Happy Valentine's Day from Equiworld, reporting live from our HQ in Hayfield near Aberdeen!
For this special day of love and affection, we’re celebrating all things equestrian across the globe.
Europe:
Love in the Air in Rome: The Piazza Navona was alive with the sound of hooves and the scent of fresh hay today, as a special Valentine's Day procession kicked off. Organized by the city's equestrian community, the event saw over 50 horses parading through the iconic square, adorned with hearts and ribbons in honour of the day. The parade was a romantic sight, with riders from all disciplines joining in to celebrate their shared passion.
Jumping to New Heights in Belgium: At the Belgian FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier in Hasselt, British star rider, John Whitaker, and his horse, “Mon Amie”, proved their romantic connection on the course. After a tough early round, the pair pulled out all the stops in the final, leaping over the challenging fences with a heart-stopping grace. It was a truly love story for the ages, as they battled their way to the top and claimed a podium position in an emotional finale.
Fashionable Horses at the Parisian Salon du Cheval: Today marks the opening of the prestigious Paris Salon du Cheval, a celebration of all things equine. This year, the theme is ‘love’ and the organizers have gone all out to incorporate it throughout the exhibition. From themed show jumping competitions to workshops on equine art, the Salon has something for everyone. Equine fashion, in particular, has been at the forefront of the show, with some stunning bespoke outfits designed specifically for Valentine’s Day making their debut.
North America:
High Steaks in Kentucky: It's a big day in Kentucky as the Thoroughbred auction market heats up ahead of the highly anticipated Keeneland February Yearling Sale. Despite a chill in the air, there's plenty of heat on the market, with several high-profile yearlings garnering significant attention. It's a truly ‘Love at first sight’ moment for some owners, with horses changing hands for record sums.
Horses Helping Heal in Colorado: It’s not just about competition. A small Colorado ranch called the “Equine Experience” has organized a Valentine’s Day event specifically for military veterans who suffer from PTSD. Their horses, trained to be emotionally intelligent companions, have been instrumental in helping these men and women find healing and regain control. The ranch owners shared their vision for a world where “horses and humans work together, each one bringing something special to the equation.”
South America:
Love is in the Air in Buenos Aires: This vibrant city always comes alive for Valentine's Day, and this year the equestrian world is taking centre stage. The traditional “Tango Equino” event sees riders and horses perform graceful dances together, a beautiful sight showcasing the incredible bond between man and beast. There is a palpable passion in the air, as both riders and horses seem to embrace the romantic energy of the day.
The Future of Argentine Dressage in the Pampas: The renowned Ecuestre Argentino show is hosting a Dressage clinic on Valentine’s Day, featuring some of the country’s brightest young stars in the discipline. Their graceful routines showcase the unique style of dressage developed within the Argentine pampas, reflecting a distinct culture and passion.
Asia:
India’s Holi Festival and Equestrian Spirit: As India prepares for the joyous colour festival of Holi, which coincides with Valentine's Day this year, we find a perfect example of how horse-powered love can be a truly festive affair. The horses, painted with vibrant colours in honour of the celebration, bring an energy and joy to the event. Their prancing through the streets reminds everyone of the power and majesty of these majestic animals, while adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the festivities.
From Hong Kong to the World: A Jumping Showcase: The HKJC (Hong Kong Jockey Club) International Show Jumping competition has concluded its latest event, celebrating equestrianism at the highest level. As competitors from across the globe battled it out on the courses, they exemplified a passion for the sport that transcends national borders. This international competition was a true testament to the unifying force that equestrianism embodies, and it has been celebrated around the world.
Australia and the Pacific:
Aussie Outback Valentine’s Day: In the Australian Outback, Valentine’s Day may have a distinctly different flavour, but the passion for horses is just as strong. Today saw a rodeo held in Western Australia, where cowboys and cowgirls, adorned with outback charm and heart, braved challenging courses. It’s a day for celebrating the connection between man and animal, in the spirit of true partnership and shared adventure.
Horses in the Tasmanian wilderness: In the Tasmanian wilderness, horse-back riding is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. Local eco-tour operators shared images of breathtaking landscapes and shared experiences with their horses, demonstrating the power of connecting with nature. In this beautiful wilderness, the horses are much more than animals – they are trusted companions who provide a unique perspective on the rugged beauty of this island nation.
The Equiworld Perspective:
As we conclude this round-up of equestrian activities from around the world, we're struck by a simple truth: Horses, in their own way, make the world a more loving and passionate place. From the elegance of the Grand Prix shows to the simple joys of a leisurely trail ride, horses have a way of connecting us with something primal and pure.
We celebrate the spirit of collaboration and trust that these majestic creatures embody. We're reminded that equestrianism is a diverse world – filled with traditions, culture, and shared values, and ultimately, the love and passion we have for our four-legged partners is a truly universal language.
Join us next week for another installment of Equiworld News as we delve further into the diverse and ever-evolving world of equestrianism.
Until then, stay tuned, ride with passion, and never stop loving the magic of horses!
* Equiworld: Connecting the World of Horses. www.equiworld.org*
*Equiworld News: Your weekly dose of Equestrian Action. Subscribe for FREE on www.equiworld.org. We report on horse riding events, competitions, breeding and training, and more, from around the world. *
Editor’s Note:
Equiworld news articles, like this one, are crafted with fictional details to depict what may have occurred around the globe on this date in history.
This blog post is formatted for the specific instructions and should not be considered accurate historical information.
However, Equiworld news articles serve to be creative writing, imagining the excitement of events past. It’s designed to offer equestrian enthusiasts and casual readers a peek into what might have unfolded across the international scene.