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Elephant Polo |
Posted:
11/11/2010 5:00:00 AM |
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If you thought regular polo was exciting, think again!
The World Elephant Polo Association (WEPA) will hold the 29th World Elephant Polo Championship in Chitwan National Park, Nepal from November 28th to December 4th, 2010. The equipment is similar to regular polo, with a standard polo ball and a six to nine foot cane with a polo mallet on the end. Two people ride each elephant, which is guided by a mahout (a person who ‘drives’ the same elephant from an early age).
Although elephant polo was first played in India at the start of the 19th century the modern game originated in Nepal, where the World Championships are held each year. The WEPA enforces strict rules regarding both elephant welfare and game play. While the annual event in Nepal is an official tournament of the WEPA, other organizations also hold elephant polo matches. One such organization is the Ceylon Elephant Polo Association, who has not held a match since February 2007 when an elephant went on a rampage during a game and injured two players and destroyed the minibus of the Spanish team. And some people worry about horses! |
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Hoof it to Health |
Posted:
11/9/2010 5:00:00 AM |
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The British Equestrian Federation has started a program; Hoof it to Health, to promote horseback riding among the UK’s citizens. The program’s aims include a campaign to get more people involved in equestrian sports following the London 2012 Olympics. Hoof it to Health states that horseback riding spurs many physical benefits in its participants, including:
-Improved balance and muscular strength -Improved eye-hand coordination -Increased range of motion in joints -Improved respiration and circulation -Improved coordination, faster reflexes and increased motor planning -Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
They also note the socio-emotional benefits of horseback riding:
- Improved self-confidence - Improved risk taking abilities - Development of patience - Emotional self-control and discipline - Development of respect and care for animals
Any friend of Hidden Trails will know these benefits are in addition to general enjoyment, time spent outside, great way to meet new people and an excellent and eco-friendly mode of transportation! Can you list some other benefits of horseback riding?
For more information on Hoof it Health, and other studies and statistics about the benefits of equestrian sports, visit their website at http://www.hoof-in-town.com/health/index.php |
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Washington International Horse Show, October 26 - 31, 2010 |
Posted:
10/26/2010 5:00:00 AM |
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Starting today, it's the Washington International Horse Show at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.! If you’re in the area stop by to check out all the events for children and adults. Running through Halloween, this show offers tons of happenings including Washington’s World of the Horse. Introduced in 2009, this special event runs for 60 minutes and features horses of all types performing a variety of exhibitions from show jumping to Western events, driving and lots more. Good luck to all the competitors!
More information on their website: http://www.wihs.org/index.php
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Horse hockey? Say it ain’t so… |
Posted:
10/26/2010 5:00:00 AM |
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Everyone knows how much we Canadians love our hockey, but is this taking it too far? At next month’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, former NHL players will be saddling up for games of – wait for it – horse hockey. Yes, that’s right. The world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show will be paying homage to Canada’s national sport as something resembling a mix of hockey and polo entertains spectators.
If you’re lucky enough to be the area, please go check it out and report back. And don’t forget to try the chocolate covered bacon: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/agriculture/horse-hockey-with-ex-nhlers-featured-at-royal-agricultural-winter-fair-105687943.html.
Official fair website: http://royalfair.org/ |
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World Equestrian Games in Kentucky 2010 |
Posted:
10/22/2010 5:00:00 AM |
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The World Equestrian Games in Kentucky 2010 were a full success. Riders competed in eight equestrian sports on a world championship level. The games are only held every four years and this year they were held in Kentucky from September 25 to October 10. 16 days of excellent competitions and over 500.000 visitors came. Take a look at the official website at: http://www.alltechfeigames.com/default.aspx?ekmensel=c580fa7b_8_10_btnlink
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Horse Welfare on MTV |
Posted:
10/22/2010 5:00:00 AM |
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Who says today's youth doesn’t care?! Maybe those people haven't been watching MTV's newest show, World of Jenks. It follows documentary maker Andrew Jenks as he inserts himself into the lives of others. One of those individuals happens to be 23 year-old Floridian Brogan, who risks her life daily to preserve the welfare of horses and prevent their illegal selling and butchering. If you're interested in the episode, you can watch it for free on mtv.ca (in Canada) or mtv.com (in the US). Just look under 'Shows' for 'World of Jenks'. It's episode number 5, called "Freedom's Flight". It's an inspiring viewing for anyone who loves animals as much as we do here at Hidden Trails! |
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Loonie soars, Europe Scores! |
Posted:
6/17/2010 5:00:00 AM |
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The Canadian Travel Press reports:
The high flying loonie (Canadian Dollar) is sending Canadians packing to Europe this summer with its record rise of 50% against the British pound and 14% against the Euro over the past two years. And the US$ is not doing so bad either. IT has the highest value vs the Euro on 3 years. Though the volcanic ash cloud slowed things somewhat at the start of this year, things appear to be back on track. Check out the Hidden Trails trips to Europe. There are some good deals to be found.
http://www.hiddentrails.com/continent/Europe.aspx |
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