ISSUE 200

200 Celebrating Editions

Celebrating 200 Editions of LA POLO!

The 200th milestone Edition of La Polo brings along nostalgia and a sense of achievement. We are reminded of the first steps we took with hesitation, but pride brimming in our hearts. Over the years, we have grown, enjoying each moment.

The equine world blossoms in the fields of green and dusty trails. And in a world which is filled with feisty horses and men of tenacity, there has always been a need to bring people together and function smoothly. A look at some associations.

Ghanaian Wood Carvings

The famous wooden masks, drums and figurines–exported all over the world–are a part of an ancient tradition. Many believed that through the figurines and the masks, a connection with the ancestors could be established.

Stories from Equine Associations The Mystique of the Regent Diamond

The famed Diamond evokes enigmatic reverence for the gemstone. The gemstone’s origin is unclear with several competing theories floating around, none backed by reliable evidence. The Regent Diamond is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, drawing millions of visitors each year.

The Jaipur Riding and Polo Club organsied the “Chief Minister’s Cup” from 20th March to 26th March to promote youngsters in the game. Out of the total 6 teams, Cavallo Polo Barn Beat emerged victorious after defeating Team APC in the finals.

200 Editions of LA POLO!

The 200th milestone Edition of La Polo brings along nostalgia and a sense of achievement. We are reminded of the first steps we took with hesitation, but pride brimming in our hearts. Over the years, we grew, enjoying each moment, and inspired by the love received from polo veterans as well as contemporary players, and all those connected with the sport.

India is the birthplace of modern polo, and therefore it was only logical to have a homegrown magazine to acknowledge and celebrate the roots. As we and several other audiences of the sport observed, the understanding and legacy of Polo was shared mostly by people hailing from the upper echelons of the society, but the sport needs to be enjoyed by all. It was this desire to reach Polo to the widest community of sports lovers possible that La Polo

came into being.

La Polo entered the territory of Polo and Equestrian coverage in 2017. After a challenging, but a highly rewarding journey, here we are today, celebrating the 200th edition of our digital magazine!

La Polo, over its 200 editionruns, has focused on acknowledging the relentless work on and off the pitch, celebrating the continuing efforts of people from different facets of the sport, from prodigious players to meticulous stablekeepers. Each

day, La Polo is driven by the mission to bring forth the magic of one of the oldest team sports in the world, which, unlike any other, showcases the powerful bond between a player, his/her fellow team players and the equine partners, to as many people as possible. As a young magazine working in a niche category, we

have faced our own unique challenges, but with the unyielding support of members of Indian polo’s tight-knit community, we’ve triumphantly surmounted all. Going forward, we yearn to work with the same dedication for our readers, who’ve been our steadfast cheerleaders through this unique and exciting journey.

Ever since we shared that La Polo touched a milestone with the 200th Edition of the Newsletter, we received congratulatory messages that we are immensely thankful for. A few of these:

Ranshay Purohit

The way La Polo has promoted the sport has been fantastic. It has done wonders for Polo. The recognition it has given to all members contributing to the sport is an aspect never seen before. Polo is definitely one of those sports that has continued to remain underrated, especially in regard to its reach among the people of India, or even the world for that matter. La Polo’s constant endeavour is surely helping to expand the reach of Polo. As a Polo player, I’m very thankful and grateful to La Polo for its contribution and hard work to make the sport get even bigger!

Dino Dhankhar

For me, getting featured in the La Polo newsletter and magazine, time and again, means a lot, as the way they showcase our talent and hard work is absolutely phenomenal. Because of this, we keep our spirits high and full of confidence, as we know this gives us great recognition and pushes us to get better in the sport each and every time. So, thanks a ton to La Polo.

Hurr Ali

La Polo has helped tremendously in expanding the reach of the sport across the country. It in a way introduces a greater number of people to the sport, which is important to ensure the sport’s longevity. The other important point of the magazine’s presence has been its platform for the sport’s enthusiasts to find real-time information on La Polo’s social media pages. A welcome change!

Shamsheer Ali

I most fondly remember my first photoshootinterview with La Polo that was featured in one of the newsletters. It gave me an opportunity to collect my thoughts about the sport. A cherished memory definitely!

Dhruv Pal Godara

La Polo has come a long way from covering a clutch of niche tournaments to now covering almost all the tournaments played. The one particular characteristic that I’d point out would be that interviews with La Polo are always full of excitement and anticipation, given the out-of-the-box questions that you guys collate, so that’s one stand out!

Siddhant Sharma

I think I owe my life to this sport. I think the world cup interview was the first one that La Polo had taken, in 2017. And now so many people are involved with Polo, thanks to La Polo, so really well done.

H.H. Maharaja Sawai

Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur

I think ever since La Polo got involved, you have really brought attention to the right causes. You have drawn attention to the grooms, to the horses, to the players. You have suddenly made everything very exciting. All our families can now follow Polo though your Instagram page. My grandmother often, and I hope that she hears this, she gets very annoyed on the days that you miss coverage due to some network issues. So I think you have really increased the involvement that people have with the sport and we are extremely grateful to you for that.

In the first interview, I remember you guys had covered the World Cup, and for the first time we saw so many journalists, photographers or videographers suddenly involved in Polo. And I think what you did with the first magazine, putting us all on the cover, I think it was exceptional.

Jaisal Singh Sujan

Given that La Polo has been a first-of-itskind dedicated Polo magazine has definitely made it stand apart. It has provided a platform for Polo enthusiasts to come together. My prized memory of La Polo would be my interview with the then nascent magazine, talking about my comeback to the sport after a 17- year gap!

ACHIEVERS POLO CREATES HISTORY BY WINNING 18 OUT OF 24 INDIAN POLO TOURNAMENTS

TheJaipur-based team, Achievers Polo, has created history in the world of Indian polo by winning an astounding 18 out of 24 tournaments as part of the Indian Polo Association polo calendar for the 2022-23 season. This remarkable achievement is unparalleled in the history of Indian polo, with no other team ever having enjoyed such a prolonged period of success. Achievers Polo’s phenomenal performance was characterized by their triumphant win in all three of the open tournaments: the Indian Open National Championship, Northern India Open Championship, and Jaipur Open Championship, all of which were played in the current season. Moreover, they displayed their dominance by winning most of the major tournaments in Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Mumbai.

HARD-FOUGHT GAME AT THE NEDBANK INTERNATIONAL POLO SEES SOUTH AFRICA CLAIM A NARROW WIN OVER INDIA

TheNedbank International Polo event made a comeback and was held at the Inanda Club in Sandton on Saturday, 22 April. The event marked the return of the Indian polo team to South Africa, where they competed against the host nation on horseback. India’s national polo association has a long history, dating back to its founding in 1892, giving the Indian team a deep and intrinsic knowledge of the game. This knowledge set the stage for an exciting and memorable encounter between the two teams, with South Africa ultimately winning the game by a close margin of 7 to 6 goals. The game was fiercely contested by both sides, with each team displaying great skill and sportsmanship throughout the match.

LEXUS INTERNATIONAL GAY POLO TOURNAMENT

PRESENTED BY DOUGLAS ELLIMAN RETURNS FOR 16TH YEAR!

TheCenter in Wellington, which is famous for its enthusiasm for polo and equestrian sports, is gearing up to host a lively five-day festival, welcoming guests from all over the world to show their support for the LEXUS International Gay Polo Tournament - Presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate (GPL) from April 6-9, 2023. This event is set to be a jubilant celebration of community, togetherness, and haute couture, motivating and emboldening members of the LGBTQ+ community in sports and beyond.

The event fosters an inclusive and diverse celebration of polo, uniting people from various backgrounds and cultures to honor diversity, acceptance, and equality. This event is an opportunity to showcase the talent and aptitude of LGBTQ+ players in the polo sport, a game that is traditionally considered to be exclusive and restricted.

Guests attending the event will witness a dazzling presentation of fashion, sportsmanship, and entertainment, all taking place against the stunning backdrop of Wellington’s Center. This event is set to be an unforgettable experience that champions acceptance, diversity, and equality in sports and beyond.

JAGAT EDGE OUT CAVALLO POLO BARN TO CLINCH JAIPUR POLO CUP TITLE

www.timesofindia.com

Ona sunny Sunday, Jagat Polo claimed victory in the Jaipur Polo Cup, after a thrilling final match against Cavallo Polo Barn. The annual tournament was held at Bindaiyka as part of the ongoing JRPC Polo Season and organized by the prestigious Jaipur Riding and Polo Club.

The Cavallo Polo team displayed their unwavering fighting spirit until the very end, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite being behind, they never gave up and fought with great determination. Vishal Singh played a key role in keeping Cavallo in the game, waging a lone battle and making sure they remained in contention until the final moments of the match. In the end, Jagat Polo came out on top with a hard-earned 8-7.5 victory over their opponents.

IPA SUB-JUNIOR NATIONAL POLO CHAMPIONSHIP

An amazing tournament showcasing the vigor and prowess of the young polo players, the IPA Sub-Junior Polo Championship commenced on 3rd March 2023. Teams Udar Polo, Madiesta Polo, and Mayo College competed against each other to bring the trophy home. The players gave exemplary performances under the initiative. In the end, Udar Polo Team won the tournament.

IPA JUNIOR NATIONAL POLO CHAMPIONSHIP: A THRILLING SHOWCASE OF YOUNG POLO TALENT

The IPA Junior National Polo Championship commenced from 4 April featuring five incredible teams and over 20 talented young players all competing to become the future superstars of the sport. Over a course of 3 days, this tournament showcased some of the best skill, strategy, and sportsmanship that the sport of polo has to offer. Each team had their own unique style and strengths, making this competition an unpredictable and exciting event for spectators and fans alike. It’s clear that these young players have what it takes to make a name for themselves in the world of polo, and this tournament was testament to their talent and determination.

l DG RVS CUP (2 GOAL)

The DG RVS Cup (2 Goal) tournament, which recently concluded, brought out some of the best teams and most spectacular moments in the sport. Held over nine days, from March 10th to March 18th, the tournament featured six incredibly strong teams battling it out for the championship title. Polo is a sport that offers a great time for everyone, and this tournament lived up to that promise. Whether you were a seasoned polo enthusiast or simply looking for a good time, the event offered an unforgettable experience for all who attended. The talented athletes on the field showcased their skills and passion for the sport, making the DG RVS Cup a truly remarkable and unforgettable event. The tournament was structured with several rounds, with the winning teams advancing to the next until the ultimate champion was crowned. For those who missed the action, here are the exciting statistics from the tournament:

Unfortunately, the finals of the DG RVS Cup (2 Goal) tournament, which was supposed to feature 61 Cavalry and Navy, were canceled due to adverse weather conditions. This left both teams unable to compete for the championship title. The DG RVS Cup concluded on a positive note, with both 61 Caval ry and Navy earning well-deserved recognition as the joint champions of the tournament.

JOINT WINNERS - 61 Cavalry and Navy Polo

l RADHA MOHAN RAJINDRER MOHAN GOLD VASE (8 GOAL)

The Radha Mohan Rajindrer Mohan Cup was an exciting polo tournament that captured the attention of spectators in the capital. The tournament featured three teams competing from 22nd March to 26th March for the highly-coveted trophy. Throughout the tournament, each team showcased an outstanding display of horsemanship skills and strategic gameplay, making it a thrilling competition to watch. As the tournament progressed, the excitement intensified, and all eyes were on the prize. In the end, Rajnigandha Achievers emerged victorious and lifted the final cup after delivering an exceptional performance on the pitch. The Radha Mohan Rajinder Mohan Cup was a testament to the passion and dedication of polo players, and it left a lasting impression on all those who witnessed it.

Throughout the tournament, the players demonstrated impressive horsemanship skills and strategic gameplay, providing the audience with thrilling matches. As a result, the tournament’s statistics were impressive and showcased the players’ performance levels. Here are the figures from the tournament:

Winners - Rajnigandha Achievers

STORIES FROM EQUINE ASSOCIATIONS

The equine world blossoms in the fields of green and dusty trails. And in a world which is filled with feisty horses and men of tenacity, there has always been a need to bring people together and function smoothly, keeping in mind what is best for the equine species. And that’s why Equine Associations were formed. They join together to spread education, wisdom and expertise they have gathered about ponies, from ensuring breeding standards to their wellness and care. These associations are the horse-police, a watchdog for the tongue-tied species so that their best interests are always prioritized.

These associations play a critical role in the equine industry. They provide essential guidance, and advocacy for the wellbeing of horses. Their expertise is crucial in establishing breeding standards, promoting equine wellness, and ensuring the industry’s protection. The tireless dedication and commitment of these associations have a significant impact on maintaining high standards and excellence in the equine world. It is important to recognize and appreciate their essential contributions to the industry. La Polo has curated a few stories from these associations that should never fade out of our memory.

AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION (AQHA)

WIMPY P-1

He was the first horse registered with the association. Wimpy P-1 was born in 1937 and was given the registration number P-1. He was easily recognizable with his small blaze and three white stockings, and he stood just over 14 hands tall.

Wimpy P-1 proved to be equally adept at other western riding disciplines like cutting, roping, and halter. Wimpy P-1 was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 1989.

LEO

Leo was a remarkable stallion that made a significant impact on the American Quarter Horse breed. He was born in 1940 in Oklahoma. His progeny were known for speed, agility, and versatility.

In 1989, Leo was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame.

DOC BAR

Doc Bar was a renowned American Quarter Horse stallion, born in 1956 in California. He quickly established himself as an exceptional sire with his offspring displaying remarkable conformation, athleticism, and trainability.

He was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 1993.

DASH FOR CASH

Dash for Cash was a prominent American Quarter Horse stallion, born in 1973 in Kansas.

He had a remarkable racing career, winning 21 of his 25 starts and earning an impressive $507,688 in prize money. Dash for Cash was named AQHA World Champion Race Horse twice, in 1976 and 1977, and he also won the prestigious All American Futurity.

In 1997, Dash for Cash was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame.

SMART LITTLE LENA

Smart Little Lena is one of the most celebrated American Quarter Horses in history. He was born in 1979 in Texas.

He quickly established himself as a dominant force in the cutting horse world, winning the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity, the NCHA Super Stakes, and the NCHA Derby in 1982. This made him the first cutting horse to win all three events in one year, earning him the title of “Triple Crown” champion.

He was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2015.

EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION OF INDIA (EFI)

SEIGNEUR MEDICOTT

In 2018, Indian equestrian Fouaad Mirza made history by winning the individual silver medal in eventing at the Asian Games with his horse Seigneur Medicott. The German-bred gelding, also known as ‘Ally’, had only been paired with Mirza for a few months before the competition, but the duo formed an instant bond. Seigneur Medicott’s athleticism, bravery, and agility helped Mirza navigate the challenging cross-country course, leading them to their historic victory.

TINTIN BRENTINA

Tintin was a remarkable bay gelding who made history in Indian equestrianism alongside his rider, Rakesh Kumar. Known for his athletic ability and agility, Tintin’s impressive jumping skills helped him and Kumar win the individual gold medal in showjumping at the 2015 South Asian Games, marking a significant achievement for Indian equestrianism.

Zara, a chestnut mare, is a remarkable horse who has played a significant role in Alok Sharma’s success in dressage competitions. Known for her graceful movements, exceptional gaits, and obedient nature, Zara has helped Sharma earn multiple medals in national and international competitions. Her talent and beauty have made her a crowd favorite.

UNITED STATES DRESSAGE FEDERATION (USDF)

Brentina was a Hanoverian mare born in 1991. She had an exceptional movement, elegant presence, and willingness to perform, which made her a standout in the sport.

Together with her rider, Debbie McDonald, Brentina achieved numerous national and international titles. However, their historic moment came in 2002 at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. They won the individual bronze medal and helped the US team win the team silver medal, becoming the first American combination to win a medal at the event.

ZARA

Kennedy, a Dutch Warmblood gelding born in 1989, was an exceptional athlete who achieved great success in dressage under the guidance of his rider, Robert Dover. Together, they won at the 2005 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas and helped the US team win the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics Games in Athens.

Keen, a Dutch Warmblood gelding born in 1966, was one of the most iconic horses in American dressage history. Under the guidance of his rider, Hilda Gurney, Keen achieved great success, winning the individual silver medal and team gold medal at the 1975 Pan American Games and helping the US team win the bronze medal at the 1976 Olympics.

VERDADES

Verdades, a Dutch Warmblood gelding born in 2002, achieved great success in dressage under the guidance of his rider, Laura Graves. Together, they made history to win an individual medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2018, winning the individual silver medal and helping the US team win the team silver medal.

THE MORGAN IN HOLLYWOOD

Morgans have a rich history in Hollywood, with many of them appearing in beloved films as heroic companions or as the lead role. “Docs Keepin Time,” a Morgan gelding, famously portrayed “Black Beauty” in the 1994 movie. Prior to being cast in the film, Docs Keepin Time was a trained driving horse and show horse. His performance in the movie earned him a devoted fan base, and he made numerous public appearances following the film’s release.

AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION (AMHA)

FIGURE

Figure was a legendary stallion whose impact on the Morgan breed is immeasurable. Born in the late 18th century, Figure was known for his exceptional conformation, which included a short, elegant head and a muscular, compact body. But it was his temperament and athleticism that truly set him apart.

He was also a symbol of the American spirit, having been owned and ridden by such illustrious figures as President James Monroe and General Ulysses S. Grant.

www.wikipedia.org

AMHA’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMPETITIVE EQUESTRIAN SPORTS

The AMHA has been a key sponsor of various competitions and events that showcase the exceptional skills of Morgan horses. The most notable among them is the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show, which is the largest and most prestigious Morgan horse show in the world.

Apart from the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show, the AMHA also sponsors numerous regional and national-level events that allow Morgan horses to compete and display their skills

www.morganhorse.com

EQUINE HERPES PLAGUES SECTIONS OF THE BELGIAN EQUINE WORLD

Ahorse had been confirmed to have contracted the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) post the conclusion of a recent equestrian event. While the affected horse was quickly removed from the stables, there is now a rising fear that other horses that came in contact with the former might have been infected. The International Equestrian Federation has given an update on the situation, and measures that are being put in place, “in consultation with the organising committee and the Belgian national federation”. “The affected horse, which had already left the venue, presented neurological signs for EHV-1 upon returning home which were subsequently confirmed through an EHV-1 test,” an FEI spokesman said. “The horse, unfortunately, died on 31 March and the FEI is following up on the circumstances of the horse’s death.” It is now believed that no less than thirty horses came in contact with the affected horse. As a result, the FEI has decided to pull the horses that came in contact from upcoming events to prevent further spread. “All blocked horses have been isolated and will be prevented from attending any FEI events until they have fulfilled certain health requirements which are imposed in order to minimise any potential transmission of the virus” the FEI spokesman said. The federation is also doing its bit to inform the owners of the affected horses and providing them with medical advice and support. “All information in relation to the horse health requirements is available on the dedicated hub. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, don’t hesitate to contact the veterinary department.”

MEDAL-WINNING RIDER, ELIZABETH FINNEY PASSES AWAY

Elizabeth Finney, the international endurance rider, and former chair of the British Endurance Riding Association (BERA) died on 19 March, aged seventy-seven, from pancreatic cancer. Finney (née Eatough) spent her childhood in Burnley, Lancashire. Her love of riding began early with encouragement from her mother, an equally equine passionate woman. Finney would do the same years later passing on her love of horses to her daughters, Caroline and Debbie After attending Bradford University to study pharmaceuticals, Finney began working at ICI (now AstraZeneca), in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, where she met her future husband, Peter. Finney worked as a pharmacist for most of her life, but deep inside she knew riding was her passion. She began competing in the 1970s on her equine partner Show Girl II and the pair became regular fixtures at the Golden Horseshoe in Exford, Somerset, before advancing to international competitions. Finney was a member of the British team at the first European Championships in France, then won an individual silver medal the following year in Germany. In 1990, she was a team gold medallist at the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden. Following Show Girl II’s retirement, Finney had great success on the family’s beloved Irish sport horse Carland Venture, in countless competitions. In 1996, she rode in California’s 100-mile Tevis Cup, known as the hardest endurance ride in America. While still excelling in her own competitions, Finney was chef d’equipe of the British endurance team on 14 occasions from 1995 to 2019. She officiated as an FEI judge in Europe, the US and Dubai, and was president of the ground jury at the World Championships at Euston Park in 2012. Finney was chair of BERA until 1999. In 2001, BERA and the Endurance Horse & Pony Society merged to form Endurance GB. She was also chairman of Cheshire Endurance Group, which she founded in 1991. Finney is survived by her husband and their two daughters.

Image Source: Pancreatic Cancer Association U.K.

Image source: MS Eventing

POPULAR HORSE IVAR GOODEN MAKES A STUNNING COMEBACK

Rockstar horse Ivar Gooden has made his eventing comeback at the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park after nearly two years out with an injury. He successfully competed at the event and went home with a rosette. Gooden is one of the world’s top five-star cross-country horses, with a perfect top-level record of six jumpings clears from six starts. The now 16-year-old gelding sustained a leg injury in June 2021 and has been carefully managed in his return to work by rider Imogen King (née Murray) and her team at MS Eventing. He has been in the ribbons showjumping this year, and returned to eventing with an open intermediate run at Thoresby on Saturday (1 April), finishing third with a double jumping clear and a steady spin across the country.“It’s just like putting a pair of old slippers on,” Imogen told Horse&Hound. “To think I’ve not ridden him for nearly two years on a cross-country course, he just feels like he’s never been away.“He’s feeling good and he’s very happy to be back out. He loves it.” Show-jumping fans hope to see more of Gooden in the coming months!

DEBBIE WEST BIDS A FINAL FAREWELL

Debbie learnt to ride aged six, made her first competitive appearance in the lead-rein class at the Richmond Royal Horse Show and was second, twice, at Horse of the Year Show in showing, in 1964 and 1965. A former mem ber of the Cobham branch of the Pony Club, she made visits to New Zealand and Canada. Trained by Edy Goldman and Vera Holden in Cheshire, a long way from her Surrey home, she was always up for a challenge. In the search for a reliable partner, the only criterion she had when looking for a horse was that it must jump. Her greatest success was with the 15.1½ hh Baccarat, who jumped for fun; the dressage, in Debbie’s words, was “a nightmare”. But the partnership came fifth at Burghley and Badminton in 1970. They came third in Badminton and won individual silver and team gold at Burghley European Championships in 1971 alongside Richard Meade, Mark Phillips and Mary Gordon-Watson, despite Debbie’s stirrup leather breaking during the cross-country. They were fourth at Badminton and second at Burghley in 1972, won team bronze at the 1973 Europeans alongside Richard Meade, Lucinda Prior-Palmer (Green) and Janet Hodgson (Norton) and came seventh at Badminton in 1974. She received her Armada Dish in Badminton in 1976. Debbie was a tiny, fearless, determined eventer and had to carry more than two-and-a-half-stone of dead weight around the old, long eventing format. Her career was pre-sponsorship and there were very limited funds, her parents being the main supporters. At times she had multiple jobs to finance competing. She also enjoyed other adrenaline-filled sports like skiing. In 1976 Debbie moved to London and became a PA in the city. She met her husband, Tim Lee, in late 1980 and they were married in July 1981. She is survived by two children, Victoria and Charles, and three grandchildren: Winnie, Cressida and Wilbur.

Image Source: Horse and Hound

SPANISH RIDING CLUB’S FUTURE HANGS IN BALANCE

Apetition calling for major changes to the management of the Spanish Riding School Vienna has received almost 12,000 signatures – as concerns are raised about the school’s future. The petition calls to “stop the destruction of the school” and states: “If we don’t act now, we will lose this cultural heritage item forever.” The petition asks for an “expert leader deeply rooted in classical horsemanship” to be appointed, for the Spanish Riding School to come under the Austrian Ministry of Culture – instead of the Ministry of Agriculture as is currently the case – and for the return of retired chief riders.

Image source: Spanish Riding School website

PARIS OLYMPIC EQUESTRIAN TEST EVENT

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has announced a series of critical dates before the Paris Olympic Games, including an operational test event in Versailles, France, in August. The cross-country event in Versailles, about 16 kilometers southwest of Paris, is scheduled for August 22-23. Another testing opportunity will be in Fontainebleau, 55 kilometers south of Paris, in April 2024, as announced at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne. The two-day forum, held at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) campus in Lausanne, also set the dates of the Chef de Mission seminar for the Olympic Games on July 13-19, and for the Paralympic Games on August 24-30. Jean Morel, Equestrian and Para-Equestrian Sports Manager for Paris 2024, introduced various elements of the planning process, detailing Olympic venue maps with key functional areas, athletes and their respective support staff’s requirements during the events. FEI’s Technology and Sports Services (TSS) department announced the launch of the Online Schedules for Jumping, which will be available next month. The FEI HorseApp can record vaccinations for all horses, and the TachApp will provide information on all tack and equipment related to horses and athletes for all FEI disciplines.

Image Source: Paris 2024

SHANE ROSE TAKES THIRD WIN AT OLYMPIC QUALIFYING ADELAIDE EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

The An Olympic champion of the past writes history yet again, this time in front of tens of thousands of spectators, achieving a feat only accomplished by one other in a quarter of a century. The threetime Olympic medallist Shane Rose rose up to claim the 5-star win at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival on Sunday. Rose and his 17-year-old horse Virgil, a combination that competed in the Tokyo Olympics, wowed a crowd of 37,000 over the three days of competition that had a record number of spectators since the event’s inception in 1997. The win was his third in the Adelaide event over the years – having also taken the title in 2004 and 2015. Rose will join athlete Hazel Shannon in completing a winning trifecta. He said the win was an early present ahead of a personal celebration on the 24th of April. “It’s a bonus gift ahead of my 50th birthday tomorrow!”

Image Source: Shane Rose Instagram

SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST FEI FINALS IN 2024

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has received the flag of the FEI World Cup Finals that Riyadh will host in April 2024. The Kingdom received the flag during the FEI World Cup Finals 2023 held from April 4-8 in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, according to Saudi News Agency (SPA). The FEI World Cup will be held for the first time in the Middle East next year. Prince Abdullah bin Fahd bin Abdullah, President of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, expressed his pride in the Kingdom hosting the championship for the first time in the Middle East. He stressed that hosting this global event is a result of unconditional support provided by wise leadership and the follow-up of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Minister of Sports.

Image Source: Saudi Arabia Equestrian Federation

HONORS FOR PLAYER

Victoria Croston of Portsmouth, Delaware, has been named to the National Collegiate Equestrian Association’s Ariat All-America Equestrian First Team. The National College Equestrian Association has been adopted by NCAA as its Division 1 equestrian program. Croston is one of the five riders nationwide earning first-team All-American honours in the Jumping Seat Flat category. “Victoria is a team captain, who epitomizes the hard work and dedication of Delaware State University’s equestrian women athletes,” said head coach Jennifer Ridgely. “Whether in the riding ring, the classroom, or the gym, Victoria excels. This is an incredible accomplishment for Victoria, this program, and our university.” Croston’s 2022-23 season has been highlighted by two ECAC Rider-of-the-Month awards, APHA NCEA All-Academic First Team honours, and Most Outstanding Performer honours in four competitions this season.

Image Source: Delaware State Athletics

GHANAIAN WOOD CARVINGS

The famous wooden masks, drums and figurines–exported all over the world–are a part of an ancient tradition.

Many believed that through the figurines and the masks, a connection with the ancestors could be established.

The Ghanian villages of Aburi and Ahwiaa are important centres of woodcarving in the country.

Africa has a rich tradition of carving. Sculptors from across the continent have been known for their exceptional skills in producing spectacular works that portray different facets of African life. A significant number of these sculptures were historically carved in wood, owing to its widespread availability. These woodworks reflect the culture and traditions prevalent at the time of their creation. Interestingly, a lot of the woodworks emphasize the human body. West Africans crafted wood-based human figurines to pay homage to their ancestors.

While the population of West Africa is ethnically diverse, they share a lot of cultural similarities. Its unique geography with the Sahara desert bordering in the north and the west, and the Atlantic Ocean bordering the south, has helped ensure general similarities among the region’s cultures that are not shared extensively with other areas on the continent. There are 16 countries that fall under this region namely Benin, Burkina

Faso, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

For a very long time, people from other continents paid little attention to the arts and culture of Africa. The only exception to this norm was Egypt. Though the region has

been known for its vibrant cultural exchanges, predating the colonial era, it was only later that the expansive variety of West African culture came to be appreciated.

GHANA

The West African country has been widely known for its woodworks. Almost all of Ghana is steeped in the tradition of woodcarving, but much of the work is centred in the Ashanti region, situated north of the capital city of Accra. The Ghanian villages of Aburi and Ahwiaa are important centres of woodcarving in the country.

The Akan people have settlements spread across the modern-day countries of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Their traditional carved items included ceremonial masks, ritualistic hardwood drums and sophisticated human figurines. Notably, the human figurines depicting ancestors were characterised by the rigidity of their facial expressions and graceful bodily postures.

In Ghana, the principal types of wood that carvers use are Sese and Tweneboa. Of these, the Tweneboa wood is more widely used. Its supple quality allows for better carving. This wood is often used for crafting ritualistic drums. The popular Kpanlogo drums are made from this wood.

Since antiquity, the people of Ghana believed that the place was home to supernatural spirits. As a result, timber that had been collected for woodcarving was often passed through elaborate ritual purification rites before work on it began. Similarly, when a woodcarver procured new chiselling tools for his work he had to placate these spirits to

solicit their benevolence. As a part of this placation, woodcarvers were required to drench their new tools in mixtures that contained a high proportion of alcohol. Along with this they also offered prayers for the liberation of these spirits. A commonly used prayer that carvers offer to the tree’s spirit before felling it:

“I am coming to cut you down and carve you, receive this egg and eat…do not let the iron cut me, do not let me suffer in health.”

(As documented by Prof. R.S. Rattray in his thesis “Religion and Art in Ashanti”- 1927)

Today, Ghana’s woodcarving industry has become an important contributor to the country’s economy. It makes up for a sizable portion of the country’s exports as well. Some of these artefacts include:

MASKS

Imbued with delicately carved elements, the masks are often thought of as being part of the aesthetic realm of African culture. However, masks acted as a go-between between the

living and the dead. In its capacity as an intermediary, when worn during ritualistic ceremonies the mask became a means through which the ancestors channelled their supernatural wisdom. These masks are often thought of as “an opening through which to glimpse the spirit world.”

DRUM

For a non-African, drums seem like a quintessential element of African culture. As several archaeological findings suggest, music has been intimately woven into the fabric of the African way of life. Drums were mostly used as a means to channel emotional sentiments to their fellow tribespeople. Consequently, they were omnipresent at times of life-changing events like war and peace, birth and death, among others.

HUMAN FIGURINES

Most of these were carved as a homage to the tribespeoples’ ancestors. Characterised by ethereal, enigmatic features, the deep meanings conveyed by them might prove difficult to dissect. Yet, they have come to be widely appreciated for their subtle elegance.

THE MYSTIQUE OF THE REGENT

DIAMOND

The famed Diamond evokes enigmatic reverence for the gemstone. The gemstone’s origin is unclear with several competing theories floating around, none backed by reliable evidence. The Regent Diamond is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, drawing millions of visitors each year.

It is believed that the Regent Diamond was mined by an enslaved man in the Kollur Mines, on the bank of the Krishna River, in the Golconda

Sultanate of India. The man kept it concealed. Following the siege of Golconda, spearheaded by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who had led his forces to bring down the Qutb Shahi ruler of the region, the formerly enslaved man made his way to the Indian coast to flee the ensuing violence. Once there, he met an English sea captain, offering him half of all the proceeds made on the sale of the diamond in exchange for safe passage out of India. However, as

luck would have it for the poor enslaved man, the sea captain betrayed him, eventually selling the diamond to an eminent Indian diamond merchant named Jamchand. The Regent Diamond was thereafter sold by Jamchand to Thomas Pitt, the British Governor of Fort St. George. This transaction is evidenced by a letter Pitt wrote to his agent in London. He writes, “... This accompanies the model of a Stone (the Diamond) I have lately seen; it weighs Mang. 303 and carrtts 426. It is of excellent crystalline water without any fowles.” Pitt also claimed he had acquired the Diamond for 48,000 pagodas (a unit of currency then used in Fort St. George). He surreptitiously dispatched the Diamond hidden in the heel of his son Robert’s shoe, who was aboard the departing ship, East Indiaman Loyal Cooke, which left for London, from Madras in 1702. It was there that it was later sent for

polishing by the diamond cutter Harris, between 1704 and 1706. The high-precision work took two years, costing an eye-watering sum of money.

Away from home, in Europe

Pitt relentlessly attempted to sell the now cushion-cut gemstone to members of the European royalty including

Louis IV of France, yet to no avail. Finally, in 1717, French Regent, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, purchased it at the urging of his close friend, Louis de Rouvroy, duc de Saint-Simon. It was thereafter placed by him under the custody of the French Crown. Its regal sheen encouraged the French to have the gemstone set into the crown of Louis XV for his coronation and then into a new crown for the coronation of his successor, Louis XVI. It was also used to adorn Louis XVI’s wife, Marie Antoinette.

After the fall of the French monarchy, during the French revolution (1789-1799), the Diamond along with several others from the French Crown’s collection was stolen.

Fortunately, it was safely recovered later. For a brief period during the revolution, it was used to finance military expenses: in 1797-1798 it was pledged to the Berlin entrepreneur Sigmund Otto Joseph von Treskow, and in 1798-1801 to the Dutch banker Vandenberg in Amsterdam. In 1801, the gemstone was permanently redeemed by the then ruler of France, Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1812, it appeared on the Bonaparte’s two-edged sword, which was crafted by MarieEtienne Nitot. But after Napoleon’s exile from France in 1815, his second wife, Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria, took the Diamond with her. Her father, Austrian Emperor Francis I, later

placed it back under the custody of the French Crown. Thereafter, the diamond was set into the crowns of Louis XVIII, Charles X and Napoleon III.

Today, it is part of a collection in the French Royal Treasury at the Louvre Museum. The diamond has been on display

there since 1887.

Legend of the Diamond’s curse

Due to a plethora of misfortunes that trailed its itinerary, the Regent Diamond was said to be cursed. The most startling of which happens to be Bonaparte’s rapid downfall after he had it set into his sword. After the fiery French revolution, an unstable France was in need of an able leader who could give a sense of direction to the country.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s charisma endeared him to his countrymen, who openly welcomed his rule despite having ousted another emperor just about a decade ago. He quickly expanded the border of his empire. Bonaparte, a gifted geopolitical strategist, rapidly set to work establishing the Confederation of the Rhine, under which he consolidated the largely disintegrated German kingdoms, annexed Holland and Rome, and founded the Grand Duchy of Warsaw in Poland. Soon Napoleon’s empire brought 70 million Europeans under his

rule. Consequently, his might created discomfort among other European emperors who feared Bonaparte may attack their empire. This coupled with other of Bonaparte’s costly military mistakes led to France getting embroiled in a high-cost contest, the Battle of Waterloo. It saw Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia banding together to take on France. In January 1814 France was being attacked on all its frontiers. The anti-French allies announced that they planned to go all out against the rebeling French emperor since in November 1813 he had rejected the peace terms offered by the Austrian foreign minister Klemens, Fürst von Metternich, which would have preserved the natural frontiers of France. After months of gruelling conditions, the battle ended in a humiliating defeat for Bonaparte. On June 22, 1815 he was forced to abdicate and sent into exile far from Europe, never to hold power again. Napoleon Bonaparte eventually died a lonely death in the island of Saint Helena on 5th May 1821.