Gastronomía de Semana Santa en Iberoamérica

Gastronomy and Traditions of Holy Week in Ibero-America

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Apr08

Latin America is an eminently Christian continent. Estaña and Portugal are framed together with Latin America in what we call Ibero-America. All Ibero-America professes mainly the Christian religion. Holy Week is one of the main Christian religious commemorations. Therefore, today we will talk about the Gastronomy and Traditions of Holy Week in Ibero-America

Throughout the region, the passion of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice to save humanity are commemorated with great joy and reflection. Holy Week reminds us that Jesus Christ was persecuted, betrayed, delivered, imprisoned, and killed for his opinions and the profession of his Faith. Therefore, today we will talk about the particular gastronomy and traditions in Holy Week in Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

The Faith of Jesus Christ that puts at the center love for neighbor, forgiveness, and kindness. According to Christian beliefs, Jesus knew his destiny and did not deny him, because through his sacrifice he would save the souls of men and women. Through His sacrifice He would seal a new agreement between God and mankind.

That is why Holy Week is so important, it reflects the suffering of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for humanity. In the same way, there are small differences during the Easter season regarding food consumption.

From the point of view of religious doctrine, the restriction of consumption of certain foods is imposed, which leads us to feed ourselves differently.

This forces chefs to be more creative during Holy Week. Thanks to this, some of the most delicious dishes in these countries have emerged. Without a doubt an opportunity won.

We will see this point later in more detail, knowing that foods cannot be consumed according to Christian religious doctrine.

Holy Week in Three Minutes

Why is Holy Week relevant in Ibero-America?

Holy Week is, along with Christmas, one of the most important religious celebrations of Christianity. According to the Christian religion, before Jesus Christ men and women were born stained by original sin, the one for which Eve and Adam were expelled from paradise.

Jesus through his sacrifice comes to forgive original sin. With this, Jesus came to establish above punishment and rules, love, learning and forgiveness.

Christianity culturally marks all the countries of Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

Both Spain and Portugal had Catholic Christian kings. This marked both countries culturally and so it did with their colonies in Latin America and the rest of the world. Just as this colonization left its mark on countries like the Philippines. In some Philippine cities such as Zamboanga Spanish is still spoken.

Also, in some African countries Spanish is still spoken as an official language or of great importance. Some of these countries are the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Equatorial Guinea.

Portuguese is spoken in East Timor, Macau and some cities in Malaysia, India and Indonesia

The language permeated and remained in various parts of the world. So did religion. An example is represented by the Philippines where 90% of the population is Christian.

If there is a region where this influence was decisive in culture, it was in the so-called Latin America. Latin America is one of the largest and most homogeneous regions of the world in the world.

In Ibero-America we find almost 700 million inhabitants who can communicate with each other, with common cultural and religious roots.

A global community that has great respect for the sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth.

In Holy Week Christians pay homage to the sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth
In Holy Week Christians pay homage to the sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth

Why is the gastronomy at Holy Week different in the Ibero-American region?

In the Christian religious tradition, flesh and sins have a great relationship. In the same way sacrifice is seen as a work of piety.

According to the different versions you can see red meat related to lust, gluttony, or ostentation. Some also relate red meat to the body of Christ sacrificed for our salvation.

They also see the opportunity to deprive themselves of red meat to honor Jesus’ sacrifice.

In ancient times, fasting and abstinence from red meat were practiced at Easter. Today the church urges the faithful to abstain from red meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

The church also invites believers to make other small sacrifices during Holy Week. Some of the suggested sacrifices are abstaining from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or parties, to honor Jesus’ sacrifice.

This makes Holy Week a very special commemoration that lies at the heart of Christian values.

This abstention from red meat makes the Gastronomic creativity during this season rise. That is why the Gastronomy at Easter in Ibero-American countries is so interesting, with exclusive flavors of the season.

But let’s discover a little more why the gastronomy of the Easter season is so different.

Easter Gastronomy in Ibero-America
Easter Gastronomy in Ibero-America

Fish as the main protagonist of the Gastronomy of the Season.

Abstinence from red meat is one of the requests of the Catholic Church. However, there is no recommendation regarding which food replaces red meat.

One of the peculiarities of the season is that although chicken is not red meat, it is not customary to use it in Easter Gastronomy. This is because religious tradition links Jesus to fishing, because many of his disciples were fishermen.

Even Jesus told His disciples that He would make them “fishers of men.” Additionally, there is the biblical passage of the multiplication of loaves and fishes. With this, fish was closely linked in the Gastronomy of Holy Week throughout Latin America.

This is how in the gastronomy of Holy Week great priority is given to recipes and fish-based dishes. Next, you will know some of the most beloved dishes of Holy Week for some countries of the so-called Ibero-American Gastronomy.

Easy Fried Fish Recipe | Holy Week

Star dishes of the Gastronomy of several countries in Holy Week

Next, we will know some of the dishes that are prepared throughout some of the countries of Ibero-America for the Easter season.

Argentina: Vigil empanadas are the star dish of Holy Week. Prepared with a stuffed thin wheat dough that wraps the tuna or some other fish filling and baked. The Argentine gastronomy of Holy Week also includes salmon, seafood, and fried fish. A delight to visit Argentina this season.

Mexico: A strongly religious country exhibits a gastronomy in Holy Week according to its beliefs. In this season they serve soups based on fish and seafood and tacos with fish. Other delicious dishes that you cannot ignore are corn toast with shrimp, shrimp with coconut and fish with seafood filling.

Spain: One of the typical dishes of Spanish cuisine during Holy Week is the vigil stew. Vigil stew is a vegetable stew, usually based on chickpeas, spinach and cod. In different parts of Spain, it is made with different ingredients. For example, in Asturias it is called Lenten stew and is made from eggs, peppers, tomatoes and the aforementioned ingredients.

Venezuela: In Venezuela, a country with wide coastlines, fish dominates the Holy Week season. One of the tastiest dishes is the cake of “Chucho” (mongrel fish) or dogfish.

A cake based on cartilaginous fish seasoned with sweet pepper, onion, and other spices. One of the most delicious dishes you can try, typical of the land of Gustavo Mirabal. In the video below you can learn a little more about that delicious dish and others.

Holy week food menu ideas

Gastronomy at Easter, a gift from God.

Undoubtedly, the Gastronomy in Holy Week in Latin America is the result of the religious influence in the region. Thanks to this religious influence we can have a season full of creativity and surprising flavors.

Christians will be able to take advantage of this Holy Week to appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and taste some delicious flavors that fish brings and that do not result in a great sacrifice.

And if you are not a Christian it is also an opportunity to taste the delicious gastronomy of Holy Week that at the same time is very healthy, thanks to the fact that it is based on fish and vegetables. Take the opportunity to live a gastronomic experience in your country or during a trip to these countries of the world.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro es Gustavo Mirabal

Entrepreneurship and New Business, according to Gustavo Mirabal

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Mar13

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship are all the rage. In every finance or economics video we hear about it. The truth is that personal and business entrepreneurship is the source of wealth in many countries. But it is still true that the success rates of ventures are very low. Therefore, today we will know the unique perspective on entrepreneurship and new businesses of Gustavo Mirabal Castro, a financial advisor and serial entrepreneur.

Entrepreneurship is the buried treasure of the modern world. And like any treasure hunt, there are false maps, death traps, and the simple inability to achieve it. And out of hundreds of treasure hunters, only one can take the prize. This is what entrepreneurship is like…

Entrepreneurship in the modern world is a mixture of innovation, determination, brute force, stubbornness, and lots and lots of luck.  For Gustavo Mirabal Castro, success is hard work, perseverance, and some luck. Talent is important, but it only matters if you put hard work into it.

SME failure rates reach 80% in 5 years and 90% fail before 10 years. Entrepreneurship is the seed of micro and small enterprises that then become medium-sized companies if they manage to survive.

That is why today we will know the opinion of Gustavo Mirabal Castro on entrepreneurship and new businesses. We will also know some of the secrets, not so secret, of Gustavo Mirabal’s success. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Serial Entrepreneurs, examples of entrepreneurship
Serial Entrepreneurs, examples of entrepreneurship

Is every new business a entrepreneurship?

The short answer is no. There are many businesses that are based on existing business models, or on buying and selling products.

Entrepreneurship goes far beyond a company. There are those who say that every venture becomes a company, but not every company is an entrepreneurship.

The truth is that not every entrepreneurship becomes a company. Especially in Latin America, entrepreneurship remains informal. That is why they are businesses that have not become companies. Only some of them that manage to grow are formalized and follow the upward path.

Why do entrepreneurship and new businesses fail, according to Gustavo Mirabal?

As we mentioned before, SMEs fail by 80% in the first 5 years. Entrepreneurships have a much higher failure rate, as some never become small businesses.

The first thing we should know is that entrepreneurship is a process of trial and error. Many of the ventures will fail, but the entrepreneur does not fail until he gives up. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle where various ideas are tested and then can become businesses.

Carrying out these ideas and executing them systematically can be considered an undertaking. But there are certain conditions to consider that a simple idea is an entrepreneurship such as:

  • Offer an innovative product or service
  • Expected to grow rapidly
  • The business has a clear objective beyond generating money
  • Planning is a fundamental part of entrepreneurship
  • Risks are taken, as it is not a common business
  • It has a clear differentiating element, associated with the innovative product or by the innovative approach to a particular need
  • The entrepreneur as a leader is an important and unique factor of entrepreneurship.

The entrepreneur is a person with very particular characteristics. A entrepreneur makes innovation his mantra and his impulse. He is a person who sees everywhere opportunities to meet needs. But in addition, the entrepreneur is capable of a sustained effort over time to achieve his objectives.

Therefore, below we will tell you about the psychological profile of the entrepreneur.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro - An example of serial entrepreneurship
Gustavo Mirabal Castro – An example of serial entrepreneurship

The psychological profile of the entrepreneur and its importance for entrepreneurship

The entrepreneur requires to persist in the pursuit of his objectives and the achievement of his goals special characteristics. Some people possess them naturally, while others who want to undertake need to cultivate them.

These attributes help you persist in your idea despite obstacles and stay optimistic despite setbacks.

Below, we give you a brief description of each of the characteristics and experiences that differentiate and make an entrepreneur special:

  • Innovation: They add a different component either to the product, service, processes or attention that essentially alters the final product or service, generating a differentiating element. They are attracted to the new.
  • Independence: Entrepreneurship requires independence. If we are guided by what others say, we will not depart from what everyone else does.
  • Autonomy: They can make decisions for themselves. They listen to advice, but they make their own decisions.
  • Internal locus of control:
  • Risk propensity: They tend to seek to do things differently and look for innovative ways. By moving away from traditional ways, they do not feel discomfort with risk. On the contrary, they may feel euphoria about the risk involved.
  • Tolerance to ambiguity: They can handle themselves in situations of uncertainty and insecurity. They don’t believe in external control and are prone to believe they are in control of everything. Therefore, they can handle undefined situations better.
  • Need for achievement: They want to show that they can do things better and be recognized for it.
  • Self-efficacy: They constantly evaluate their performance and optimize it to achieve better results. They are obsessed with doing things better and better.
  • Optimism: This is the final and indispensable ingredient for an entrepreneur. Being able to see the bright side makes it easier for them to face the difficulties of entrepreneurship.
Persistence is very important for the success of the entrepreneur
Persistence is very important for the success of the entrepreneur

Conscious reaffirmation of psychological attributes to achieve entrepreneurial success.

These characteristics are intrinsic to personality but can also be worked on consciously. If we want to be successful entrepreneurs, we must reinforce the characteristics of an entrepreneur.

Life experience can also be fundamental for entrepreneurship. Next, we’ll look at which experiences help people become entrepreneurs.

 

Transformative experiences for entrepreneurship.

Researchers have discovered that there are life experiences that encourage entrepreneurship. If we want to undertake some of the experiences that we will point out later, they can be of great help. In other words, we can look in our experiences that increase our entrepreneurial possibilities.

  • Diversity of work and academic experiences:
  • Closeness to other entrepreneurs and people with similar characteristics.
  • Work interruptions or unemployment increase the chances of being an entrepreneur:
  • Are people prone to or seeking the “flow” mental state

For Gustavo Mirabal to promote the psychological attributes of an entrepreneur. In addition, trying to live the kind of experiences that favor entrepreneurial success can make a difference. This is one of the secrets of success in Gustavo Mirabal’s venture.

Later we will tell you other secrets of this avid Venezuelan entrepreneur.

Most amazing tourist destinations, tourism in Venezuela

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Mar08

“Venezuela land of grace”, this is how Christopher Columbus described to Queen Isabella what he found on his 3rd trip. Venezuela is a privileged country with a great diversity of ecosystems, a pleasant climate and an enviable geographical location. Today you will know the most incredible tourist destinations in this country and how to do true tourism in Venezuela. Let’s start.

Venezuela is one of those countries that nobody imagines. A small enclave in the Caribbean Sea in a strategic area, full of coasts, mountains, and ancient geological regions.

Its natural beauties have been portrayed in several films, showing that its landscapes have much to offer.

Thanks to its topography and its location near Ecuador, Venezuela has a pleasant climate that varies from the warm dunes, the temperate climate of Caracas and the Andean mountains range and the mountain climate offered by places like Bolívar peak. Tourism benefits greatly from Biodiversity in Venezuela.

In addition to the natural beauties, Venezuela is a place full of culture and affable gentile. You will be able to appreciate the value of the Venezuelan, his joy, customs and his warmth with locals and foreigners.

Venezuela is an impressive place for sightseeing. However, tourism in Venezuela has not been as successful as in other countries. Today we will tell you the wonders that Venezuela has to offer, and why its success has not matched the potential it has.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Top tourist destinations in Venezuela - Tourism in Venezuela
Top tourist destinations in Venezuela – Tourism in Venezuela

The most incredible tourist destinations of nature tourism in Venezuela

This is one of the types of passenger cars with the greatest potential. Nature tourism can encompass ecotourism, adventure tourism and rural tourism.

Venezuela has a coastline that makes it rich in beaches. But also, here we find the largest variety of tourist destinations of the most incredible thanks to nature tourism in Venezuela. We can find jungle, desert, snow, plains, mountains, beaches, among others.

The diversity of ecosystems would delight nature lovers.

Some of the most spectacular places in Venezuela to visit you will know below.

 

The most incredible tourist destinations for sun and beach in Venezuela

The immense Venezuelan coast with the Caribbean Sea in front gives Venezuela optimal conditions for sun and beach tourism. Thanks to the Caribbean Sea we have calm and warm waters. The Venezuelan beaches contrast with the oceanic beaches of Europe, cold and strong tide.

Thanks to this, we can find here some of the most incredible tourist destinations in Venezuela such as:

  • Beaches of Los Roques National Park
  • Morrocoy National Park
  • Mochima National Park
  • The beaches of Margarita Island
  • Coche Island
  • The beaches of La Tortuga Island
Los Roques - The most incredible tourist destinations of tourism in Venezuela
Los Roques – The most incredible tourist destinations of tourism in Venezuela

Why hasn’t tourism in Venezuela exploited its potential?

Venezuela is a country rich in beauty and landscapes, but it is also a country rich in oil. Throughout history, Venezuela has dedicated itself to the most valuable products it has to offer. First it was cocoa, then coffee and finally came the oil stage.

But the difference is that cocoa and coffee were items that required a lot of labor and resources for their production. In addition, its price was determined by the competition.

The case of oil, it was a non-renewable resource that not all countries had. In addition, Venezuela had immense oil reserves.

Oil has become the commodity with the highest profit and utility. This caused a small country with a small population to be overwhelmed by sudden wealth.

Immense oil revenues transformed the Venezuelan economy. The once rural Venezuela is quickly transformed into an oil Venezuela, as Miguel Otero Silva was well able to reflect in his books “Casas Muertas” and “Oficina Nro 1”. In the first book Miguel Otero Silva portrays the death of small towns dedicated to agriculture. In the second he shows us the enormous wealth that oil brought and with it the benefits and evils of the city …

This is how the “monoproducer mania” transformed most Venezuelans from cocoa farmers, coffee farmers to oil industry workers.

The huge Venezuelan state was transformed into the way to get oil from the oil fields to the tables of Venezuelans.

This is how oil took space in the economy from everything that was not black gold. But let’s see a little more about it.

 

Oil killed tourism

Thus, everything that was not oil or depended on oil was forgotten. Everything could be imported and instead of promoting our beauties, the Venezuelan dedicated himself to seeing the beauties of foreign countries.

And for more problems, we become shopping travelers… The place to admire the landscapes, admire the goods and the first world.

Few were the initiatives that aimed to give foreign tourists and Venezuelans themselves places in Venezuela to know.

This is how places like the Mérida Cable Car, the La Rinconada racetrack, the Caracas cable car or the Humboldt Hotel, at the top of Ávila, emerged.

Despite this, tourism was relegated to the background. Present in the plans of all governments, but being the relegated of all when it comes to investing resources.

The immense resources relegated tourism and all other economic activities because they were less profitable than oil. Everyone wanted their “drop of oil”.

Miguel Otero Silva - Portraitist of Venezuelan Oil Change
Miguel Otero Silva – Portraitist of Venezuelan Oil Change

The most amazing tourist destinations – Tourism in Venezuela looking beyond oil.

Tourism is one of the industries that requires greater integration of the social, commercial and service fabric. The relationship of each of the sectors is indispensable to make it prosper in a sustainable way.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro, a lover of Venezuelan landscapes, wants to make known both the beauties of Venezuela, as well as its tourist potential and opportunities.

Contributing to the dissemination of national tourism is one of the ways you have to put a grain of sand to boost your country… One of the many grains of sand that is putting to raise the name of Venezuela in sports, business and opportunities.

Attracting attention to tourism is also an opportunity for the actors of the tourism sector to articulate themselves to once and for all give this sector the success it deserves.

Most expensive horses in the world 2023

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Feb25

Do you want to know which are the most valuable horses 2019? In this we bring you the information of the best rated horses of 2019. This is an update of our highly valued ranking of the most expensive horses in history.

But we also tell you which have been the most expensive horses in history. Without more to add let’s start our story

Galileo - the story of the super-stallion - in the words of Aidan O'Brien and MV Magnier

A tribute to Galileo {Runnin}

How a horse is valued

Horses signify power, through their strength, speed and elegance. This meaning is linked to the advance of human beings for a long time, both for work and for war.

Famous horses accompanied the troops in former times, they served as cargo drag or simply were used, and are used, in sport. Hence, an equine breed in general has high costs in the international market.

The assessment of a horse is based on many variables, but many of these horses will never be sold. We only have the reference of expert experts to determine the value of the horse. That is why we also have the historical record of the horses that have been sold.

The power to improve the next generations

Linked to tourism, travel, the natural world in the case of wild horses, the temperament of many people and businesses or careers, equines represent a lot and distill history and traditions on all four sides.

A horse of high performance in particular can be worth thousands of dollars. They are bought for their particular ability or to turn them into stallions and improve the next generations.

But many are questioned, the price of these animals especially in the case of sports and exhibitions.

Sometimes people wonder why there are expensive horses and what is the cost. In this article we will try to give a couple of examples

The 10 Most Expensive Horses Ever Sold

 

Where does the cost of expensive horses reside?

A foal for various purposes, as there are many, has a high price, which can only be paid by some clubs or wealthy people, linked to that market or competitions.

Behind it there is an industry related to the horse which is fed from the results of competitions, races, competitions of all kinds or breeding and training

For a horse to qualify in that group of horses highly valued, it must have incredible qualities. Horses are majestic animals, experts say, endowed with an incredible physique and strength, used by men for activities as varied as pulling cars, sports, taking walks, races, among many others.

Each skill, therefore, translates into a value. That is why it is possible to find very well paid animals.

The value of a horse

The value of a horse depends on the races he has won and how he has won them. But it’s not just about the prizes. The true value of a horse is in its ability to breed winners. A horse as a stallion produces much more money than a horse in racing.

That is why the most expensive horses of today 2019 are not valued only for the sale value. To do this, estimates of their productivity will be made to generate new winners

Frankel the British horse produced 3.4 million dollars in prizes but is valued at 180 million dollars. During each year of his retirement he produced 16 million dollars annually. Frankel produced 4.7 times more money in his first year of retirement than in his entire active career.

In this way we can understand that careers are only one way to check the genetic potential. With this in mind we can understand that horses are valued at much more than what they paid. Many of these horses are never sold.

The most expensive horses 2019

Here is the list of the most expensive horses version 2019. This is a list of the best rated horses according to expert experts in 2019:

  1. Galileo: It is Irish Thoroughbred valued at 180 million dollars. His offspring has more than 300 winning horses. Currently he has few years to live but the prolific nature of his offspring makes him very attractive. Galileo was sacrificed in July 2021, at 23 years of age, due to an injury that made him suffer Galileo at the time of his death charged $ 700,000 for each mare covered. In his career as a stallion he fathered 2,306 horses
  2. Frankel: The horse we mentioned earlier. It is an English thoroughbred. It is estimated that its value is 167 million dollars despite being 10 years younger. Each ride is valued at 138 thousand dollars but Frankel is a true stallion. Frankel is able to make up to 4 assemblies a day.
  3. Tapit: Valued between 100 and 140 million dollars is Tapit in third place. This is an American horse. Each assembly is billed in 300 thousand dollars. It is estimated that it has generated 35 million dollars in one year.
Frankel. A british thoroughbred racehorse
Frankel. A british thoroughbred racehorse

World’s most expensive sires in 2022

Below you can know the most valuable stallions after Galileo’s death and the fee for covered mare:

  1. Dubawi: 301.500 USD
  2. Into Mischief: 261.000 USD
  3. Frankel: 241.000 USD
  4. Curlin: 235.000 USD
  5. Quality Road: 209.500 USD
  6. Tapit: 284.000 USD

The most expensive horses in history

In this list we will consider the most expensive horses ever sold. This list is based on specific sales and auctions. A list although more objective, not less interesting.

Hence, we count the 3 most expensive horses of the world, whose names are Fusaichi Pegasus, Shareef Dancer, Totilas, Green Monkey, Palloubet D’halong, Seattle Dancer, Meydan City, Snaafi Dancer, Jalil, and Plavius:

1.-Fusaichi Pegasus.

Fusaichi Pegasus
Fusaichi Pegasus

This remains the most expensive horse in the world today. Recognized in such a case for his talent was acquired by an astronomical amount of money. Fusaichi Pegasus is considered the most expensive horse sold, nothing more and nothing less than 70 million dollars. This specimen won the Kentucky Derby in 2000. He concluded his sports career with nine starts, six victories and two defeats. In total, he earned almost two million during his active life.

Fusaichi Pegasus currently lives in Kentucky with a fee of seven thousand dollars as a stallion. The figure resulting from a reduction of its initial quota of 150 thousand, after not offering good results as breeding stock.

2.- Shareef Dancer.

Shareef Dancer
Shareef Dancer

This specimen was bought for 40 million dollars by the emir of Dubai in 1983. He is a descendant of Northern Dancer and had a career of successes like no other. It turned out to be even better as a stallion to accumulate profits exceeding two million dollars.

3.- Totilas:

Totilas
Totilas

Besides being one of the most expensive, it is also one of the most publicized and repeated in the specialized press, for an incomparable beauty.

This is one of the copies that shows the price at which it was sold: 21 million. Totilas was listed as the most outstanding horse of Dressage in the world. This copy has numerous records to its credit. Also, it is the only dressage horse that scored more than 90 points in a competition.

Totila and his rider Edward Gal were recognized as species of rock stars in the equestrian world. The fate of this animal changed in 2011 when it was sold to a German property, later denounced for animal abuse. It is said that Totila did not perform well in competitions since then.

4.- Annihilator

Annihilator is one of the most expensive horses. But it is also one of the horses that has been less profitable and productive. That is why some ranking excludes it, however we can not say that the price is always accompanied by results.

It was sold for over $19 million, which would mean it deserved a spot on the list of the most expensive horses of all time despite its limited results.

Annihilator was a thoroughbred racehorse that only won about $3,000 in prize money. Additionally he has not had an outstanding offspring, which is also a sample of his limited results as a stallion, with a success was also moderate.

5.- The Green Monkey

The Green Monkey was an English thoroughbred specimen, developed in the eighteenth century in England. The Green Monkey is descended from Northern Dancer, a horse used to achieve long-distance running calves, and the Big Red, Secretariat.

It is the English thoroughbred in its category sold at the highest price in the world. The Green Monkey was sold at auction for $16 million. Unfortunately, he had to retire after 3 races due to injury. In those 3 brief careers he managed to earn 10.4 million dollars, offsetting 2/3 of his cost. He was later used as a stallion at a value of $5000 per breeding.

He had to be “asleep” in May 2015 due to a condition called Laminitis, which caused him excruciating pain while standing.

His offspring had great success, including Monkey Business, the winner of Panama’s triple crown on July 12, 2015, just months after The Green Monkey’s death.

We can observe how with the last example, a winning horse and expensive horses can be degraded by the mistreatment of the human being. High performance human animals and competitors not only require challenge, but require care and motivation. This is how we take care of the “hens of the golden eggs”. With love the investment in expensive horses is taken care of

Sources

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/5-expensive-horses-ever-588118

https://www.recreoviral.com/animales/razas-caballos-hermosas-mundo

https://www.lavozdelsandinismo.com/curiosidades/2016-10-06/los-caballos-mas-caros-del-mundo

 

If you want to know more about Gustavo Mirabal or Equestrian Word, go to:

https://gustavomirabalcastro.online or http://gustavomirabal.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavomirabalcastro

https://www.flickr.com/photos/161015276@N06/albums/

https://es.quora.com/profile/Gustavo-Mirabal-Castro

https://www.wattpad.com/497522292-g-c-farm-gustavo-mirabal-castro-en-venezuela-g-c

 

 

El desfile de la patria gaucha - mayores desfiles con caballos del mundo

The largest parades with horses around the world

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Feb24

Horses have an important place in the world. But there are countries and regions where horses are most valued. This is the case of countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Mexico or Spain, where the horse is highly valued. In addition, there are other countries where the horse is also revered. One of the ways humans incorporate horses is in parades. That’s why today we will tell you about the largest parades with horses in the world.

The larger the parades with horses, the more important the horses are in that society. Therefore, today we will know the largest parades with horses around the world.

Parades are a demonstration of respect and power. Therefore, the inclusion of horses in important parades around the world are proof of the importance of horses.

Sometimes the horse is only part of the ceremonial. In others it is an important central part of the activity. That is why today we will know the largest parades with horses around the world and we will analyze the place of the horse in each of these.

 

The Ghode Jatra Festival

In Nepal every year one of the largest parades with horses in the world takes place, the Ghode Jatra festival.

Nepal is a rural country with a rather depressed economy. Nepal’s main economic activity is agriculture. In this context, the horse has a particularly important place as a support in agricultural activities and as transport.

Additionally, horses have played a fundamental role in the country’s political conflicts.

Given the background, we can consider that the horse in Nepal has a fundamental role in Nepali society. That is why the Ghode Jatra festival is one of the largest horse parades in the world.

This festival takes place in Kathmandu’s cavalry fields, known as Tundikhel.

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and seat of political power.

In Tundikhel, hundreds of horses, soldiers, and senior political and civilian officials from Nepal gather once a year. Even the Ghode Jatra festival is attended by the country’s president.

The festival takes place between mid-March and early April.

On that day they gather to celebrate Ghode Jatra, a festival that aims to scare away demons and commemorate a dark moment in their history.

The Ghode Jatra festival in Nepal - Parades with horses around the world
The Ghode Jatra festival in Nepal – Parades with horses around the world

The origin of the Ghode Jatra festival, one of the largest horse parades in the world.

In Kathmandu there was a time when many children disappeared in the city. People attributed the disappearance of children to demons. Therefore, they decided to scare them away by demonstrating all their power by running their horses around Tundikhel.

Over time this ritual began to be performed annually to appease evil spirits and demons. Subsequently, Ghode Jatra became a national holiday, and one of the largest horse parades in the world.

Soldiers and horses show off their skills and battle techniques to deter demons, and perhaps political dissidents as well.

The role of the horse in Ghode Jatra is a major role, as the horse is one of the main technologies of warfare in backward Nepal. In addition, the horse is revered, because it has a fundamental role both in its defense, security, and in its economy.

Ghode Jatra shows us that although in many places the horse has been displaced by technology, horses still have an important place in the world.

 

The parades with horses of the “Patria gaucha”

A small country in the American continent hosts one of the largest parades with horses around the world, we talk about Uruguay. But what is due to this preeminence of the horse in the Uruguayan nation. Today we will tell you about this wonderful parade and the reasons why the parade of the “Patria Gaucha” has such an impact on this small nation.

Uruguay is a country that has 176,215 square kilometers and approximately 3 and a half million inhabitants. At the very least, we can say that it is surprising that the parade of the “Patria Gaucha” can summon thousands of riders with their horses. The Uruguayan Gaucho is the equivalent of the American cowboy.

But one of the most important things is that Uruguayan was born is an agricultural and agro-exporting nation. However, Uruguay currently has one of the lowest proportions of rural population in the region.

There is a struggle to reclaim and protect the rural population. The decline in the rural population may pose a threat to Uruguay’s food independence and economy.

Perhaps this drives this type of activities and claims of the figure of the Uruguayan Gaucho. But what does the “Uruguayan gaucho” mean? We’ll see it next.

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the Uruguayan Gaucho

The Gaucho is a historical figure like the American cowboy. He is a country man, typical of the plains of Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. They are the product of the union between descendants of Spaniards and Indians and their culture is a mixture between both, with a predominance of the rural.

His existence runs between the plains and the unpopulated areas, an adventurer whose exploration expands the territories. Thanks to his skills as a horse rider he can expand those horizons and reach where other men have not reached. It is precisely his characteristic of expert rider and his link with the rural, which has strengthened the gaucho in the face of adversity and in the face of modernity.

This struggle against modernity has created a common front that drives them to fight for their identity. A struggle to recover what they call the gaucho homeland that is in the rural.

The parades with horses of the gaucho homeland

This parade with horses has been held since 1986 in Tacuarembó, a Uruguayan city characterized by a livestock economy. That characteristic makes it a refuge for what remains of Uruguayan gaucho culture.

This parade with horses is one of the important bastions of its culture and tourism. It takes place in the area of the lagoon of the washerwomen, a natural mirror of water one kilometer from the city.

In 2022, more than 4000 riders and horses participated in the parade of the gaucho homeland. For 5 days all kinds of recreations, contests and activities are carried out in honor of the figure of the Uruguayan gaucho.

Desfile de la Patria Gaucha con más de 4000 caballos - 35 Edición 2022

As we can see, parades with horses are not only linked to the size of the country but also to its culture and the importance of the horse in it.

For Gustavo Mirabal Castro it is important to highlight the role of the horse in modern society to give it the dignity that this animal nobel deserves.

Caballo Pura Sangre Ingles

The History of the Thoroughbred

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Feb14

The Thoroughbred horse is an equine breed that has been renowned for its speed, elegance and skills in horse racing for centuries. That is why today we will tell you everything you should know about the history of the Thoroughbred Horse.

Also known as Thoroughbred, this horse has had a significant impact on the history of horse riding and horse riding. In this article we will cover the history since its creation in the seventeenth century in England.

We will also talk about his adoption of the Thoroughbred horse around the world. This breed of horses is recognized as one of the most popular racehorses.

The story of the Thoroughbred horse is a fascinating account of its evolution and development. In this article, we will explore the history and legacy of this legendary horse.

But first, let’s know a little more about the characteristics of the Thoroughbred horse that have made it one of the most valued throughout history.

About the Thoroughbred | Horse Breeds

What are the most valued characteristics of the Thoroughbred?

Among the most valued characteristics of the Thoroughbred horse are:

  1. Speed: This breed is known for its speed and agility in horse racing.
  2. Elegance: The Thoroughbred horse is an athletic and elegant animal, with a strong bone structure and an imposing silhouette.
  3. Intelligence: They are intelligent and easy to train animals, which makes them ideal to be ridden in competitions.
  4. Docile temperament: Despite their competitive nature, these horses are known to have a docile temperament and be easy to handle.
  5. Pedigree: Pedigree is an important factor in the evaluation of an Thoroughbred horse, and the presence of champion lineages in its genealogical history is valued.

These characteristics have made the Thoroughbred horse a highly valued breed in the world of equestrian and have contributed to its popularity around the world.

Let’s get to know a little about the impact that this set of characteristics in the same horse had on the history of equestrian sports.

Thoroughbred Horse
Thoroughbred Horse

What has been the impact of the horse breed on the history of horse riding and horse riding?

The Thoroughbred horse breed has had a significant impact on the history of horse riding and horse riding.

They were developed in England in the late XVII and early XVIII centuries to improve horse racing.

The Thoroughbreds are known for their speed, agility and intelligence. These features have made them popular for horse racing, sport riding and jumping riding. They have de facto become a standard in horse riding, horse riding and horse racing.

Thoroughbred horses have an important presence in equestrian disciplines such as jumping and dressage. We can also see them a lot in recreational riding.

In addition, its influence has spread to many other horse breeds. And it is that from the crosses with the Thoroughbreds new breeds have been obtained, including racehorse breeds and equestrian sports around the world.

The Thoroughbreds have been an important part of the history of horse riding and equestrian and remain a valued and respected breed today.

 

History of the formation of the Thoroughbred horse breed

Thoroughbred horse breed was formed in England in the XVII century. The first funding horses were imported to England by Arab traders and crossed with English draft and riding horses.

The original intention was to create a horse that could be used for horse racing as well as military cavalry. He quickly became the quintessential racehorse in England.

Throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Thoroughbreds continued to evolve. The breeders improved through careful selections of the best racing specimens.

These horses were, and still are, valued for their athletic abilities and beauty. Thanks to their great courage, Thoroughbred horses became a symbol of wealth and social status.

Over time, PSI horses expanded outside of England and were introduced to other countries, including the United States and Australia.

Today, it remains one of the most valued and respected horse breeds worldwide. It is used both in equestrian competitions and in recreational activities.

The formation of the Thoroughbred has been a continuous process of improvement and improvement. Its impact on horse riding and horse riding is still strong today.

Next, we will know a little more about its presence in equestrian competitions.

Darley Arabian - One of the founding horses of the Thoroughbred breed
Darley Arabian – One of the founding horses of the Thoroughbred breed

What is the proportion of Thoroughbred horses in equestrian competitions?

There are currently no exact statistics on the proportion of Thoroughbred horses in equestrian competitions. This proportion varies significantly according to the equestrian discipline and the level of competition.

However, it is common to see this horses, due to their speed, agility, and athletic abilities, in:

  • High-level horse racing competitions
  • Jumping events
  • Dressage Events

In horse racing, Thoroughbred horses are dominant. Meanwhile, in other disciplines, such as jumping and dressage, it is more common to see diversity of horse breeds.

However, it is important to note that not all Thoroughbred horses compete. Many of the horses of this breed are also used solely for recreational activities.

In general, the percentage of thoroughbred horses in equestrian competitions can vary, but their impact on equestrian and horseback riding is undeniable.

Its success and influence in history

The history of the thoroughbred horse breed is a story of success and influence.

Since its development in the seventeenth century in England, this breed has become a standard in horse riding and horseback riding. This as we mentioned is especially true in the discipline of horse racing.

Thoroughbred horses are still highly valued today for their speed, intelligence, beauty, good character, and friendly disposition.

This horse breed has had great influence on the formation of many other horse breeds around the world.

Although there is no exact percentage of thoroughbred horses in equestrian competitions, it is common to see them in high-level, professional, and Olympic events. Its impact on horse riding and horse riding is undeniable.

The thoroughbred horse breed has been an integral part of the history of horse riding and horse riding, and its legacy continues today.

Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi the horse lover empress, the Austrian Diana

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Feb09

The life of women after the monarchy has not always been easy. The rigidity of the courtesan label crushes the free spirits. Those who are accustomed to obeying function in a scheme where they are mere symbols of power. So today, we will speak of Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi the horse lover empress.

The nobility has always been associated with horses and horseback riding. Let’s remember Queen Elizabeth II of England and her passion for horses.

From the beginning the family of her future consort, the emperor Franz Joseph I, and his own family, knew that Elizabeth of Bavaria was not ready to be an empress.

But at the whim of the emperor Franz Joseph, I could not be denied anything. A man in love who had no time to attend to his own wife and left her in the hands of the suffocating rules of the royal courts.

One of the curiosities that all her personality has been that she was raised in the countryside, on the shores of the Starnberger See. This semi-rural area, full of nature, animals, and freedom, molded its way of acting and thinking. Changing the shores of the Starnberger Lake by the Hofburg Palace in Vienna was her penance and her condemnation.

The free spirit of Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi the horse lover empress, was imposed at times. However, but the courtier protocol and certain events ended up weakening their will and depressing it.

Today we will know as Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi the horse lover empress, lived in advance to their time loving the horses.

The Empress | Official Trailer | Netflix

Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi the horse lover empress

Born in Munich in December 1837, Elizabeth of Bavaria, nicknamed Sisi, was always a horse lover person. Her aunt was Elizabeth from Bavaria and Queen of Prussia due to her marriage to Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia (known in Spanish as Federico Guillermo IV). Her name was put as a way of honoring her aunt, which only 4 years later became the queen consort of Prussia.

Its origins already foreshadit a position in the nobility. However, who was being prepared for court and marriage with Franz Joseph I was her eldest sister, Helene. Helene was a disciplined, very religious, discreet young woman, attributes that made her perfect for marriage and Austrian courts.

However, little Sisi’s depression by a love disappointment made her enter the journey at the last minute. The cousin I had known as an 11-year-old girl had become a very beautiful 15-year-old lady. Since then, Franz Joseph I fell in love and there would be nothing that would change that.

However, both by her temperament, rebellious and free, and for her upbringing, Sisi was not ready for the European courts.

But let’s see who was Elizabeth of Bavaria, known as Sisi, the future horse lover empress, at the age of 15.

Elisabeth of Bavaria. Photography by Carl Pietzner
Elisabeth of Bavaria. Photography by Carl Pietzner

Bavarian’s Sisi, a free-born young girl

Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi, was an empress who grew away from the courts and was not prepared for it. He grew up in Munich at the Herzog Max Palace with no limited freedom or limited by his parents.

In addition, Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi, used to spend summers in the castle of Possenhofen, in front of the lake of Starnberg. This became the favourite home of the family and especially of Sisi.

The surroundings of the Castle of Possenhofen were full of nature and animals. It was there that from an early age he met and loved the horses, love that would last for his whole life.

It was a difficult student who did not want to learn French that at that time was the language of the European courts and the nobility. The English language if he mastered it, though it cost him enough.

With the music he had no affinity and hated the piano. However, drawing and poetry if they aroused their interest and demonstrated great skill. Where creativity showed its face, there was Sisi of Bavaria.

But where she really stood out was in the care of her physical appearance. Sisi was cared for with a protein-based diet and with a lot of physical exercise. In that exercise, she highlighted the long walks, taking her dogs for the palace and riding a horse.

For some people, the princess only ate healthy, walked, and rode on horseback. She had multiple horses which she often rode and used as a physical exercise.

Her love for the animals, the classical culture, and the Hungarian cause, made her very peculiar, and earned her the rejection of the court. However, this also earned her the love of the people.

Sisi horse lover empress
Sisi horse lover empress

The Princess Diana of Wales is the Austro-Hungarian Empire

With only 16 years Elizabeth of Bavaria became the wife of Franz Joseph I, and the Empress of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The rigid protocol of the Austrian court was to diminy his freedom and his will. Archduchess Sophie, her mother-in-law, oversaw the upbringing of her first daughter Sophie, as Sisi was considered incompetent to raise her.

However, with the birth of his second daughter Gisele, she regain the will to take over her daughters. There began a moment of joy that would soon dissolve.

On a trip to the provinces of Hungary, to which his mother-in-law was opposed, the archduchess Sophie, her little daughter Sophie would die of dysentery because of the lack of health.

This collapsed the will that remained of Sisi and ended up giving up Gisele’s upbringing to his mother-in-law.

No doubt, many parallels with the life of Princess Diana of Wales. A girl who was not ready for the hardness of the cuts and an old-fashioned system that did not know how to adapt.

The end of the empire occurred shortly after, and perhaps what happened with Sisi was an alert for the monarchy who decided to ignore it. Adapt or disappear… And who was in tune with the times really was Elizabeth of Bavaria, Sisi the emperor lover of the horses and perhaps the equivalent of “Princess Diana of Wales” of Austria.

Caballo Standardbred

Standardbred Horse Breed

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Feb05

The horse is one of the largest and strongest mammals on planet earth. As for its characteristics, it dazzles with its elegance. Now, of this species there are many breeds of horses, where they differ by their physical characteristics, size, color, fur among others. For this reason in this article we will talk about Standardbred horses

The Standardbred is an American equine breed known for its ability to compete with harnesses, where members of the breed compete on a trot or at pace. Developed in North America, the Standardbred is recognized worldwide, and the breed can trace its bloodlines back to eighteenth-century England. They are solid horses, well-built and with good disposition. In addition to harness racing, the Standardbred is used for a variety of equestrian activities, including equestrian shows and walks, at some specific sites in the United States.

Caballo Standardbred
Caballo Standardbred

History of the Standardbred breed

In 1879 was when these horses were named Standardbred, referring to the great speed they require to be named under this prestigious name, since this breed is characterized by being the fastest in harness racing, because it can travel 1.6 km in a time below two minutes, enjoying such a record the horse named Star Pointer.

However, its lineage dates to a couple of centuries before, still without bearing the name of the Standardbred breed, Since the 17th century trotter races began to be performed. This led to the development and breeding of a breed of horses specialized in this type of competition.

Already in the mid-18th century began to perform this type of competition officially. At this time several horse breeds were already being gathered to contribute to the characteristics required for the future standardbred breed. Some of the breeds that were used to create the ideal horse for trotting were the following:

  • Canadian Pacer (Canadian).
  • Narragansett Pacer breed (American).
  • Morgan horse breed (American).
  • English Thoroughbred (English).
  • Hackney (English).
  • Breed Norfolk Trotter (English).

It is considered that the precursor of the Standarbred breed was the English thoroughbred named Messenger. This stallion born in England was imported to the United States in 1787. His offspring were mostly engaged in horse racing. Messenger’s great-grandson is considered to be the founder of the Standarbred breed, called Rysdyk’s Hambletonian. Hambletonian was born in Orange County, New York in May 1849. All The Standarbred descend from Hambletonian, which had more than 1,300 direct descendants.

Hambletonian 10 - An example of the Standarbred breed
Hambletonian 10 – An example of the Standarbred breed

The descendants of Hambletonian 10

Rysdyk’s Hambletonian was also known as Hambletonian 10 for its registration number. He made his debut at the age of 6, quickly becoming a sensation in trotter racing, also known as harness racing. This made him gain fame and become a stallion of the most demanded.

One of the horses that had great influence on the offspring of Hambletonian 10 was American Star. This horse had a number of very relevant mares that were crossed with Habletonian. These mares that interbred with Habletonian strongly marked the development of the breed and defined its bright future.

Thanks to this, between the years 1851 and 1875 it spawned at least 1,335 registered offspring. But mainly the lines of descent through 4 descendants represent almost the entirety of the Standarbred breed. The children that represent the origin of almost the entire Standarbred breed are:

  • Electioneer
  • Dictator
  • Happy Medium
  • George Wilkes

Hambletonian marked the beginning of the Standarbred breed. He died at the age of 27, on March 27, ’76. He was buried next to his owner in Orange County, New York. In this place there is currently a monument dedicated to the horse where horse fans pay their respects.

Danpatch an example of the breed
Danpatch an example of the breed

The popularity of Standardbred and name registration

Standardbreds are very popular in the United States, Canada, Eastern Europe and Australia, bred especially for trotter racing, having the main large-scale hatcheries in the United States and Puerto Rico.

The Standardbred breed registry was created in the United States in 1879 by the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders.The name arose because of the “standard” required for breeding cattle, to be able to jog or advance a mile within a certain time limit.

Specifically, it is considered that a Standard should be able to run a mile in less than two and a half minutes. Thanks to this strict selection it was possible to improve the breed and currently the horses of this breed are much faster than the standards originally defined. Many of these make this journey in less than two minutes.

Standarbred Horse as transport in an Amish community
Standarbred Horse as transport in an Amish community

Physical characteristics of the Standardbred horse:

  • Body and neck quite long.
  • Very wide trunk at the height of the strap, and very developed chest.
  • Raised rump, the hindquarters are powerful in order to give a greater thrust to your march, the structure of the hind legs and hocks is perfectly correct, which makes you perform well in your tasks.
  • The helmets are excellent, which allows them to gallop well at a high speed without getting hurt, and this is because these limbs are ironclad.
  • The head is flattened, it is robust, somewhat rudimentary, and rough.
  • Cape: black, saffron and chestnut.
  • Elevation: between 157 and 163 centimeters.

Standardbred as a racing harness

  • Standardbreds are known for their skill in harness racing. Being the fastest trotter horses in the world.
  • In Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, races are held for both trotters. As well as, as for pacemakers, in continental Europe, all harness races are performed between trotters.
  • In addition, the most important races for North American trotters include the Peter Haughton Memorial for two-year-olds and the Kentucky Futurity for three-year-olds.

Other uses of the breed:

  • They are used in horse shows and for the pleasure of horse riding.
  • The breed is quite good at jumping, which makes them suitable for hunting horse disciplines. In addition, the breed is also seen in training, and their excellent temperaments make them good trails.

Standardbred horse, the legacy of American trotter horses

The development of this breed of horses has been a long, but fruitful process. We are facing what is considered the best breed of trotter horses in the world. Gustavo Mirabal Castro wants to make known the contribution of horses to the modern world. Therefore, if you want to know more, visit our websites or our social networks. We are waiting for you.

Las Kungas en un grabado - Animales Híbridos de la Antiguedad

The Kungas the first hybrid animals

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Jan30

In January 2022, several French researchers from the Jacques Monod Institute of the University of Paris made a major discovery. Progress achieved with the support of the laboratory of vertebrate evolution and human origin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This group of researchers have provided evidence of the first hybrid animal in human history, the Kungas.

For decades an animal called Kunga has been known. Remains of this rare animal were found in the ruins of Umm el-Marra. This was an important Syrian city that belonged to the Mediterranean Levant in ancient times.

It was a region with great commercial importance and at its peak housed more than 5,000 thousand inhabitants. There we found a cemetery where the vestiges of the Kungas were found, an ancient breed of equids that had not been fully identified until now.

Thanks to the combination of DNA sequencing technologies, it was established that this equine is the first hybrid animal in history.

These vestiges belong to a series of 25 kungas by different DNA sequencing methodologies. Due to the great deterioration of the genetic material attributable to the climatic conditions of the area, especially the temperature, it was necessary to innovate to obtain more information.

the oldest man made hybrid animal "KUNGA" #shorts

 

What is a hybrid animal?

A hybrid animal is the result of a cross between two species with high genetic similarity. But in these cases, their genetic differences are substantial enough for these offspring to be infertile.

It seems that raising hybrid animals makes no sense, but nothing could be further from the truth. In genetic theory appears a concept called “hybrid vigor” or heterosis.

Genetic differences between two individuals of a species allow genome errors to be compensated for with a pair of copies. These copies allow that as long as one is defective the other can substitute its function and beget a complete individual. Thus, the greater the genetic differences between individuals, the greater the genetic resistance and adaptability of the progeny.

This is how, as the differences increase, the chances of genetic adaptability are greater. Thanks to this, hybrid animals inherit the best attributes of their parents in order to enhance the result. However, such are the genetic differences that end up being infertile.

But let’s elaborate a little more on these characteristics.

Kungas in an engraving - Hybrid Animals of Antiquity
Kungas in an engraving – Hybrid Animals of Antiquity

What are the characteristics of hybrid animals?

Typical characteristics common among hybrid animals are:

  • They are the result of the crossing of two animals of different species. These animals must be genetically similar enough to produce offspring, but different enough not to belong to the same species.
  • They are infertile: Due to the substantial differences between the genome of their parents, they are unable to father. This generates a problem because two species must be bred to be able to cross them and obtain the desired result.
  • Obtain physical and psychic attributes from their parents: Depending on the genetic strength of the genes, the resulting hybrid animal obtains attributes from both its female and male parent.
  • They tend to live longer, to be more adaptable to the environment, and to suffer fewer genetic problems and diseases.

Thanks to this, hybrid animals have obtained an important place in human society. Recall that we did an article about mules and hinnies, hybrid animals that are widely used today.

These potentialities make them more valuable and useful than their parents. This is how the Kungas in ancient times were very valuable, but we will talk about that below.

The value of the Kungas in ancient times.

The Kungas are animals that preceded the incursion of the horse into the Eastern world. These are reflected in the archaeological remains of ancient tablets that use cuneiform writing, typical of the Sumerians.

In these tablets are references to the breeding of equine animals. These animals in the references are called Kungas and are indicated to be bred for the following purposes:

  • Religious ceremonies
  • Diplomatic functions
  • War and battle technology

According to archaeological records, Kungas were worth 6 times more than a normal donkey. This indicates the high value of these equids.

Probably, their infertility was one of the attributes that made them scarce and therefore valuable. But there are also the attributes where they acquire the best characteristics of their parents, which made them very special.

But how it was determined that the Kungas were hybrid animals. Here we tell you.

Painting on the use of Kungas in ancient Mesopotamia
Painting on the use of Kungas in ancient Mesopotamia

Modern techniques used to unearth the past

In order to obtain sufficient information on the deteriorated genetic material of the 25 skeletons found, different techniques had to be combined:

  1. Nuclear DNA sequencing: This DNA is inherited from both the female and male parts, as it is a mixture of both genetic materials. Thanks to this we can value the contribution of both male and female in the progeny. This analysis is performed by sequencing nuclear DNA
  2. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing analysis: This DNA is inherited exclusively from females of the species and has fewer pairs. This DNA is found in the cell’s mitochondria, which are the structures that provide energy to the cell. This analysis is performed using the polymerase chain reaction technique -PCR- to mitochondrial DNA. It only allows to analyze and follow the female roots of the species

 

By combining both techniques and complementing them, it was possible to obtain a genetic profile of the kungas.

Moreover, this information was compared with several genetic profiles of equids from the region whose existence was temporarily compatible.

One of the genetic profiles was that of the remains of some Hemipos. The hemipo is a team known as the Syrian wild ass, a subspecies domesticated by the Sumerians and now extinct. One was an 11,000-year-old hemipo and two others were the last extant hemipos before its extinction.

Thanks to these comparisons it was confirmed that the Kungas were descendants of male hemipos and female asses.

Kungas, the intrinsic value of differences

Due to the age of the vestiges, we confirm that the Kungas are the first hybrid animals in history, so far.

Hence its high value, remember the theory of hybrid vigor. This hybrid vigor makes the genetic differences between the two parents make their offspring stronger and more resistant.

In this way we see that genetics shows us that our differences strengthen us, as long as we know how to accept them. Well-understood differences make us more flexible and adaptable. Conversely, stubbornness and desires for unique races or thoughts castrate our flexibility and lead to failure.

Let us find in our differences our greatest strengths.

Un caballo tomando agua, un componente esencial de la alimentación de los caballos

Water is an essential component for feeding horses

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Jan26

Most living things on the planet depend on a fundamental fluid, water. In the case of mammals it is more important because we cannot get it from the air or soil. Water is an essential liquid for life and for horses it is no exception. That is why today we will talk about water as an essential component for feeding horses.

Although horses do not spend much time drinking water, its intake is absolutely essential.

A horse of standard weight has a weight of about 500Kg. It is estimated that between 60% and 70% of a horse’s body weight is composed of water. This implies that your body is made up of between 300 and 350 liters of water exclusively. The more water an organism contains, the more essential it becomes for its proper metabolism.

Horses are characterized by being able to spend long periods of time without eating food. They are able to conserve liquids very efficiently thanks to their fur that limits evaporation. However, if you lose too much fluids, your health will be compromised.

A horse that loses 10% of its body mass in fluids, either through urination or sweating, has its life compromised.

Horses have very conservative water intake habits. However, the water intake of horses cannot be neglected to preserve their health.

Next, we will tell you how water is an essential component of your diet and how to use it to ensure your health. Let’s start now.

How much water does your horse need?

The hydration habits of horses

Horses are especially efficient when it comes to hydration. And it is that equines dedicate the minimum possible time of their daily time to this activity.

This is due to several reasons:

  • Horses conserve the water they ingest in an excellent way. In this way water losses are minimal for a day.
  • Natural selection has led the horse to have a high instinct for conservation. This implies that their access to water sources must be fast and efficient, almost stealthy. Remember that water sources are places highly frequented by predators when looking for prey. Drinking water quickly and withdrawing is a form of protection.
  • Its large body reserves of water make it a perfect animal to wait to ingest water when it is safe.

Thanks to all this, the horse only spends a few minutes a day drinking water. It is estimated that a horse in good health and hydration takes between 2 and 10 minutes a day to hydrate. The amount of vital liquid required can be distributed between 2 to 8 water intakes in a day.

This means that drinking water for a horse can take between 1 and 4 minutes per dose at most.

These amounts and times refer to horses that are well hydrated. If we consider a horse subjected to conditions of lack of water, the horse will take the necessary time to replenish its reserves.

But many will wonder how the mechanisms that drive the horse’s water intake work. Since water is an essential component in the feeding of horses, let’s know the elements that drive their thirst and water intake.

A horse drinking water, an essential component of horse feeding
A horse drinking water, an essential component of horse feeding

What drives thirst and water intake in horses?

Horses efficiently manage their consumption. Water intake from them is driven by two fundamental factors:

  • Decrease in body water reserves: This may be due to urination or sweating of the horse. We must consider that climate is a fundamental part of this assessment.
  • Increase in electrolytes and blood glucose: The feeding of a horse is essential to determine the nutrients in the blood, in addition to the “waste”. Feeding a horse determines the need to maintain electrolyte balance. With this, if these nutrients are in greater quantity with respect to the ingested water, the horse will need to compensate. This is how the horse’s urination will serve to release substances too much and the increase in water will also serve to balance the concentration of these.

With a healthy diet, the horse will have a low water consumption.

A change in their water intake patterns can alert us to problems with their diet or illness. That is why taking care of good hydration and feeding, and the surveillance of these can be a fundamental factor to ensure the health of the horse.

Sources of water intake as an essential component of horse feed

Horses have several ways to get the water they need for their metabolism. In case of not ingesting water, they can resort to other mechanisms to acquire this essential component of horse feed.

The means by which horses usually obtain water are:

  • Drinking it directly pure from natural sources such as rivers or springs, or in the case of tamed horses, from the supply that is given.
  • Extracting water from food. Many foods have a high-water composition. This allows them to replenish some of the water they lose through their diet. There are certain grasses such as ryegrass that because of their high-water content. Thanks to this, if we feed our horse with ryegrass, the horse will be able to obtain all the water it needs from this foliage.
  • Generating water through metabolism: When processing carbohydrates for energy, small amounts of water are generated, as with combustion. Thanks to this metabolic process, the horse will be able to obtain part of the water it needs to maintain optimal health.

It is important to ensure abundant and good quality water for stable horses. Horses are able to detect poor water quality and refuse to drink, even if it only tastes strange. It is therefore important to ensure the health of hydration facilities for horses.

Horse drinking water
Horse drinking water

Water, an essential component for horse feed and health

As we can see, either because of the body composition of the horse or because of the problems that its deficiency can generate, water is an essential component for the horse.

Gustavo Mirabal Castro wants to create awareness in the owners to attend to such an important task with the horses. The hydration of horses cannot be underestimated. Gustavo Mirabal’s experience has led him to take this need for his horses very seriously. This is one of the secrets to getting the most out of high-performance horses.

That is why we invite you to learn more about the subject or to advise you about it so that you can give a good quality of life and health to your horse. Remember that a healthy horse is a happy horse and a horse with good performance.

 

 

 

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