Deprecated: Function jetpack_form_register_pattern is deprecated since version jetpack-13.4! Use Automattic\Jetpack\Forms\ContactForm\Util::register_pattern instead. in /customers/2/4/c/equestrianfromcrete.com/httpd.www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6078

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/2/4/c/equestrianfromcrete.com/httpd.www/wp-includes/functions.php:6078) in /customers/2/4/c/equestrianfromcrete.com/httpd.www/wp-content/plugins/onecom-vcache/vcaching.php on line 595

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/2/4/c/equestrianfromcrete.com/httpd.www/wp-includes/functions.php:6078) in /customers/2/4/c/equestrianfromcrete.com/httpd.www/wp-content/plugins/onecom-vcache/vcaching.php on line 603

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /customers/2/4/c/equestrianfromcrete.com/httpd.www/wp-includes/functions.php:6078) in /customers/2/4/c/equestrianfromcrete.com/httpd.www/wp-includes/feed-rss2.php on line 8
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	
	xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss"
	xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Greece &#8211; Equestrian from Crete</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/tag/greece/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com</link>
	<description>A Greek islander explores equestrianism</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 21 Mar 2021 23:18:30 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-GB</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3</generator>
<site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">117043774</site>	<item>
		<title>Event: Horsemanship experiential workshop &#8220;You Can Do That Too&#8221; in Crete</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/event-horsemanship-experiential-workshop-you-can-do-that-too-in-crete/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/event-horsemanship-experiential-workshop-you-can-do-that-too-in-crete/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 May 2017 17:36:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Equestrian clubs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pleas & announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Techniques]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equestrian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horsemanship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steve Vergis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[training]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/?p=2894</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Who is up for learning in Crete this summer? There is a notable opportunity for those of you who want to spend some of their summertime developing their horsemanship skills. The farm &#8220;With Horses Here and Now&#8221; is hosting this summer the natural-horsemanship instructor from Australia Stavros Steve Vergis. The concept of the seminar Most of the problems that we face with equines derive from the fact that they don&#8217;t trust us, they don&#8217;t respect us or are afraid of us. To build an appropriate rapport with our horse, first of all we should follow some groundwork programme and once we have done that, follow our riding programme. We should gain control of both his sides and teach him how to recognize and respect our personal space. Groundwork is necessary to familiarize ourselves and the horse with his correct handling. Steve Vergis&#8217;s method provides a safe groundwork programme which can be implemented before we ride a horse for the first time, be it a colt or an older horse whose skills and reactions we are not aware of yet. Steve is also going to cover behavioral problems and problems caused by abuse. The participants, who are going to work in small groups, are going to be provided with a horse to work with during the seminar and will also receive certificates of attendance. The programme is going to take place on the following dates: 18-20 August 2017 25-27 August 2017 1-3 September 2017 The fee is 240 euros per person and will be reduced to 210 euros for those who book by 12 July 2017 The working languages will be Greek and English. The seminar will take place in Sitia, Crete, near the church of the Holy Apostles. For details, contact Mrs. Andrea Particia Wiener-Angelakis Tel: (+30) 6981906761 E-mail: mit.pferden.im.hier.und.jetzt@gmail.com Maybe we can meet there? And if you do not have the luck to live in the area already, why not grabbing the opportunity to add some more experiences to your trip by spending a few days in one of the gorgeous villas suggested by our partner Cretico?]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/event-horsemanship-experiential-workshop-you-can-do-that-too-in-crete/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2894</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Spring is coming on the shore</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/spring-is-coming-on-the-shore/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/spring-is-coming-on-the-shore/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Mar 2017 07:45:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Amazing Crete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My adventures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EGVUS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sunday]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/?p=2832</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s been a horrible winter over here. Nothing has reminded us that we can see the shores of North Africa from some high spots in the area. Strong winds that often exceeded 10 Beaufort degrees, low temperatures as well as prolonged rainfalls and snowfalls have made our lives difficult. Let alone the fact that each of us has had the flu at least twice so far since last October. Sunday morning, I went to EGVUS anticipating to do a riding lesson. The yard was still closed when I got there and, after having enough of gazing at Voukefalas, who had spent the night in the arena, I thought I should look around me. Most mountain tops surrounding the valley were still covered in snow, but everything showed that nature plans to compensate us for the cold trouble we&#8217;ve been through this year. And so I grabbed my camera and crossed the road to take some pictures of the shore; the scenery was breathtaking yet familiar; grass, bushes and wild flowers on the sand, the lovely sound of the waves that have begun to calm down and foreigners who have come in their caravan. The view of the town was lovely as well. Soon I returned to the place where I had left my stuff, including my cup of mocha, from which I took a sip. But the pot turned over on the sofa, staining both the sofa and my hands. Not having any tissues with me, I recalled the old trick from my days in primary school, when they took us on days out exactly to this spot exactly. The teachers sitting in the nearby taverna paying more attention to their food and drinks than to the pupils&#8217; welfare, I found my own ways of coping with the situations that emerged, such as dirty hands. And this time I decided to do the same. Thank God I was wearing my rubber riding boots and confidently stepped on the big rock, which was being whipped by the waves and soaked my hands in the water. It was delightful! Here are some photos: Holiday bookings have begun already for Crete, of course, the new season starting in Easter in most resorts. Why not staying in a Cretan villa with your friends this summer? Visit our partner Cretico to check out the villas which are available this season. Today I checked out villa Pelagos, which is situated on the shore, a few kilometres from the EGVUS. You can click here to make your inquiry!]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/spring-is-coming-on-the-shore/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2832</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Equestrian in the Ancient Olympics: Did you know?</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/equestrian-in-the-ancient-olympics-did-you-know/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/equestrian-in-the-ancient-olympics-did-you-know/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2017 00:07:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Equestrian topics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antiquity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equestrian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olympia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olympic Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[racing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sports]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/?p=2787</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Today I read Xenophon&#8217;s On Horsemanship and Hipparchus and, looking at the introduction of each book, I found interesting information about the add of equestrian to the classical Olympic Games, and I would like to share it with you. Besides, as a Greek and equestrian, I couldn&#8217;t fail to write about equestrian and the Olympics, right? 🙂 Equestrian was introduced to the Olympics in the 33rd registered Olympiad, that is about 644 BC (I say &#8220;about&#8221; because the games took place alternatively every 49 and 50 months, as a period of eight years comprises of 99 moths, which is 96 stable months plus 3 intercalary months). It remained an Olympic sport until the abolition of the games in 393 A.D. by emperor Theodosius I, as a pagan cult. There were two established equestrian disciplines in the Ancient Olympic Games: chariot racing, where athletes competed over a 14.5-kilometre route, and horse racing where athletes had to race on a 7-kilometre route, on horseback of course. That&#8217;s all I&#8217;ve learned today. Do you know any other facts about equestrian in the ancient Olympics? Write in the comments below!  ]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/equestrian-in-the-ancient-olympics-did-you-know/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2787</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Back home!</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/back-home/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/back-home/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2016 20:24:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[My adventures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EGVUS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equestrian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/?p=2488</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[ Hello from Crete! It&#8217;s been twenty days since I returned to the homeland -and two months since the last time I blogged, but that&#8217;s another issue. Since I arrived I&#8217;ve been mega-busy, and today it as the fourth time I got out of the house. One of my exoduses was a day at EGVUS, of course. How could I resist going to the yard which is just a 2 min drive from my house! And so I ended up spending there my first Sunday home! So there we go, at 9 am I was ready to be driven to the yard, in my riding breeches and everything, planning to just drink some coffee and say &#8220;hi&#8221; to my four-legged friends and meet new ones. When I arrived with my little friend Maria, Yannis was out on a hack with tourists, and so I had the chance to meet some new little human friends, who had spent their school holidays volunteering in the yard. I wanted like crazy to greet the horses and give them treats, but, since my boots were still in the transporter&#8217;s truck, I had to find a way to get to enter the arena, so that I save the white colour of my trainers. And yep, I found the boots that I had donated. It&#8217;s a pair of boots which I had bought for myself in Britain back in 2009 and, despite the fact that they were discoloured and the zip was missing from the left boot, the leather was in a decent state and I had no better choice anyway. The picture of me walking around in these boots was just immensely comical, making the kids laugh! And so greetings began. First was Pamelos, who began to paw with both his feet as soon as he saw me! I love this guy so much, he is just so impulsive and loving! I greeted each and every horse and I was pleasantly surprised when Bebis was not disturbed (aka did not try to bite me) when I patted his cute little nose! The treat menu today had white grapes, which the horses absolutely enjoyed! Indeed, if you haven&#8217;t tried grapes as a treat, you should definitely do it! Eventually Yannis returned from the hack and, thank God, he was happy to see me. He looked great, despite his unpleasant life news and I loved the fact that EGVUS was better than I left it. Well, home sweet home! &#160; &#160;]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/back-home/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2488</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Thoroughbred vs. Greek journalist</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/thoroughbred-vs-greek-journalist/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/thoroughbred-vs-greek-journalist/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2016 01:59:59 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Equestrianism on the screen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dressage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equestrian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[journalist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thoroughbred]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://equestrianfromcrete.com/?p=2227</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[OK, we all know that the thoroughbred is one of the smartest equine breeds worldwide. OK, and the Greeks are smart enough to invent some sciences too. Also, they are both fun. But what if we put them next to each other? Kind of, literally and on TV? This poor reporter had the chance to find out. What did this human want from his life? A chance to speak about dressage.  But the cute four-legged guy behind him had different, more hilarious plans&#8230; &#160; &#160; Still not sure if the horse loved this man too much and wanted him to move to his stall, or if he hated him too much and wanted him to lose his job, haha! &#160;]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/thoroughbred-vs-greek-journalist/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2227</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Being a Greek: The word &#8220;philotimo&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/being-a-greek-the-word-philotimo/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/being-a-greek-the-word-philotimo/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 May 2016 14:55:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moral]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[philotimo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[principle]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://equestrianfromcrete.com/?p=1989</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Over the years, I have met people from all over the world through work and education. And I&#8217;ve learned that each nation has its own moral qualities and always one of them is more prominent than the others, one that dominates the nations&#8217; way of thinking and living, one that makes you a member of this ethnic family; one that simply distinguishes your nationality from others. For example, the British are distinguished by their courtesy, the Germans by their organizational skills, the Italians&#160;by their love for romance, the Russians&#160;by their seriousness, the Albanians&#160;by their hard work.&#160;These moral qualities -positive stereotypes that those people themselves admit- derive from the experiences of each ethnic group, the location where it&#8217;s based, its contact with other nations. Similarly, the Greeks are distinguished by philotimo. A word that means so many different things and that&#8217;s why it does not exist in any other language except for Greek. It exists exclusively in the Greek vocabulary&#160;because its meaning is perhaps too special and too complex for us to explain to someone who is not Greek. But one thing is certain; this is our common quality, this is how the Greeks recognize each other. Even if one of your parents or grandparents is Greek, we will still find out that you have a Greek background, because you have been raised with philotimo. It is indispensable, an integral part of our existence which follows us wherever we go. As I said above, it&#8217;s difficult to describe philotimo, but I&#8217;ll do my best. In any way, we begin to live by philotimo before we even know the word. I learned the word when I was a senior in primary school, although I learned to live by it when I was a toddler. Philotimo means self-sacrifice for the sake of others or for the sake of your moral principles (which include the &#8220;other&#8221; anyway), to stop what you are doing to do a favor to someone, to be there to advise, protect, advocate, to show respect. There is no space for distinctions here; we consider philotimo necessary while dealing either with friends or enemies. It doesn&#8217;t matter how you will do it, but death is a method as well. Philotimo is reflected on our military oath as well, which demands that the soldiers are prepared to die defending their flags. Actually, they are expected to defend them as they die as well (&#8220;I swear&#8230;to defend with faith and dedication the flags until my last blood drop and not to abandon them or part myself from them&#8221;). The military history has shown that the Greeks are prepared to die fighting for an ally as well. And contemporary people believe that philotimo&#160;is behind this. Philotimo is a matter of honor. The word itself means love for honor. The way a Greek sees it, one does not deserve to live if they don&#8217;t have philotimo. Not having it brings trouble in school and family and in general, in all sectors of our social life. A person of Greek descent who does not have philotimo is seen as a shame for their family and for themselves. They are not treated quite as equal in the Greek society we could say. But I&#8217;ve described enough. I&#8217;ve already said that philotimo is too complicated for someone to fully explain, because it&#8217;s simply a Greek&#8217;s nature. But here is the video by The Washington Oxi Day Foundation about it. This video gave me the inspiration for this post anyway! &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160;]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/being-a-greek-the-word-philotimo/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1989</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Two horses found in a donkey sanctuary in Ierapetra &#8211; The owners are being sought</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/two-horses-found-in-a-donkey-sanctuary-in-ierapetra-the-owners-are-being-sought/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/two-horses-found-in-a-donkey-sanctuary-in-ierapetra-the-owners-are-being-sought/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 2016 01:39:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Pleas & announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crete]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[donkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lost]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sanctuary]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://equestrianfromcrete.com/?p=1918</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[I have received a plea from the owners of the charity &#8220;Walk with the Donkeys Sanctuary&#8221; about two horses -a young stallion and a filly- found on their premises near Anatoli, Ierapetra. They arrived 10 days ago and, despite the hard efforts to find the owner, they are still to show up and pick up their equines. The horses are in very good condition, which makes us assume that they have not been abandoned, but rather they must have escaped from the owner&#8217;s premises. Yet just in case and no offence, please bear in mind that charities, despite their good intentions, are not dumping points for pets. Those people are happy to help, but people who are happy to donate some money are quite scarce in Greece at the moment, and I don&#8217;t know of anyone -charity or individual- who has ever been able to maintain an equine for free. So let us not take advantage of the philanthropy of an animal charity. If you feel that you can no longer upkeep your pet (whatever the species), please contact directly the charity, a vet or any professional associated with that species for help. And bear in mind very seriously that nobody has the right to enforce on other people their own responsibilities when it comes to animal maintenance. That said, here are the pictures of the horses. If you know the owner, please tell them that the matter is absolutely urgent and contact the charity on +306976088547, +306934264012 or at info@walkwithdonkeys.com. It is important for these horses to be taken back home. &#160;]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/two-horses-found-in-a-donkey-sanctuary-in-ierapetra-the-owners-are-being-sought/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1918</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>A rare trumpet duet!</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/a-rare-trumpet-duet/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/a-rare-trumpet-duet/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2016 01:08:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Equestrianism on the screen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trails]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[donkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://equestrianfromcrete.wordpress.com/?p=1767</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[No matter how fast our state is collapsing, we the Greeks will never lose our morale and humor! Guaranteed! Below there&#8217;s a video from the Greek countryside, with a donkey &#8220;singing&#8221; along with the sound of a trumpet! I&#8217;m not sure whether this lovely equine wanted to express his irritation or tried indeed to produce some art; in either case, the result is a hilarious duet that will keep your mood at its best for at least a week!!! To laugh as much as I did watch below or click here &#160; &#160;]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/a-rare-trumpet-duet/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1767</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>So you want to know about the Greek cross country</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/so-you-want-to-know-about-the-greek-cross-country/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/so-you-want-to-know-about-the-greek-cross-country/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Nov 2015 21:20:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Equestrian topics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Equestrianism on the screen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amateur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cross country]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equestrian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://equestrianfromcrete.wordpress.com/?p=1204</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There are places in the world that are perfect for cross-country competitions; with flat valleys, rivers, and space to place things to jump over. But in Greece it&#8217;s not the same; valleys are all irrigated and the only thing that you&#8217;ve got available are windy countryside roads, beaches, slopes, gorges and forests! So, if you love cross-country, you have to adapt to this environment and you won&#8217;t be asked! You will have to gallop across steep slopes and gorges, at risk of sticking your face on some olive tree or landing on an ancient rock! And don&#8217;t expect too much jumping. Try to keep your balance instead! People who do this type of &#8220;cross-country&#8221; don&#8217;t take safety or style seriously. Forget about helmets, boots, breeches and body protectors. In most cases, the only equestrian accessory that you will see is the whip. And when I say whip, I don&#8217;t mean just &#8220;a smack on the butt for encouragement&#8221;. I mean, smacking the horse like crazy all the way along! Smacking and pulling so hard, that actually the horse goes off route! OK, this might touch the limits of animal cruelty, so I can&#8217;t be too proud of it, can I? -_- Below you can watch a fun video from an amateur cross-country competition in Thrace: &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160;]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/so-you-want-to-know-about-the-greek-cross-country/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2413</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Aravani</title>
		<link>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/the-aravani/</link>
					<comments>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/the-aravani/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[chriszygakis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2015 03:19:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Breeds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aravani]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[breed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[countryside]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[equestrian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[horse]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://equestrianfromcrete.wordpress.com/?p=1145</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[&#160; The Aravani is a Greek native horse, which has been used for centuries by the Greek people all over the Greek space. Origin In 2000 B.C., the Dorians migrated to Greece with their own equines from the steppes. Upon their passing through the area of Thessalia, they bred those equines with the local horses, which they took with them. This is how the ancestors of the Aravani species were born. Later in time, the Aravani horses were mixed with Persian, Arabian, Turkish and Roman breeds. Especially the Arabic characteristics are dominant in the genetic material of this breed. Uses Before the 1960, when the mechanization of agriculture began in Greece, the Aravani horses had been used for cart transportation and all sorts of agricultural work, including free pasturage and wood gathering. The latter activity is still carried out with Aravani horses in the mountainous areas of Greece. Nowadays, this breed -as most native Greek breeds- is mainly used for the purpose of recreation.  It is particularly useful for endurance, carriage and equine tourism. Character Aravani is well-known for its willingness, patience, high intelligence and kindness. Also, it enjoys the human presence and expresses the need to communicate with the human species. These characteristics make it the ideal family or school pony. They are also suitable for beginner riders, children and the disabled. Physical Characteristics  This breed has small and steady hoofs, which provide it with extraordinary balance. In combination with its tendency to watch its step, it is ideal for flat work on any terrain.  The Aravani can have a range of colours, normally grey, black, chestnut, white and dark brown. Its average height is between 130 and 150 cm, but stabled Aravanis may become a little taller. Its head is fine and long, with big eyes, while its neck is strong, very muscly, wide and of medium length. It has a well-shaped chest, while its back is straight. Its quarters are normally inclined and the tail is found on a high spot. The hoofs are small and very hard. One more physical characteristic of the Aravanis is the side trot, which makes this horse very safe, and suitable for western riding.  Population Due to the mechanisation of agricultural work, the ignorance of the owners and the lack of a registration book, this wonderful breed faces extinction. It is estimated that up to 300 animals live in Greece and about 20 in Germany. Here is a video that shows clearly the extraordinary movement and grace of the Aravani horse: &#160;]]></description>
		
					<wfw:commentRss>http://www.equestrianfromcrete.com/the-aravani/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2411</post-id>	</item>
	</channel>
</rss>