Myanmar: 'Wild' horses setback for Malaysia

NST.com.my - Full Article

December 10 2013

MALAYSIA'S chances of clinching a medal in the equestrian endurance event suffered a major setback when they were presented with skittish local-bred horses for the event yesterday.
The majority of the horses provided by the hosts appeared very edgy upon presentation to the team officials and media with one even managing to escape from its handler at the Wunna Theikdi Equestrian Centre in Naypyitaw.
The national team were also unlucky to draw one of only three stallions in the 12-horse field in addition to two mares and a gelding. Mares are generally the best gender of horse for the event due to their more obedient characteristics followed by geldings and stallions.
Team manager Che Mat Din Ismail said the riders will have to bank on their experience if they are to eke out a result overnight.
"The best breed for endurance racing is the Arab breed which is what we use back home. We are not familiar with this breed and do not know if they are purely local or if they have been cross-bred," said Che Mat.
"The horses look quite nervous and a bit wild which is generally not good for an endurance event as it will use up more of their energy...


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http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/wild-horses-setback-for-malaysia-1.427366