Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Finally, a chance to get online. I'm at the Tanjung Rhu resort, Langkawi Island 
(so gorgeous!!!) - I don't have full interenet connect, but will send my stuff 
via email and try to get files to John for updating the website. I send my 
story in installments for now -

Steph

---------- Endurance in Malaysia - Preparing for the 2008 WEC----------------

I'm here in Malaysia once again, at the invitation of Edaran Digital Systems 
Berhard, to experience Endurance riding in the tropics.  The Edaran Endurance 
Classic is one of the first Endurance events in Malaysia. Tansri Tajuddin, 
owner of Edaran Digital Systems has a long tradition of supporting all 
Equestrian events and his dedication to promoting and supporting the sport of 
Endurance has been very important to the development of the sport in Malaysia. 
The first Edaran Classic was held in 2003. In 2004 they achieved FEI status 
with a CEI2* FEI event and in 2005 Edaran hosted a CEI3* 160km event, which was 
attended by riders from Bruneii, UAE and USA. This year Edaran Endurance 
Classic 2006 offered a CEI3* 120km event, and also 80km, 40km and 15km Young 
Rider events.

The history of Endurance in Malaysia is fairly short, but the country has 
demonstrated that they are capable of organizing and hosting first class 
Endurance competitions; adherence to FEI rules of conduct and fair competition, 
first class stabling and trail conditions, safety,and concern for the welfare 
of the horse.
In 2005 FEI granted Malaysia the 2008 World Endurance Championship, to be held 
in the sultanate of Terengganu, on the eastern coast of Malaysia, under the 
patronage of HRH Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of the State of Terengganu. Sultan 
Mizan will be Malaysia's next King, to be inaugurated by the year 2007. 

The Sultan is an Endurance rider himself, with a stable of Endurance horses in 
training, and total commitment to promoting the sport in Malaysia. He is 
overseeing the construction of a world-class Endurance Center in Terengganu. 
Terengganu will host several CEI3* 160km pre-ride demonstration events during 
2006 and 2007 to test the course and facilities, and to fine tune the special 
needs and circumstances of hosting Endurance in the tropics.
Terengganu is a costal sultanate, with stretches of sandy beach along the China 
Sea. The terrain in Terengganu is generally flat, and has some sandy areas. The 
selection of trail for the WEC course is based on understanding the challenges 
of Endurance riding. Since the climate presents it's own challenge because of 
heat and humidity, the challenges of the terrain will be minimized, offfering 
good footing and easy navigation for night time riding. The opportunities for 
crewing will be maximized, to help riders and horses cope with the conditions.

I hope to return to Malaysia, for the CEI** 160km ride hosted by Terengganu - 
this will be an opportunity to view the course and facilities in the early 
stages and learn a little more about the overall ambitions of this small but 
brilliant country. The next two years will be very celebratory for Malaysia. 
2007 is the 50th anniversary of independence. Malaysia was a British colony 
until 1957, at which time it was granted independence as a soverign nation. 
Malaysia is also working toward International status as a 'Developed Nation' - 
with 2020 as the goal toward acheiving this status.

During the past two decades, the previous prime minister - a man of great 
vision and ambition - launched Malaysia into the ,modern world of commerce and 
technology. Government incentives for higher education have produced a highly  
educated and modern class of engineers, scientists, medical experts as well as 
creating an atmosphere for innovation. Malaysia (and also Singapore) is unique 
in all of Asia in this respect. As a British colony, Malaysia became an English 
speaking nation, allowing it to become more quickly and thoroughly integrated 
in all aspects of World commerce.

2007 is being designated as 'The Year of Malaysia' - the year of Independence. 
2008 will be designated 'The Year of Terengganu'. HRH Sultan Mizan will be in 
his reign as King of Malaysia, and Terengganu will be celebrated as the 
reigning Sultanate. The 2008 WEC will be an integral part of this celebration. 
A world class Endurance Center is being constructed to host the event. All 
transport and travel expenses will be provided by the Terengganu venue: a 
potential of 200 horses, from over 30 Federations will be brought to Malaysia. 
Accomodations will be provided beginning 30 days in advance of the competition, 
allowing time for horses to acclimate to the climate and conditions. In 
addition, competitors will be granted the opportunity to train in Terengganu 
several months in advance. Expenses for advance accomodation will be covered by 
competitors, but the costs are minimal in Malaysia. This is an incredible 
opportunity to 'level the playing field' - a chance for foreign horses to 
become fully acclimated to the climate, and better pre
pared for the terrain and conditions.

This was my second opportunity to compete in Malaysia, and I am convinced that 
this is a fair and reasonable venue for a World Endurance Championship. The 
temperatures between 5pm and 10am are not extreme. I was actually chilly during 
the night this time (although the rain we had was far greater than usual). Even 
during the 'dry season' in Malaysia afternoon and evening rain is not uncommon, 
and it is actually quite welcome.

I've ridden in other hot climates, including United Arab Emirates and Egypt. 
I've also experienced the heat and humidity of the North America and South 
America in the summer months. It (160km endurance) CAN be done, but riders have 
to adjust their expectations of speed. It is a very 'technical' challenge. 
Speed is no longer the most important ingredient in winning the race, the 
ability to pace and adjust the work load of the horse is all important.

I had the opportunity to speak with Paul Brown - a trainer from Australia who 
is now working for the Royal  Stables in Terengganu, in the acquisition and 
training of Endurance horses. He has been here for 6 months, and believes that 
while the climate presents a challenge, the sport can be conducted here, at the 
WEC level, safely and humanely. According to Paul it is all a matter of pacing 
- steady progress, with careful monitoring of the horse's core body 
temperature. Horses that are best suited for the sport here are generally 
smaller and of lighter body type - long flat muscles, and limbs that are not 
excessively heavy.

Paul also spoke of adjusting some of the traditional race formats. His belief 
is that the loops should be shorter, with more opportunity for veterinary 
control, shorter times out on the trail, and more opportunity for cooling the 
horse during the holds. He suggested that spreading the competition out over 7 
phases, rather than the traditional 6 phases, would be an improvement. This is 
something that will be tried over the coming year.

There is also some 'talk' of shortening the championship level course to 120km 
instead of 160km. There are pro's and con's to this idea; consideration of the 
tradition of Endurance (100 miles - 160km), consideration of the element of 
speed and pacing, consideration of the time necessary for completing the 
course,etc. In Malaysia, the winning speeds are generally between 10 and 15 
km/h - much slower than other WEC venues, which have more recently been won in 
the range of 16 - 20 km/h.  This means winning times of 12 to 15 hours, overall 
competition time approaching 24 hours. Much more in keeping with the original 
Endurance competitions such as Tevis, Florac, Tom Quilty. The question will 
ultimately be answered by FEI: do we shorten the course to make it 'easier'? - 
(on competitors, horses, officials, media, etc) - or - do we keep to tradition? 
- 100 miles in 1 day - real Endurance: hours in the saddle, hours on the 
ground, the ultimate challe

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