Horses have a long history with the Olympics – a lot of it, I touch on in this amazing story about the infallible General Jack Burton. If you are interested in the history of the horse in Olympics, check out this excellent book.
Now, it is that time again. London makes final preparations and buzz grows over who qualifies for what event.
This year, horses have been getting plenty of airtime – between Ann Romney’s horse, Rafalca, qualifying for the Olympics and an Australian horse who had been saved from the slaughterhouse and is now London-bound. The grand-daughter of the Queen will be competing in London as well, following in her parent’s footsteps.
The equestrian events go beyond the typical team event. This is a team of horse and rider working together and communicating in ways that the general public cannot understand.
From the buzz over the Triple Crown contender I’ll Have Another (who won the Derby and Preakness but pulled out of the Belmont Stakes) to the recent Hollywood productions of War Horse and Secretariat, horses seem to be on people’s minds. It will be fascinating to see how we respond to the Equestrian events at the London Olympics.
If you’ve never watched dressage, eventing or jumping – I dare you to check it out this summer. Or even watch a few videos on You Tube. There is something magical between horse and rider when so much time and training are put in.
I know I’ll be watching this summer – will you?
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