysia has world-class riders in the discipline.
"The equestrian squad has always brought home medals when competing abroad and we hope to do the same when we compete on home soil next year," said Mou Soon today (Feb 3).
"Our key performance indicator (KPI) for the Malaysia SEA Games is to win six gold medals for the country.
"Our strategy is to add events in which we are strong in, most notably the endurance riding events...
Read more here:
https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/03/1388992/eam-banks-endurance-horse-power-deliver-sea-games-glory
US Equestrian Names Jeffrey Stuart as Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Endurance Team
USEF.org
by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 3/2/2026
Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Stuart as the U.S. Endurance Team Chef d’Equipe for the 2026 competition year. Mr. Stuart will lead the program through the remainder of the 2026 season, culminating with preparation for the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship in Al Ula on November 28, 2026.
"I am so excited and grateful to be part of this team.” Mr. Stuart said, “The organization, horse owners, riders, vets, support/crews, and everyone involved have the best opportunity we’ve had to do great things in Alula Saudia Arabia this coming November. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and working with U.S. Endurance”
Mr. Stuart brings more than two decades of experience in endurance sport and a distinguished career in military leadership to the role. He began his involvement in endurance in 1999 and has since served the discipline in multiple capacities, including 11 years as a national endurance ride manager and as crew at several recent FEI Championships. Over the years, he had trained Endurance horses, including FEI Level, and worked closely with athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.
In addition to his equestrian background, Mr. Stuart served in the United States military from 1976 to 2011, holding multiple leadership roles including Commander, Director, and Chief of Staff. His extensive experience guiding teams in high-pressure environments has shaped his philosophy on preparation, accountability, and collective success. He has frequently been invited to speak on teamwork, resilience, and the importance of being a critical member of a unified team — principles he intends to carry forward with the U.S. Endurance Team.
In his role as Chef d’Equipe, Stuart will oversee team coordination, preparation, and strategy for the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship with the help of team veterinarian, Dr. Olivia Rudolphi and Team Leader, Nicole Zerbee. His combined experience in endurance sport and high-level organizational leadership positions will support the U.S. Endurance Team for a focused and strategic path toward international success.
More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-names-jeffrey-stuart-as-chef
Endurance Horse Podcast: Shelah Wetter- 20,000 Miles on American Saddlebreds
EnduranceHorsePodcasdt - Listen
February 21 2026
hosted by Christina Hyke
What does it take to ride 20,000 endurance miles?
Belief. Patience. And the courage to ride your own path.
As part of our Year of the Horse spotlight, February celebrates the American Saddlebred — and in this episode, I sit down with lifelong Saddlebred horsewoman and endurance rider Shelah Wetter, owner of Blue Haven Stable.
Shelah has logged over 20,000 endurance miles aboard American Saddlebreds and was honored in 2025 as Sport Horse Owner and/or Breeder of the Year by the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association.
In this conversation we talk about:
• How she chose her endurance partner
• What makes a Saddlebred shine on the trail
• And how welcoming new riders strengthens the future of endurance
If you love strong partnerships and the long game — this one is for you!
Listen and see more at:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/shelah-wetter-20000-miles-on-american-saddlebreds/
AlFursan Review: Operational Trials and Technical Readiness Venue Audit
SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET - February 28 2026 - The recently completed test event, specifically the AlFursan Endurance AlUla 2026 and the associated Mutadil Endurance Cup, served as the final major operational trial ahead of the FEI Endurance World Championship scheduled for November 2026. The event provided critical insights into the readiness of the venue and the course, with significant feedback gathering from participating teams and National Federations (NFs).
Event Overview and Results
The competition featured intense racing across varied desert terrain, attracting elite riders from around the world...
Read the rest here:
http://endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2026WorldEnduranceChampionship/PostAlFursanVenueAudit.html
Gaucho Derby 2026 – Race Day 9 – Wind Returns. Emotional Finishes.
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Stevie Delahunt
27th February 2026
The wind is back today and so is a majority of the field. We started the day with the 15th place rider tie between AMC JDO and LST into a secure finish. The finish line flags were at full throttle which made the horses engage full breaks. Nevertheless these girls got their mounts across in one last trail riding challenge and managed to pass the vet check with ease as well. AMC wanted to bring her finish line ride home with her and the two spent some good cuddle time after he came in at an admirable 46bpm...
Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-race-day-9-wind-returns-emotional-finishes/
Gaucho Derby 2026 – Race Day 8 – Full Send. Winners Crowned.
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Stevie Delahunt
26th February 2026
Yeeeehawww!!! If you were anywhere near that finish line today you either lost your voice, your mind, or both. Fourteen riders are in and what a wild ride it has been. With twenty seven riders still out there living their best cinematic adventure the fourteen who made it home have done their mates proud and given the world a show complete with suspense, plot twists, and questionable life choices.
Our top five riders came screaming in like they had somewhere important to be, throwing caution to the wind and gambling hard on passing the extremely low heart rate ruling we have set. It was less calculated endurance strategy and more riverboat poker with a stopwatch.
It’s been reported that when SWA and HMC decided to pump the gas to the line everyone locked eyes and collectively thought, “well here we go!” No one wanted to pull up and concede the lead but all were very aware they were about to bet their entire finish on a pulse check...
Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2026-race-day-8-full-send-winners-crowned/
Gaucho Derby – Race Day 7 – Six Strong. One Shot.
Equestrianists.com - Full Story
Stevie Delahunt
25th February 2026
Ooooh, is this ever shaping up to be a photo finish. Thanks to a diabolical alignment of hold times and a healthy number of riders hitting it like the brick wall that it is, the front pack is about to be dropped into an even start gate. That’s right, folks. All six riders at the sharp end of the field are spending the night together and will launch at the gun at 8am sharp our time. If there were ever a night for obsessive map staring, second guessing, and ruthless gear trimming, this is it. One has to wonder how many layers and bits of luggage quietly disappear tonight in the name of horse speed.
We can already imagine professional sailor, navigator, 2023 Mongol Derby finisher, and Tevis Cup finisher LJO doing exactly that. Or perhaps professional steeplechaser SWA will remind us all of his prime jockey skills, alongside teammate ASL, who comes from a long line of racehorse fanatics and has been casually demonstrating those jockey instincts all week long.
Then there is 2022 Mongol Derby veteran HMC, who took a nasty tumble in the 2024 Gaucho Derby. After returning home with busted ribs and punctured lungs, his daughter reportedly said, “Whenever we fell off you made us get back on and finish. You didn’t finish.” And so here he is. Not just finishing, but absolutely crushing this race...
Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-race-day-7-six-strong-one-shot/
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