Endurance - Lombardy Championships, Alzate Brianza

Last year at Alzate Brianza, Damysus made his debut in the 30km class and was the only horse to run barefoot.  He completed the race well but a little tired.  This year after his great success at Torgnon in the 60km class much was expected of him here in his second 60km race.  The first lap was almost perfect and Damysus was one of only a handful of horses to finish at the ideal speed of 15km/h.  But, the pace was perhaps a bit much for him and he did not have enough energy to keep it up on the second lap.  As a result he finished just outside the permitted time and did not place.  Fortunately, the final vet check revealed no problems nor did the post-race blood test.  Damysus will return to show-jumping and his second 60km race will be attempted next year, he is a young horse and we have plenty of time for qualifications.

Miskhan was also entered into the 60km race as a training session for his first planned International race and to keep company for Damysus.  Unfortunately he was eliminated after the first lap for lameness.  Blood tests straight after the race revealed no particular problem so we can only presume he put his foot down badly over part of the technical course.  Sadly this will delay his first International race.

We were very privileged to have with us two very experienced international Akhal-Teke endurance riders to help with the assistance, Michele van Kasteren and Markus Hubmann.  We hope to be be able to host them again on a more propitious occasion!