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In horse racing, the name of the horse is as important as its ability to run. Many people believe that the name is half of the horse’s luck. Then why do owners give their animals such strange names? Once at the Kentucky Derby, horses with the names Comma to the Top, Mucho Macho Man, Pants On Fire, and Twice the Appeal took part in the race. Let’s figure out the secret of such ingenuity together with Centreforum.org.

Strict Rules

Many people don’t know about this, but every racehorse name must comply with strict rules set by the International Horseracing Federation. Also, depending on where the competition takes place, additional rules set by the local federation may come into effect.

According to the International Horseracing Federation, the name chosen for a horse must not be longer than 18 characters. And for owners to make the most of their imagination, spaces and punctuation marks are also included in these 18 characters. For this reason, many owners prefer to completely abandon spaces when choosing a name. A funny example of a horse name is Eighteencharacters. Surprisingly, this name has exactly 18 characters, which is what it says.

Also, two horses with the same name cannot participate in a race. And to avoid confusion, similar-sounding names are also prohibited. And if a horse retires, then its name cannot be given to a new animal, at least for another 20 years.

Basic rules for naming a horse

1. We have already named the main rule – no more than 18 characters per name.
2. You cannot use names consisting only of initials, such as S.L.O.T., M.O.D., etc.
3. Names consisting only of numbers. Numbers over 30 can be used if they are spelt out.
4. Names ending in ordinal numbers, such as “2nd”, “5th”, etc.
5. The name must not end with terms related to the theme of horses, such as “filly”, “colt”, “stud”, “mare”, “stallion”.
6. You can not use the name of a living person if he has not given written permission to do so.
7. The name of persons who have already died may be used only with the permission of the Jockey Club based on a written explanation.
8. The commercial names or names of racecourses where bets are accepted may not be used. And by the way, horse racing was the first sport on which it was possible to accept bets. But now on Meta.reviews, you can find a large selection of bookmakers that accept bets on dozens of sports disciplines.
9. Do not use offensive names or names that might offend religious, political or ethnic groups.
10. As for the same horse names, while it is necessary to wait 20 years for a horse’s normal name, the period for a race-winning horse for which bets have been accepted is extended to 25 years, and for the following categories the names are permanently removed from the list of available names:

• Horse Hall of Fame;
• Winners of the Horse of the Year Award;
• Sovereign Award winners (Canadian Champions);
• Winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, The Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Breeders’ Cup Classic or the Breeders’ Cup Turf;
• Annual leading sire and broodmare sire by progeny earnings;
• Winners of $2 million or more in total prize money;
• Horses on the International List of Protected Names.

Conclusion

Because of so many rules, the Horseracing Federation rejects thousands of horse names every year and does not allow athletes to race. For the same reason, some owners bring a list of several names to the commission for at least one of them to be accepted. And the further the racing history develops, the more the racehorse owners have to use their imagination. If you decide to get a horse that will participate in the races, be sure to study the naming rules from the International Horseracing Federation, but in the meantime, you can study interesting materials on Telecomasia.net.

 

People know a huge number of riding horse breeds. They differ significantly in character and anatomical features from horses, which are used for meat and milk, for performing heavy types of work. Some breeds are used in sports racing, others are for walking.

 

The two main types of competitions these breeds used are Flat racing and jump racing (otherwise identified as National Hunt Racing, the best tips on which you can get at bookmaker-ratings.com). They also divided into different smaller groups.

 

Classifications in Flat Racing

 

Races are split into one of these classes depending on the amount and renown of the race, plus what age groups and genders are allowed to compete.

• Group 1 – The highest race group, most popular and most prestigious.
• Groups 2 and 3 – Important, but of lesser quality.
• Listed – On the level of the Group classifications, also offer penalties for horses for additional weight.
• Handicap – Most common race classification, with most horses able to compete.

 

National Hunt (Jumps) Races

 

These events require horses and jockeys to jump different obstacles on the track and are seen as more exciting to watch by some because of the risk involved.

Commonly, those events take place between October and April and break down into these categories.

• Hurdles – Hurdles are at least 1 metre high and designed so that if horse clip and fall it won’t hurt itself, because the top of the barrier can be removed.
• Steeplechases – Have more impediments than just hurdles including open ditches and water jumps. This type has different barriers, such as water jumps and ditches. The horses might be injured, because the barrier is solid and higher, the minimum is 1.4 meters.
• Listed – On the level of the Group classifications, also offer penalties for horses for additional weight.
• Bumpers – This is for the horses, who have no experience with a hurdle.

 

What are the varieties of riding horse breeds, depending on the purpose and what is their feature?

 

There are special horses intended for racing. They are daring and proud, strong and stubborn, nimble and impulsive, all these characteristics are combined in a sports horse. Such horses are not adapted for calm summer or spring walks. They need to drive and constant power loads.

 

All riding horse breeds have the same anatomical features. They have a wide, strong back (to withstand the load), muscular shoulders, and a good physique. And, of course, a luxurious tail with incredible fur. Riding horses are about 165 cm tall at the withers. Endurance, patience, and brilliant beauty make them unique and special among all other breeds.

 

Endurance, speed, violent character are the qualities that sport horses possess.

 

English thoroughbred

 

A unique horse, bred in England at the beginning of the 18th century, but popular all over the world. Irresistible appearance and well-developed muscles are the main quality of the breed: proportional physique, broad forehead, long neck, mobile ears. The temperament of the English thoroughbred horse is exuberant, bold, agile. Her attentiveness, accuracy and energy lead to numerous victories in various competitions. She is loyal to her master, does everything to achieve achievements in sports. The breed is stress-resistant, balanced, reacts quickly to commands, which is also important for achieving victory in races. Ideal for professional equestrian sports.

 

Appaloosa

 

A supreme breed that was bred in the 18th century in the United States. The horse has a small stature, with a proportional head, expressive large eyes, small ears, strong legs, and a strong back. The soft, shiny mane and tail give the horse extra beauty. A fusion of anatomical features with endurance and poise allows you to achieve victories in competitions. The exclusivity of the horse lies in the specific colour: the forelock colour, by which you can accurately guess the breed. She is characterized by such qualities as easy learning, intelligence, ingenuity and superior trust in the owner. She is also very loyal and submissive.

 

Arabian thoroughbred horse

 

One of the oldest riding horse breeds in the world, bred in the Arabian Peninsula. The representative of the breed has a regular constitution, a long neck, a rounded body and strong legs. The arched neck, expressive clear eyes and silky tail and mane make her very graceful. Able to run 100-160 km, which proves her endurance in long-distance running. The speed reaches 60 kilometres per hour. Differs in the strongest health, agility, longevity (lives on average 30 years) and excellent temperament.

 

Menorquín horse

 

A bold, hardy breed. The animal is perfect for sports competitions, easy to train. Thanks to the ability to interact with people, black colour, lush long tail and fur, the animal delight with its charm and pleases others at performances.

 

Hannover riding horse

 

A well-known sports breed in the world. Tall stature, muscular legs, broad back, the strong body helps it to reach the top in equestrian sports. Distinctive features are power, mobility, the ability to make good jumps. The horse has a persistent balanced temperament, clearly follows all commands. Thanks to this, she won multiple international competitions.

 

Others: Trakehner horse, Russian and French Trotter