Facing up to the Fauresmith Endurance Ride

Elmarie van Wyk and El-Qahira Rashiq
(Photo : Vuma Horsefeeds)

Fauresmith in the Free State Province is best known for its legendary Endurance ride. Started more than 30 years ago with only a handful of riders competing, Fauresmith now attracts over 300 riders from all over Southern Africa.

The ride tests the stamina and fitness of riders and horses as they traverse 201 km’s of tough terrain in the Free State winter over three days.

The first two days are ridden over 74km’s and the last day over 54km’s. Following each stage of the ride, there is a compulsory veterinary inspection. Riders have 20 minutes following arrival to present their horse.

The regular inspections by the line veterinarians ensure early recognition and treatment of any metabolic problems associated with an endurance ride. Any horse considered by the vets to be stressed or unsound is immediately disqualified.

The preparation for such a race is of utmost importance, ensuring maximum fitness and stamina through correct training and optimal nutrition.

The 2009 race starts on 7 July and ends on 9 July and this year Vuma Feeds will be watching a pair of our Vuma Powered clients with keen interest; Elmarie van Wyk and El-Qahira Rashiq are setting out for their first attempt at Fauresmith in the light-weight category.

El-Qahira Rashiq is a young Arab Stallion and he is currently fed on Vuma 10%, Vuma VO3 Max Oil and Strike R8. The pair has been extremely successful in their run-up races and we will be behind them all the way!

Vuma Feeds is proud to be a part of the Endurance community and we wish all competitors an exceptional Fauresmith 2009 – We love to feed your Champions!