First endurance qualifying race kicks off in Barka with 65 horses

BARKA: The first qualifying endurance ride of 2025-26 season, organised by Oman Equestrian and Racing Federation (OERF), began on Thursday at the Endurance Village in the Wilayat of Barka with the participation of 65 horses from across the Sultanate of Oman.
The qualifying rides included two distances: 40 km and 80 km, the veterinary inspection began at 2:30 pm to ensure the health and readiness of the horses, while the official start was made at 4:30 pm. The two rides were run under the same regulations, with a maximum heart rate limit of 56 beats per minute, a minimum speed of 14 km and a maximum speed of 16 km/h.
Khalid bin Mohammed al Saifi, Director of Equestrian Activities at the OERF, emphasised the importance of this opening event, saying “launching the endurance season with such a strong participation reflects the growing interest in this discipline. We have worked hard to provide an environment that allows riders and horses to perform at their best. These qualifying races are not only about competition but also about nurturing new talent and preparing them for higher level championships, which enhances Oman’s standing in regional and international arenas”.
Saeed bin Khamis al Balushi, member of the Endurance Committee, explained that the federation has placed special focus on organisation and safety. “We have prepared the course and facilities to ensure fair conditions for all participants, the aim is to set a high standard at the beginning of the season and create a safe environment for both horses and riders”.

Rider Ibrahim bin Issa al Balushi expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the ride, saying “Qualifying events like this are very important for us, they allow us to test our horses’ readiness before the bigger championships, I hope this season brings success for all riders and teams”.
Trainer Mohammed bin Hamoud al Balushi highlighted the importance of gradual preparation. “Endurance training requires patience and consistency, our focus is on stamina and conditioning so that horses can perform safely and effectively in longer rides”.
Trainer Saeed bin Salem al Balushi emphasised teamwork, stating, “these events show that Omani riders have great ambition, success comes when trainers, riders and owners work together as one team and that spirit is what will take us forward”.
Meanwhile, trainer Mohammed bin Hassan al Balushi pointed to the mental aspect of competition. “The psychological readiness of the rider is just as important as the horse’s fitness, supporting the rider with confidence and focus is part of our role as coaches, especially at the start of a demanding season”.
According to officials, another qualifying event is expected to be scheduled soon, before the season moves on to the highly anticipated 100 km endurance races, these longer rides will mark the beginning of the core endurance season, testing both the stamina of the horses and the determination of the riders.
With strong participation in this opening qualifier, the 2025-26 endurance season is set to offer a competitive atmosphere and prepare Omani riders for greater challenges at both regional and international levels.