Endurance Racing in Qatar
Young horses, often ex-flat Arab racehorses, are gradually brought up to fitness with exercise, and start off with endurance rides of 60 km, which are then increased to 80, a 100 and so on. Riders are licensed by their home countries, and are graded on their results, travelling all over Europe to compete, as well as to Australia where this is a major riding sport.
The vast majority of the horses are owned, trained and ridden by different people. Many are owned by members of the Royal Family and, of course, by the Al Shaqab Endurance Team which is essentially the Emir, Sheikh Hamad al Khalifa Al Thani.
Horses are assessed at various stages during the ride, with water stops for both horse and rider at 5km intervals. Vet. assessments start at at 30km, then at 20 km intervals of 20 minutes maximum duration. The veterinarian will check the heart and metabolic rate, hydration test and assess mucus and gum conditions before allowing the horse and rider to continue. A super fit horse can complete a 100km. ride with a minimum stay at each stop, and at a steady canter for the duration. Less fit animals require that the rider himself dismounts and runs with the horse to give him a rest!
Sometimes both horse and rider need the full twenty minutes recovery time and still do not pass the strict fitness requirements.
To quote well known and very experienced senior rider Maggie Mieske on endurance riding in Qatar:
"It’s fast. Very fast. It’s flat ... Very flat. It’s racing, pure and simple."
Qatar has built an entire centre - the Endurance Village, located on the road out to Sealine, to ensure it continues to excel in this tough and demanding sport. In 2006 the village at Mesaieed was enlarged to host the Asian Endurance competition.
The Endurance village welcomes visitors, and it is a pleasure to see such well kept and conditioned animals living in luxury. Rides start early in the mornings, usually on a Saturday and the course is a loop of firm fast track. You are welcome to come and see these superbly fit riders and horses perform!
The cache is placed on one of the Endurance Racecourses. You could get there in a saloon car if you stick to the tracks.
More information here