Shifting  Sands of Time

The Boudheib Initiative (BI), now entering its third year since creation, has gained momentum far exceeding initial expectations.  When His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi first introduced the BI rules, he foresaw only changes for the UAE, but the international endurance world have embraced Sheikh Sultan's unerring efforts with open arms in order to put the 'welfare of the endurance horse' at its heart and help return the sport of endurance back to its ethical roots.

The Boudheib Initiative protocol has come a long way.  Sheikh Sultan & his BI Committee have invested much time in an effort to understand the needs of different terrains both home and away, whilst considering rider ability and age and fitness of participating horses. 

The BECA (Boudheib Endurance Challenge Award) rules, implemented to reward good horsemanship and sportsmanship, are now cast in stone with less emphasis on speed reduction, as this has naturally occurred thanks to the stringent rule of 56bpm heart rate (variable in some international locations) with a presentation time of 10 minutes.  In most well thought out trails in the majority of environments, the 20km per hour rule is difficult to surpass, thus keeping competition competitive whilst ensuring horse wellbeing.

Last month at Boudheib International Endurance Village  (BIEV) first endurance rides of the UAE 2017/18 season, a new awareness came into force with a notable shift in perception from local trainers, including some of the top UAE endurance stables, who are impressed to see the benefits from training their horses using Boudheib's natural forestry tracks, allowing them to gain a greater understanding of the fitness & potential of their horses using the BECA protocol which in turn aids their training for different terrains at both local and international competitions. 

Riders are enjoying the open spaces with no cars or trainers to be seen, allowing them to efficiently partner & enjoy their horses whilst appreciating nature's desert at its most glorious.  We are also delighted to note that in the last 2 years a rise in the standards of riding and the care and quality of horses competing. 

This all adds up to one thing:  Boudheib Initiative is making its mark and it's here to stay!

Unique to Boudheib International Endurance Village (BIEV), Abu Dhabi

• Natural tracks have been introduced, slowing the speed whilst keeping rides competitive and so much more enjoyable for both horse & rider.
• No cars or trainers are allowed on the natural tracks, allowing the riders to partner their horses in the manner for which endurance is intended.
• Cameras have been placed at the Vet inspection areas to ensure no lame horses are passed, eliminating possible pressure put on vets by insistent riders & trainers to pass their horses and also preventing vets from favoring horses if they are not fit to continue.  (The camera film is kept for one month in case of any later recourse).
• Cameras mounted in the rest areas to discourage untoward treatments being given to horses in quiet corners.
• There have been no leg fractures recorded in the last 2 years.
• The clinic is always virtually empty during BIEV rides, and those who enter are quickly treated and sent home the same day fully recovered.
• 10km & 20km rides dedicated to young riders entering the world of endurance - ensuring, through education, the future wellbeing of the horse.

article & photos by Leigh Young

BOUDHEIB INITIATIVE - DRIVING THE FUTURE OF ENDURANCE
www.boudheib.ae
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