Sports Bendigo - Animal Sports
A quick look at animal sports. Click blue titles for more information..
 In pigeon racing all birds start from a single point, but each finishes in its own loft. The winning pigeon is the one that returns home in the fastest time, and this requires a complex timing system to ensure accurate results.  |
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 Sled-dog races are between harnessed dog teams, each controlled by a driver. Teams start at intervals, and the team with the shortest elapsed time wins. The number of dogs in a team varies with race distances and terrain. In world championships the minimum number of dogs is seven on the first day, and the course takes three days, with night rests. |
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 A greyhound race is between a usual maximum of eight, or in some places nine, greyhounds, over any distance between 230yd and 1200yd. The dogs are released from traps, and chase a motorized "hare" around the track. Prizes are awarded, and betting is a prominent feature. there is no International governing body, but the following rules and procedures apply fairly generally. |
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 There are two basic forms of horse racing: flat racing and races over jumps. in the latter the horses jump fences (in steeplechases) or hurdles placed around the course. A meeting includes either flat races or steeplechase and hurdle races. Entrance qualifications, race distances, and types of prize vary considerably. |
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 In harness racing horses are driven from a light two-wheeled "sulky". Horses are trained to "trot" or "pace", and separate races are held for the two gaits. Horses race for purse money, and bets are placed by the public.
(The rules given here are those of the Australian Trotting Association. Similar rules apply in other countries.) |
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 A jumping competition is one in which the horses jumping ability and the rider's skill are tested under various conditions over a course of obstacles. Certain defined errors are faulted, and, depending on the type of competition, the winner is the competitor with either the lowest number of faults, the fastest time, or the highest number of points. |
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 Dressage competitions test the harmonious development of the horse's physique and ability, and demand a high degree of understanding between horse and rider. Competitors carry out official tests incorporating a variety of paces, halts, changes of direction, movements and figures. |
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 The three-day event consists of three distinct equestrian competitions - dressage, endurance, and show jumping. They are held on three consecutive days, and each rider must ride the same horse throughout. The event is designed to test the harmonious development, speed, endurance, obedience, and jumping ability of the horse, and requires a perfect understanding between horse and rider. |
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 Polo is played by two teams of four players mounted on horseback. Each team attempts to score goals by striking a ball with its sticks between the opponents' goalposts. Players must control their ponies with the left hand, as the stick may be held only in the right hand. The winning team is the one to score the greater number of goals. |
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