Horses have been used in human warfare for millennia, probably since the time of domestication of the horse. Horses were specially trained for a variety of military uses, including battle, individual combat, reconnaissance (scouting), transport, and supply. The term war horse usually refers to horses used for fighting, whether as cavalry in battle or in individual combat. The best-known war horse was the destrier, ridden by the knight of the Middle Ages. However, even horses used for purposes other than direct combat played a critically important part of successful military ventures. There are still some uses for horses in the military even in today's modern world.
Light-weight horses
Light, "oriental" horses such as the ancestors of the modern Arabian, Barb, and Akhal-Teke were used for warfare that required speed, endurance and agility. Such horses ranged from about 13 hands to about 15 hands (52 to 60 in., 1.32 m to 1.51 m)[citation needed], weighing approximately 800 to 1000 pounds (400 to 500 kg). To move quickly, riders had to use lightweight tack and carry relatively light weapons such as bows, light spears or javelins, or, later, rifles. This was the original horse used for raiding, light cavalry, scouting or reconnaissance, and communications.
Light horses were used by many cultures, including the Scythians, the Parthians, the Ancient Egyptians, the Mongols, the Arabs, and the American Indians. Throughout the Ancient Near East, because the first domesticated horses were small, light animals, (see domestication of the horse) teams of two or more horses were often used to pull chariots. In the European Middle Ages, the light type of horse became known as a Palfrey. Light horses sometimes carried Dragoons and Mounted infantry, depending on the amount of weight required to be carried by each soldier.
Medium-weight horses
Japanese warriors fending off invaders of the Mongol invasions of Japan, painted c. 1293 A.D. By this time, a medium-weight horse was used.Medium-weight horses developed with the needs of most civilizations to pull heavier loads and to carry heavier riders, beginning as early as the Iron Age. Breeds such as the ancestors of the modern Andalusian, Lipizzan, and the various Warmblood breeds got their start by the need for horses to haul chariots capable of holding more than two people, pull supply wagons, and maneuver various types of weapons, such as horse artillery into place. As light cavalry evolved into heavy cavalry, a larger horse was also needed to carry the increased weight of a more heavily-armed and armored rider. Medium-weight horses had the greatest range in size, from about 14.2 hands to as much as 17 hands (58 in to 68 in, 1.47 m to 1.73 m) weighing approximately 1,000 to 1,500 pounds (500 to 750 kg ). They generally were quite agile in combat, though they did not have the raw speed or endurance of a lighter horse. The heavier horses in this class were sometimes called Destriers and may have resembled the modern Friesian or Irish Draught. Horses similar to the modern warmblood often carried European Dragoons and Mounted infantry.
Heavy-weight horses
Large, heavy horses, weighing from 1,500 to nearly 2,000 pounds (750 to nearly 1,000 kg), the ancestors of today's draft horses, were used, particularly in Europe from the Middle Ages onward. They pulled heavy loads, having the muscle power to pull weapons or supply wagons and to remain calm under fire. Some historians believe they may also have carried the heaviest-armored knights of the European Late Middle Ages, though this claim is disputed. Breeds at the smaller end of the heavyweight category may have included the ancestors of the Percheron, which are agile for their size and would have been physically able to maneuver in battle. However, there is considerable dispute if the Destrier class of horse actually included draft types.
Other Equids
Horses were not the only equids used to support human warfare. Mules, a hybrid of a horse and a donkey or ass were also commonly used, especially as pack animals and to pull wagons, though occasionally as riding animals. Mules, as a general rule, are considered both calmer and hardier than horses and so were useful for strenuous, difficult support tasks, particularly hauling food and supplies over difficult terrain. The size of a mule and work to which it was put depended largely on the breeding of the mare that produced the mule. Mules, like horses, could be lightweight, medium weight, or even, when produced from draft horse mares, of moderate heavy weight. Donkeys were often used by non-mounted units to carry gear. (see pack animal)
Monday, April 28, 2008
Overview of equestrian activities
Horses are trained and ridden for practical working purposes such as in police work or for controlling herd animals on a ranch. They are also used in competitive sports including, but not limited to dressage, endurance riding, eventing, reining, show jumping, tent pegging, vaulting, polo, horse racing, driving, and rodeo. (See additional equestrian sports listed later in this article for more examples.)
Some popular forms of competition are grouped together at horse shows, where horse perform in a wide variety of disciplines. Horses (and other equids such as mules and donkeys) are used for non-competitive recreational riding such as fox hunting, trail riding or hacking. There is public access to horse trails in almost every part of the world; many parks, ranches, and public stables offer both guided and independent riding. Horses are also used for therapeutic purposes, both in specialized paraequestrian competition as well as non-competitive riding to improve human health and emotional development.
Horses are also driven in harness racing, at horse shows and in other types of exhibition, historical reenactment or ceremony, often pulling carriages. In some parts of the world, they are still used for practical purposes such as farming.
Horses continue to be used in public service: in traditional ceremonies (parades, funerals), police and volunteer mounted patrols, and for mounted search and rescue.
Some popular forms of competition are grouped together at horse shows, where horse perform in a wide variety of disciplines. Horses (and other equids such as mules and donkeys) are used for non-competitive recreational riding such as fox hunting, trail riding or hacking. There is public access to horse trails in almost every part of the world; many parks, ranches, and public stables offer both guided and independent riding. Horses are also used for therapeutic purposes, both in specialized paraequestrian competition as well as non-competitive riding to improve human health and emotional development.
Horses are also driven in harness racing, at horse shows and in other types of exhibition, historical reenactment or ceremony, often pulling carriages. In some parts of the world, they are still used for practical purposes such as farming.
Horses continue to be used in public service: in traditional ceremonies (parades, funerals), police and volunteer mounted patrols, and for mounted search and rescue.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The History of Qipao/Cheongsam
Qipao / Cheongsam is an elegant type of Chinese dress. This close－fitting dress with a high neck and the slits on the sides, comes from China's Manchu Nationality.
There is a legend that a young fisherwoman lived by the Jingbo Lake. She was not only beautiful, but also clever and skillful. But when fishing, she often felt hindered by her long and loose fitting dress. Then an idea struck her: why not make a more practical dress for work？ She got down to sewing and produced a long multi－looped－button gown with slits, which enabled her to tuck in the front piece of her dress, thus making her job much easier. As a fisherwoman, she never dreamed that a fortune would befall on her.
The young emperor who ruled China at that time had a dream one night. In the dream, his dead father told him that a lovely fisherwoman in Qipao by the Jingbo Lake would become his queen. After awakening from his deep sleep, the emperor sent his men to look for her. Sure enough, there she was！ So she became the queen, bringing her Cheongsam with her. Manchu women all followed suit and soon the Qipao became popular.
We do not know whether the story is true or not. But one thing is certain. The Cheongsam came from the Manchus who grew out of ancient Nuzhen tribes. In the early 17th century, Nurhachi, a great political and military strategist, unified the various Nuzhen tribes and set up the Eight Banners System. Over the years, a collarless, tube－shaped gown was developed, which was worn by both men and women. That is the embryo of the Qipao. The dress is called Qipao in Chinese or translated as "banner gown", for it came from the people who lived under the Banner System.
The Qipao became popular among ladies of the royal family in the Qing Dynasty. At that time, Qipaos were fitted loosely and were so long that they would reach the insteps. Usually, they were made of silk and the whole dress was embroidered, with broad lace trimmed at the collar, sleeves and edges.
In the 1920s, Qipao / Cheongsam became popular throughout China. With the influence of Western dress styles, the Cheongsam underwent a change. The cuffs grew narrower and were usually trimmed with thin lace. The length of the dress was shortened as well. This new adaptation allowed the beauty of female body to be fully displayed.
In the 1930s, wearing a Qipao / Cheongsam became a fashion among women in the whole of China. Various styles existed during this period. Some were short, some were long, with low, high or even no collars at all.
Starting from the 1940s, Cheongsams became closer-fitting and more practical. In summer, women wore sleeveless dresses. Qipaos of this period were seldom adorned with patterns.
The Qipao became standard female attire until the 1960s. Following Western fashion, the tailors raised the hem, even to above the knee, so that the "long" was long no longer. In the West, during the sexual revolution of the 1960s the style was deemed something oppressive, like the Victorian bodice.
In Western popular culture, the qipao became synonymous with the 1960 movie character Suzie Wong and the sexual objectification of women.
Today, with its variety of styles, the Qipao / Cheongsam shows its charm at many markets. More and more women in China appreciate its beauty. For instance, when wives of China's diplomats attend important social gatherings, the Qipao is their first choice among dresses. In fact, quite a number of influential people have suggested that Qipao / Cheongsam should become the national dress for women in China. This shows that the Cheongsam remains a vibrant part of Chinese culture.
Wearing a Qipao nowadays has turned into something of a vogue, both at home and abroad. Due to its elegance and classical looks the Qipao becomes a source of inspiration for fashion designers. World-renowned brands like CD, Versace, and Ralph Lauren have all cited some Qipao elements in their designs. Many foreign women are eager to get themselves a Qipao should they visit China. Qipao is no longer a garment particular to Chinese women, but is adding to the vocabulary of beauty for women the world over.
There is a legend that a young fisherwoman lived by the Jingbo Lake. She was not only beautiful, but also clever and skillful. But when fishing, she often felt hindered by her long and loose fitting dress. Then an idea struck her: why not make a more practical dress for work？ She got down to sewing and produced a long multi－looped－button gown with slits, which enabled her to tuck in the front piece of her dress, thus making her job much easier. As a fisherwoman, she never dreamed that a fortune would befall on her.
The young emperor who ruled China at that time had a dream one night. In the dream, his dead father told him that a lovely fisherwoman in Qipao by the Jingbo Lake would become his queen. After awakening from his deep sleep, the emperor sent his men to look for her. Sure enough, there she was！ So she became the queen, bringing her Cheongsam with her. Manchu women all followed suit and soon the Qipao became popular.
We do not know whether the story is true or not. But one thing is certain. The Cheongsam came from the Manchus who grew out of ancient Nuzhen tribes. In the early 17th century, Nurhachi, a great political and military strategist, unified the various Nuzhen tribes and set up the Eight Banners System. Over the years, a collarless, tube－shaped gown was developed, which was worn by both men and women. That is the embryo of the Qipao. The dress is called Qipao in Chinese or translated as "banner gown", for it came from the people who lived under the Banner System.
The Qipao became popular among ladies of the royal family in the Qing Dynasty. At that time, Qipaos were fitted loosely and were so long that they would reach the insteps. Usually, they were made of silk and the whole dress was embroidered, with broad lace trimmed at the collar, sleeves and edges.
In the 1920s, Qipao / Cheongsam became popular throughout China. With the influence of Western dress styles, the Cheongsam underwent a change. The cuffs grew narrower and were usually trimmed with thin lace. The length of the dress was shortened as well. This new adaptation allowed the beauty of female body to be fully displayed.
In the 1930s, wearing a Qipao / Cheongsam became a fashion among women in the whole of China. Various styles existed during this period. Some were short, some were long, with low, high or even no collars at all.
Starting from the 1940s, Cheongsams became closer-fitting and more practical. In summer, women wore sleeveless dresses. Qipaos of this period were seldom adorned with patterns.
The Qipao became standard female attire until the 1960s. Following Western fashion, the tailors raised the hem, even to above the knee, so that the "long" was long no longer. In the West, during the sexual revolution of the 1960s the style was deemed something oppressive, like the Victorian bodice.
In Western popular culture, the qipao became synonymous with the 1960 movie character Suzie Wong and the sexual objectification of women.
Today, with its variety of styles, the Qipao / Cheongsam shows its charm at many markets. More and more women in China appreciate its beauty. For instance, when wives of China's diplomats attend important social gatherings, the Qipao is their first choice among dresses. In fact, quite a number of influential people have suggested that Qipao / Cheongsam should become the national dress for women in China. This shows that the Cheongsam remains a vibrant part of Chinese culture.
Wearing a Qipao nowadays has turned into something of a vogue, both at home and abroad. Due to its elegance and classical looks the Qipao becomes a source of inspiration for fashion designers. World-renowned brands like CD, Versace, and Ralph Lauren have all cited some Qipao elements in their designs. Many foreign women are eager to get themselves a Qipao should they visit China. Qipao is no longer a garment particular to Chinese women, but is adding to the vocabulary of beauty for women the world over.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Women's Health Advocacy For Women Golfers
Playing your best golf demands peak performance.
You will find the game of golf transcends the physical prowess other sports require. Golf instead requires a combination of attributes; physical, mental, spiritual, and some serious long term concentration. If you play golf regularly you know a typical round will last about 4 hours, and few sports require your attention for that many hours.
It is this reason golf exhausts the whole body. In fact most golfers will remark golf is 10% physical and 90% mental. While this is widely accepted, the reality is if you ignore preparing yourself physically, the mental aspect of the game will quickly produce physical swing flaws. Because this game is played using a composition of attributes we have gathered a variety of health topics that are related to golf for your review. Our goal is too help women golfers understand how they can prepare for their best round of golf ever played.
You will find the game of golf transcends the physical prowess other sports require. Golf instead requires a combination of attributes; physical, mental, spiritual, and some serious long term concentration. If you play golf regularly you know a typical round will last about 4 hours, and few sports require your attention for that many hours.
It is this reason golf exhausts the whole body. In fact most golfers will remark golf is 10% physical and 90% mental. While this is widely accepted, the reality is if you ignore preparing yourself physically, the mental aspect of the game will quickly produce physical swing flaws. Because this game is played using a composition of attributes we have gathered a variety of health topics that are related to golf for your review. Our goal is too help women golfers understand how they can prepare for their best round of golf ever played.
Conditioning for Golf
Golf is generally viewed as a game of technical skill rather than an athletic event, requiring less exertion than most other sports. Unfortunately, this common misperception all too often results in injury and/or premature performance plateaus. Golf is a highly athletic event!
Consider that the head of a golf club can travel over 100 miles per hour, an effort comparable to throwing a cricket ball from the boundary. Amateur golfers achieve approximately 90% of their peak muscle activity when driving a golf ball. This is the same lifting intensity as picking up a weight that can only be lifted four times before total fatigue.
Golfers strike the ball an average of 30 to 40 times a round and this level of exertion and muscle activation equates with such sports as football, hockey and martial arts. The difference is that other athletes outside of golf include conditioning as an integral part of their preparation for such physical demands.
There are four factors of golf conditioning:
1. Muscle balance and flexibility
2. Static and dynamic postural stability
3. Strength
4. Power.
These must be performed in this order. Without correct flexibility the body cannot perform exercises in the correct manner. Once the musculoskeletal system is balanced, static and dynamic, postural stability can be achieved.
Stability is important since a stable body creates a solid framework for all movements and is less likely to cause injury. Strength can be built using functional movement patterns that transfer to the game of golf. Developing power is the last progression.
Consider that the head of a golf club can travel over 100 miles per hour, an effort comparable to throwing a cricket ball from the boundary. Amateur golfers achieve approximately 90% of their peak muscle activity when driving a golf ball. This is the same lifting intensity as picking up a weight that can only be lifted four times before total fatigue.
Golfers strike the ball an average of 30 to 40 times a round and this level of exertion and muscle activation equates with such sports as football, hockey and martial arts. The difference is that other athletes outside of golf include conditioning as an integral part of their preparation for such physical demands.
There are four factors of golf conditioning:
1. Muscle balance and flexibility
2. Static and dynamic postural stability
3. Strength
4. Power.
These must be performed in this order. Without correct flexibility the body cannot perform exercises in the correct manner. Once the musculoskeletal system is balanced, static and dynamic, postural stability can be achieved.
Stability is important since a stable body creates a solid framework for all movements and is less likely to cause injury. Strength can be built using functional movement patterns that transfer to the game of golf. Developing power is the last progression.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
How to wear a Cheongsam
For wearing a Qipao / Cheongsam pay attention to the whole appearance: Hairstyle, jewelry, stockings, and shoes should match to the design and colour of the Qipao / Cheongsam and should be presented as an unit.
As for daily casual wear, in summer, you can choose some thin fabrics such as pure cotton delaine printed with little flowers, sack and yarn cloth, silk, and poplin.
In spring and winter, there is chemical fiber or blended cloth like gleaming silk and thinner woolen cloth.
If for formal affairs like ceremonies or performances, in summer, you should select pure silk crape de Chine, thin silk, which are soft, light and cool since it won't stick to your body.
For spring and winter, satin and velour are the best: tapis, treasures, crape and spun gold damask.
As for daily casual wear, in summer, you can choose some thin fabrics such as pure cotton delaine printed with little flowers, sack and yarn cloth, silk, and poplin.
In spring and winter, there is chemical fiber or blended cloth like gleaming silk and thinner woolen cloth.
If for formal affairs like ceremonies or performances, in summer, you should select pure silk crape de Chine, thin silk, which are soft, light and cool since it won't stick to your body.
For spring and winter, satin and velour are the best: tapis, treasures, crape and spun gold damask.
The cheongsam in popular culture
The movie In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar-wai about a Shanghainese community in Hong Kong is notable for its use of a variety of cheongsam worn by female lead Maggie Cheung.
In the movie The World of Suzie Wong, Nancy Kwan made the cheongsam briefly fashionable in the west.
Female characters in anime and manga will often wear the cheongsam. Equally often, the cheongsam will be tight in the bust and slit very high on the thigh, to provide fan service.
The popular Chinese Street Fighter video game character Chun-Li is very well known for her signature blue cheongsam (first seen in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior), worn with white knee-high boots, hair bun covers, and oversized spiked bracelets for a non-traditional style. A male Street Fighter character known as Gen wears the male changshan, as do his students, Yang and Yun Lee.
Tekken video game character Anna Williams is almost always featured wearing a modified, low-cut cheongsam with a peacock design on it.
Dead or Alive character Lei Fang often wears different colored cheongsam.
In the anime and manga Naruto the character Sakura Haruno wears a cheongsam, and the character Tenten wears a pink cheongsam before the timeskip in the series.
In the movie Kill Bill, Sofie Fatale wore a typical male black changshan. The costume department may have mistaken it for a female cheongsam.
In the manga and anime Mahou Sensei Negima, characters Ku Fei and Nagase Kaede both are fond of cheongsams.
In the movie Spider-Man the character Mary Jane Watson played by Kirsten Dunst wears a red cheongsam.
In the ending credits for the anime Ashita no Nadja, the main character Nadja Applefield wears a dark blue cheongsam (among several other outfits) and poses in front of a mirror. However, it suddenly rips and shows a part of her leg, so the embarrassed Nadja covers the rip with her hands and struggles her way off-screen to sew it.
In Lust, Caution, the main actress wears cheongsam for most parts of the film.
In the video game Resident Evil 4 the character Ada Wong wears a modified version of a cheongsam, which is a combination of a 1940s halter top and a cheongsam which is covered in an Asian inspired butterfly, flower and vine motif.
In the video game Fire Emblem, one of the characters, Lyn wears a cheongsam.
In the anime/manga Ranma 1/2, all the female characters wear cheongsams at times, while Shampoo, being the only one actually from China, wears them the most.
In the movie The World of Suzie Wong, Nancy Kwan made the cheongsam briefly fashionable in the west.
Female characters in anime and manga will often wear the cheongsam. Equally often, the cheongsam will be tight in the bust and slit very high on the thigh, to provide fan service.
The popular Chinese Street Fighter video game character Chun-Li is very well known for her signature blue cheongsam (first seen in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior), worn with white knee-high boots, hair bun covers, and oversized spiked bracelets for a non-traditional style. A male Street Fighter character known as Gen wears the male changshan, as do his students, Yang and Yun Lee.
Tekken video game character Anna Williams is almost always featured wearing a modified, low-cut cheongsam with a peacock design on it.
Dead or Alive character Lei Fang often wears different colored cheongsam.
In the anime and manga Naruto the character Sakura Haruno wears a cheongsam, and the character Tenten wears a pink cheongsam before the timeskip in the series.
In the movie Kill Bill, Sofie Fatale wore a typical male black changshan. The costume department may have mistaken it for a female cheongsam.
In the manga and anime Mahou Sensei Negima, characters Ku Fei and Nagase Kaede both are fond of cheongsams.
In the movie Spider-Man the character Mary Jane Watson played by Kirsten Dunst wears a red cheongsam.
In the ending credits for the anime Ashita no Nadja, the main character Nadja Applefield wears a dark blue cheongsam (among several other outfits) and poses in front of a mirror. However, it suddenly rips and shows a part of her leg, so the embarrassed Nadja covers the rip with her hands and struggles her way off-screen to sew it.
In Lust, Caution, the main actress wears cheongsam for most parts of the film.
In the video game Resident Evil 4 the character Ada Wong wears a modified version of a cheongsam, which is a combination of a 1940s halter top and a cheongsam which is covered in an Asian inspired butterfly, flower and vine motif.
In the video game Fire Emblem, one of the characters, Lyn wears a cheongsam.
In the anime/manga Ranma 1/2, all the female characters wear cheongsams at times, while Shampoo, being the only one actually from China, wears them the most.
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