While the outcome of the Abu Dhabi Presidents Cup wasn't what the girls expected, the experience was everything and more.
With 132 starters, and with the winners finishing the FEI*** 160-km race in 6:07.08 at an average speed of 26.14 km/h, Jessica DiCamillo and Devan Horn concentrated on their own ride, concentrating on their objective of 16 mph (10 mi/h). Jessica rode DJB Black Al Badi (aka Diesel) owned by Darolyn Butler, and Devan Horn rode CJS Maverick owned by Ceci Butler and Jason Stasiuk.
It wasn't to be for Devan early in the ride: "Maverick and I unfortunately retired after 40 miles for a slight front end lameness, but we did such a good job while we were riding! Jessica and I were literally in last place and maintaining our goal of 10 mph."
Ceci Butler-Stasiuk also participated in the ride on a horse owned by Shaikha Madiya al-Maktoum, but it was not to be for Ceci either. Her horse was eliminated for lameness at gate 2.
The USA contingent of grooms and friends and parents had high hopes for Jessica and Diesel finishing, but the gelding was eliminated on metabolics at the next to last gate 5.
The eliminations didn't dampen their enthusiasm for this biggest ride in Abu Dhabi, which for the first time invited Young Riders from around the world. Devan said, "[Jessica and I] and all of our crew had an amazing time and such a wonderful experience here in Abu Dhabi. I'd like to thank all of our crew and everyone who helped us get here! I am so lucky to have gotten the chance to come over and ride!"
2/15/13 - Devan
Alright!!! The horses are all checked in soundly, the riders are getting to sleep, and tomorrow is the big day! We will try to ride together for at least the first couple of loops and then see where the day goes. Both of us really want to finish and are looking forward to having a day that is ridiculously slow to the locals (but something to be proud of for us!). Wish Jessica, Diesel, Devan, Maverick, and all of our great crew luck for tomorrow’s 100 mile desert dash!
2/15/13 - Devan
Yesterday we rode in the morning and then went to Ferrari world! It was a really cool amusement park and Ferrari museum! Also, the day before we explored the premier water park they just finished building on Yas Island, which was great as well. Last night was the desert party! I ate shwarma and rode camels and held falcons and got a henna tattoo and belly danced!
2/15/13 - Devan
Yesterday we rode in the morning and then went to Ferrari world! It was a really cool amusement park and Ferrari museum! Also, the day before we explored the premier water park they just finished building on Yas Island, which was great as well. Last night was the desert party! I ate shwarma and rode camels and held falcons and got a henna tattoo and belly danced!
2/14/13 - Jason
Hello everybody in our wonderful, crazy beautiful endurance family. Well boys went out on their last 12K training ride today and looked stronger and better than ever. We put their new Renegade Hoof Boots (AKA Horsey Sneakers) on this evening and tucked them in for the night. Have pre race vet in tomorrow between 2:00 and 3:00 pm and from there just fight off the butterflies until the start. Wish us luck.
2/14/13 - Devan
Yesterday was another day in paradise: We got out to the horses and took a bit of a faster ride about 5 miles or so and both horses felt amazing, again. When we got back and trotted out, Maverick leapt with all four feet into the Arabian Sky. He is feeling so good!!! In the evening we picked up my Dad from the Dubai Airport and then went to Global Village, a kind of world fair in the desert when I got a cool pair of Burberry heels (knockoffs!). Tonight is the desert party!
2/13/13 - Jason
I hand walked / jogged the boys today. Dr. Andrew came out and drew blood today just to check up on their hydration levels and make sure everything is where its supposed to be. It brings us one day closer to the race. I really thing they boys are enjoying all the attention they are getting. They kinda feel like rockstars
2/13/13 - Jason
Two more days to the Presidents Cup. The horses are looking fabulous. Went out and did a nice and easy 12k this morning. I will hand walk them this afternoon while the girls go see the sites and enjoy their time in UAE.
2/12/13 - Devan
Another update: Today Jessica DiCamillo and I had our first ride in the desert, and both horses were full of it! Diesel tested Jessica by bucking a little but they both bonded well. Maverick just wants to GO! We are both feeling so good we just wanted to keep riding today! We did about 3 miles and will do another 2 tonight. Tomorrow we will walk them and then start our social agenda. Other riders are coming to the hotel now (Germany, France, England, Spain)!
2/12/13 - Jason
So we are days away from the Presidents Cup. The horses (CJS Maverick, and DJB Black Ali Badi) look and feel fabulous. Our young riders, Jessica Di Camillo, and Devan Horn, are anticipating the race and are primed and ready. Looks like we have a couple of great horses with a couple of great riders. We will keep ya'll posted on events in the next couple of days.
2/11/13 - Darolyn
Arrived last nite in Dubai, sheika MADIYA sent a driver to the airport to guide me back to her house in my rent car. Space and time does not allow me to describe how that redevoux worked, but we got together and ended up in the desert at madiya's ranch. This is the Sheika that Ceci has been riding for. The next morn at 6 am I started my drive to Abu Dhabi to met up with devan, Jessica, Ceci , and Jason. One more small miracle..made it to the eastern mangrove hotel by 7:15. Had a great BF at hotel,then out to barn to feed and shave the horses. Made a side trip to the camel souk, bought supplies like honey, date syrup, carrots, coconut oil, and. Mango drinks. Yes, of course I bought my standard camel reins for back home. Now back at hotel for late luck. More later
2/10/13 - Devan
Today was amazing! ♥ We got up early and spent a lot of time with the horses, who got fluids and baths and extra feed today (but no riding yet). Both of them are looking great! After watching the racing camels warm up for the day we relaxed by the pool (yes, in our Western Bikinis!) for a few hours, and then went to the Equestrian Club to watch the Darby Cup! Jessica DiCamillo and I even got to ride in the vet’s car and ride next to the horses while they raced! We somehow ended up in the winner’s circle and got to see all of the horses up close, what a great experience! Tomorrow brings even more excitement, our first ride in the desert (just a short one), clipping the horses, and then exploring Abu Dhabi!!!
2/9/13 - Jessica
Hey!!!!! We [are] in Abu Dhabi!!!! WOW!!!!!!! It is awesome!!!! Had a good flight, all flight attendants and [captain] wished me happy birth!!!!! :)!!!! We [are] in Hotel, which [is] amazing!!!!! Everything included! I don't have to worry about not liking food!!! They have everything!!!! We get to see horses tomorrow and ride then the next day!!! Tomorrow adventure is riding in that gogo car that follows race track horses around the track!!! Get the schedule of events tomorrow!!!
2/9/13 - Devan
After and amazingly enjoyable flight and a hassle-free trip through Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I am laying in my hotel room getting ready to go to dinner with Jessica and Karen (and Jason, if we can find him!) I feel like a princess, all of the accommodations are so grand and different and tasteful! We are staying at the Eastern Mangrove Hotel, which is lovely! I am so, so happy to be here and this is only the first evening!
2/8/13 - Devan
TODAY IS THE DAY!!! The horses will arrive tonight in Dubai, and we are about to go to the airport! 10 days in Abu Dhabi, and a 100 mile race across the desert. I will try to post onto facebook when I can, and have Dad do some updates during race day! I can't believe this is really happening, I AM SO EXCITED!!!!
USA Young Riders Jessica DiCamillo of New Mexico and Devan Horn of Texas arrived in Abu Dhabi on February 9th in anticipation of riding in the February 16th 160-km Presidents Cup. Jessica will be riding DJB Black Al Badi (aka Diesel), owned by Darolyn Butler, and Devan will be riding CJS Maverick, owned by Jason and Ceci Butler-Stasiuk. Ceci has been in the UAE the last couple of weeks, riding in endurance races on horses owned by Shaikha Madiya.
"Jason and the ponies arrived safely and in very good health," Ceci said this morning. "And so did the rest of the of the young U.S. team!!! They where both bright & bushytailed after such a long trip!! We are all very privileged to be here as an endurance family."
Ceci will also ride in the Presidents Cup on one of Shaikha Madiya's horses, where over 200 entries are expected.
The horse Jessica DiCamillo was scheduled to ride in the Abu Dhabi Presidents Cup on February 16, RGS SHA Strike Two, cannot travel due to European restrictions. Instead, she will be riding DJB Black AL Bodi (aka Diesel), owned by Darolyn Butler.
Tuesday January 29 2013
She's no stranger to hard work: juggling working at home on the cattle ranch and horse farm with full-time study as a Junior on a scholarship in Ag business at New Mexico State University.
Describing herself as a "true cowgirl to the bone," she's no stranger to horses: riding by herself since she was 4 years old, breaking horses and working them on the ranch, and, there's that side hobby of endurance riding in her spare time.
At 19, Jessica DiCamillo of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has already logged over 5500 AERC miles, and racked up 17 wins, including the 2008 North American Young Riders FEI 75 miler on her horse RGS Crestwind Premiere that she broke in. At age 15 it was her first time to participate in the Young Riders. She's completed 6 100-mile rides, the first one at the age of 12. 1210 AERC miles in 2004 earned Jessica the Junior AERC National Mileage Championship, and with the combined AERC miles of her mother Karen, the duo earned the 2004 Bill Thornburgh Family Award.
Sunday January 27 2013
It's a rare thrilling experience for any international endurance rider to get an invitation to ride in the Presidents Cup Endurance Race in Abu Dhabi, but for Young Rider Devan Horn of Texas, it's an endurance dream come true. "I'm beyond excited!" the 19-year-old says. "I haven't slept in 3 days!"
Devan will partner with Jason and Ceci Butler-Stasiuk's CJS Maverick for the 160-km race on February 16th, which is known for its tough course in the sand (and often heat and dust storms), its large number of participants (usually over 100 starters), and its record-breaking finish times (6:21.35 in 2012, 6:25.13 in 2011, 6:21.12 in 2010). CJS Maverick is a 9-year-old National Show Horse (3/4 Arabian, 1/4 Saddlebred) with a record of 650 AERC miles, and 11 completions in 16 starts, with 3 Best Condition awards.
It's an unusual move for the race's Organizing Committee. Normally, invitees are senior international riders who had not previously competed in Abu Dhabi; this year the decision was made to invite Young Riders to compete with the seniors. Reportedly, 16 foreign Young Riders have been asked to participate. Travel expenses are paid for a rider, horse, and groom.
USA Young Riders Devan Horn 19, from the AERC Central region, and Jessica Dicamillo from the AERC Southwest region, have been invited to participate in the 2013 HH The President of the UAE Endurance Cup in Abu Dhabi on February 16. The FEI CEI*** 160 km race will take place at Emirates International Endurance Village.
Devan will be riding CJS Maverick, owned by Ceci and Jason Stasiuk, a 9-year-old National Show Horse gelding. Jessica will ride RGS SHA Strike Two, owned by her mother Karen Binns-DiCamillo.
It will be the first time Young Riders from around the world will be participating in the Abu Dhabi race.
16th January 2013 in Sport By Adam Summers
ENDURANCE GB Young Rider squad member, Dace Sainsbury, has been invited to compete in the FEI 3* 160km President’s Cup Endurance ride in Abu Dhabi on February 16.
The Lyme Regis teenager and her horse Balotta were the highest-placed British horse and rider at the 2012 European Young Rider Endurance Championships where they finished in 12th place.
Sainsbury will be the only UK-based British rider to take part in the gruelling race.
Just 13 riders from across the world are invited to take part each year in the prestigious event, in addition to a large number of local riders and members of the Emirate Royal family...
Read more here:
http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/sport/10162255.Dace___s_desert_date_for_President___s_Cup/