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Jump-Off 64
Thursday, November 29th, 2007
The ass will carry his load, but not a double load; ride not a free horse to death. ~Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote.
In Argentina everyone plays polo
Position Un-Vacated
Jump-Off apologises for presuming in Jump-Off 63 that the President of the Equestarian Association of Malaysia had adhered to a Prime Ministerial directive and had resigned. Jump-Off should have realized that nothing and no one can force our fearless leader to resign his Presidency.
Not even the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
A Golf Clap for the FEI
On the eve of the SEA Games, with horses and riders already there, the FEI has asked to know if riders competing at the SEA Games are “qualified”. The FEI approved SEA Games Technical Handbook carries no “qualification” criteria. This change of goal-posts may mean that Eventing may not be able to be run at the SEA Games, despite the considerable expense of the organisers, and competing countries like Malaysia which has gone overseas to purchase 1-Star horses.
With the FEI putting considerable pressure to lobby the IOC to keep Eventing in the Olympics, it is a tantamount to shooting oneself in the foot if the FEI effectively eliminates Eventing from the SEA Games. Other sports like Golf and Ballroom Dancing will be only too pleased as this enhances their chances of Olympic inclusion.
SEA Games Special Taxes
Now that Thaksin has taken up running Manchester City, free enterprise has returned to Thailand. Horses entering the Kingdom for the SEA Games must pay a customs clearing fee to an agent of their choosing of between US$240 to US$600, depending if you are floating or flying in. Horses flown into Suvanabhumi airport have to be transported to Pattaya and 6-horse floats hired for 14,000 Baht per float are charged at US750 per horse per trip. Doing the math, this yields a margin of, oh, just 1,000%.
Can anyone say “profiteering.”
Beer after sport 'is good for the body'
A beer after playing a game of football, a long run, or a strenuous round of golf can be good for the body, scientists say. Jump-Off believes riders and polo players have known this to be a scientific fact for quite some time.
Jump-Off supports the petition to SEA Games officials to provide scientifically proven rider's bar just outside the competition arena's exit gate.
Old is Bold?
The Singapore Polo Team was
selected for the SEA Games, despite the objections of a women's
athletic relay team who were dumped in favour of the polo team. “Don’t
be angry with us – it wasn’t us that dumped you,” say the polo players.
Jump-Off thinks the relay team
should realise that quite to the contrary, polo players get quite excited by
the thought of women in relays.
HK Taking Equestrian Steps
Equestrian sport is dancing its way into the hearts of Hong Kong residents.
Pony Doper
A mother who allegedly drugged ponies to help her child win a showjumping event could be banned from the sport for four years.
Rocking Horse Rider
Jump-Off knows one precocious 3-year old who has been riding, oh, about 2 1/2 years now. He was so relaxed in a boring riding lesson recently - not enough trot and canter - that he actually fell asleep while still on-board the school pony.
Horse Service
Vermont woman wants black and white miniature horse for a service animal. No word on exactly what service he will be performing.
Appeal Upheld: Singapore’s old is gold polo team won their appeal to participate at the SEA Games.
Engaged: Former World Cup Show Jumper Norinne Dewal and Shan Kamahl Mohammad are officially engaged to be married on 22nd December 2007.
Unresigned: Despite as a directive from the Prime Minister’s office that all Ministers resign from leading sports associations in Malaysia, the EAM Presidency remains filled by Minister of Science and Innovation Dato’ Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis.
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
Beer after sport 'is good for the body'
Equestrian sport is