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Dressage is "intricately lovely sport" |
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 17:33 |
 Dressage is an "intricately lovely sport" despite often being written off as a complex and difficult discipline to master.
This is according to a recent article in the Palm Beach Post, which discussed how beautiful it can be to watch, even if you do not know all of the rules and regulations.
The Olympics considers dressage to be an art of the equestrian sport as it displays great control and discipline on the parts of both horse and rider. It was developed by cavalry as a training method for horses and riders going to war, intending to create unrivalled cooperation between the pair and give the edge in battle.
British Dressage, which holds 2,000 days of competition each year, says dressage is the fastest growing Olympic sport, requiring high levels of horse care and training.
Following the rise in popularity of dressage amongst the nobility with the establishment of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, dressage later became a sport during the 20th century. Its place in the Olympics was secured when freestyle dressage, dressage to music, was first allowed at the games in Atlanta 1996.
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Equine care centre appealing for volunteers |
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 17:31 |
 Equine enthusiasts are being asked to volunteer at a horse care organisation for children and adults with disabilities.
The East Grinstead Courier and Observer reports that the Riding for the Disabled Association is "desperate for help" as it is in danger of having to terminate sessions for disabled riders due to a lack of voluntary help from horse lovers.
Head instructor Katie Giddings told the newspaper that children with disabilities did not have "many opportunities" so riding often benefitted them tremendously both physically and emotionally.
"For children in wheelchairs it is the only time of the week they will be taller than an able bodied person and be able to look down on them. It is a great confidence boost for them," she added.
It is thought that horse riding is often beneficial for those with disabilities as it can help to improve balance and hand-to-eye coordination for those in the saddle.
Posted by Angela |
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Phillips: I'd love to go to Olympics |
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 17:28 |
 Royal rider Zara Phillips has spoken out about her desire to compete at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The eventer, who is the daughter of Princess Anne, claims she is working towards getting her horses ready - but is not placing all of her eggs in one saddle.
"In horse time, it is still quite a long way away - a lot can happen between now and then," the Press Association quotes Phillips as saying.
She also commented on her love for her equine Toytown, noting that he owes her nothing while she relies on him 100 per cent.
"He's a horse of a lifetime - a one-off," Phillips added.
The equine care enthusiast - who is 11th in line to the throne - took a bad tumble in 2007, landing on her neck in a fall from her mount during the Bramham International Horse Trials.
It occurred when her animal, Tsunami II, stumbled at a fence.
Posted by Carina |
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OAP couple dedicate life to saving donkeys |
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 17:27 |
 A pensioner couple have moved to India in order to offer equine care to the slum donkeys in the country.
Sky News reports that horse lovers Jean and Bob Harrison have let their own cottage out to move to Delhi, where they have purchased a van to convert into a donkey ambulance.
They intend to pay for the veterinary treatment of the animals they rescue.
"The only time a donkey will ever give up, is when it can't do any more and it lies down. And you know then - that's it," Ms Harrison told the news outlet.
The couple's scheme - entitled the Asswin Project - is dedicated to "changing attitudes on animal welfare", according to their website.
Mrs Harrison has been involved in the initiative since 1994, while Bob - who was working full-time when his wife first got involved in animal welfare - joined her drive later.
Posted by Elaine |
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Rider "determined" to accomplish Paralympics dream |
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 08:31 |
 A 29-year-old horse rider determined to become part of the GB 2012 Paralympics dressage team secured the highest dressage score in the sixth annual para talent spotting competition in Leicestershire.
Rowan Caley, from the Isle of Man, suffered severe spinal injuries in a car accident ten years ago and thought her competition days were over when she was told by doctors she would never walk again.
Watching the GB Paralympics dressage team in 2008, however, inspired her to give Paralympics dressage a go.
Competing at the British Dressage event, Ms Caley achieved a score of 85.27 per cent for her grade II novice test. There are five grades for para dressage riders from Ia, the most impaired, to IV for the least.
Horse insurance policyholders may be intrigued to know that she cuts the cost of competing by borrowing horses in England rather than transporting her own horse from the Isle of Man.
International para judge Chris Porterfield said: "Rowan's commitment impressed us a great deal. She is a very sensitive rider who knows what she wants and takes in information like a sponge."
Posted by Elaine |
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