Akhal-Teke Endurance

Torgnon is the high point of the Italian Endurance season and at over 2000m it is also the highest race in the Italian endurance calendar.  The low oxygen levels at this altitude put particular stress on the horses and also on unprepared riders; tragically in the past this stunningly beautiful course has seen fatalities.

This year Torgnon hosted one 3* international race, two 2* international races, one 1* race and the 90km, 60km and 30km regional races too.  In all 141 horses participated.

Medeus competed one horse in this our first year at Torgnon.  We chose to bring our young stallion Damysus who had never been anywhere near this altitude in his life, had had limited training on mountainous terrrain and was yet to race 60km.  He was also the youngest horse in his category.

His results were fantastic, he stormed through to a superb 3rd place with a heart rate of 37.  Of particular significance is the fact that he was the only horse in his or in any of the higher categories with an absolutely perfect veterinary card (the fact that he did not win the best condition award shows the prejudice we still have to overcome).  Nonetheless, Damysus has put the Italian endurance world on notice that the undisputed reign of the Arabian horses will soon come to an end!

PERFECTION