Over 200 entries, foreign riders and a very pleasant atmosphere were the highlights of the 2009 edition of Haras Endurance International, which is already a traditional occasion. To the organizers of the sport, an event with 200 entrants demonstrates the potential and the growth of endurance in the country; to leading endurance riders, the presence of 4 Portuguese equestrians afforded them the opportunity to learn and to exchange experiences and the large number of Arab representatives, an opportunity to make contacts and to sell horses; and to all those that practice the sport, a pleasant, competitive and amicable atmosphere made the competition an enjoyable event. In the latter item, the massage and the fruit offered by the organization were the culminating points.

In the 160km race, Nick Lins became champion for the first time and had the pleasure of seeing his horse – NNL San Ray – be the first animal to win the Roberto Fernandes trophy awarded for the long-distance Best Condition, for the second time. In the 120km race the highlight was the 52 entrants in the two categories, won by Jorge Henrique Ribeiro and Rafaela Moreira Barreto. Ranking 6th in the adult category, Pedro Godinho – Portuguese champion 2008 – was the first foreigner to complete the ride.

On Saturday, after the medium and short races, there was a presentation of the stallions and dams of the Haras followed by a barbeque featuring Kobe Beef bred on the actual farm, one of the only ones in the country with purebred Wagyu cattle. During the festivities, Léo Steinbruch announced the unprecedented events for the 2010 edition of the race: a 20kms competition for horses over 18 years of age to celebrate Saad ibn Syed’s 20th birthday and a car as a prize to the champion of the long distance race! Be prepared!