Boudheib Endurance Season Opener Puts the Welfare of the Horse First

The Boudheib Initiative - Driving the Future of Endurance

120k FEI Winner, Maria Cecilia Sebben Perez on Lobita

26 November 2017, Boudheib, UAE ~ The first event of the 2017-2018 endurance season incorporating the Boudheib Initiative got underway at the Boudheib International Endurance Village outside of Abu Dhabi from 23-24 November 2017 with over 101 horses starting in the day one, 120km Open CEI** Al Ain Endurance Cup.

The idea to take back endurance and guard the welfare of the horse by reducing speeds to limit injuries on the endurance tracks is called the Boudheib Initiative and is sponsored enthusiastically by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nayhan. The Boudheib endurance track features stretches of natural desert that work best if taken at the speeds recommended.

On the natural track

The two-day November program also included: 40km CEN & 80km CEN qualifiers, 80km CEI*, 120km JYR** & a 120 CEI**, and an 10km special introductory ride for young riders on Friday 24th.

The Boudheib Endurance Challenge Award (BECA) has gained in popularity and the winning team for 23 November was from the Faisal bin Zaal Pvt Stables taking the first 4 places. Congratulations to the trainer, Faisal Saeed Al Dhaheri and his riders for their understanding that you can win in grand style whilst caring for the welfare of your horse. The four finished the FEI ride in 12, 13, 14 and 15 place while maintaining an overall average speed of 16.317 kmph to 16.315 kph. The 5th BECA place went to #93 Lobita, ridden by Maria Cecilia Sebben Perez, winner of the FEI division with an average speed of 18.767km/h.