The Real Story -Part 1

Steph's Story - Part 1|| Steph's Story - Part 2 Steph's Story - Part 3|| Steph's Story - Part 4 Bev's Story - Part 1 || Bev's Story - Part 2 Bev's Story - Part 3

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Official Results - download pdf file
First Place: Wan Norzihan riding Nashaar. Receiving prizes from Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin	Best Conditioned Horse Idaias Tobiha ridden by Ahmad Azura, Abdul Ghani

Photo Gallery

Preparations	photos by Wan Nazir (Yayasan Terengganu)	Prize Giving
Bev's photos	...more to come...

Equestrian.com.my Sunday 7 November 2010 Hard work, dedication and discipline paid off for Wan MS Norhafizi Wan MS Norzihan as he rode his way into first place in the fourth edition of the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge. “It was difficult preparing for the Sultan’s Cup,” said the 19-year-old rider from Malaysia representing the Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Endurance Team. “I started preparing my horse Nashaar early, and that was instrumental to my success. I am glad that my determination paid off“. Wan MS Norhafizi and his Anglo Arab Gelding completed the endurance challenge with a time of 6 hours 20 minutes and 23 seconds. Ahmad Azura Abdul Ghani riding Idais Tobiha (Gelding) from the State of Terengganu Endurance Team came in second with a time of 6 hours 20 minutes and 41 seconds meanwhile Datuk Mohd Shuaib Ishak and Martika (Arab Mare) from the Ar- Raudhah completed the podium with a time of 6 hours 21 minutes and 8 seconds. 68 riders from 9 countries participated in this year’s challenge from 5 – 7 November at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Kuala Terengganu. 51 local riders from teams across Malaysia were also part of the 120km endurance challenge of undulating terrain. His Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, was among the riders competing in the challenge. Participating countries include Australia, Chile, USA, France, Indonesia, Uruguay, South Africa, Singapore and Thailand. More...

Steph's Story - Part 1 Ok, time to wrap up the 2010 Terengganu Sultan's Cup. Another spectacular event - very professional, very well run - these guys do it better than anybody else I think. They have the pomp and splendor of the best venues in the world, and they do it all with a smile! And they are fantastic at PR and logistics and organizational support. The event - ride was run by professional companies (e.g. AsiaPromote) based out of Kuala Lumpur. The banquets, awards, promotion, communications, etc was extremely well done. The state of Terengganu and Yayasan (Tg foundation) provided full event support - liason, drivers, policemen, stewards - It was the best I've seen here. ...more Steph's Story - Part 2 Well, my ride wasn't a long one (though the story might be!), but it was fun and it is still an amazing thing to be riding horses in Malaysia! Bev and had I received invitations back in June to come to the Sultans Cup and ride one of the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) horses on November 6. So the planning begins. I was also invited to an EnduranceX (endurancex.com) event on Easter Island - Rapa Nui -on November 18. I managed to arrange flights so that I could go direct from Malaysia to Easter Island rather than returning to Idaho. so... that's 24 hours of flight time (plus layovers) from Malaysia to Los Angeles. Then 14 hours flight time from Los Angeles to Santiago. (plus layovers). Then 6 hours flight time from Santiago to Easter Island... if my math is right I'll be spending about 45 consecutive hours in an airplane. OMG. I think that may be a record. ...more Steph's Story - Part 3 After riding we went back to the hotel, showered, shared a few beers in the lounge with the other riders. Talked some with Brian Shean (head foreign vet for the race) - he's been vetting these rides in Malaysia since the very beginning - it has come a long way, and he's been a very important player in developing the veterinary control and criteria here - constantly learning and seeing new things. Always learning about the unique metabolics of riding endurance in the tropics. It was a lovely evening by the beach in Malaysia - nice and relaxed. We had dinner, caught up on email, and totally exhausted off to bed. The room I'm staying in is right above the beach, the crashing of the waves is constant, wind rattling the palm tree leaves - very tropical! Nice for sleeping... but for some reason I keep waking up at 4am - haven't been able to make the change yet. It's a nice quiet time to sneak down to the restaurant (open air dining area) and catch up on email and work though. Nobody else is up, just me a few little resident cats to greet the morning. ...more Steph's Story - Part 4 Ok, time to get on the horses and get moving. Whew.. how many times have I swung my leg over a horse that I don't know to ride in a strange land?! It certainly can be a mental and physical challenge. I'm pretty fit now, having ridden 1100 miles this year, and just finished 105 miles last weekend in Idaho - so I'm actually feeling strong enough to handle the horse, and the race. (which hasn't always been the case!). And the start was wonderful! The front runners had gone out ahead of us, Bev and I rode out with Norbert and Jane, thinking we'd ride with them for a while - their pacing plan matched ours and it might be good for the horses to have the company. We set out at a nice strong trot (I kept waiting for Ikabal to break into a hand gallop, but she was perfect!). She had one little gallop-in-place fit at the end of the long straight track coming out of the venue, but otherwise she was strong, pulling, but obviously in 'work mode' - I'm used to strong and pulling, this is ok. ...more

Sultan's Cup!!! (from Steph - it's done)

We have a big breakfast and awards this morning so I'll know more later about finishers.

It was fun being a rider (instead of journalist) and one of our drivers took photos, which are really very good, so it all worked out well.

Fantastic experience in Malaysia, as usual!

more later-

Steph

Here We Go! - Steph Teeter

It's noon, we're at the hotel getting some lunch, will take a quick rest, last minute packing (snacks, water, extra batteries, extra clothes... extra extras), then to the barns at 4pm. Start time is 5:30 - Bev and I are going to hang back and start 10 minutes late to avoid the craziness. There are some VERY amped horses here! Very fit. My mare is going to be good once we get going (maybe after the first loop) (so they tell me) but she's strong and nervous and I'm hoping to conserve some energy.

There are 68 starters. 5 loops, we have until 9am to finish. It's going to be a LONG night. and probably raining... I'm sure I won't have any news until tomorrow -

here we go!

Steph

Sultan's Cup - Quick Update - by Steph Teeter

Quick update -

It's a smaller affair this year, no horses were flown in, so all the invited riders are on Malaysian horses, many of them from the Royal Stable. There are riders from Australia, Chile, Uruguay, France, USA, Thailand - plus riders from Singapore on horses they transported here. There will be a lot of Malaysian riders - I think 100 or so are expected to start. The horses here look fantastic! Lean, but not too thin - and well muscled. Much improved from the earlier years ago - they really deserve congratulations for being such fast and diligent and dedicated learners.

We all went out today to meet our horses and ride. I have a very tall, very hot/forward mare, Ikbar, from Qatar! Bev's horse is a quiet gelding, also from Qatar. We'll hope to ride together and ride to finish! We had to work out saddles, stirrups, all that stuff. I latched on to a Specialized Saddle (Euro) which I'm comfortable with, and was able to shim the saddle to fit the mare. She was a handful to ride today, I'm glad I have a familiar saddle! We went out for a 'little warmup ride' - Ikbar was not interested in trotting, so we galloped along. She was pretty lathered up by the time we got back! I did manage to get her down to a trot coming back the last mile to the venue though - so she may be hot, but she seems manageable. Bev has a wintec which she's not wild about, but it helps that her horse is an easy ride...

More...

Sultan's Cup with Bev and Steph - by Bev Gray (Story - Part 1)

My journal book was purchased at the Taipei Airport. The book chapters have Chinese calligraphy and translucent landscapes that can only be achieved with watercolors and light handed brushstrokes. The first page translation: "Everyday is a Good Day"~Zen of yun men. And, today is- as I am on my way to the Sultans Cup with Steph Teeter.

This is my third trip to Malaysia. Previously I was invited to compete at the Melaka International Endurance event. This years' invitation was an email from CheMat Din of the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stables. The Kings' stables. The Sultans' Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge will host over 80 local and international riders. It is a 120k (75 mile) course over much of the same area as the 2008 World Endurance Championship. The Malaysia King, an avid and accomplished endurance rider will lead the start. He official title: Yang di -Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. There must be a respectful "short-cut" in official introductions. Steph and I will be riding qualified horses from the Royal stables (RTES). The airline journey was an endurance event in itself! Beginning on a 7:00pm flight from Salt Lake City, November 1 and ending November 3rd at 3:00pm in the Terengganu airport. Whew!

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Malaysia With Steph & Bev - Bev Gray (Story - Part 2)

Stephs body is still in Idaho and she needed a 5 hour nap "just to catch up". OK, Steph.

It was so interesting to watch the artisans stamp the batik designs into the fabrics. The "stamps" are engraved metal irons that are pressed into the fabrics- stamp after stamp after stamp. I only had enough time for this brief marketplace tour then back to the stables where Steph and I would meet our Royal Stables horses. The venue stables are much like many International race sites with screened in barn area with rows of stalls for each horse and one stall designated for saddles and tack. My horse was a 13 year old gelding named Junkett. He was a gift to the Royal Stables from Qatar. He was very quiet, calm and easy to ride. Perfect! Steph was riding a mare named Ikbah. She was sooo tall...

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Race Night 5:30pm

Saddled, braided manes, shiny coats the RTES team of horses paraded to the start gate. They know it is "Flag Off". It is a thunderous start with the local Malaysian spectators lining the trek for a mile to cheer for Tuanku Mizan. Malaysians love thier King and are intrigued with horses. The King has done so much for the promotion of the sport in only in Malaysia but its development throughout Asia. He is an outstanding equestrian and loves and cares for his horses.

Steph and I and our Austrailian friends decide to start 5 minutes after the front running speed. Good plan, as our horses were relaxed at our (to finish is to win) pace. Water stops were every 5K with water bottles for riders and tanks filled with water, wet hay for horses as well as cheers from the crowd of spectators. We rode along the beach with gorgeous scenery and refreshing ocen breezes.

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King To Lead Local Riders In Terengganu Endurance Challenge

October 26 2010

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2010 from Nov 5-7 in Lembah Bidong, Setiu will feature 80 local and international riders.

Head of secretariat for the Sultan Cup 2010, Faridah Mat Ali said 15 international riders from Thailand, United States, France, Singapore, Australia, Uruguay and Indonesia have so far confirmed their participation.

"Though the closing date for entries is over, we will still accept last minute entries," Faridah told Bernama here Tuesday.

Faridah said the local challenge would be led by none other than Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

She said the challenge, organised jointly by the Terengganu state government and Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable, (RTES) over a 120km distance, would offer RM126,000 in total prize money.

Faridah said the winner would receive RM30,000, runner-up (RM20,000), third(RM15,00), fourth (RM10,000) and fifth (RM8,000).

-- BERNAMA

Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2010 launched

Also present at the launch were YAB Dato’ Seri Hj Ahmad Said, Menteri Besar Terengganu, YB Dato’ Haji Mazlan bin Ngah, Terengganu State Secretary and Co-Chairman, Sultan’s Cup Organising Committee and YB Haji Rozi bin Mamat, Terengganu’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Co-Chairman, Sultan’s Cup Organising Committee.

YAB Dato’ Seri Hj Ahmad Said remarked that international sporting events like the Sultan’s Cup draws not only competitors and their managers, crew and supporters but horse owners and horse breeders who are high net-worth individuals as well as veterinarians and equestrian professionals. He believes it augurs well for sports tourism, one of the seven core tourism products of Terengganu. Such events have brought about economic spin-offs to Terengganu, propelling the development and growth of tourism, hospitality industry, infrastructure and human capital.

He added, “I believe the impact of the Sultan’s Cup has spurred the development of the sport of endurance and skills of the people of Terengganu, raised the level of awareness of equestrian sports as well as built a stronger image of Terengganu on the world stage.

“Our aim is to make Terengganu a regional hub for culture, heritage, arts, sports and leisure. And I believe international sporting events can provide a platform for us to realise this goal.

“The Terengganu State Government is very pleased that our state has been placed on the world map as the destination for numerous world-class international sporting events.

“International events such as the Sultan’s Cup not only profile Terengganu as a world-class sports venue, but also provide the opportunity for Terengganu to acquire the necessary experience and expertise to compete for other major sports to be held in Terengganu.”

It was the success of the Sultan’s Cup that won the bid for Malaysia to host the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship which has placed Terengganu on the international endurance circuit. The Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) is now regarded as one of the top endurance villages in the world, further added YAB Dato’ Seri Hj Ahmad Said.

The organisers are expecting 90 riders from 15 countries including Malaysia, to compete for a total prizemoney of RM86,000 in the 120km CEI 2* endurance race. The winner will ride off with RM30,000, the first runner-up will take home RM20,000 while the second runner-up receives RM15,000, and the riders in fourth and fifth place will get RM10,000 and RM8,000 respectively. The rider with the best-conditioned horse will receive a cash prize of RM3,000.

To date, eight countries have confirmed their participation. They are Australia, Chile, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, USA and Uruguay. Representing Malaysia are teams from Ar-Raudah Equine Centre, Kelab Tanjung Keling Riding Centre, Langkawi Endurance Stable, Masterscaff En¬¬durance Team, Penn Endurance Club, Perlis TSAB Stable, Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) and Wilayah Equestrian Team.

Confirmation of participation from, Bahrain, India, Japan, Qatar, South Korea and UAE is expected to come in soon.

Terengganu State Secretary YB Dato’ Haji Mazlan bin Ngah said, “Our objective is to make the Sultan’s Cup 2010 the event of the year. We would like to see the Sultan’s Cup growing from strength to strength and be the event that riders from all over the world will covet an invitation to compete. We are very pleased that Terengganu is taking the lead in developing and growing the sport of endurance in Malaysia.”

The Sultan’s Cup 2010 is an CEI 2* endurance race run over 120km of undulating terrain with a time limit of 12 hours including holding time totalling 210 minutes at the first four vet gates. The race consists of five phases. The first phase is 30km, second phase is 25km, third phase is 20km, fourth is 25km and the fifth and final phase is 20km.

At the vet gates, horses’ heart rates will be checked and must be 64 beat per minute (bpm) within 20 minutes and at the final exam, the heart rate must be 64 bpm within 30 minutes. If the stipulated heart rates are not achieved the horse will be disqualified. The minimum weight for riders is 75 kg.

Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah will flag-off of the 2010 Sultan’s Cup at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) at 5.00pm on Saturday, 6 November.

“I’m very pleased to see an increase in the number of riders and participating countries each year at the Sultan’s Cup. It is certainly an accomplishment for the sport of endurance in Malaysia and for the state of Terengganu. We are all looking forward to the Malaysian teams, particularly the Terengganu riders doing well at the Sultan’s Cup,” said YB Haji Rozi bin Mamat.

He further said, “Befitting the event, the Sultan’s Cup this year will be presented with a fresh ‘look and feel’ to reflect its distinction, the rich cultural heritage of Terengganu and the harmony between the horse and rider. The event theme is based on Songket, the pride of Terengganu, For the very first time, a treasure hunt from Kuala Lumpur to TIEP, named The Songket Trail, is being organised to bring new visitors to the event and Terengganu.

In line with the theme, the carnival at the Sultan’s Cup this year is known as “Karnival Kuda Bersongket’ and visitors will see how a rich heirloom of Terengganu has inspired an international sporting event.

Karnival Kuda Bersongket is designed as a fun day-out for the family and all visitors both young and the not-so-young. In the exciting line-up of activities is an Outdoor Cinema, screening blockbuster movies for two evenings that is being introduced for the first time ever in Terengganu at the Sultan’s Cup.

Visitors will be entertained by popular Malaysian artistes, and children will be delighted with the inflatable games, pony and carriage rides

The annual international endurance race, Sultan’s Cup, organised jointly by the Terengganu State Government and Royal Terengganu Endurance Stables will be held at TIEP, Lembah Bidong, Kuala Terengganu from November 5 to 7, 2010.

Sponsors of the Sultan’s Cup up to date are Sime Darby, AmaSwiss and Mitavite.

Fact Sheet

Date : November 5-7, 2010

Venue : Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP)

Organiser : Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable in collaboration with the Terengganu State Government

Patron : SPB Yang DiPertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin

Participants : 90 riders

Participating Nations : Australia, Bahrain, Chile, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, USA and Uruguay

The Components

* Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge
* Endurance race of 120 km – CEI 2*
* Annual prestigious international equestrian event
* Endorsed by Federation Internationale Equestre (FEI)
* Riders from at least 15 countries including Australia, Chile, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, USA and Uruguay

Karnival Sultan’s Cup

Pavilion Bintang Beralih ~ Entertainment

* Variety Show
* Outdoor Cinema
* Pavilion Bunga Tabur ~ Cultural
* Traditional Games
* Handicraft demos/displays
* Pavilion Benang Emas ~ Cuisine
o International
o Local

Pavilion Unduk-Unduk

* Product stalls
* Horse Games
* Games competition on horseback participated by members of The Malaysian Pony Club from Terengganu
* Prize Presentation Ceremony

The Songket Trail

* Treasure hunt from Kuala Lumpur to TIEP
* Drive new visitors to the event
* Hunters to arrive before first flag-off and to find/solve the last set of treasures/clues related to horses, the event, songket and Terengganu at TIEP
* Expect 100 cars (400 pax) to participate

History of Sultan’s Cup

His Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, a keen horseman, was instrumental in establishing the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge with the main objective of promoting sports tourism in Terengganu.

The first event was organised in 2002 in Sungai Tong, Terengganu over 80 km in accordance to the requisites set by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM). In the following year, the very first Terengganu Endurance Ride was conceived which was held over 80 km at Tasik Kenyir, Kuala Berang, Terengganu.

The success of the 2003 event led to the institution of Terengganu Endurance Ride and in 2004, the first 140 km race was held at Lembah Bidong, the new home for the event. In 2005, the Terengganu Endurance Ride was held over 120 km at Lembah Bidong.

The achievements of the Terengganu Endurance Ride prompted the bid for the FEI World Endurance Championship led by His Majesty Tuanku Mizan and EAM. Malaysia was conditionally awarded the privilege to host the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship, a CEI 3 event over 160 km.

In preparation for the FEI World Endurance Championship, the first 160 km CEI 3 race named the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge was held in November 2006 at Lembah Bidong. One of the most successful rides of the year for Malaysia with a completion rate of 57 per cent, the Sultan’s Cup was the very first trial event in the lead-up to the World Endurance Championship.

The second Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge organised in 2007 served as the trial event for FEI to finalise its decision for Terengganu to host the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008. With a completion rate of 67 per cent, surpassing FEI’s expectations, Terengganu had the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 in the bag.

The success of the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship has placed Malaysia on the top international endurance circuit and established Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) as one of the top endurance villages in the world.

The Sultan’s Cup has since become a fixture on the country’s equestrian calendar and draws riders and visitors from around the world.

Terengganu Endurance Challenge To Feature 90 Riders From 15 Countries

October 9 2010

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2010 from Nov 5-7 in Lembah Bidong, Setiu will feature 90 local and international riders from 15 countries.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the number of participation was a 50 per cent increase compared with the number of rider when the race was incepted in 2006.

"Apart from participants, the Endurance Race has also attracted the attention of equestrian sport lovers, horse owners, breeders and veterinary doctors in the country.

"It will certainly increase the number of tourists to Terengganu and boost economic revenue from tourism," he told reporters after launching the event at Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa, Pulau Duyong here Saturday.

"The championship not only glorifies Terengganu but it is also a stepping stone for riders to enter internationally acclaimed endurance races.

Ahmad said the challenge would offer RM100,000 in prize money while young local riders .

He added that organizing such events was in line with the state's objective to turn Terengganu into a hub for traditional, cultural, arts, sports and recreational activities in the region.