1.
Driving (horse)
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It encompasses a wide range of activities from pleasure driving, to harness racing, to farm work, horse shows, and even International combined driving competition sanctioned by the FEI. The term in harness often is used to describe a horse being driven, for horse training purposes, driving may also include the practice of long-lining, wherein a horse is driven without a cart by a handler walking behind or behind and to the side of the animal. This technique is used in the stages of training horses for riding as well as for driving. Horses, mules and donkeys are driven in harness in many different ways, for working purposes, they can pull a plow or other farm equipment designed to be pulled by animals. In many parts of the world they still pull carts, wagons, horse-drawn boats or logs for basic hauling and they may draw carriages at ceremonies, such as when the British monarch is Trooping the Colour, as well as in parades or for tourist rides. Horses can race in harness, pulling a very lightweight cart known as a sulky. Draft horse showing, Most draft horse performance competition is done in harness, draft horses compete in both single and multiple hitches, judged on manners and performance. Carriage driving, using somewhat larger two or four wheeled carriages, often restored antiques, pulled by a horse, a tandem or four-in-hand team. Pleasure competitions are judged on the turnout/neatness or suitability of horse, nearly any breed of horse can be trained for pleasure driving. Fine harness, Also called formal driving, horses are hitched to a light four-wheeled cart and shown in a manner that emphasizes flashy action and dramatic performance. Refined pony breeds and certain light saddle horse breeds noted for their action are most often seen in fine harness, roadsters are shown at two types of trot, known as road gait and at speed. A team is more than one animal used together for draft, the animals may be arranged in various ways. While a single animal is placed between two shafts, a pair is usually hitched side by side with a single pole between them. A troika is a team hitched in a row of three, the center horse in shafts and each of the other two hitched on either side. A tandem hitch has one animal in shafts, then one or more others hitched ahead of the first in single file. Larger teams are usually in pairs, with four, six or even more animals overall, sometimes other arrangements are used, such as the unicorn, and the pickaxe. Teams larger than six are generally limited to situations where large loads must be hauled over difficult ground, for example, eight-ox plowing teams were once common on the heavy soils of southern England, as were very large ox teams used in 19th century South Africa. Twenty-mule teams were used in the century for hauling ore in California
2.
Horse racing
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Horse racing is an equestrian performance sport, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys or driven over a set distance for competition. Horse races vary widely in format, often, countries have developed their own particular horse racing traditions. Variations include restricting races to particular breeds, running over obstacles, running over different distances, running on different track surfaces, Horse racing has a long and distinguished history and has been practised in civilisations across the world since ancient times. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in Ancient Greece, Babylon, Syria and it also plays an important part of myth and legend, such as the contest between the steeds of the god Odin and the giant Hrungnir in Norse mythology. Chariot racing was one of the most popular ancient Greek, Roman, both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC and were important in the other Panhellenic Games. This was despite the fact that racing was often dangerous to both driver and horse as they frequently suffered serious injury and even death. In the Roman Empire, chariot and mounted horse racing were major industries, fifteen to 20 riderless horses, originally imported from the Barbary Coast of North Africa, ran the length of the Via del Corso, a long, straight city street, in about 2½ minutes. In later times, Thoroughbred racing became, and remains, popular with the aristocrats and royalty of British society, historically, equestrians honed their skills through games and races. Equestrian sports provided entertainment for crowds and honed the excellent horsemanship that was needed in battle, Horse racing of all types evolved from impromptu competitions between riders or drivers. The various forms of competition, requiring demanding and specialized skills from both horse and rider, resulted in the development of specialized breeds and equipment for each sport. The popularity of sports through the centuries has resulted in the preservation of skills that would otherwise have disappeared after horses stopped being used in combat. There are many different types of racing, including, Flat racing. Jump racing, or Jumps racing, also known as Steeplechasing or, in the UK and Ireland, National Hunt racing, Harness racing, where horses trot or pace while pulling a driver in a sulky. Breeds that are used for flat racing include the Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Arabian, Paint, Jump racing breeds include the Thoroughbred and AQPS. In harness racing, Standardbreds are used in Australia, New Zealand and North America, light cold blood horses, such as Finnhorses and Scandinavian coldblood trotter are also used in harness racing within their respective geographical areas. There also are races for ponies, both flat and jump and harness racing, Flat racing is the most common form of racing seen worldwide. Track surfaces vary, with turf most common in Europe, dirt more common in North America and Asia, individual flat races are run over distances ranging from 440 yards up to two and a half miles, with distances between five and twelve furlongs being most common. Short races are referred to as sprints, while longer races are known as routes in the United States or staying races in Europe
3.
Draft horse
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Draft horses and draft crossbreds are versatile breeds used today for a multitude of purposes, including farming, draft horse showing, logging, recreation, and other uses. They are also used for crossbreeding, especially to light riding breeds such as the Thoroughbred. While most draft horses are used for driving, they can be ridden, Draft horses are recognizable by their tall stature and extremely muscular build. In general, they tend to have an upright shoulder, producing more upright movement. They tend to have broad, short backs with powerful hindquarters, additionally, the draft breeds usually have heavy bone, and a good deal of feathering on their lower legs. Many have a profile or Roman nose. Draft breeds range from approximately 16 to 19 hands high and from 1,400 to 2,000 lb, Draft horses crossbred on light riding horses adds height and weight to the ensuing offspring, and may increase the power and scope of the animals movement. The largest horse in recorded history was probably a Shire named Mammoth and he stood 21.2 hands high, and his peak weight was estimated at 1,524 kilograms. At over 19 hands, a Shire gelding named Goliath was the Guinness Book of World Records record holder for the worlds tallest horse until his death in 2001, humans domesticated horses and needed them to perform a variety of duties. One type of horse-powered work was the hauling of heavy loads, plowing fields, a heavy, calm, patient, well-muscled animal was desired for this work. Conversely, a light, more energetic horse was needed for riding, thus, to the extent possible, a certain amount of selective breeding was used to develop different types of horse for different types of work. The reality was that the high-spirited, quick-moving Destrier was closer to the size, build, there also were working farm horses of more phlegmatic temperaments used for pulling military wagons or performing ordinary farm work also provided bloodlines of the modern draft horse. Records indicate that even medieval drafts were not as large as those today, of the modern draft breeds, the Percheron probably has the closest ties to the medieval war horse. By the 19th century, horses weighing more than 1,600 pounds that also moved at a quick pace were in demand. Even in the 20th century, draft horses were used for practical work, in the late 19th century and early 20th century, thousands of draft horses were imported from Western Europe into the United States. Percherons came from France, Belgians from Belgium, Shires from England, many American draft registries were founded in the late 19th century. The Percheron, with 40,000 broodmares registered as of 1915, was America’s most numerous draft breed at the turn of the 20th century. A breed developed exclusively in the U. S. was the American Cream Draft, many were sold to slaughter for horsemeat and a number of breeds went into significant decline
4.
Percheron
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The Percheron is a breed of draft horse that originated in the Huisne river valley in western France, part of the former Perche province from which the breed takes its name. Usually gray or black in color, Percherons are well muscled, although their exact origins are unknown, the ancestors of the breed were present in the valley by the 17th century. They were originally bred for use as war horses, over time, they began to be used for pulling stagecoaches and later for agriculture and hauling heavy goods. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Arabian blood was added to the breed, exports of Percherons from France to the United States and other countries rose exponentially in the late 19th century, and the first purely Percheron stud book was created in France in 1883. Before World War I, thousands of Percherons were shipped from France to the United States, but after the war began, the breed was used extensively in Europe during the war, with some horses being shipped from the US back to France to help in the war effort. Beginning in 1918, Percherons began to be bred in Great Britain, after a series of name and studbook ownership changes, the current US Percheron registry was created in 1934. In the 1930s, Percherons accounted for 70 percent of the horse population in the United States. However, the population began to recover and as of 2009, the breed is still used extensively for draft work, and in France they are used for food. They have been crossed with light horse breeds to produce horses for range work. Purebred Percherons are used for work and pulling carriages, as well as work under saddle. The size considered ideal for the Percheron varies between countries, in France, height ranges from 15.1 to 18.1 hands and weight from 1,100 to 2,600 pounds. Percherons in the United States generally stand between 16.2 and 17.3 hands, with a range of 15–19 hands, American Percherons average 1,900 pounds, and their top weight is around 2,600 pounds. They are generally gray or black in coloring, although the American registry also allows the registration of roan, bay, only gray or black horses may be registered in France and Britain. Many horses have white markings on their heads and legs, the head has a straight profile, broad forehead, large eyes and small ears. The chest is deep and wide and the long and level. The feet and legs are clean and heavily muscled, the overall impression of the Percheron is one of power and ruggedness. Enthusiasts describe the temperament as proud and alert, and members of the breed are considered intelligent and they are considered easy keepers and adapt well to many conditions and climates. In the 19th century, they were known to travel up to 60 kilometres a day at a trot, Horses in the French registry are branded on the neck with the intertwined letters SP, the initials of the Société Hippique Percheronne
5.
Breton horse
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The Breton is a breed of draft horse. It was developed in Brittany, a province in northwest France, the Breton was created through the crossbreeding of many different European and Oriental breeds. In 1909, a book was created, and in 1951 it was officially closed. The breed is often chestnut in color, and is strong, there are three distinct subtypes of the Breton, each coming from a different area of Brittany. The Corlay Breton is the smallest type, and is used for light draft. The Postier Breton is used for harness and light farm work, the Heavy Draft Breton is the largest subtype, and is generally used for the hardest draft work. This horse breed has been used in military, draft and agricultural capacities and it also has been used to improve and create many other draft breeds, and to produce mules. Breton horses are usually about 1.58 metres tall, but may range from 1.55 to 1.63 m, depending on type. They usually have a coat, often with a flaxen mane and tail. Bretons have a head of medium volume with a straight profile. The shoulder is long and sloping, the chest broad and muscular, the short and wide. The legs are well-feathered, short but powerful, with broad joints, there are several subtypes of the Breton breed. Two, the Trait Breton and the Postier Breton, are recognised, while others such as the Corlais or Cheval de Corlay. Older types that have disappeared include the Grand Breton and the Bidet Breton or Bidet dAllure, the Corlay Breton is derived from crossbreeding native stock with the Arabian and Thoroughbred, and is considered the real descendant of the original Breton. It has the general features as the draft type but is smaller with a more dished face. It was used mainly for light draft work that required speed and under saddle, the type is also known as the Cheval de Corlay, and is now extremely rare. It was also used in races because of its speed. Postier Bretons were developed as a result of crossbreeding with the Norfolk Trotter and this type is bred mainly in central Brittany, has a very attractive gait, is a good coach horse, and capable of light farming work
6.
Belgian horse
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It is one of the strongest of the heavy breeds. The Belgian Heavy Draft horse stands between 16.2 and 17 hands, on average the Belgian grows to weigh slightly over 900 kilograms. Most American Belgians are a chestnut with a flaxen mane. The head is small and well-shaped. American Belgians in North America are not as large as the European Brabant but is of a similar build, currently, the worlds tallest horse is a Belgian Draft horse named Big Jake, a gelding born in 2000. He stands 20.2 3⁄4 hands tall, the worlds largest Belgian Draft was named Brooklyn Supreme. He weighed 3,200 lb and stood at 19.2 hands, a study conducted in 2001–2003 found that 17. 1% of tested Belgians in the US and Canada were carriers, including 13. 5% of stallions and 28. 9% of mares. If carriers are not mated, JEB can be avoided, the US Belgian breed registry requires JEB testing. The disease is similar to chronic lymphedema in humans, historically, it is theoretically possible the Belgian may have had ancestors that were destriers in the Middle Ages, although no independent evidence supports this claim. The foundation stock for the Belgian was originally known as the Brabant, other names for essentially the same breed include the Cheval de trait Belge, Brabançon, and Belgisch Trekpaard. Until the 1940s, the Belgian and the Brabant were essentially the same breed, following World War II, the Brabant in Europe was selectively bred to be thicker bodied and heavier, while in the United States, the Belgian was bred to be somewhat taller and lighter bodied. The main use was as a farm horse, closely related breeds include the Trait du Nord and Nederlands Trekpaard. In 1887, the American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses was founded in Wabash, Indiana, to register, today, the Belgian is the most numerous breed of draft horse in the United States. Importation of Belgians to the United States ended in bulk after the beginning of the Second World War with Erwin F. Dygert transporting the last Belgians out of Europe as the war was beginning. Belgians are still used as working animals, but have become popular as show horses. The Brabant and related breeds remaining in Belgium today are also desirable for horse meat, Belgian horses are able to pull tremendous weights. At the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, a team of two horses in the Heavyweight class pulled 17,000 pounds a distance of 7 ft 2 in, the team of Belgians weighed 4,800 pounds. At the Iowa State fair, the champions in the pulling contest pulled 14,600 pounds the complete distance of 15 ft
7.
Obihiro, Hokkaido
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Obihiro is a city in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Obihiro is the designated city in the Tokachi area. The next most populous municipality in Tokachi is the adjacent town of Otofuke, the city had approximately 500 foreign residents in 2008. The city contains the headquarters of the division of the northern army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It also hosts the Rally Japan World Rally Championship-event, in 2008, Obihiro was designated as a model environmental city in Japan. The Tokachi-Obihiro Airport is located to the northeast of downtown Obihiro and it takes 50 minutes by car or 1 hour by bus from Obihiro Station to the airport. The next major airport nearby is New Chitose Airport, from Obihiro, it takes 2 hrs 30 mins to get New Chitose Airport by train and just over 4 hours to get there by car. Both airports have flights to and from Haneda Airport. Obihiro was the area first settled by Benzō Yoda in May 1883 and it became a city on April 1,1933. In 1957 the villages of Taishō and Kawanishi merged with Obihiro, farms within the boundaries of Obihiro have an average of approximately 24 hectares of arable land, exceeding the Hokkaido average and the national average. The main crops produced are wheat, potatoes, beets, and beans, the headquarters of 3 nationally renowned pastry companies are also located in Obihiro. Obihiro has 26 public elementary schools and 14 public middle schools and it also has five prefectural high schools, two private high schools, and one municipal high school. The Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine is the university in Tokachi. Due to the birth rate in the area some elementary schools are scheduled for closing by 2012. It is designated as a Class A River by the Japanese government due to its importance to environmental conservation, in the Ainu language, Satnay means dry river, and even today, most of its 82 km run is shallow. The city draws most of its water from the Satsunai. The biggest pollutant in the river is nitrates from fertilizer run off from all the operations along the rivers banks. The other major river in the city is the Tokachi, in 1974, a plan for the creation of an expansive city recreation space was initiated, and from 1975 to 2004 large groups of Obihiro citizens participated in Tree Planting Festivals
8.
SoftBank Group
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SoftBank Group Corp. is a Japanese multinational telecommunications and Internet corporation established on September 3,1981, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It has operations in broadband, fixed-line telecommunications, e-commerce, Internet, technology services, finance, media and marketing, semiconductor design, the company is headed by founder Masayoshi Son. SoftBank was ranked in the Forbes Global 2000 list as the 62nd largest public company in the world, between 2009 and 2014, SoftBanks market capitalization increased by 557%, the fourth largest relative increase in the world over that period. SoftBank bought COMDEX from The Interface Group in 1995, and in 1999 allowed organizers of COMDEX to restrict admission of media and they eventually sold COMDEX to Key3Media, a spin-off of Ziff Davis, in 2001. On January 28,2005, SoftBank became the owner of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, on March 17,2006, SoftBank announced its agreement to buy Vodafone Japan, giving it a stake in Japans $78 billion mobile market. In April 2006, they bought a 23% stake of Betfair, in August 2006, SoftBank sold all its shares of SBI Group to a subsidiary of SBIs holding company, making SBI independent. On October 1,2006, Vodafone Japan changed its name, mobile phone brand name, and its mobile phone domain name to SoftBank Mobile, SoftBank. On January 28,2008, it was announced that SoftBank and this cellphone contains more than 400 platinum diamond, totaling more than 20 carat. The cost is said to be more than 100,000,000 yen, on February 3,2010, SoftBank acquired 13. 7% in Ustream with the option to increase shares to 30% by July 2011. On October 1,2010, Ayumi Hamasaki became the commercial spokesperson, on October 3,2012, the take over of competitor eAccess was announced, and was completed in January 2013. On July 1,2013, SoftBank announced that Willcom became a wholly owned subsidiary effective July 1,2013, eAccess was merged with Willcom, which resulted in a new subsidiary and brand from Yahoo. On October 15,2012, SoftBank announced plans to control of American Sprint Nextel by purchasing a 70% stake for $20 billion. On July 6,2013, the United States Federal Communications Commission approved SoftBank’s acquisition of the Sprint Corporation for $22.2 billion for a 78% ownership interest in Sprint. The acquisition involved payment of $17.2 billion in cash to Sprint shareholders, the transaction was financed by way of cash and a bridge loan from a consortium of banks. On August 6,2013, SoftBank bought 2% more shares of Sprint Corporation, in October 2013, SoftBank acquired 51% stake in Supercell for a reported $2.1 billion. In 2014, SoftBank co-designed Pepper, a robot, with Aldebaran Robotics. In May 2015, Masayoshi Son said he would appoint Nikesh Arora, Arora has been heading SoftBanks investment arm. On June 1,2015, SoftBank acquired additional 22. 7% stake in Supercell, increasing its stake to 73. 2%
9.
Rakuten
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Rakuten, Inc. is a Japanese electronic commerce and Internet company based in Tokyo. Its B2B2C e-commerce platform Rakuten Ichiba is the largest e-commerce site in Japan, Hiroshi Mikitani founded the company in February 1997 as MDM, Inc. and is still its chief executive. Rakuten Shopping Mall started operations in May 1997, in June 1999, the company changed its name to Rakuten, Inc. The Japanese word rakuten means optimism, in 2012, the companys revenues totaled US$4.6 billion with operating profits of about US$244 million. In June 2013, Rakuten, Inc. reported it had a total of 10,351 employees worldwide, in 2005, Rakuten started expanding outside Japan, mainly through acquisitions and joint ventures. Its acquisitions include Buy. com, Priceminister, Ikeda, Tradoria, Play. com, Wuaki. tv, the company has investments in Pinterest, Ozon. ru, AHA Life, and Daily Grommet. In 2015, Rakuten relocated its headquarters from Shinagawa to the Tamagawa neighbourhood of Setagaya, to consolidate its Tokyo offices. On 16 November 2016, Rakuten signed a deal for global sponsorship with Spanish Club FC Barcelona till 2020. It will replace Qatar Airways for this role and it also had 9 million credit card customers and more than 75 million users in Japan. As part of the groups globalization initiative, Rakuten Ichiba started offering international shipping, in October 2005, Rakuten bought a 15% stake in Tokyo Broadcasting System, raising its stake in the broadcaster to 19%. Rakuten later withdrew its bid and sold its back to Tokyo Broadcasting. Rakuten bought New York City-based Linkshare - since rebranded Rakuten Linkshare - offering performance-based online sales, to increase its global competitiveness, Rakuten decided to adopt English as the company’s official language from mid-2012. That year, Rakuten also bought French online retailer Priceminister for €200 million and US-based Buy. com for US$250 million. The group had been a significant shareholder in Ctrip, a Chinese travel site until it sold its stake in the company in August 2007 and, in 2010, it announced a joint venture with Baidu in China. In September, Rakuten took a minority equity stake in Russian online retailer Ozon. ru, dubbed Russias Amazon, a four-company-strong consortium, led by the Japanese group, invested US$100 million. Rakuten announced an agreement to buy Canadian e-book reader company Kobo in November and that investment marked the start of a drive to expand Pinterests presence in Japan and Rakuten’s 17 other global markets. On 13 June, Rakuten bought Wuaki. tv, a Spanish video on demand service/company that is one of the largest in Europe and the leader in Spain. That opened new opportunities, directly challenging Amazon, Netflix and others for domination of the VOD market — at first, in Europe and, later, in November, Rakuten bought French online retail delivery company Alpha Direct Services
10.
Sapporo Brewery
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Sapporo Breweries Limited is a Japanese brewery founded in 1876. It is the oldest brand of beer in Japan and it was first brewed in Sapporo, Japan in 1876 by brewer Seibei Nakagawa. Their world headquarters are in Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo, the company purchased the Canadian company Sleeman Breweries in 2006. The company has five breweries in Japan, the Sleeman brewery in Canada, the main brands are Sapporo Draft, Yebisu, and Sleeman Cream Ale. Sapporo Premium has been the #1 selling Asian beer in the United States since Sapporo U. S. A. Inc. was first founded in 1984, Sapporo Brewery is a member of the Mizuho keiretsu. The origins of this company are in Sapporo, Hokkaido during the Meiji period, Seibei Nakagawa, a German-trained brewer, became the first brewmaster of the Kaitakushi Brewery in June 1876, and the first Sapporo Lager was produced at that time. Privatized in 1886, the Sapporo brewery became the centerpiece for the Sapporo Beer Company, Yebisu Beer was relaunched as a separate brand in 1971, marketed as a German-style barley beer. Sapporo Black Label beer was launched in 1977, in 2006, Sapporo announced they would be acquiring No.3 Canadian brewer Sleeman in a $400-million all-cash deal. 6%. Despite its name, Sapporo beer is not exclusively brewed in Sapporo, Sapporo is also brewed in Sendai, Chiba, Shizuoka, and Kyushu. Most Sapporo beer sold in North America had been brewed at the Sleeman brewery in Guelph, Ontario, most Sapporo beer sold in the United States is now brewed by Sapporo Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, U. S. Sapporo has five breweries in Japan, the first, Sendai Brewery, was opened in 1971 in Natori, Miyagi, and was among the first to use a computerised brewing system. Sapporo beers are brewed, canned, and bottled by Sapporo Brewing Company in La Crosse, Sleeman Breweries was purchased by Sapporo Brewery in 2006 for $400 million. Sleeman was restarted in 1988 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada by the grandson of John H. Sleeman. The first Sleeman brewery ceased operations by 1933, when their license was revoked for bootlegging, specifically, smuggling beer into Detroit. The companys current products are based on the original recipes. Sleeman Breweries / Sapporro Canada currently consists of 3 Canadian Breweries, Sleeman in Guelph, Ontario, Okanagan Spring in Vernon, B. C, and Unibroue in Chambly, Quebec. Sleeman Breweries also owns 2% of The Beer Store, which has a legally entrenched monopoly on private sales in Ontario and 447 retail locations. The Sapporo Vietnam brewery is situated in Đức Hòa, Long An, the company produces a range of pale and dark lagers, including Sapporo Draft and Yebisu
11.
Kitami, Hokkaido
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Kitami is a city in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the most populous city and the center in the subprefecture. Kitami is in central Okhotsk Subprefecture, as of March 1,2012, the city has a population of 124,789, with 60,646 households, and a population density of 87.55 persons per km². The total area is 1,427.56 km2,1872, The village of Notsukeushi-mura founded 1875, Notsukeushi-mura was given the kanji 野付牛村. 1910, Train service arrives, connecting the village to Sapporo,1915, The villages of Rubeshibe and Oketo were split off. 1921, The villages of Tanno and Ainonai were split off, june 10,1942, Kitami becomes a city. September 1956, The village of Ainonai was merged into Kitami, March 5,2006, The towns of Rubeshibe, Tanno and Tokoro merged with the city of Kitami to form the new city of Kitami. Kitami at one time exported mint, supplying 70% of the worlds mint consumption, the Kitami Bonchi Festival in early July. The Kitami Chrysanthemum festival in Mid October−early November, the city has strong associations with the sport of curling, inherited from the former town of Tokoro absorbed into the city in 2006. Interest in the sport following a friendship visit in 1980 by a curling team from Alberta in Canada. An outdoor curling rink was built in Tokoro the following year, in January 1988, the town built a dedicated 5-lane curling hall, the first in Japan. This eventually closed in early 2013, replaced by a new, larger, Curling was introduced in schools in Tokoro as part of the physical education curriculum, and the two produced a number of Olympic curlers. Kitami has a continental climate with cold winters and relatively warm summers. The coldest month is January, with a low of −14.7 °C, and the warmest month is August, with an average high of 25 °C. Kitamis inland location creates a temperature range than some coastal cities. National Route 39 passes through Kitami, the Hokkaido Kitami Bus Company has a number of inter-city as well as out-of-city routes. The JR Hokkaido Sekihoku Main Line that passes through Kitami reached the city on October 19,1910 when the town was still called Notsukeushi, the largest station is Kitami Station, with Nishi-Kitami Station, Hakuyo Station, and Itoshino Station also located in Kitami. The city is served by Memanbetsu Airport in the town of Ōzora
12.
Asahikawa, Hokkaido
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Asahikawa is a city in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the capital of the subprefecture and the second-largest city in Hokkaido and it has been a core city since April 1,2000. The city is well known for the Asahiyama Zoo and Asahikawa ramen. On July 31,2011, the city had an population of 352,105, with 173,961 households. The total area is 747.6 km2, the Ainu called the Asahi River Chiu Pet meaning River of Waves, but it was misunderstood as Chup Pet meaning Sun River, and so it came to be called Asahi River in Japanese. On August 1,1922, Asahikawa was founded as Asahikawa City, as the central city in northern Hokkaido, Asahikawa has been influential in industry and commerce. There are about 130 rivers and streams including the Ishikari River and Chūbetsu River, and over 740 bridges in the city. Asahibashi, a bridge over Ishikari River, has one of the symbols of Asahikawa since its completion in 1932. Every winter, the Asahikawa Winter Festival is held on the bank of the Ishikari River, making use of Asahikawas cold climate, on January 25,1902, a weather station recorded −41 °C, the lowest temperature in Japanese history. Due to its climate and location surrounded by mountains, there are ski resorts in the outskirts of the city. Asahikawa was populated by mainland Japanese in the Meiji period as a tondenhei, Kamikawa District set up under Ishikari Province with the villages of Asahikawa, Nagayama and Kamui in 1890. 1900 Asahikawa Village becomes Asahikawa Town 1914 Asahikawa Town becomes Asahikawa-ku Asahikawa was elevated to city status in 1922, Asahikawa thrived as a military city before World War II, when the IJA 7th Division was posted there. Today, the 2nd Division of the Northern Army of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is headquartered in Asahikawa, Asahikawa winters are long and cold, with average monthly temperatures from December through March failing to transcend the freezing point. The city also sees an extraordinary amount of snowfall, averaging just under 7.6 m of snow per year, summers are generally warm and humid in Asahikawa, with average high temperatures in the warmest months hovering around 26 °C. Spring and fall are short and transitional in the city. Japans lowest temperature ever was recorded here, Asahikawa developed as an industrial center in Hokkaido after World War II. The city is noted for its lumber and brewing industries, as well as the production of furniture, the airport was first proposed by the Asahikawa City Council in 1955, opened in 1961, and daily flights to Tokyo started in 1970. The present terminal of Asahikawa Airport opened in 2000 and it is a second class airport, and also a single-runway regional airport
13.
Iwamizawa, Hokkaido
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Iwamizawa is a city in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the capital of Sorachi Subprefecture, as of 2009, the city has an estimated population of 90,969 and the density of 189 persons per km². The total area is 481.10 km2, on March 27,2006, the town of Kurisawa, and the village of Kita merged into Iwamizawa. The name of Iwamizawa is derived from Japanese word Yuamisawa. Yuami and sawa means Bathing, Iwamizawa was developed as a hub of land transportation around Iwamizawa Station. 1906 - Iwamizawa village became Iwamizawa town,1943 - Iwamizawa town became Iwamizawa city. 2006 - Kurisawa town and Kita village were merged into Iwamizawa city, Iwamizawa has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is heaviest from August to October, in the past, Horonai Line and Manji Line ran from Iwamizawa. Youth delegates are sent from one to the other. Canby, Oregon Official website Sightseeing information website
14.
Whip
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There are also whips which combine both a firm stick and a flexible line, such as hunting whips. Certain religious practices and BDSM activities involve the self-use of whips or the use of whips between consenting partners, misuse on animals may be considered animal cruelty, and misuse on humans may be viewed as assault. Whips generally are used on animals to provide directional guidance or to encourage movement, some whips are designed to control animals by imparting discomfort by tapping or pain by a full-force strike that produces pain compliance. Some whips provide guidance by use of sound, such as cracking of a bullwhip, other uses of whips are to provide a visual directional cue by extending the reach and visibility of the human arm. In modern times, the stimulus is still used in some animal training. The whip can be a tool to back up riding aids when applied correctly, particularly when initial commands are ignored. However, many competition governing bodies limit such use of whips, overuse improper use of whips may be considered animal cruelty in some jurisdictions. Whip use by sound never or rarely strikes the animal, instead, the sound is loud enough to affect multiple animals at once, making whip-cracking more efficient under some circumstances. This technique can be used as part of a response, with sound being used first prior to a pain stimulus being applied. Whips used without painful stimulus, as an extension of the hand or arm, are a visual command, or to tap an animal. The crack is thus a small sonic boom, Whips were the first man-made objects to break the sound barrier. But any design can be banged against another such as leather boot to make a loud noise. Short, stiff crops often have a leather popper at the end which makes a particularly loud noise when slapped against an animal, boot. Stockwhips, including bullwhips and the Australian stockwhip, are a type of single-tailed leather whip with a long lash. Stockwhips are primarily used to make a cracking sound to move livestock away from the sound. It is generally not used to strike an animal, as it would inflictexcessive pain and is difficult to apply with precision. The Australian stockwhip is said to have originated in the English hunting whip. Today, it is used primarily by stockmen, unlike the short, embedded handle of a bullwhip, the stockwhip handle is not fitted inside the lash and is usually longer
15.
Ardennes horse
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The Ardennes or Ardennais is one of the oldest breeds of draft horse, and originates from the Ardennes area in Belgium, Luxembourg and France. They are heavy-boned with thick legs and are used for draft work, the Ardennes is found in many colors, although black horses are very rare and are not allowed to be registered with the breed registry. Their history reaches back to Ancient Rome, and throughout the blood from several other breeds has been added to the Ardennes. The first Ardennes were imported to the United States in the early 20th century, and they have also been used to influence or create several other horse breeds throughout Europe and Asia. In France, Ardennes stallions stand about 1.62 metres high and they weigh 700 to 1,000 kilograms. Their heads are heavy, with a face and a straight or slightly convex profile. Their conformation is broad and muscular, with a body, short back. Their coats may be bay, roan, chestnut, gray, bay and roan are the two most common colors. Black is very rare and is excluded from registration, white markings are small, usually restricted to a star or blaze. The breed matures early, and they are said to be easy keepers, the Ardennes is a free-moving, long-striding breed, despite their compact body structure. The Ardennes breed could be a descendent of the prehistoric Solutre horse. Caesar described these horses of Belgium as rustic, hard and tireless, the early type was used by many later Roman emperors for military applications. The breeds ancestors are thought to have bred for 2,000 years on the Ardennes plains. In the Roman era, the breed stood only around 14 hands high, later, Napoleon added Arabian blood to increase stamina and endurance and used the breed in his Russian campaign. In 1780, the breed stood only 1.42 to 1.52 metres. Percheron, Boulonnais and Thoroughbred blood were added, although they had little impact. In the 19th century, Belgian draft blood was added to give the breed the heavier conformation it has today, the breed increased in size from an average of 550 kilograms to their current weight, which at the same time had the consequence of reducing their vigor and endurance. Breed registries have been in existence since 1929, today there are three separate studbooks in France, Belgium and Luxembourg, although there is extensive interbreeding between the three
16.
Clydesdale horse
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The Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse derived from the farm horses of Clydesdale, Scotland, and named after that region. Although originally one of the breeds of draft horses, it is now a tall breed. Often bay in color, they show significant white markings due to the presence of sabino genetics, the breed was originally used for agriculture and haulage, and is still used for draft purposes today. The Budweiser Clydesdales are some of the most famous Clydesdales, and they have also been used to create and improve other draft breeds. The breed was developed from Flemish stallions imported to Scotland and crossed with local mares, the first breed registry was formed in 1877. However, during World War I population numbers began to due to increasing mechanization. This decline continued, and by the 1970s, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust considered the breed vulnerable to extinction, population numbers have increased slightly in the intervening time, but they are still thought to be vulnerable. The conformation of the Clydesdale has changed throughout its history. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was a compact horse smaller than the Shire, Percheron, beginning in the 1940s, breeding animals were selected to produce taller horses that looked more impressive in parades and shows. Today, the Clydesdale stands 16 to 18 hands high and weighs 1,800 to 2,000 pounds, some mature males are larger, standing taller than 18 hands and weighing up to 2,200 pounds. When taking the measurement it is taken from the wither to the ground. Horses are measured in hands, every hand equals 4 inches, the breed has a straight or slightly convex facial profile, broad forehead and wide muzzle. It is well muscled and strong, with a neck, high withers. Breed associations pay close attention to the quality of the hooves and legs and their gaits are active, with clearly lifted hooves and a general impression of power and quality. Clydesdales are energetic, with a manner described by the Clydesdale Horse Society as a gaiety of carriage, other than this major health concerns Clydesdales are also prone to get a skin condition amongst their feathering. This condition is known as the Clydes itch, its thought to be caused by a type of mange in the excessive feathering, Clydesdales are also known to have sunburns in the warmer months around their muzzle and eyes. This is due to the skin pigmentation around the face. Clydesdales are usually bay in colour, but roan, black, grey, most have white markings, including white on the face, feet, legs and occasional body spotting
17.
Shire horse
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The Shire is a British breed of draught horse. It is usually black, bay, or grey and it is a tall breed, and Shires have at various times held world records both for the largest horse and for the tallest horse. The Shire has a capacity for weight-pulling, and has been popular throughout its history for pulling brewers drays delivering ale to customers. The horses may also be used for forestry, for riding, in 1878, the British organisation now known as the Shire Horse Society was created, with the American Shire Horse Association beginning in 1885. Popularity began to again in the 1970s and after. However, population numbers are considered to be at critical levels by both the UK-based Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the US-based American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Shire stallions may be black, bay or grey and they may not be roan or have large amounts of white markings. Mares and geldings may be black, bay, grey or roan, in the UK stallions may not be chestnut, but the colour is allowed by the US association. The Shire Horse Society of the UK specifies that stallions must stand at least 17 hands high when mature, geldings are required to be at least 16.2 hands high and mares at least 16 hands. Their average weight ranges from 850 to 1,100 kg for geldings and stallions, the head of a Shire is long and lean, with large eyes, set on a neck that is slightly arched and long in proportion to the body. The shoulder is deep and wide, the chest wide, the muscular and short. Not too much feathering is to occur on the legs, and the hair is fine, straight, and silky. Smaller Shires, under 17 hands, are preferred for working horses, while taller horses, especially those over 18.2 hands, are used for show. The breed is known for its easy-going temperament, the disease is similar to chronic lymphedema in humans. The Shire has a capacity for pulling weight. Working in slippery footing, the pair of horses pulled 16.5 tons at a later exhibition. The largest horse in recorded history was probably a Shire named Mammoth and he stood 21.2 1⁄4 hands high, and his peak weight was estimated at 1,524 kilograms. At over 19 hands, a Shire gelding named Goliath was the Guinness Book of World Records record holder for the worlds tallest horse until his death in 2001
18.
Boulonnais horse
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The Boulonnais, also known as the White Marble Horse, is a draft horse breed. It is known for its large but elegant appearance and is gray, although chestnut. Originally there were several sub-types, but they were crossbred until only one is seen today, the breeds origins trace to a period before the Crusades and, during the 17th century, Spanish Barb, Arabian, and Andalusian blood were added to create the modern type. The breed nearly became extinct following World War II, but rebounded in France in the 1970s as a breed for horse meat. Breed numbers remain low, it is estimated that fewer than 1,000 horses remain in Europe, mostly in France, with a few in other nations. Studies as early as 1983 indicated a danger of inbreeding within the Boulonnais population, and a 2009 report suggested that the breed should be a priority for conservation within France. The smallest type of Boulonnais was originally used to pull carts full of fish from Boulogne to Paris, while the larger varieties performed heavy draft work. The Boulonnais was also crossbred to create and refine several other draft breeds, the Boulonnais today stands from 14.3 to 16.3 hands or more. It has a short, elegant head with a broad forehead, members of the breed have full chests, rounded rib cages and sloping shoulders. The legs are short but robust and strong. Unlike other draft breeds such as the Shire or Clydesdale, it has no heavy feathering on its lower legs, the breed is generally branded with a small anchor mark on the left side of the neck. Due mostly to the additions of Oriental blood, the Boulonnais has an elegant appearance that is not often seen in heavy draft breeds. The fineness of the skin and delicate appearance of the veins has allowed the horse to be described as looking like polished marble, in 1778, the French National Stud performed an initial survey of the breed and found that most were black or dark bay. During the 1800s, gray horses began to appear, and it was the color by the end of the century. Gray became a popular color during this time due to the use of the horses to haul fish at night – gray horses were more visible in the dark, in the later years of the 20th century, breeders again began to prefer darker colors such as bay and chestnut. There were originally several types of Boulonnais. The Petit Boulonnais, Mareyeuse or Mareyeur was used in the transport of cartloads of fresh fish from the Pas-de-Calais to Paris, it stood 15.1 to 15.3 hands. The Picard draft came from the Picardy region, and was called the horse of the bad land, in comparison to the Cauchoix horse from the Pays de Caux area, which was called the horse of the good land
19.
Horse meat
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Horse meat is the culinary name for meat cut from a horse. It is a major meat in only a few countries, notably in Central Asia, the top eight countries consume about 4.7 million horses a year. For the majority of humanitys early existence, wild horses were hunted as a source of protein and it is slightly sweet, tender and low in fat. These historical associations, as well as ritual and religion, led to the development of an aversion to the consumption of meat in some cultures. The horse is now given pet status by many in some parts of the Western world, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland, in the Paleolithic, wild horses formed an important source of food. In many parts of Europe, the consumption of horse meat continued throughout the Middle Ages until modern times, Horse meat was also eaten as part of Germanic pagan religious ceremonies in northern Europe, particularly ceremonies associated with the worship of Odin. Horses originally developed on the North American Continent, and about 15,000 years ago migrated to parts of the world. The largest fossil beds of horses is in Idaho at the Hagerman Fossil Beds, the horses were about the size of a modern-day Arabian horse. At first, they hunted horses as they did other game, the meat was, and still is, preserved by being sun-dried in the high Andes into a product known as charqui. France dates its taste for meat to the Revolution. With the fall of the aristocracy, its auxiliaries had to find new means of subsistence, just as hairdressers and tailors set themselves up to serve commoners, the horses maintained by aristocracy as a sign of prestige ended up alleviating the hunger of lower classes. During the Napoleonic campaigns, the surgeon-in-chief of Napoleons Grand Army, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, at the siege of Alexandria, the meat of young Arab horses relieved an epidemic of scurvy. At the battle of Eylau in 1807, Larrey served horse as soup, Horse meat gained widespread acceptance in French cuisine during the later years of the Second French Empire. Many Parisians gained a taste for meat during the siege. Likewise, in places and times of siege or starvation. A2007 Time magazine article about horse meat brought in from Canada to the United States characterized the meat as sweet, rich, superlean, oddly soft meat, Horse is commonly eaten in many countries in Europe and Asia. It is not an available food in some English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, the United States. It is also taboo in Brazil, Israel, and among the Romani people, Horse meat is not generally eaten in Spain, except in the north, although the country exports horses both live animals and slaughtered meat for the French and Italian markets
20.
Japanese yen
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The yen is the official currency of Japan. It is the third most traded currency in the exchange market after the United States dollar. It is also used as a reserve currency after the U. S. dollar, the euro. Before the Meiji Restoration, Japans feudal fiefs all issued their own money, hansatsu, in an array of incompatible denominations. The New Currency Act of 1871 did away with these and established the yen, the former han became prefectures and their mints private chartered banks, which initially retained the right to print money. To bring an end to this situation the Bank of Japan was founded in 1882, following World War II the yen lost much of its prewar value. To stabilize the Japanese economy the exchange rate of the yen was fixed at ¥360 per $1 as part of the Bretton Woods system, when that system was abandoned in 1971, the yen became undervalued and was allowed to float. The yen had appreciated to a peak of ¥271 per $1 in 1973, then underwent periods of depreciation and appreciation due to the 1973 oil crisis, arriving at a value of ¥227 per $1 by 1980. Since 1973, the Japanese government has maintained a policy of intervention. The Japanese government focuses on an export market, and tries to ensure a low yen value through a trade surplus. Since that time, however, the yen has greatly decreased in value, the Bank of Japan maintains a policy of zero to near-zero interest rates and the Japanese government has an extreme anti-inflation policy. Yen derives from the Japanese word 圓, which is cognate with the Chinese yuan, originally, the Chinese had traded silver in mass called sycees and when Spanish and Mexican silver coins arrived, the Chinese called them silver rounds for their circular shapes. The coins and the name appeared in Japan. While the Chinese eventually replaced 圓 with 元, the Japanese continued to use the same word, the spelling and pronunciation yen is standard in English. This is because mainly English speakers who visited Japan at the end of the Edo period to the early Meiji period spelled words this way, ゑん /wen/ in historical kana orthography. In the 16th century, Japanese /e/ and /we/ both had been pronounced and Portuguese missionaries had spelled them ye, some time thereafter, by the middle of the 18th century, /e/ and /we/ came to be pronounced as in modern Japanese, although some regions retain the pronunciation. In the early Meiji era, James Curtis Hepburn, following Medhurst, spelled all es as ye in his A Japanese and that was the first full-scale Japanese-English/English-Japanese dictionary, which had a strong influence on Westerners in Japan and probably prompted the spelling yen. Hepburn revised most of yes to e in the 3rd edition in order to mirror the contemporary pronunciation and this was probably already fixed and has remained so ever since
21.
Silver Spoon (manga)
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Silver Spoon is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, set in the fictional Ooezo Agricultural High School in Hokkaido. It depicts the life of Yuugo Hachiken, a high school student from Sapporo who enrolled at Ezo fleeing from the demands of his strict father. However, he learns that life on an agricultural school is not as easy as he initially believed. An anime adaptation produced by A-1 Pictures aired two seasons between July and September 2013 and January and March 2014 on Fuji TVs noitaminA block, a live-action film based on the manga produced by Toho was released on March 7,2014. The manga was well received by its Japanese audience while earning itself awards and his relationship with his family is strained at the start of the story, which influences his decision to attend a school far from home. He continues to worry about his career over the course of the series. Yuugo Hachiken Voiced by, Ryōhei Kimura The main protagonist, Yuugo is a city boy from Sapporo, however, the agricultural courses demand for hard labor proved his assumptions wrong. Due to his upbringing by his father, he is unable to refuse when someone needs his help. Despite complaining a lot when he feels that people abuse his generosity, Yuugo quickly earns the friendship and respect of his peers for his intellect and hardworking nature. Shortly after enrolling, Yuugo joins the Equestrian Club alongside his classmate Aki, Yuugo is usually anxious about his future as, unlike his classmates who already have set their goals in life, he is still wondering about what career he should choose. Much of Yuugos animosity towards his family is a result of being compared to his successful older brother, Shingo. Aki Mikage Voiced by, Marie Miyake Aki is a student who is also a member of the Equestrian Club. As the only child of her family, she entered Ezo to study so that she would inherit her family business, a cow and horse farm specializing in raising Banei race horses. Her father is very protective and is wary of her relationship with Yuugo at first, however, after some time and she keeps her desires bottled up and is friendly and seems easygoing, but in reality pushes people away from her problems. She has poor grades nearly comparable to Tokiwa, later, her family experiences financial difficulties and is forced to sell all their horses to make ends meet. After this event, Aki confesses her desires for the future. She then starts studying to enter college with Yuugo as her personal tutor and she slowly develops feelings for Yuugo. Mayumi Yoshino Voiced by, Shiori Izawa A classmate of Yuugo and she is a member of the Dairy Farming program
22.
Dominant white
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Dominant white is a group of genetically related coat color conditions in the horse, best known for producing an all-white coat, but also for producing some forms of white spotting and white markings. Dominant white horses are born with unpigmented skin and white hair with dark eyes. Dominant white is a condition, and under normal conditions. However, most of the alleles of dominant white can be linked to a documented spontaneous mutation in a single ancestor. Dominant white can occur in any breed, and has studied in many different breeds. Two color breeds, the American White Horse and Camarillo White Horse are characterized by their dominant white coats, there are many different forms of dominant white, in genetics, as of 2013 they are labeled W1 through W20. All known dominant white coat colors are associated with the KIT gene, as the name suggests, these known white coats are inherited dominantly, meaning that a horse only needs one copy of a W allele to have the white or white spotted coat. Dominant white is genetically distinct from Sabino and both genetically and visually distinct from gray and cremello, Dominant white is not the same as lethal white syndrome, nor are dominant white horses albinos. Albinism has never been documented in horses, Some forms of dominant white are thought to result in nonviable embryos when a zygote has two W alleles. However, this has not been verified for all dominant white genetic variations, Dominant white horses are born with pink skin and a white coat, which they retain throughout their lives. The amount of white hair depends on which mutation of W is involved, non-white areas of skin and hair are most commonly seen along the dorsal midline of the horse, known as the topline, and are especially common in the mane and on the ears. They may also have interspersed specks or spots of non-white skin, in addition, the hooves are most often white, but may have striping if there is pigmented skin on the coronary band just above the hoof. In some cases, foals born with residual non-white hair may lose some or all of this pigment with age, Dominant white spotting does not affect eye color, and most dominant white horses have brown eyes. The pink skin is devoid of pigment cells, and appears pink from the network of capillaries. White hair is rooted in unpigmented pink skin, there are many other genetic factors that produce white, near-white, and off-white coat colors in horses, some of which are visually very similar to dominant white. The American White Horse, which is descended primarily from one dominant white stallion crossed on non-white mares, is known for its dominant white coat, the W locus was mapped to the KIT gene in 2007. The terms Kit oncogene and dominant spotting gene, symbolized by KIT and W respectively, current research has now shown that there are multiple forms, or alleles, of the W gene. All horses possess the KIT gene, as it is necessary for survival even at the earliest stages of development, the presence or absence of dominant white is based on the presence of certain altered forms of KIT
23.
Equestrianism
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Equestrianism, more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding, refers to the skill of riding, driving, steeplechasing or vaulting with horses. This broad description includes the use of horses for practical working purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, Horses are trained and ridden for practical working purposes such as in police work or for controlling herd animals on a ranch. They are also used in sports including, but not limited to, dressage, endurance riding, eventing, reining, show jumping, tent pegging, vaulting, polo, horse racing, driving. Some popular forms of competition are grouped together at horse shows, Horses are used for non-competitive recreational riding such as fox hunting, trail riding or hacking. There is public access to trails in almost every part of the world, many parks, ranches. Horses are also used for therapeutic purposes, both in specialized paraequestrian competition as well as non-competitive riding to improve health and emotional development. Horses are also driven in harness racing, at shows and in other types of exhibition, historical reenactment or ceremony. In some parts of the world, they are used for practical purposes such as farming. Horses continue to be used in service, in traditional ceremonies, police and volunteer mounted patrols. Riding halls enable the training of horse and rider in all weathers as well as indoor competition riding, though there is controversy over the exact date horses were domesticated and when they were first ridden, the best estimate is that horses first were ridden approximately 3500 BC. Indirect evidence suggests that horses were ridden long before they were driven, however, the most unequivocal early archaeological evidence of equines put to working use was of horses being driven. Chariot burials about 2500 BC present the most direct evidence of horses used as working animals. In ancient times chariot warfare was followed by the use of war horses as light, the horse played an important role throughout human history all over the world, both in warfare and in peaceful pursuits such as transportation, trade and agriculture. Horses lived in North America, but died out at the end of the Ice Age, Horses were brought back to North America by European explorers, beginning with the second voyage of Columbus in 1493. Humans appear to have expressed a desire to know which horse were the fastest. Gambling on horse races appears to go hand-in hand with racing and has a history as well. Thoroughbreds have the pre-eminent reputation as a breed, but other breeds also race. Under saddle, Thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular form worldwide, in the UK, it is known as flat racing and is governed by the Jockey Club in the United Kingdom
24.
Equitation
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Equitation is the art or practice of horse riding or horsemanship. More specifically, equitation may refer to a position while mounted. In horse show competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated, such classes go by different names, depending on region, including equitation classes, rider classes, or horsemanship classes. The performance of the horse is not judged per se, but a poorly performing horse is considered to reflect the ability of the rider, Equitation classes occur in the Hunt seat, Saddle seat, Dressage, and Western disciplines. In the United States, the largest organizer of equestrian competitions is the United States Equestrian Federation, the organization offers equitation classes at its recognized shows, including those in hunt seat, dressage seat, saddle seat, and Western. The hunt seat style of riding is derived from the hunt field and it is correct for the riders to have a light and steady contact with their horses mouth the entire ride. Incorrect leads, break of pace, and wrong diagonals are penalized, loss of a stirrup or dropping the reins are also faults, and may be cause for elimination. In over fences classes, the competitor rides over a course of at least six jumps. Equitation over fence classes rarely have fences higher than 3 feet 6 inches, classes for more accomplished riders may require at least one flying lead change, and one or more combinations. The rider is judged not only on position and effectiveness of riding aids and these championships and their qualifying classes may include bending lines, roll back turns, narrow fences, and fences with a long approach to test the rider. Fences must be at least 36 and may be up to 5 wide, the course may include liverpool or open water elements, depending on the class specifications. Equitation tests may be chosen by the judge to place the top riders. These tests are required in the medal classes, riders may also be asked to switch horses at higher levels of competition, such as at a national final. Switching of horses is no longer common at competitions, usually only championships. Today it is seen most often at horse shows organized for exhibitors of the American Saddlebred, Morgan, Arabian, Tennessee Walking Horse, and it is also sometimes seen in competition for Andalusian horses. There are open and breed-specific national championships as well as a championship held every other year. Gaits shown in Saddle Seat classes include the walk, trot, some competitions may call for extended gaits, particularly the trot. In some cases, breeds who can perform five gaits add equitation classes that require two additional gaits, the gait and rack. All classes require Rail work, where competitors show and are judged as a group going both ways of the arena, Saddle seat equitation may include individual tests or a pattern to be ridden
25.
International Federation for Equestrian Sports
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The International Federation for Equestrian Sports is the international governing body of equestrian sports. The FEI headquarters are in Lausanne, Switzerland, an FEI code of conduct protects the welfare of the horses from physical abuse or doping. Jumping, Dressage and Eventing have been a part of the Olympics since 1912, para-Equestrian Dressage has been part of the Paralympic games since 1996. The FEI has organized the FEI World Equestrian Games every four years since 1990, the idea of the World Equestrian Games came into being in the mid-1980s and was strongly supported by HRH Prince Philip, who was then FEI President. The WEG encompasses the World Championship titles in all the FEI global disciplines, the FEI World Cup is an indoor series and takes place throughout the world with qualifying leagues leading to a final in each of the disciplines. The FEI World Cup series began with Show jumping in 1978 and has since extended to the disciplines of Dressage. Today, there are 134 National Equestrian Federations affiliated with the FEI, there have been 13 different presidents of the organization. Major Jhkr Karl F. Quarles van Ufford is the individual to have served twice. Nowadays, a President can serve for a maximum of two terms, since 2014, the President of the FEI is Ingmar De Vos from Belgium. Official website FEI TV, Official Video Website Official Facebook Page
26.
Equestrian at the Summer Olympics
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Equestrianism made its Summer Olympics debut at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. It disappeared until 1912, but has appeared at every Summer Olympic Games since, the current Olympic equestrian disciplines are Dressage, Eventing, and Jumping. In each discipline, both individual and team medals are awarded, women and men compete together on equal terms. Equestrian disciplines and the component of Modern Pentathlon are also the only Olympic events that involve animals. The horse is considered as much an athlete as the rider, the International Governing Body for equestrian sports is the Fédération Équestre Internationale. The 1924 Olympics were the first at which equestrian competitions were held under the authority of the FEI, equestrian events were first held at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games, although it did not include any of the disciplines seen today. There were 4 different equestrian events, the polo competition consisted of 4 teams made up of players from Britain, France, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Grand Prix Jumping, which was similar to show jumping event, for which 45 competitors entered. The first and second place was taken by riders from Belgium, while a French rider, Louis de Champsavin, on his mount Terpsichore, got the third place. However, Constant van Langendonck and Extra Dry were able to clinch the gold in the Long Jump competition, clearing a distance of 6.10 meters. Trissino and Oreste won the silver, clearing 5.70 meters, equestrian competition was dropped from the 1904 Olympic Games, and owed its return to Count Clarence von Rosen, Master of the Horse to the King of Sweden, for bringing it back. The 1906 IOC Congress agreed to his proposal to add dressage, eventing, however, due to problems with the newly formed International Horse Show Committee, they were not introduced until the 1912 Games in Stockholm and only a polo event was held in 1908. These three disciplines would be held at every Summer Olympic Games through to the present day, in 1952, however, all men were permitted to compete in all equestrian disciplines, and women were permitted to compete in Dressage. Women were later permitted to compete in Jumping in 1956 and in Eventing in 1964, since then, equestrianism has been one of the very few Olympic sports in which men and women compete with and directly against one another. Following the 1900 Olympic Games, polo would be held an additional 4 times, at the 1908 London Games, the 1920 Antwerp Games, the 1924 Paris Games, the 1908 Olympics had just 3 polo teams, all representing Great Britain. The 1920 Games included a team from Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, and it was not until 1924, after Argentina sent a team to Paris, that the gold changed hands. Argentina also won gold at the 1936 Olympic Games, vaulting was only held once, at the 1920 Antwerp Games. Vaulting included both a team and a competition, with the entrants having to perform movements at the canter and at the halt
27.
Dressage
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Dressage is a highly skilled form of riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an art sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the Olympic Games, at the peak of a dressage horses gymnastic development, the horse responds smoothly to a skilled riders minimal aids. The rider is relaxed and appears effort-free while the horse performs the requested movement. The discipline has a history with ancient roots in the writings of Xenophon. Much about training systems used today reflects practices of classical dressage, in modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of tests, prescribed series of movements ridden within a standard arena. A score of 9 is very good and is a high mark, all riding horses can benefit from use of dressage principles and training techniques. The most popular horse breeds seen at the Olympics and other international FEI competitions are warmblood horses bred for dressage, in classical dressage training and performances that involve the airs above the ground, the baroque breeds of horses are popular and purposely bred for these specialties. There are two sizes of arenas, small and standard, each has letters assigned to positions around the arena for dressage tests to specify where movements are to be performed. Cones with letters on them are positioned on the sidelines of the arena for reference as to where a movement is to be performed. The small arena is 20 by 40 m and is used for the levels of eventing in the dressage phase. Its letters around the edge, starting from the point of entry. Letters also mark locations along the line in the middle of the arena. Moving down the line from A, they are D-X-G. The standard arena is 20 by 60 m, and is used for tests in both dressage and eventing. The standard dressage arena letters are A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F, the letters on the long sides of the arena, nearest the corners, are 6 m in from the corners, and are 12 m apart from each other. The letters along the line are D-L-X-I-G, with X again being halfway down the arena. There is speculation as to why these letters were chosen, most commonly it is believed because the German cavalry had a 20 × 60-meter area in-between the barracks which had the letters posted above the doors. At the start of the test, the horse enters the arena at an opening at A, ideally this opening is then closed for the duration of the test, however, this is not always logistically possible, particularly at smaller competitions with few volunteers
28.
Eventing
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Eventing is an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combination compete against other combinations across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding, Eventing was previously known as Combined Training, and the name persists in many smaller organizations. The term Combined Training is sometimes confused with the term Combined Test which refers to a combination of just two of the phases, most commonly dressage and show jumping. Eventing is a triathlon, in that it combines three different disciplines in one competition set out over one, two, or three days, depending on the length of courses and number of entries. This sport follows a format in Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom. The test is judged by one or more judges who are looking for balance, rhythm, suppleness, and most importantly, obedience of the horse and its harmony with the rider. The challenge is to demonstrate that a fit horse, capable of completing the cross country phase on time, also has the training to perform in a graceful, relaxed. The tests may not ask for Grand Prix movements such as piaffe or passage, therefore, if one movement is poorly executed, it is still possible for the rider to get a good overall score if the remaining movements are very well executed. The marks are added together and any errors of course deducted, if all four feet of the horse exit the arena during the test, this results in elimination. If the horse more than 20 seconds during the test. This phase consists of approximately 12–20 fences, or 30–40 at the higher levels, sometimes, particularly at higher levels, fences are designed that would not normally occur in nature. However, these are designed to be as solid as more natural obstacles. Safety regulations mean that some obstacles are now being built with a frangible pin system, speed is also a factor, with the rider required to cross the finish line within a certain time frame. Crossing the finish line after the optimum time results in penalties for each second over, at lower levels, there is also a speed fault time, where penalties are incurred for horse and rider pairs completing the course too quickly. For every disobedience a horse and rider incur on course, penalties will be added to their dressage score, after four disobediences altogether or three disobediences at one fence the pair is eliminated, meaning they can no longer participate in the competition. A horse and rider pair can also be eliminated for going off course, if the horses shoulder and hind-quarter touch the ground, mandatory retirement is taken and they are not allowed to participate further in the competition. If the rider falls off the horse they are eliminated, however, in the US this rule is currently being revised for the Novice level and below. The penalties for disobediences on cross country are weighted relative to the other phases of competition to emphasize the importance of courage, endurance
29.
Show jumping
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Show jumping, also known as stadium jumping, open jumping, or simply jumping, is a part of a group of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes are seen at horse shows throughout the world. International competitions are governed by the rules of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, Show jumping events have hunter classes, jumper classes and hunt seat equitation classes. Hunters are judged subjectively on the degree to which they meet a standard of manners, style. Jumper courses tend to be more complex and technical than hunter courses because riders. Courses often are colorful and at times, quite creatively designed, hunters have meticulous turnout and tend toward very quiet, conservative horse tack and rider attire. Hunter bits, bridles, crops, spurs, and martingales are tightly regulated, formal turnout always is preferred, a neat rider gives a good impression at shows. In addition to hunters and jumpers, there are classes, sometimes called hunt seat equitation. The equipment, clothing, and fence styles used in more closely resemble hunter classes. Jumper classes are held over a course of show jumping obstacles, including verticals, spreads, the intent is to jump cleanly over a set course within an allotted time. Time faults are assessed for exceeding the time allowance, Jumping faults are incurred for knockdowns and blatant disobedience, such as refusals. Horses are allowed a number of refusals before being disqualified. A refusal may lead to a rider exceeding the time allowed on course, placings are based on the lowest number of points or faults accumulated. A horse and rider who have not accumulated any jumping faults or penalty points are said to have scored a clear round. Tied entries usually have a jump-off over a raised and shortened course, and the course is timed, if entries are tied for faults accumulated in the jump-off, the fastest time wins. In most competitions, riders are allowed to walk the initial course, going off course will cost time if minor errors are made and major departures will result in disqualification. The higher levels of competition, such as A or AA rated shows in the United States, or the international Grand Prix circuit, present more technical and complex courses. Not only is the height and width of an obstacle increased to present a challenge, technical difficulty also increases with tighter turns
30.
Combined driving
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Combined driving is an equestrian sport involving carriage driving. In this discipline, the driver sits on a vehicle drawn by a single horse, the sport has three phases, dressage, cross-country marathon and obstacle cone driving, and is most similar to the mounted equestrian sport of eventing. It is one of the ten international equestrian sport horse disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the FEI classification system denotes driving competitions as Concours dAttelage, which may be either National or International. A National Event is limited to competitors of that nation, who take part according to the regulations of their National Federation. Foreign athletes may take part by invitation, an International Event must be organised under the FEI Statutes, General Regulations and Sport Rules, and may be open to competitors of all NFs. CAIs are primarily for individual athletes, however, at World Championships, competitions for national teams of three or four members run concurrently with the individual competition. There are two categories of international competitions – CAI-A and CAI-B, the CAI-A category denotes a higher level of organisation and facilities provided. Normally, it is assumed that a CA classified competition is for horses, if pony classes are involved, the letter P is added to the classification. Numbers denote the arrangement of horses in the class, World championships are denoted as Championnat du Monde Attelage. There are three World Championships for horses – Singles, Pairs and Four-in-Hand and these are held every two years, with Single Horse and Four-in-Hand Championships in an even-numbered year and Horse Pairs every odd year. In addition, a World Combined Pony Championships are held every odd-numbered year, FEI World Cup Driving, is a series of competitions for four-in-hand horse teams. Introduced in 2001, it provides a style of competition which takes place in an indoor arena. The course combines marathon and cone driving obstacles, five or six drivers, each with a team of four horses take turns to drive the course against the clock. World Cup Driving events are classified as CAI-W and take place throughout the winter months, competitions for drivers with disabilities are classified as CPEAI and the championships are held in every odd-numbered year. At the National level the sport is governed by each countrys National Federation, sometimes through a body, which will have rules based on the FEI Rulebook. Most countries hold their own National Championships, most people will start driving by joining a local organisation or club, who organise training sessions and one- or two-day competitions. Keen drivers can qualify to take part in events from which they may put themselves forward to be selected to represent their country at international competitions or World Championships. Because a driver needs a groom, its possible to take part as such
31.
Endurance riding
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Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. It is one of the international recognized by the FEI. There are two types of long-distance riding, competitive trail riding and endurance rides. In the United States, most endurance rides are either 50 or 100 miles long, shorter rides, called Limited Distance rides, are organized for new riders to the sport or young horses being trained. However, LDs have evolved into a competition of their own, in more experienced riders. There are also longer, usually multi-day, rides as well, as with human marathon running, many riders will participate to improve their horses personal best performance and consider finishing the distance with a proper vet completion record to be a win. In the USA, the American Endurance Ride Conference sanctions endurance rides, in the UK, Endurance GB is the governing body. Winning riders can complete 100-mile rides in 14 to 15 hours, any breed can compete, but the Arabian generally dominates the top levels because of the breeds stamina and natural endurance abilities. Endurance rides and races can be any distance, though they are rarely over 160 km for a one-day competition. Organized endurance riding as a sport began in 1955, when Wendell Robie. They followed the historic Western States Trail and this ride soon became known as the Tevis Cup, and it remains the most difficult of any 100-mile ride in the world because of the severe terrain, high altitude, and 100-degree temperatures. Endurance riding first was brought to Europe in the 1960s, before the ride, horses are inspected by a veterinarian to ensure they are fit to perform in the ride. Riders may be given a map or GPS waypoints for the course, which shows the route, the places for compulsory halts, the trails frequently are marked with colored surveyors tape ribbons at regular intervals with additional ribbons or small arrow markers at turns in the trail. The ride is divided into sections, with different names, depending on sanctioning organization, after each section, horses are stopped for a veterinary inspection, where they are checked for soundness and dehydration, with their pulse and respiration taken. The riders time keeps running until their horses reach the required target, any horse deemed unfit to continue is eliminated from further competition. After the veterinary inspection, the horse must be held for a hold time. If the veterinary inspection is on the rather than at base camp, ride management usually delivers to the inspection location a cache of riders personal gear, food. While riders may compete without additional aid, sometimes referred to as riding cavalry, in upper level competition this is particularly important to efficiently prepare the horse for the vet as well as care of both horse and rider during the mandatory hold times
32.
Horseball
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Horseball is a game played on horseback where a ball is handled and points are scored by shooting it through a hoop with a diameter of 1m. The sport is like a combination of polo, rugby, and it is one of the ten disciplines officially recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. The sports predecessor, pato, originated in Argentina in the early 1700s and it was outlawed in 1790 due to high mortality among players. In 1941 the Federacion Argentina de Pato was created, in 1953 was declared as Argentinas national game. The name of the game derives from the use of a live duck instead of the six-handled ball which is used in the modern sport. The game as its known today, including the use of a instead of an animal, was defined in the 1930s. It gained success and has spread across Europe and overseas, the International Horseball Federation has eighteen members including eight outside of Europe, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Kyrgyzstan and Mexico. The basic rules involve a team of 4 players making a minimum of 3 passes between 3 different players of their team and then scoring a goal through a vertical hoop goal, the game is played on a soft, non slip surface, usually sand. The pitch is rectangular, approximately 65m x 25m, a match begins with a pick up, the rules for the first pick up are simple, the horse has to be cantering. In this situation, each rider must remain seated in the saddle, if both stay seated and the defender manages to keep hold of the ball for 3 seconds then their team earns a penalty. Simple tactics of the game involve the attacking team going towards goal crossing paths as this helps to manoeuvre the defence. Players can return home if they feel an attack is failing, when the ball is dropped or falls to the ground, anyone can pick it up so long as they are travelling in the same direction as play was when the ball was dropped. This is to avoid any riders coming head on whilst someone is picking up, whilst picking the ball up during the game the player must not come to a stand still. This is a teams tournament. There have been seventeen editions of this tournament with Saint-Lô2013, France is the only national team to have won this tournament, the Portuguese team has the most Silver, and Belgium the most Bronze. Currently the titles are, Gold for France, Silver for Spain, the European Lady Championship is the female only tournament, the first was in 2003 in Abano Terme 2003. There have been eight editions of this tournament with Saint-Lô2013, France is again the only national team to have won this tournament, tied for most silver are Belgium, Germany and Spain, and tied with the most bronze are Belgium, Great Britain and Spain. Currently the titles are, Gold for France, Silver for Spain, the European Under-16 Championship is the youth tournament with mixed-sex teams, the first was in 2004 in Lamotte-Beuvron 2004
33.
Reining
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Reining is a western riding competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope, or the gallop, the horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Cattle were moved, branded, doctored, sorted, and herded, often on open range without the benefit of fences, a good cowboy needed a quick and nimble horse, one that could change directions quickly, stop on a dime, and sprint after an errant cow. Other nations with traditions of herding livestock on vast areas, such as Australia and Argentina, the reining pattern includes an average of eight to twelve movements which must be executed by the horse. Patterns require the following movements, Circles, the horse must perform large, fast circles at a near-gallop and smaller and they should be perfectly round, with the rider dictating the pace of the horse. There should be an easily seen change of speed as the rider transitions from the large, fast to the small, most circles incorporate changes of direction that require a flying change of lead. Flying lead change, the horse changes its leading front and hind legs at the lope mid-stride, the horse should not break gait nor change speed. Rundown, the horse gallops or runs along the side of the arena. A rundown is a required movement prior to a sliding stop, the back should be raised upward and hindquarters come well underneath. A particularly powerful stop may, depending on conditions, produce flying dirt. The movement should finish in a line, and the horses position should not change. This movement is a favorite, along with spins. Back or Backup, the backs up quickly for at least 10 feet. The horse must back in a straight line, stop when asked. It is judged on how quick, smooth and straight the line is, rollback, the horse immediately, without hesitation, performs a 180-degree turn after halting from a sliding stop, and immediately goes forward again into a lope. The horse must turn on its hindquarters, bringing its hocks well under, spins or Turnarounds, beginning from a standstill, the horse spins 360 degrees or more in place around its stationary inside hind leg. The hind pivot foot remains in essentially the same throughout the spin, though the horse will pick it up. Spins are judged on correctness, smoothness, and cadence, speed adds to the difficulty and will improve the score of a correctly done spin
34.
Tent pegging
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Tent pegging is a cavalry sport of ancient origin, and is one of only ten equestrian disciplines officially recognised by the International Equestrian Federation. Used narrowly, the term refers to a mounted game with ground targets. More broadly, it refers to the class of mounted cavalry games involving edged weapons on horseback. Cavaliers have practised the specific game of tent pegging since at least the 4th century BC, as a result, the games date and location of origin are ambiguous. In all accounts, the sport evolved out of cavalry training exercises designed to develop cavaliers prowess with the sword. However, whether tent pegging developed cavaliers generic skills or prepared them for combat situations is unclear. However, other sources suggest that the sport originated earlier in Central Asia or the Middle East and was later on popularised in India. However, there are few accounts of a cavalry squadron ever employing such tactics. The specific game of tent pegging has a mounted horseman riding at a gallop and using a sword or a lance to pierce, pick up, the broader class of tent pegging games also includes ring jousting, lemon sticking, quintain tilting, and Parthian archery. Today, tent pegging is practised around the world, but is popular in Australia, India, Israel, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa. The Olympic Council of Asia included tent pegging as a sport in 1982. From the results of the 2008 International Tent Pegging Championships, the three leading national teams are currently Canada, India, and Oman. Members of cavalry regiments and mounted police forces remain dominant in world-class tent pegging, the United States Tent Pegging Federation is working on introducing tent pegging on the sidelines of polo in the United States. In late 1990s, many efforts were mostly solo efforts by individuals like H. E Prince Malik Ata Khan and Maharaja of Dunlod. EFI tent pegging pioneers provided much encouragement to export tent pegging to the USA, also H. E Prince Malik Ata Khan, the icon of modern-day tent pegging supported the idea of formation of a Tent Pegging as an organized sport in the USA. All of their thrust was to establish an organization in the United States so that USA could represent itself on the international front, at present the USTPF, working hard to promote Tent Pegging in the USA. The promotion efforts include two Tent Pegging Training Clinics initiated in October 2014 and June 2015 to compete in the international Arena, the USTPF was recognized by the USEF as Alliance Partner in 2015 and an NGB for Tent Pegging in the USA. The USEF granted the Alliance Partnership to the USTPF with permanent Alliance Partnership number 5347848, New and emerging national tent pegging associations have helped spread the sports popularity
35.
Equestrian vaulting
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Equestrian vaulting, or simply Vaulting, is most often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback, which can be practiced both competitively or non-competitively. Vaulting has a history as an act at circuses. It is open to men and women, and is one of ten equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Therapeutic or interactive vaulting is also used as an activity for children and adults who may have balance, attention, gross motor skill, vaultings enthusiasts are concentrated in Europe and other parts of the Western world. It is well established in Germany and Switzerland and is growing in other western countries, Vaulting was first introduced in the United States in the 1950s and 60s but was limited only to California and other areas of the west coast. More recently, it is beginning to gain popularity in the United States northeast and it is believed by some that the origins of vaulting could be traced to the ancient Roman games, where acrobats usually displayed their skills on cantering horses. Others, however, believe that vaulting originated in ancient Crete, in either case, people have been performing acrobatic and dance-like movements on the backs of moving horses/animals for more than 2,000 years. Renaissance and Middle Ages history include numerous references to vaulting or similar activities, the present name of the sport/art comes from the French la voltige, which it acquired during the Renaissance, when it was a form of riding drill and agility exercise for cavalry riders. Modern vaulting developed in post-war Germany as an initiative to introduce children to equestrian sports, in 1983, vaulting became one of the disciplines recognized by the FEI. European championships were first held in Ebreichsdorf, Austria in 1984, Vaulting was included in the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm in 1990 and in all subsequent editions of the games. It was demonstrated as an art during the 1984 and 1996 Olympic Games events and it has been included in the Inter-Africa Cup since 2006. The first World Cup Vaulting competition was held in Leipzig on 29–30 April 2011, in competitive vaulting, vaulters compete as individuals, pairs, and teams. Beginning vaulters compete at the walk or trot while experienced vaulters compete at the canter, the vaulting horse moves in a 15-metre circle and is directed by a lunger who stands in the center. In competitive vaulting, the rider will first be judged on a score from 1 to 10, if two competitors tie, then the horse is judged. Vaulting competitions consist of compulsory exercises and choreographed freestyle exercises done to music, there are seven compulsory exercises, mount, basic seat, flag, mill, scissors, stand and flank. Each exercise is scored on a scale from 0 to 10, horses also receive a score and are judged on the quality of their movement as well as their behavior. Vaulters compete in team and individual freestyles, an individual Kur is a 1-minute freestyle and team is 4 minutes. They are both choreographed to music, the components of a freestyle vaulting routine may include mounts and dismounts, handstands, kneeling and standing and aerial moves such jumps, leaps and tumbling skills
36.
Para-equestrian
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The other is para-equestrian driving, which operates under the same basic rules as combined driving but places competitors in various grades based on their functional abilities. The first official Paralympic Games was held in Rome in 1960, the Games were initially open only to athletes in wheelchairs, at the 1976 Summer Games, athletes with different disabilities were included for the first time at a Summer Paralympics. Competitors with cerebral palsy classifications were allowed to compete at the Paralympic games for the first time at the 1984 Summer Paralympics, para-equestrian dressage was added to the Paralympic Games program at the 1996 Summer Paralympics. The FEI brought para-equestrian sport under its umbrella in 2006, riders with physical disabilities may compete on the same team as people with vision impairment. There are two separate para-equestrian events sanctioned by FEI, the governing body. Dressage events include Walk Only Tests for Grade 1 and Walk, the dressage events open to Grade 3 classification included Walk and Trot but Canter allowed in Freestyle. The dressage events open to Grade 4 classification included Walk, Trot and Canter, in these three grades, participants use a 40 x 20 metre arena. The dressage events open to Grade 5 classification included Walk, Trot, Canter, Canter Half-Pirouettes,3 and 4 sequence changes, at Grade 5 participants move up to the 60 x 20 metre arena. All class events are mixed gendered, for national team competitions such as the Paralympics, each team consists of three riders, one of whom must be a Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3 rider. As of 2012, people with physical and visual disabilities are eligible to compete, the other para-equestrian event is para-driving. It was previously called Carriage Driving, all class events are mixed gendered. The sport is the one with one of the highest rates of injury, for this reason, much of the equipment for the sport is developed with this in mind. Much of the equipment uses Velcro and rubber bands so that things can easily breakaway, there is also a constant balance in developing equipment for para-equestrian to assure that the rider remains in control, and that they are not dragged along by the horse. One of the made to saddles for para-equestrian is extra padding. One of the companies that specializes in making saddles for people with disabilities is Superacor, in addition to saddles, para-equestrian riders may use some other form of padding such as a fleece covering for the saddle. Para-equestrian competitors have both a class and a disability profile number, the profile number impacts which equipment a rider can use, with equipment differences existing in the same class. The Paralympic games host a para-equestrian dressage competition, and have done so since 1996, the Paralympic Games are the second largest equestrian event in the world, only behind the Olympic Games. It is the sport on the Paralympic program that includes a live animal
37.
Harness racing
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Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait. They usually pull a cart called a sulky, although in Europe racing under saddle is also conducted. Orlov trotters race separately in Russia, the light cold-blooded Coldblood trotters and Finnhorses race separately in Finland, Norway and Sweden. Today, most harness races are won by Standardbreds who post times of 2 minutes or less, the horses have proportionally shorter legs than Thoroughbreds, and longer bodies. Standardbreds generally have a placid disposition, due to the admixture of non-Thoroughbred blood in the breed. The founding sire of todays Standardbred horse was Messenger, a gray Thoroughbred brought to America in 1788 and purchased by Henry Astor, from Messenger came a great-grandson, Hambletonian 10, who gained a wide following for his racing prowess. However, it is his line for which he is most remembered. The lineage of virtually all North American Standardbred race horses can be traced from four of Hambletonian 10 sons, races can be conducted in two differing gaits – trotting and pacing. The difference is that a trotter moves its legs forward in diagonal pairs, in continental Europe, races are conducted exclusively among trotters, whereas in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States races are also held for pacers. Pacing races constitute 80% to 90% of the harness races conducted in North America, Pacing horses are faster and less likely to break stride. One of the reasons pacers are less likely to break stride is that they often wear hobbles, the belief that hobbles are used to create this gait is a common misunderstanding. The pace is a natural gait for many horses, and hobbles are an aid in supporting the gait at top speed, most harness races start from behind a motorized starting gate. The horses line up behind a slow-moving, hinged gate mounted on a motor vehicle, at the line, the wings of the gate are folded up and the vehicle accelerates away from the horses. This enables handicaps to be placed on horses with several tapes, many European – and some Australian and New Zealand – races use a standing start. The sulky is a light, two-wheeled cart equipped with bicycle wheels, the driver carries a light whip chiefly used to signal the horse by tapping and to make noise by striking the sulky shaft. There are strict rules as to how and how much the whip may be used, in some jurisdictions, for exercising or training, the drivers use what is known as a jog cart, which is a sulky that is heavier and bulkier than a racing unit. The Prix dAmérique is considered to be the number-one trotting race in the world and it is held annually at the gigantic Vincennes hippodrome in eastern Paris late in January. The purse for the race in 2016 is 1 million euros, the horses are entered in the race based on life-time earnings, unless they have qualified by performing well in the preceding six qualifying races
38.
Point-to-point (steeplechase)
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A point-to-point is a form of horseracing over fences for hunting horses and amateur riders. In Ireland, where the sport is open to licensed - i. e. professional - trainers, many of the horses will appear in these races before they compete in National Hunt races. Consequently, the Irish point-to-point is more used as a nursery for young stars. Whilst professional trainers are specifically excluded from running horses in point-to-points in Great Britain, increasingly, horses are run from livery yards - unlicensed but otherwise professional training establishments, sometimes closely allied with a licensed yard. Horses running in Point-to-Points must be Thoroughbreds, save in the case of Hunt Members races, the owner must be a member, subscriber or farmer of a recognized pack of Hounds and obtain a Hunter Certificate from the Master to that effect. Similarly, potential riders must also obtain a Riders Qualification Certificate from a Hunt Secretary, Point-to-Point racing is also sometimes referred to as racing between the flags. The first Steeplechase ever was run locally between Buttevant and Doneraile, County Cork, over 250 years ago, by keeping the steeple of the church in sight both riders could see their finishing point. The first traceable use of the phrase point-to-point in connection with a race is in Bells Life on 10 January 1874. A race is described that took place on the 2 January from Sutton-on-the-Forest to Brandsby and it was won by Langar, ridden by his owner the Hon. E. Willoughby. In Great Britain, local hunts combined in 1913 to form the Master of Hounds Point‐to‐Point Association, control passed to the National Hunt Committee in the mid 1930s and The Jockey Club in the late 1960s. In recent years, pony racing has been staged at British meetings in an attempt to more young riders into point to pointing. It includes races for children and veteran riders, the majority of the races are for riders on purebred New Forest ponies, but some races are open to horses and ponies of other breeds. Point-to-Point races are run over a minimum of three miles, but certain races, including some blue riband events are longer, and Maiden races for young horses can be run over 2½ miles. Most Point-to-Point courses are laid out on ordinary farm land, although a few are placed on the inside of professional courses such as Bangor-on-Dee racecourse or Hexham, there are 110 point-to-point courses throughout the United Kingdom divided into nine regions. East,8 - Ampton, Cottenham, Fakenham, High Easter, Higham, Horseheath, Marks Tey, scotland,4 - Balcormo Mains, Friars Haugh, Mosshouses, Overton. South & Central,4 - Hackwood Park, Kimble, Kingston Blount, south,7 - Aldington, Catsfield, Charing, Godstone, Parham, Penshurst, Peper Harow. Wales,11 - Bangor-on-Dee, Cilwendeg, Howick, Llanfrynach, Llanvapley, Lower Machen, Lydstep, Pentreclwydau, Pyle, Trecoed, a three-mile race is almost invariably two circuits of a typical point to point course although there are one or two exceptions. Every course must have a number of 18 fences and at least two fences must have ditches
39.
Steeplechase
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A steeplechase is a distance horse race in which competitors are required to jump diverse fence and ditch obstacles. Steeplechasing is primarily conducted in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, modern usage of the term steeplechase differs between countries. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, it only to races run over large, fixed obstacles. The collective term jump racing or National Hunt racing is used referring to steeplechases. Elsewhere in the world, steeplechase is used to refer to any race that involves jumping obstacles. The most famous steeplechase in the world is the Grand National run annually at Aintree Racecourse, in Liverpool, since its inception in 1836, which in 2014 offered a prize fund of £1 million. The steeplechase originated in Ireland in the 18th century as an analogue to cross-country thoroughbred horse races which went from church steeple to church steeple, an account of the race was believed to have been in the library of the OBriens of Dromoland Castle. Most of the earlier steeplechases were contested cross-country rather than on a track, the first recorded steeplechase over a prepared track with fences was run at Bedford in 1810, although a race had been run at Newmarket in 1794 over a mile with five-foot bars every quarter mile. The first recognised English National Steeplechase took place on Monday 8 March 1830, the 4-mile race, organised by Thomas Coleman of St Albans, was run from Bury Orchard, Harlington in Bedfordshire to the Obelisk in Wrest Park, Bedfordshire. The winner was Captain Macdowall on The Wonder, owned by Lord Ranelagh, report of the event appeared in the May and July editions of Sporting Magazine in 1830. In Great Britain and Ireland, steeplechase only refers to one branch of jump racing, collectively, Great Britain and Ireland account for over 50% of all jump races worldwide, carding 4,800 races over fences in 2008. Jump racing in Great Britain and Ireland is officially known as National Hunt racing, French jump racing is similar to British and Irish National Hunt races, with a few notable differences. Hurdles are not collapsible, being akin to small brush fences. Chases often have large fences called bullfinches, a large hedge up to 8 ft tall that horses have to jump rather than over. There are also a number of cross-country chases where horses have to jump up and down banks, gallop through water. Auteuil in Paris is perhaps the best known racecourse in France for French jump racing, the Velká pardubická Steeplechase in Pardubice in the Czech Republic is the location of one of the longest steeplechase races in Europe. The first Velka Pardubice Steeplechase was held on 5 November 1874, in the United States, there are two forms of steeplechasing, hurdle and timber. National fences stand 52 inches tall at the highest point, but are made of synthetic brush that can be brushed through
40.
Thoroughbred horse racing
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Thoroughbred horse racing is a worldwide sport and industry involving the racing of Thoroughbred horses. It is governed by different national bodies, there are two forms of the sport, Flat racing and jump racing, called National Hunt racing in the UK and steeplechasing in the US. Jump racing can be divided into hurdling and steeplechasing. Traditionally racehorses have been owned by wealthy individuals. It has become common in the last few decades for horses to be owned by syndicates or partnerships. 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, owned by IEAH stables, historically, most race horses were bred and raced by their owners. Additionally, owners may acquire Thoroughbreds by claiming them out of a race, a horse runs in the unique colours of its owner. These colours must be registered under the governing bodies and no two owners may have the same colours. The rights to certain colour arrangements are valuable in the way that distinctive car registration numbers are of value. It is said that Sue Magnier paid £50,000 for her dark blue colours. If an owner has more than one running in the same race then some slight variant in colours is often used or the race club colours may be used. The typical cost of owning a horse in training for one year is in the order of £15,000 in the United Kingdom. The facilities available to trainers vary enormously, some trainers have only a few horses in the yard and pay to use other trainers gallops. Other trainers have every conceivable training asset and it is a feature of racing that a modest establishment often holds its own against the bigger players even in a top race. This is particularly true of national hunt racing, Racing is governed on an All-Ireland basis, with two bodies sharing organising responsibility. The Turf Club is the rulemaking and enforcement body, whilst Horse Racing Ireland governs, in 2013, Ireland exported more than 4,800 Thoroughbreds to 37 countries worldwide with a total value in excess of €205 million. This is double the amount of horses exported annually from the U. S, the Jockey Club in the UK has been released from its regulatory function but still performs various supporting roles. A significant part of the BHAs work relates to the disciplining of trainers and jockeys, disciplinary enquiries usually relate to the running of a horse, for example, failure to run a horse on its merits, interference with other runners, excessive use of the whip
41.
Buzkashi
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Buzkashi, is the Central Asian sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to place a goat or calf carcass in a goal. It is the sport of Afghanistan, although it was not banned. Traditionally, games could last for days, but in its more regulated tournament version. From Scythian times until recent decades, buzkashi has remained as a legacy of that bygone era, during the rule of the Taliban regime, buzkashi was banned in Afghanistan, as the Taliban considered the game immoral. After the Taliban regime was ousted, the game resumed being played, today games similar to buzkashi are played by several Central Asian ethnic groups such as the Kyrgyz, Pashtuns, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Uyghurs, Hazaras, Tajiks, and Turkmens. In the West, the game is played by Afghan Turks who migrated to Ulupamir village in the Van district of Turkey from the Pamir region. In western China, there is not only horse-back buzkashi, Buzkashi is the national sport and a passion in Afghanistan where it is often played on Fridays and matches draw thousands of fans. Whitney Azoy notes in his book Buzkashi, Game and Power in Afghanistan that leaders are men who can seize control by means foul and fair, the Buzkashi rider does the same. Kazakhstans first National Kokpar Association was registered in 2000, the Association has been holding annual kokpar championships among adults since 2001 and youth kokpar championships since 2005. All 14 regions of Kazakhstan have professional kokpar teams, the regions with the biggest number of professional kokpar teams are Southern Kazakhstan with 32 professional teams, Jambyl region with 27 teams and Akmola region with 18 teams. Kazakhstans national kokpar team currently holds a title of Eurasian kokpar champions, a photograph documents kokboru players in Kyrgyzstan around 1870, however, Kyrgyzstans kokboru rules were first officially defined and regulated in 1949. Starting from 1958 kokboru began being held in hippodromes, the size of a kokboru field depends on the number of participants. The buzkashi season in Tajikistan generally runs from November through April, High temperatures often prevent matches from taking place outside of this period, though isolated games might be found in some cooler mountain areas. Buzkashi was brought to the USA by a descendant from the Afghan Royal Family, a mounted version of the game has also been played in the United States in the 1940s. Young men in Cleveland, Ohio played a game they called Kav Kaz, the men – five to a team – played on horseback with a sheepskin-covered ball. The Greater Cleveland area had six or seven teams, the game was divided into three chukkers, somewhat like polo. The field was about the size of a field and had goals at each end, large wooden frameworks standing on tripods. The players carried the ball in their hands, holding it by the long-fleeced sheepskin, a team had to pass the ball three times before throwing it into the goal
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Equestrian drill team
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An equestrian drill team is a group of horses and riders performing choreographed maneuvers to music. Teams typically perform at rodeos, horse fairs, parades, benefits, Drill teams are intended to entertain, show sportsmanship, horsemanship, teamwork and dedication. Competition drill at the level is a controlled ride and has continuous forward motion. Some competition venues have set up divisions of competition to provide for novice, rodeo, youth, gaited and special effects such as theme. Theme drill provides a division that allows teams to showcase their uniforms, horse ability, music, members must have a uniform appearance, including outfits, hats, tack, and flags. Horses should be of the type, e. g. stock type, gaited, or miniature. Teams can range in size from four horses to 20 plus horses, categories can include Novice, Youth, 4-H, Gaited, Theme, Rodeo, Quad, or Open. The United States Equestrian Drill Association is the body for mounted drill. The USEDA sanctions competitions throughout the United States, the United States Equestrian Drill Championship is held each June at the Texas Rose Horse Park near Lindale, Texas as part of Super Ride - an International Festival of the Equestrian Arts
