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Asia reigns top in World Endurance Championship
At least 10,000 people watched the start of the endurance ride and that is unique, says official.
- By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:02 November 9, 2008
- Riders take part in the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, which has been hailed a success.
- Image Credit: Image courtesy: Gilly Wheeler
Terengganu, Malaysia: A colourful ceremony brought the curtain down on the World Endurance Championship as officials hailed the 'no casualty' event a success in tropical Malaysia - one of the toughest environments for riders and horses.
The King of Malyasia Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abideen Bin Al Marhum Sultan Mahmoud who took part in the 160-km endurance ride in which the UAE reigned supreme with a team gold, graced the prize distribution ceremony on Sunday and a gala dinner function was later held.
Later, speaking to Gulf News, Ian Williams, the FEI Director for Non-Olympic equestrian sport, said Malaysia confirmed the global status of endurance.
"A lot of people were sceptical about this championship because of the tropical climate. But the teams took on board the challenges and addressed them and we saw some high levels of horsemanship. I think this event has proved that endurance is a truly global discipline," said the FEI official.
"We are always keen to look at developing nations to host the championships once we are satisfied with the facilities. And Malaysia has proved it. We had 10,000 people watch the start of the ride and that is unique.
"With Korea looking to get involved in endurance, Japan already an endurance nation, Thailand staging their first ride last month, India looking to launch endurance soon and Indonesia also showing interest, we have a great region here in Asia," said Williams.
Derek Liebenberg, the Chief Steward said despite the slight glitches it was a huge success.
"There was no horse in distress and to me that is the hallmark of a good championship," the South African said.
"We had 48 complete out of the 126 and that is the best percentage wise in all championships so far. In fact this is about the toughest conditions that one get and everybody was concerned. But I am pleased with the great work done by the veterinary panel," he added.
Commenting on the success of the seven vet gates that were in place, Liebenberg said it proved to be better for horses and said other championships should try and do the same as it finally boiled down to the welfare of the horse.
Liebenberg also said that the world championships should be moved around and not restricted to a few continents and countries.
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