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Jump-Off XXXXXI
Wednesday, February 15th, 2006
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Vet Gate Virus
The organizers of a so-called press conference last month to announce that Terengganu will host the World Endurance Championship in 2008 embarrassed Malaysia’s future King. The non-performance of their promotional CD meant that HRH Sultan Mizan endured approximately twenty minutes of false starts while they twice rebooted their laptop. Their CD refused to run, unlike the horse icon which galloped faster. It was a shame for the organizers that their horse vetted out at the very first gate.
No Introductions Necessary
The same press conference did nothing to introduce FEI Endurance Chairman Dr Halveth Sommerseth who had traveled from Europe to enjoy the much vaunted Malaysian hospitality. The organising chairman Dato’ Senara Hj. Mazlan, wasn’t introduced either, so Dr Sommerseth was in good company. In fact, no introductions were made, save for HRH Sultan Mizan. Perhaps they didn’t want the press to know who was responsible for the fiasco.
Stealing the Thunder
Congratulations to the Malaysian Equine Council (MEM) for putting their money where their mouth is. When the EAM pulled funding for the all Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN Sports School) team that EAM themselves had selected for the CSI* Showjumping International Invitation in Pune, India, the MEM leapt to their aid. The team of MSN graduates promptly repaid the MEM’s faith by winning the competition.
Jump-Off speculates the EAM uses the same PR team as the Terengganu WEC?
Suited and Booted
Give an A+ for initiative to Husref Jeremiah and the MSN-Malaysia team for buying suits at Chow Kit market. Three suits for RM150 is an example of how to stretch your Ringgit. A breath of fresh air in today’s big-spending equestrian world. Perhaps Hus can offer his services to the WEC organizers or EAM, both of whom seem to be in need of some good PR.
A Salute to The Commander
Amanda "The Commander” Garran is due a proper salute before leaving Malaysia after three and a half years with the Totalisator Board and MAFEC. Something more than a perfunctory letter might have been in order, seeing as she has done a sterling job here, as evidenced recently by her MSN trainee’s win in India. “Amanda The Commander” as she is known for her strict enforcement of rules as an FEI Steward, will retire with her horses to Normandy, France.
Motorheads
The National Academy of Motorsports has been told to refund the RM47 million disbursed by the Malaysia Totalisator Board as the sum was not used for welfare purposes. The Public Accounts Committee has rectified what Jump-Off alluded to back in Jump-Off XXXIX.
EIDP Shelved?
The director of the Equine Industry Development Programme was unceremoniously removed on just 24 hours notice. The repercussions are still reverberating around the Malaysian equine industry.
The Ultimate Ride
Hasbro unveiled a 40-inch-tall robotic pony that responds to touch. Your robot wants clear aids.
'Gay' police horse case dropped
A student who called a mounted policeman's horse "gay" will not be prosecuted, it has been revealed.
Police Horse gets last laugh
An American man was sentenced to 20 hours of community service and 24 hours in jail after he pleaded no contest to a charge of assaulting a police horse. The horse was helping police control fraternity party crowds when the culprit allegedly backhanded it in the face.
The probation will be spent "shoveling horse manure at the Chico police mounted unit's training grounds."
West Aliens?
Rush, Colorado, believes aliens are responsible for the mysterious death of six horses.
Highway Robber
A teenager on horseback robbed a man of his cell phone in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The teen was caught, while the horse got away.
Transitions:
Many Happy Returns to Ameer R Jumabhoy who celebrated his 80th birthday in January. In addition to a stellar business career, the doyen of the Jumabhoy clan is also a past president of the Singapore Polo Club and Equestrian Federation of Singapore.
Welcome back to Master Farrier Dennis Kennedy who returns to Malaysia to start a two-year contract with the Royal Selangor Polo Club.
Parting shots - Sabine Duale’s contract with the Royal Selangor Polo Club has expired.
Chris Joseph has resigned the hot seat at Bukit Timah Saddle Club after approximately 12 years in charge as manager, the longest reign in recent history of the club.
Redeveloping – Royal Selangor Polo Club will call for tenders to build four new blocks of stables, including a new barn after members approved an RM 2.73 million proposal by the committee. Malaysia’s oldest equestrian club will also redevelop its clubhouse and upgrade its polo field and riding areas.
To read previous editions of Jump-Off, please click on the links below:
Thanks
to everyone who has contributed to this (and previous) Jump-Offs. If
you have an interesting story that you think should be in Jump-Off,
please e-mail pete@equestrian.com.my
