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August 1, 2007 --- Y Not Farms and Equestrian Centre of Meaford, ON was host to the only 100 mile FEI endurance ride held in Canada this year, the Spirit of Excellence 100 Mile CEI 3*, held July 19 in Meaford, ON. Ruth Sturley of Owen Sound, ON was the first Canadian to cross the finish line for third place, with a ride time of 10 hours, 45 minutes and 40 seconds. Sturley and her 2006 World Equestrian Games partner, the 14-year-old Arabian gelding RBF Super Sport raced to the finish line, coming in a mere second after second place finisher Meg Sleeper of the USA, and only 11 minutes behind the winner, fellow American Kathy Brunjes. “Meg and I were racing neck in neck to the finish, when Sport saw the trailer and decided to head that way. That gave Meg a chance to get a stride ahead of us, and that made all the difference,” explained Sturley, who had been training for the event since December. Equally prestigious as winning the race is the Best Condition award, which was awarded to Sturley’s horse RBF Super Sport. “Sport is in the best condition that he has ever been in. He looks so strong and healthy, and I felt that he was really ready to do well,” said Sturley.  The Spirit of Excellence also hosted the first CEI YR2* ever held in Canada. Exclusively for Young Riders, the top honours went to Nicole Laforge of Barrie, ON and her seven-year-old Arabian gelding Adidas. Finishing four minutes after Laforge’s winning time of five hours, 54 minutes and 20 seconds was Jessica Hendricks on Blacks Barts Deniro, a nine-year-old Arabian gelding. In the FEI J2* division, Junior rider Cadence MacKinnon of Flesherton, ON and her five-year-old grade gelding Snickers completed the grueling 50 Mile ride in eight hours and 42 minutes to earn the win. “This was a great opportunity to promote the sport of Endurance in Canada, and we are honored to have hosted the first CEI YR2* in Canada,” commented Ron Lubinski, who co-owns Y-Not Farms and Equestrian Centre along with his wife Gillian. In addition to the CEI 3* competition, an FEI Endurance Officials clinic was also held on July 17, giving the opportunity for Endurance Judges, Technical Delegates, Stewards and Veterinarians to maintain, or aim to receive promotion to their FEI Officials status. The clinic was well attended with 11 people participating, including Neil Abrahams, the Director of Racing for the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation. “A very diverse group gathered for the FEI Course for Candidate Judges, Veterinarians and Stewards,” commented Ruth Carlson, Chair of the Endurance Canada Officials’ Committee. Carlson is also the Interim Chair for the FEI Endurance Committee, a Level ‘O’ 4* FEI Official, and an FEI Course Director. “We had some wonderful stories and experiences to share, and although quite a full day, it was very productive and enlightening.” About Endurance Canada
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