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| Thursday, 25 September 2003 |
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Horse Extravaganza The Sri Lanka Equestrian Association (SLEA) was formed to promote horse related sports in Sri Lanka and is the National Federation for the sport in the country, having already organised events as such. The next event in the Association's calendar is to hold the first ever Horse Show in Sri Lanka, which would depict disciplines of horsemanship, as well as the versatility of the horse itself. This will be accomplished in collaboration with the Premadasa Riding School, which is at present the only such institution in Colombo. This event will comprise of not only horses endemic to India - the "Marwari"; already in the country, but also thoroughbreds that would demonstrate the more contemporary forms of riding. Nearly all items in the show have been derived from the "WAR" concept. Tent Pegging - The novelty of this evening would be Tent-Pegging - "in the old days being a cavalry maneuver", now an international equestrian event. The story goes that once, when battles were fought on horses and tented camps were erected in battlefields; a King ordered his infantry (foot soldiers) to attack an enemy camp and kill the trapped enemy soldiers. This attack involved uprooting wooden tent pegs, whilst evading the enemy. Horse Dances - Another highlight of the evening will be that of the dancing horses, in which the versatility of horses that dances to music accompanied by dancers will be displayed. This too originated from an era where horses had to be fearsome of the beat of battle drums and were trained various steps to avoid enemy weapons; these steps have since become dancing steps. Hanky Picking - The flexibility of both horse and riders is displayed in the Hanky-Picking event in which the rider picks up handkerchiefs and other small objects from the ground whilst galloping. Other events - more contemporary form of riding is displayed in the Show-Jumping events where basic obstacles will be placed. A short interlude demonstrating the basic gaits of riding will also be presented. The Grand Stand is to accommodate 1000 viewers including Guests of Honor, VIPs and Invitees etc and the crowd-turnout is an approximate 10,000. Although Grand Stand tickets are priced at Rs. 1,000, entrance for the show is free. Tickets sales centers will be at key hub points in Colombo or can be purchased by calling 2436994 or 2820588. The Marwari horses that will be participating are Indian warhorses that have been fully trained to perform such antics suitable for a memorable Horse Show. Some of them will be garbed in traditional Indian dress to add a hint of grandeur and majesty to the proceedings. Scheduled for the 28th September 2003, 5.30 p.m. - staged at the Parliament Grounds and being the first ever show of its kind, SLEA anticipates the Horse Show to be a truly memorable event. It will be a promotional event in encouraging Equestrian Sport and activities in the country. Such an event would enable many to see horses engage in activities, which they may never ever again be able to witness. As such the Horse Show would be an event, which many would not want to miss! |
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