World

7 Equestrian Traditions, as per Hassan Al Mannai

Published

4 years ago

July 2, 2019

Childhood gives us the fondest memories that stick with us for the rest of our lives. Some of us are fortunate to discover our passions at a tender age and the same holds true in Hassan Al Mannai’s case. As it turns out, the first encounter with a horse can leave you wanting more. The calmness and exhilaration one feels at the same time are unique and worth holding on to. From there on, the pursuit of spending quality time with horses only gets stronger as the years go by.

Passion turns into a profession

In our case, Hassan Al Mannai visited many Arabian Horse Shows around the world which enhanced his understanding of the horse breeding industry and gave birth to his own breeding program with the introduction of Al Reeh Stud in 2013. Since then, he has been donning two hats; one as a banker and one as a horse breeder, doing justice to both his profession and calling. Today, he shares with us, these 7 equestrian traditions which he discovered during his journey.

1] Manes in the ‘right’ direction: Whether superstitious or not, plaiting manes to the right is something of a popular trend if not a force of habit.

2] Mounting: Does it really matter if we mount from the left or right? Well, if history is anything to go by, then yes, left is ideal.

3] Hairnets: Safety first is and always should be the motto. Even if my horses were to develop slight niggles, it would give me sleepless nights so hairnets that keep them protected get a big thumbs-up.

4] Colour of tacks: Black or brown? Set aside your personal preference and follow tradition! Choose a brown riding tack if you want to be viewed as ‘original’.

5] Straps: Nowadays, it’s more about being in vogue. As far as trends go, make sure you choose the ‘in’ straps. Usually, white garter straps go with topped boots and plain straps go with the untopped boots.

6] Bandage: In preparation for injuries, it’s important and universally agreed to carry bandages.

7] Attire: Usually, it’s about white or beige jodhpurs but this is of little consequence when you’re racing. After all, the muck and gravel are sure to turn them into a laundromat’s delight.

Future of horses (conclusion option 1)

The common thread between breeders and owners over the world is the commitment they have towards their horses. This needs to reflect in the facilities, right from shelter to medical care. As far as the industry goes, it holds great potential for horses given the advancement of infrastructure both in developed and developing countries. Hassan’s dream of creating a world-class ecosystem where horses live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives is something for all to see. Today, with his recent appointment as Director of Arabian Horse Show at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, he is running from pillar to post to build deeper connects with ECAHO and hopes his recent successful election which gave him a position as an Executive Committee Member can “make the world a better place for horses”.

World

Top Road Trip Destinations in Canada

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2023

Jenny Jackson

Did you know that 1.93 million Americans traveled to Canada in 2020? That number was down year-over-year due to COVID-related travel restrictions.

While some Americans visit the Great White North via plane, others prefer road trips. It can be fun to plan an itinerary, book a hotel, pack the luggage, load your family into the car, and head to the border. But if a road trip to Canada is in the plans for you and yours this summer, what Canadian destinations are worth the potentially thousands of miles of driving? Keep reading to learn about the top road trip destinations in Canada.

Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan

Grasslands National Park is one of Canada’s 44 national parks and park reserves. Whether you’re an earlier bird or a night owl, the national park in Southern Saskatchewan provides an ideal prairie landscape. It’s the perfect place to unwind, immerse yourself in nature, and recalibrate your life.

Enjoy the great outdoors on a campsite, or take part in hiking adventures by exploring trails. The solitude and breathtaking beauty of this national park will leave you in awe. Make time for the Ecotour Scenic Drive. It’s about 20 km (around 12.5 miles) long and will take one to three hours to complete depending on your pace.

Toronto to Stratford, Ontario

If there’s one Canadian city most Americans have heard of, it’s Toronto. Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the fourth largest city on the continent. It’s also home to the only authentic castle in North America. Casa Loma, located in midtown Toronto, is worth the visit. So, too, is the CN Tower, which is the biggest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. The city also has citizens representing 200+ ethnic groups.

While there’s plenty to see and do in Toronto, why stop there? It’s a good idea to include a Toronto-to-Stratford excursion while on your road trip to Canada. You must travel 150 km (about 93 miles ) west to get to Stratford. You’ll see Victorian architecture and get to take in the live theater. Most Americans probably haven’t heard of Stratford before. But when you come for a visit, there’s a good possibility you won’t ever forget it.

North Cape Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island

If you haven’t ever taken a road trip to Prince Edward Island, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s Canada’s smallest province, but it sure offers a boatload of fun. Are you a foodie or do you like to indulge in the local cuisine when traveling? Check out the western peninsula. You can delight your tastebuds with the range of food available.

Make time to visit the Canadian Potato Museum in the province. After taking in the sites and attractions at the museum, enjoy a meal at the onsite PEI Potato Country Kitchen. The menu has items like the chili topped baked potato, which features a baked potato, homemade chili, and cheese. Meanwhile, the pulled pork potato features a baked potato topped with pulled pork, cheese, and sour cream on the side. That’s just a sampling, and all baked potato dishes are served with fresh-cut, homemade chips.

If you’re intersted in a U.S. to Canada road trip this year, the options above will give you some ideas. The sky’s the limit since there’s so much to see and do.

You’ll want to ensure your vehicle is in good working order to avoid breakdowns. You’ll also want to stay alert on the road since you’ll be traveling a lot of miles and spending hours behind the wheel of your car.

If you get into an accident, you must know what to do. In addition to reporting the accident, calling your insurer, and possibly even booking a rental car to complete your road trip, you’ll want to contact a personal injury lawyer if anyone is injured.

No one wants to consider accidents or injuries when on a road trip. But it’s best to hope for the best while being prepared for the worst. You’ll enjoy the journey and the destination a lot more when you’ve done everything possible to prepare for any possible issues.