Two U.S. riders have been invited to participate in the February 17 FEI*** 160-km HH The President of the UAE Endurance Cup ride in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) top-ranked endurance riders, Susan Summers, riding Mags Motivator, and Dr. Meg Sleeper, DVM, riding Shyrocco Troilus, will make the trip to Abu Dhabi to compete at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

A strong field of UAE and international riders is expected to take part in the eightth edition of the prestigious ride. The competitors for 2007 will once again be looking to end the UAE’s stranglehold on the Cup, which has so far been won only by UAE riders.

The prestigious 160-km ride started in 2000 with 14 national and international riders. In 2006, 80 riders from 19 countries participated. The United States is regularly invited to send riders. In 2006, World Endurance Champions Valerie Kanavy and Danielle McGunial represented the United States on their horses, Iron Man Gold and Bull, but were vetted out in the fourth loop.

The 160-km ride is jointly organized by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and the Emirates International Endurance Village under the patronage of Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs. Mohammed Al Sayed, Chairman of the Emirates International Endurance Committee (EIEC), called the ride, "The Jewel of the Middle East." He continued, “This is one of the toughest rides on the world circuit. The course is famous for the notorious Tora Bora, a switchback of rolling sand dunes that challenges both the visiting, as well as local, riders."

The United States Equestrian Federation is the Governing Body of U.S. endurance competition at the international level. The American Endurance Ride Conference is the national affiliate of endurance in the U.S. and governs the sport at the national level. For more information about the U.S. endurance team and the 2006 selection process, contact USEF Director of Endurance Programs, Vonita Bowers by e-mail at [email protected] or call (908) 563-0732.


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