Plans for a new cutting-edge permanent equestrian location confirmed post event Activities build on area’s rich heritage, improving infrastructure and developing local capabilities
AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – March 20, 2023:
The successful staging of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, the fourth edition of Saudi Arabia’s flagship endurance race, is further evidence of AlUla’s capabilities as a world-class destination for international sporting events.
The 120km event was part of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)’s wider equine strategy to further develop AlUla as a world-class equestrian destination which offers activities for all levels, and also builds on local capabilities and engagement with equestrian activities.
Following the event, the RCU will further develop the facilities at Fursan Village, an interim equestrian venue, ahead of the completion of the new AlMuatadil Equestrian Village, a 285-hectare dedicate equestrian area.
The Fursan Village location will be activated as a semi-permanent location with facilities including 60 climate-controlled stables with wash bays, horse walkers, lunge pens, polo arena, vet clinic, forge, warehouse, and staff accommodation for 24-hour care of horses on site. ..
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http://www.endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2023CustodianofTwoHolyMosques/#AlUlaCredential
by Merri Melde-Endurance.net
Lily Creek Kong, aka Kong
by Dante X Lily Creek My Secret, by Lafayette
13-year-old half Shagya, half Trakhener/ Thoroughbred gelding
owned by Cameron Holzer Gaytko
2885 AERC Miles
14 100-mile completions
27 Best Condition awards
24 Wins
Decade Team
When you watch Cameron Holzer and Kong flying down the Endurance trails, you can’t help but notice what a beautifully integrated team they are, and what a machine Kong is. They’ve entered their 11th Endurance season together, but don’t let his sweet disposition on the ground fool you. None of it was easy in the beginning.
Cameron got Kong from Michelle Mattingley as a 3-year-old stallion with a goal of eventing on him. “Michelle had been trying to sell him for a while,” Cameron explains, “and he wasn’t selling so she told me about him. I decided to take my chances on him.”
Cameron had him gelded, and even then, “He was a very bad boy and had to go to a trainer to start under saddle. He got kicked out of his first trainer. Was there two months. Bucked him off everyday for a month...
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http://www.endurance.net/FeaturedStories/#Kong