Page 39 - Annual Magazine 2018

ACTIVITY | HORSE RIDING

professional sport, and when Ascot was founded by the Queen. In
1750, the Jockey Club was established which sought to supervise
English horse racing by establishing a complete set of rules for the
sport. Measures were also taken to regulate the breeding of race
horses, which extended to the pedigree of the horse and family
line. The responsibility of overseeing this task was given to Jockey
Club accountant, James Weatherby, whose work resulted in the
publication of the General Stud Book in 1791. The pedigree of all
foals born to race horses have been recorded in the book since 1793.

EQUESTRIAN THERAPY
Beyond horse racing, horse-back riding has also played a prominent
role in therapy for adults and children. History tells many stories
of how riding horses has provided both physical and emotional
benefits. As far back as 460BC, Hippocrates allegedly made
reference to the “healthy pace of a horse”. In 1875, it was said
French neurologist Chassaignac discovered that the “balance,
motion, control muscle and mood” of his patients improved when
riding a horse. Chassaignac believed this to be of immense benefit
for sufferers of neurological disorders.

EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAMMES
Today, the benefits of equestrian therapy are seen to extend beyond
the realm of just physical disabilities. The positive impact of this
form of therapy on a range of mental disorders are making waves
in the world of psychology, particularly when applied to patients
H
with depression, anxiety, autism, down syndrome, dementia,
behaviour and substance abuse issues, amongst others. Horses are
intuitive creatures, with the capacity to mirror and respond to human
behaviour, making for fantastic companions during psychotherapy.

What is even more profound is their amazing ability to synchronise
their heartbeat to that of a person. It has been reported that the
connection established between a patient and a horse is deep, a
bond characterised by a unique lack of judgement that is otherwise
normally present between human beings. With this comes the
opportunity for one to be emotionally vulnerable, to actually feel
IMPORTANT ROLE safe about being able to feel what needs to be felt, so that those
Horse-back riding has played deeply ingrained emotions can eventually be released.
a prominent role in therapy for
adults and children. ACTIVITIES AND TECHNIQUES
There are a myriad of activities through which equine therapy can
be implemented, each dependent on the needs of the patient, and the
Horse riding is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most distinguished
sports that continues to endure. Dating back to around 4500 BC when severity of their disorder. These do not always include horse-back
HORSE RIDING history of horse racing is remarkably long and fascinating. The sport and horse care.
riding and may incorporate things such as horse grooming, saddling
the nomadic tribesman of Central Asia first domesticated horses, the
certainly expanded into other countries, with some archaeological
records making mention of it taking place in Ancient Greece, Egypt,
Syria and Babylon. Chariot racing in particular was popular amongst Aphrodite Hills Riding Club
AN ANCIENT SPORT with THERAPEUTIC QUALITIES the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines, and reportedly featured in the Aphrodite Hills Riding Club offers horse riding experiences in
Greek Olympics, together with mounted horse racing, by 648BC.
the forested land of Lakkos tou Frangou, which is adjacent to
WHEN HORSE RACING WENT TO ENGLAND the north end of the Resort.
Horse racing in the United Kingdom also stems back hundreds of
“There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.” years, to the 12th century. It is said that on their return from the Located in an area of outstanding beauty, the horse riding
R.S. Surtees Crusades, English knights brought back with them Arab horses. facilities are available for all ages and abilities.
These were subsequently bred with English horses to produce
what are known as Thoroughbred horses. In England today, The stable facilities include:
Thoroughbred horses are used in horse racing. From 1660 to 1685, • Private lessons for beginners or experienced riders
King Charles II held horse races on open fields or private courses. • Trail riding off road in stunning countryside
Story by Eleni Hoplaros The race was typically between two horses, with the winners being • Pony Club where children visit the stables to learn
awarded prizes. During the reign of Queen Anne between 1702 - about riding and pony care
1714, horse racing involved multiple horses and spectators were • Large outdoor arena
able to place bets. It was during this time that horse races became a
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Aphrodite Hills Resort “European Golf Resort of the Year 2018”