HID Resources http://betting.betfair.com/resources/ en-us Copyright 2009 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:06:02 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Read the Betfair eBook Ever since Betfair was launched in 2000 - punters have been looking for ways to make more money from the service. From the casual once in a blue moon flutter to the hard core gambler - Betfair has something for everybody.

For those who are unsure as to what Betfair is about then we have put together an eBook to give you an overview of what you can do on the website. You can view it here as a .pdf file or read it here as a .doc file. We hope it'll give you some insight into how to best use all the facilities the site has to offer.

Disclaimer: Betfair takes no responsibility for any money won or lost as a result of the advice given in the eBook. The company also understands that at the time of upload all the information included is accurate and correct and takes no responsibility for any information that may be out of date by the time the eBook is read.

]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/download-the-betfair-ebook-020609.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/download-the-betfair-ebook-020609.html Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:06:02 +0000 Smart Cycling Team Names Cycling as a sport has always been popular. Cyclists form actual cycling clubs and spend years of their lives working to become great cyclists. It's as serious as online football betting to those who are betting on the outcomes! And with Lance Armstrong managing to win the Tour de France so many times, it brought a little bit of glory the sport for people in the United States. However, it doesn't mean that there aren't teams that seem to take the sport a little less seriously. Over the years there have been some truly hilarious names that cycling teams have given themselves.

  • Pedalphiles : The Pedalphiles are a group of dedicated cyclists that reside in the Klang Valley region of Malaysia. Despite their definitely questionable name, the group holds the record for long distance outstation rides in Malaysia and they attend cycling events all over the world.
  • Suck It Up Buttercup: There is also a group that calls itself "Suck It Up Buttercup." The name is a common catchphrase that refers to the attitude that one should "suck it up" when they get hurt and don't whine and cry about injuries and that if someone does complain, they're weak.
  • Ride it Like You Stole It: Yet another ironic team name, this name actually is meant to refer to motorcyclists riding their motorcycles like cyclists ride. Cyclists tend to ride extremely fast, where motorcyclists are supposed to ride slow to "show off" their bikes. The slogan can be found on lots of merchandise like T-shirts.
  • Yummie Mummies: This team made their first appearance at the 2008 Summer Solstice Chico Racing event. As the name implies, the group is made up of entirely female mothers! The name refers to the new trend of calling mothers "yummy mummies" meaning they're still sexy even after having kids.
  • Dirt Nap: Another team that showed up at the Summer Solstice Event, the name refers to taking a "dirt nap" which can mean either dying and be buried in the ground or taking a particularly hard fall.
  • Southern Sierra Fat Tire Association : The Southern Sierra Fat Tire Association is a non-profit bike club based in California.
  • Team Rhino Racing : This club is based out of Arizona. They are extremely active and have won many awards.
  • Desert Foxes : This is another Arizona-based club that's exclusively female. Their name comes from the fact that most of them are older women and considered "foxy" ladies!
  • BEER : This team was started in 2007 by a pair of guys so naturally they named their team "beer!"
  • Bike Monkey : This team is a very large team based out of California as well.
  • Ouch Sports Medical: This sports team was sponsored by the Ouch Sports Medical Center, hence the name!
  • Broken Spoke Cycling Club: This sponsored club has a rather ironic name, since broken spokes would definitely prevent them from winning any races!
  • Crazycat Cyclery-Healthmaxx: Not much is known about this team from Texas except that they aren't sponsored but their name is certainly funny!
  • Sugar Cycles : Sponsored by Sugar Cycles (hence the name) this bike team is extremely active and based out of Texas.
  • Matrix Cycle Club: This is another Texas-based club that did not name their team after the Matrix movie - but everyone assumes they did!
  • Squash Blossom Classic dba Adventure Gallup Racing: A sponsored team based out of New Mexico, this club typically hosts events.
  • Team 53X11 Coffee: This team was formed to - you've got it - promote a brand of coffee!
  • Gopher Wheelmen: This team is based out of Minnesota but not much else can be found about it - or why they went with their odd team name!
  • Rasmussen Death Squad 5000: This team, based out of Iowa, was sponsored by the Rasmussen bike shop.
  • Punk Rock Cycling Team: This team is an all-girl team who puts videos of all their races up on Youtube.

It's truly baffling why some people choose such odd names for their racing teams, but it's amusing as well!


]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/smart-cycling-team-names-230409.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/smart-cycling-team-names-230409.html Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:12:24 +0000 World Masters Swimming What Masters Swimming is Really About

Masters Swimming is a group adults who compete in swimming classes and races. The competitions are grouped by age.


World Masters Swimming Records

Find out what records were made and what records were broken by Master Swimmers.

Compare Yourself with World Masters

Can you sustain a Master Swimming workout? What do you need to do to train?


Masters & FINA Constitution and Rules

Rules and regulations of the different organizations.

Masters of Other Sports

From baseball to soccer, check out the competitive leagues in other sports.





]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/world-masters-swimming-100409.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/world-masters-swimming-100409.html Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:01:04 +0000 Soccer Around the World Soccer is a sport that is loved around the world. Find out information about the different world soccer championships, tournaments, leagues and more through the websites below:

Soccer Around the World

Champions League

  • UEFA - the Union of European Football Associations...vital stats, videos, live blogs, games scores and more
  • ESPN Soccer - live scores, highlights of games, analysis of players and fan commentary.
  • Champions League - states, scores and more.
  • Live Scores - real time game scores form the European Cups soccer
  • Champions League Betting - standings and game bets for the Champion League of soccer
  • Champions League Football - headlines, videos and highlights from the current season


Serie A


Liga


Premier League


Bundesliga


Copa Oro

  • Copa Oro (Gold Cup) - history of championships for the gold cup
  • CONCACAF - the confederation of north, central American and Caribbean association football
  • Gold Cup - information teams, game schedules and the history of the Copa Oro


Clausura




]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/soccer-around-the-world-090409.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/soccer-around-the-world-090409.html Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:49:49 +0000 Warming Up Before Exercise Warming up should be done before any exercise program because it prepares the body for more intensive activities. Most athletes perform certain types of regular warm-up and cool-down exercises during their training. The answer to this is simple. Warming up and cooling down lessens the risk of injury, decreases muscle stiffness, and improves performance. It also prepares the body physiologically and psychologically for exercise. Athletes of all types go through a series of stretches before practice and games. Soccer players especially stretch their lower body's which many soccer betting guru's keep an eye out for because they study many aspects of the players and team's workout habits.

Warm-ups provide various benefits because it increases muscle temperature, causes blood vessel dilation, increases the blood temperature, improves range of motion, cause hormonal changes, and prepares the person mentally. The increased body temperature enhances both strength and speed.

Stretching should also be part of any exercise routine. It increases flexibility and reduces the probability of getting injured. A lot of people mistake stretching as a warm-up exercise. But the truth is you can injure your muscles if you stretch them while they are cold. Consider doing 3 to 5 minutes of aerobics before you stretch.

Major muscle groups need to be stretched slowly. Holding each stretch with mild tension is recommended. There are many different types of stretching exercises. NetFit provides good stretching exercises for the upper and lower body. Remember that each stretch should feel good; if you feel pain, go slower.

Tips for Warming Up and Cooling Down

Body Building for You: Warming Up Properly

NHS Choices: How Should I Warm Up Before Exercise?

About: Sportsmedicine

American Fitness

Keep the Doctor Away

Get Fit with Val: Cooling down after Exercise

The Stretching Institute: Cool Down

Stretching Exercises

About: Exercise

Stretches and Flexibility Exercises

Doc Stoc: Stretching Program

Stretching Videos

Expert Village: Stretching

FotoSearch: Stretching Videos

Yoga Video of Hamstring Stretching



]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/warming-up-before-exercise-090409.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/warming-up-before-exercise-090409.html Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:24:18 +0000 Horse Breeds of the World The horse is the favorite animal of many people of all ages, races, and cultures. Children grow up with fantasies that include horses, whether they are a cowboy riding into the sunset on a valiant steed or a princess upon a beautiful white stallion. There are many that bet on horses and horse races who study the Grand National odds and other horse racing events as well. Horses come in all shapes and sizes, as shown in the various breeds found around the world.

Appaloosa – The Appaloosa is an American breed that stems from the horses of the Native Americans. They are most commonly recognized by their coats, which are typically spotted on some portion of the body. The Appaloosa Horse Club has more information about this breed.

Arabian – Arabians stem from the Arab Bedou ins of ancient times. Today's Arabs all trace their bloodlines to five foundation mares owned by King Solomon of Old Testament fame. The characteristic dished face and tapered muzzle graced by wide nostrils is the defining feature of the breed, which is celebrated by the Arabian Horse Association .

Bavarian Warmblood – The Bavarian Warmblood is a new breed that is characterized by a large neck, sloping shoulder, and high withers. They are riding and sport horses that come in bay and chestnut colors. More information can be found at Equiworld's Bavarian Warmblood page .

Belgian – The Belgian is a draft breed that comes in a characteristic sorrel color, with chestnut body and flaxen mane and tail. They are one of the most popular American draft horses. The Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America has more information about the breed.

Clydesdale – Clydesdales are working draft horses that originated in England and Ireland. They are bay in color with four white legs. The feathering on the feet has soft white hair. Horsequest has an excellent profile on the breed.

The Don – The Don is a Russian riding horse with a wide, straight back. Chestnut is the most popular color, although bay and brown are acceptable. Horse Show Central has an excellent description of the breed.

Fjord Horse – Norwegian Fjord horses are small horses that look like small draft horses due to their large muscle and bone structures. The horses are dun in color with dark markings on the legs. They typically have a black stripe in the mane, tail, and forelock, with light hair surrounding it. The main is typically kept trimmed to show this off. The Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry has more information about the breed.

Haflinger – Haflingers have their origins in Austria where A rabians were crossed with the native Tyrolean Pony to establish the breed. The horses are sorrel or chestnut in color with a white or flaxen mane and tail. They are excellent jumpers with a long stride. More information can be found at the American Haflinger Registry .

Hungarian Warmblood – This breed comes from Hungary and is a powerful horse often used in show jumping and dressage. It can come in any solid color. More information can be found at the Hungarian Warmblood Registry .

Icelandic Horse – The Icelandic horse was brought to Iceland by the Vikings, and today the horses are a relatively pure breed with stocky, hearty builds. Long coats and a generous mane and tail are characteristic of the breed, which can come in any color. Icelandic horses have two extra gates, the Tolt and the Flying Pace. More information can be found with the United States Icelandic Horse Congress .

Lipizzaner – Lipizzaners are beautiful grey horses that are known as "ballet horses" due to the beautiful dressage displays they put on around the world. The breed stems from the horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. The official site of the World Famous Lippizaner Stallions has the best information about the breed.

Morgan – The Morgan is the first breed that was developed in America, and these horses trace their bloodlines to the sire owned by Justin Morgan of Vermont. These horses are small, with wide heads and prominent eyes. Many colors are acceptable, but bay, black, and chestnut are the most common. The AMHA has more information about the breed.

Mustang – Mustangs are the wild horses of America's west. There is very little breed standard for these animals, but any animal that is a descendent of a free-roaming steed is a Mustang. Paint is a common color for American Mustangs.   Mustangs4Us has more information about the breed.

Oldenburg – This German Warmblood breed is the heaviest and largest of the line. They are known for their energetic gaits and calm temperament. The Oldenburg Horse Breeders' Society has more information.

Paso Fino – Paso Finos are best known for their smooth gait. They are friendly horses that trace their lineage to the horses Columbus brought with him. More information is available at the Paso Fino Horse Association .

Quarter Horse – Quarter Horses are compact, muscled horses that are solid colored with few white markings. These quick horses are named for their ability to run a fast quarter of a mile, but they do not have the endurance of other racers. More information can be found at The American Quarter Horse Association .

Spanish Horse (Andalusian) – The oldest riding horse in the world, the Spanish Horse, or Andalusian, is a strongly built horse with a high gait, making it ideal for dressage. The most common color is gray, but bay, black, and chestnut are also allowed. More information can be found at the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse .

Standardbred – The Standardbred is often used in harness racing and is a robust breed with a thick, deep chest and heavy muscling. They are well known for their unique pacing gait and smooth trot. More information is available at the U.S. Trotting Association.

Tennessee Walking Horse – Tennessee Walkers are known for their running walk, a fast, flat walk with a unique rhythm. They are large-boned horses with strong hindquarters and a long, high-set tail. More information is available at TWHBEA .

Thoroughbred – The Thoroughbred is a horse bred for the racetrack. Long and lean, these horses are bred for speed. They are typically quite spirited animals. More information is available at the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association .

These are just a few of the most popular breeds found around the world. To truly understand a horse is to understand its breed and lineage, so learning about different horse breeds is important for anyone who loves these noble animals.




]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/horse-breeds-of-the-world-270309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/horse-breeds-of-the-world-270309.html Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:34:52 +0000 Horse Websites Before the invention of the automobile, a good horse was just about the only way to get around. Today, horses are more of a luxury, but they are no less loved by humans than they were a hundred years ago. While they are not the primary means of modern transportation, they still fill many roles, from pets to herding animals to racing athletes.

General Resources

Those interested in learning the basics about horses will appreciate these resources. They cover all of the basics, from information about finding your first horse to basic horse care and information for experienced equestrians.

Grand National betting: The Grand Nationals and betting on the beautiful horses while they race against each other in competition.

Horses at About.com - A frequently updated resource for horse owners and lovers

Ultimate Horse Site - Offers information about horses as well as games, stories, and graphics related to horses

Equiworld - Dedicated to equestrian sports and horses

Kids' Stuff

Kids seem to be drawn to horses in a special way. Perhaps it is the fact that they can be ridden, or perhaps it is the numerous horse related toys on the market. Regardless of the reason, kids who love horses will appreciate these kid-friend equestrian sites.

Horses 4 Kids - Has plenty of games and information about horses geared towards the younger age groups

Equestriann.com -Fun horse videos that are safe for kids

Ultimate Horse Fun - Offers information and games for kids about horses, and also allows kids to write their own informative articles and stories about the animals they love.

Veterinary Resources

Horse owners know how important a good horse veterinarian is to their animal's health and well being. When you need an answer to a health-related problem and your vet is not available, consider these resources:

General Veterinary Information -Offers a variety of equine health resources

HorseCentric - Offers information about horse health and choosing a vet

Horse Shoeing Resources

Horses that are frequently ridden on paved streets need to be shoed. Horseshoes protect the horse's hooves from cracking and breaking. For more information, see below:

Hoofcare.com - Offers information about horseshoeing

Shoes and Shoeing Articles from Horse and Hound - An extensive resource concerning shoeing and the benefits of shoeing your horse

Stable Management

Managing a stable full of horses, whether they are your own or those that belong to others, is a monumental task. Knowing how to store feed, ensure all horses get enough exercise, and manage the differing temperaments in the stable is essential, as these resources show:

Stable Management - An online magazine dedicated to those who care for multiple horses

Equisite Stable Management Information -Stable management information, including legal forms for leases

Horse Publications

Because the world of equestrian care and sport is so broad, there are multiple publications dedicated to these beautiful animals and their owners and riders, including:

Horse Illustrated - An on-line and off-line magazine dedicated to everything related to horses

Horse and Livestock Trader - Focuses on horses available for sale

Clubs and Associations

Whether you love western riding, rodeos, or dressage, there is an association or club out there dedicated to the type of riding you enjoy, including these:

National Barrel Horse Association - Dedicated to barrel riders and their horses

Club Equestrian - An online community for everyone who loves horses, whether or not they own them

United States Dressage Federation - Dedicated to professional dressage riders, trainers, and instructors

Breeds and Breed Associations

With over 260 breeds of horses officially on the record, it is no wonder that there are multiple breed associations out there. To find an association dedicated to your favorite breed, or to gather information on the various breeds, visit these sites:

Horse Breed Associations Online - An extensive list of breed-dedicated horse associations

Horse Show Central - A great resource for finding information about specific breeds and breed associations

Horse Racing

Horses are natural runners, and horse racing is a popular sport. To find more about this aspect of the horse world, visit these pages:

The Horse Racing Channel - An online magazine dedicated to the world of horse racing

National Thoroughbred Racing Association - The premier association for Thoroughbred racing

Horses for Sale

The Internet opens the world to those who are searching for a horse to buy. By not limiting yourself to your geographic area when you are searching, you can find the ideal animal. Try these searchable classifieds as you search:

EquineNow - An extensive online classifieds for horses and horse equipment


Horse Finders - Allows buyers to search an extensive database for the exact horse they want to buy

Stables- Boarding, Training and Instruction

If you are looking for a place to board your horse or have him trained, the Internet can help you locate someone in your area. Consider the resources:

Horse Boarding.com - Allows you to search for a boarding facility near your home

U.S. Horse Trainer.com - Search for a horse trainer in your specialty in your geographic area





]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/horse-websites-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/horse-websites-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:34:30 +0000 All About Icelandic Horses Horses came to Iceland in the mid-800s with the Vikings who settled the island. These are not the types of horses you'll be betting on in Grand National betting. Their descendants became the Icelandic horse, a breed with unique characteristics in body and temperament. There are about 80,000 Icelandic horses in Iceland today. These horses are small, between 12 - 2 and 14 - 2 hands (50 to 58 inches at the withers) and weigh up to 900 pounds. They're extremely strong for their size. They can easily carry the weight of a full-grown adult. These beautiful horses have the same three gaits as other horses: the walk, trot, and canter. They also have two special gaits: the tolt, which is similar to the rack, and the skeio, or pace. Icelandic horses are bred to show all five gaits naturally, but horses that cannot skeio are also acceptable. Three-gaited Icelandic horses are extremely rare and are considered inferior. The tolt is a very smooth four-beat gait.

The horse moves its hooves in the same sequence as it would at a walk, but the hind legs move deeply under the body and the forehand rises, giving an elevated movement to the forelegs. The gait is similar to the rack, a gait performed by the American Saddlebred and some other horses. The tolt is an exceptionally smooth gait. Riders sometime demonstrate this smoothness by holding a full glass of beer in one hand while tolting. The smoothness can be viewed even in video. The tolt can be any speed, from as slow as a walk to as fast as a gallop. The pace is a two-beat gait, like the trot. A trotting horse moves its diagonal hooves together, while a pacing horse moves front and rear legs on the same side at the same time. It is generally seen as a racing gait, but most pacers are raced in harness. The Icelandic horse is ridden while pacing. Racing pacers is a very old and popular sport in Iceland. These horses are so remarkably sure-footed that winter competitions in ice riding are held every year in Iceland. The Icelandic horse is famous for its intelligence and good temperament. Both characteristics are probably a result of the breed history.

The terrain of Iceland is particularly treacherous, and horses needed both intelligence and physical agility to survive. Adult horses lived very closely with people during the Middle Ages, as did other livestock. Animals that showed aggression toward people were slaughtered for meat. Even today Icelandic horses spend months of each year living in herds on open grazing land with very little human contact. Some breeders feel that growing up with a herd that enforces good behavior improves the young horse's personality. Icelandic horses raised in Iceland very rarely bite or kick. Icelandic horses are not trained until they are four years old and are ridden regularly until they are five and have reached physical maturity. Icelandic horses were occasionally exported during the early centuries, and there are records of Norwegian kings receiving them as gifts from Icelandic chiefs. However, very few horses were imported during that period. No written records exist, but many people believe that importations were banned. There were occasional exports of Icelandic horses during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when Denmark had a trading monopoly. Many more horses were exported in the nineteenth century, after the monopoly expired. Iceland's geographic isolation has kept its livestock, including the Icelandic horse, remarkably free of disease. No import of any livestock is allowed, and even import of used equipment is prohibited unless disinfecting procedures are followed.

Once an Icelandic horse has been exported, it can never return. The World Championships for the Icelandic horse can never be held in its country of origin. There are about 100,000 Icelandic horses outside Iceland today. These horse farms have more information about the Icelandic horse.

Tolt Away Icelandic Horse Farm

Icelandic Horse Acres

Icelandic Horse Farm

Curtis Icelandic Horse Ranch

Winterhorse Park



]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/all-about-icelandic-horses-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/all-about-icelandic-horses-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:13:02 +0000 Dressage Resources in the UK & US

Dressage is a series of precise movements made by a trained horse in response to subtle signals from the rider. It is a competitive equestrian sport demonstrating the harmony between horse and rider in a series of gymnastic exercises.

Horses have been used as military mounts throughout history, first documented by the ancient Greeks. These horses were trained to be highly responsive and to make crisp forward, backward, and lateral movements. The life of the soldier depended upon his horse's swift reaction. The system of training expanded to civilian-owned horses, and in 1898, equestrian competitions were added to the Olympics.

Horse breeds such as Hanoverians, Trakehners, and Friesians are popular dressage horses. Probably the most well-known dressage horse is the Spanish Lipizanner, known for their graceful ballet on hooves. Dressage breeds are specially bred and marketed for their ability to conform to the complexities of training and maneuvers.

Dressage Horses Unlimited is an online marketplace for dressage quality horses offering an importing service. Only Dressage offers dressage horses for sale, as well as stallion services.

Dressage horses require specialized equipment: a variety of bridles, saddles, and boots for the horse, and clothing, hats, and crops for the rider. The dressage saddle is designed to allow the rider proper leg contact with the horse and a martingale is often attached to the bridle giving the rider increased control over the horse's head movement.

Organizations such as the United States Dressage Federation and the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) provide information on competitions, events, and clubs, as well as educating their members on the sport of dressage. FEI sets the standard in dressage.

Dressage enthusiasts attend shows throughout the year, both as competitors and as spectators. The grace and beauty of the horses are engaging, and there is much to be learned by watching skilled riders.

The Kentucky Horse Park will host the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010. They offer events and activities year-round, including the International Museum of the Horse which has exhibits, a library, and archives.

For those who just love to see beautiful horses:

Cheltenham betting: Host of information in the build-up and across all four days include race previews and tips to aid your betting and enjoyment of the 2009 Cheltenham Festival

The Equine Art Guild: A collection of artists who paint dressage horses.

Equine Photographers Network: A directory of equine photographers.


]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/dressage-resources-in-the-uk-us-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/dressage-resources-in-the-uk-us-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:10:32 +0000 Horse Art Resources

Horses have been pictured in art since the early tomb renderings of Ancient Egyptians. Their use as a means of transportation has been captured in battle scenes of old, images of the Wild West, and as an icon of Native Americans and cowboys. Today in art, the horse is depicted for its beauty or symbolism, and in sports such as horseback riding, horse racing and Grand National odds, and British fox hunting.

Horse Art Collection: Perhaps one of the most famous artists who painted horses was George Stubbs. Most notable was his unfinished work of art entitled, Mares and Foals. Read more about this artist, as well as many others from the selection at the left of the page, on this site dedicated to the art of horses.

Thinkquest contains a complete biography of Hilaire Germain Edgar Degas and his fascination with racehorses later in his career as a 19th century artist.

Painting Mania offers oil paintings on canvas available for purchase. Art Cyclopedia has a complete list of galleries, throughout the U.S. and Great Britain, including their respective website viewings. Commercial galleries are also listed to purchase original prints.

Elegant Horse Pictures offers hundreds of horse prints from their site, including the famous Man 'O War.

Horse Tribute is a website tribute to the two most famous racehorses, Secretariat and Man 'O War, with many large photos of them both.

Alonso Studio is the site of famous horse artist, Anthony Alonso. View the online catalog for 20 pages of paintings available for purchase.

Art by Wanda features the works of equestrian art by current artist Wanda Morgan. Along with paintings, she offers horses painted on various items as decorative household items and gifts.

Spirit of the Horse is the site of equine artist Kim McElroy and her modern art of horses, offered in prints, books, calendars, and journals.

The Horse Art Gallery is a collector's site for horse art prints, sculptures, gifts, and more.

AAEA is the official site of The American Academy of Equine Art and consists of members who are proven artists of all things equine.

Portraits with Character is the site of artist Maggie Stiefvater and her artistic renderings of horses. She also does commissioned works of art.

The Equine Art Guild is the online gallery of horse art and is the central place to find offerings from equine artists around the world.

Horse Art, the website for Suzana Stujanovic Suza, offers many types of horse art in varying mediums.

Horse Designs offers more than just horse paintings, but hand-crafted rocking horses, including custom designs, carousel horses, and miniatures.

Jennifer's Imagination is the site of a young girl's horse art in paintings, as well as custom horse costumes, which she designs and sews herself.

With the advances in computer graphics generation and customization of individual workspaces comes the need for computer wallpaper, desktop backgrounds, icons, and clipart for horse lovers.

Horse Wallpaper is a site dedicated to horse wallpaper and backgrounds, with hundreds of offerings.

Horse City offers brilliant horse photos, videos, and wallpapers.

The Ultimate Horse Site has horse wallpaper as well as numerous gifts depicting horse art, such as notebooks, t-shirts, and calendars.

Pixel Estudio provides numerous free horse wallpapers, and several animated works of art for use as desktop backgrounds and wallpapers.

Horse Clipart is a listing of numerous clipart sites offering horse art.

The Classic Horse features free classic, animated, cartoon, realistic, and decorative art clipart of horses.

Fotosearch is a stock photo and art site and offers royalty-free horse photos, sketches, prints, and paintings.


]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/horse-art-resources-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/horse-art-resources-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:08:30 +0000 Physiotherapy and Horse Health

Physical therapy improves a horse's general health for races like Grand National betting races and others. Horses are athletes, whether they are competitors or companions. A physiotherapist, like a farrier or a veterinarian, is an essential member of the team that helps your horse feel and perform his very best.

Physical therapy helps a horse recover more quickly and completely after injury, surgery, or lameness. Ask your veterinarian to recommend physiotherapy sooner rather than later, so your horse will be back to normal as soon as possible.

Any kind of trauma can cause a need for physiotherapy, because compensating for even minor trauma causes other muscles to tense and spasm. Consider physiotherapy if your horse is performing poorly or displaying any abnormal behavior. Physiotherapy is beneficial for a wide range of problems.

Equine physiotherapy is not just massage. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, ultrasound, light therapy, and other technologies all play a part in physical therapy for horses.

Physical therapy should not be used to replace ordinary veterinary care. It is not an alternative medical treatment. Instead, it is an extremely effective adjunct treatment to be used with regular veterinary care. In the United Kingdom the Veterinary Act of 1966 made it mandatory for a physiotherapist to have the approval of a veterinarian before treating a horse.

Physiotherapy also has a preventative role in equine health, as it does in human health. In fact, many competitive events keep a therapist on site for exactly that reason. Treating horses before a test helps to make them calm and supple, which reduces the chances of injury. A treatment right after a test reduces any muscle strain that could lead to later injury. Controlled studies have found many benefits from preventative physiotherapy.

Animal physiotherapy is not just for horses. Farm animals, pets, and even zoo animals are treated by physiotherapists.

When choosing a therapist for your horse, always ask about the practitioner's credentials. Many people with little or no training claim to be equine physiotherapists, and most countries have very little legislation to regulate those claims. In Great Britain a Chartered Physiotherapist will have completed a rigorous four-year course in physical therapy for humans followed by a two-year certification program in equine physiotherapy.

The British Equine Veterinary Society promotes all aspects of good equine care, as well as supporting research programs and holding conferences. The National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists is a professional association in the United Kingdom. It conducts conferences, maintains case files, and offers a two-year training program in animal physiotherapy for qualified candidates.

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]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/physiotherapy-and-horse-health-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/physiotherapy-and-horse-health-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:01:48 +0000 The Art of the Betting Tip Horse racing involves so much more than just luck. It requires skill, discipline, and a clear knowledge of all variables. One of the mistakes inexperienced bettors make is allowing it to become an emotional experience. Whenever hard earned cash is involved, there are bound to be human emotions involved. The people who manage to rise above their feelings and treat the art of betting and handicapping as a business are the ones who usually do the best in the end. For those who are unfamiliar with handicapping, it is the art of using certain factors which include track conditions, age and health of the horse, and past performance to determine which horse is most likely to win the race and figuring the Grand National odds. It is also a type of horse race in which varying weights are added to the saddles to even out the competition. This makes the outcome more difficult to predict and as a result, financially benefits the track. Horse racing handicapping tips, tricks, and information are available in the form of courses, hotlines, books, and videos. The best option is to find a few trusted sources and do your own studying and research. Developing a winning strategy is possible, and although no one will win all the time, making educated bets based on facts and experience is a rewarding experience. Attending a horse race is an exciting experience in its own right. These powerful animals have been bred and trained specifically for the race and seeing them in action is quite a rush. If you are a fan of horse racing already, learning the art of the betting tip can only make the race more exciting. Use the links and resources provided below to learn about handicapping, betting odds, and trusted tip sources.

Resources and Useful Links:

Winning Ponies Website Handicapping tips and how to learn the system

Harleqiun Farms: Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Ten Tips for handicapping race horses

Horse Racing: Handicapping Tips, Selection, and Strategies

Handicappers Learning Center

An Introduction to Handicapping for Beginners

Gain the Advantage by Recognizing Winning Trainers Detailed information on winning trainers

American Turf Monthly Newsletter Weekly newsletter with horses to watch and handicapping tips

Horses Wild Daily selections by three or four regular handicappers

List of Important Tips Not to Be Ignored

Free Horse Racing Picks and Expert Handicapping Advice

Free Horse Racing Picks and Betting Info

Learn About Handicapping and Betting Free Turf n' Sport Newsletter
Article: The Safest Bet in Horse Racing Handicapping

Article: Tips to Make Horse Racing Handicapping Profits

Article: Picking Winners Without Using a Program

Race Tips One Should Not Ignore

Can Free Horse Racing Systems be Found Informative blog on developing systems

Article: Highly Recommended Racing Tips

SBG Global Horse racing betting tips

Horse Racing Tips and Techniques: Stay Ahead of the Crowd

Betting Tips--Learning Who to Trust:

Winning Ponies Blog: Who Can You Trust

Article: Tip Services - Can They Be Trusted

Horse Racing You Can Trust Information on the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) and the Racing Trust Mark






]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/the-art-of-the-betting-tip-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/the-art-of-the-betting-tip-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:51:04 +0000 Jump Racing Essentials Jump Racing has a long tradition in the United Kingdom and each year the Cheltenham Festival features an exciting line up of Jump Races and Cheltenham betting. To learn more about the beginnings of Jump Racing, some of the vocabulary terms connected with it, and the Cheltenham Festival, there are a number of informative resources available online. Here are some excellent places to start your search.
Two hundred years ago in its earliest version, Jump Racing was simply two or more horses and their riders out on a hunt in the countryside. Hedges, fences, creeks, and fallen trees were just some of the barriers that horse and rider had to learn to conquer in order to be a successful pair in the hunt. Jump Racing, or National Hunt Racing, in its refined version today, features a jockey stealthily guiding his horse over a two or four mile course full of hurdles or fences, at full speed. An excellent resource in which to find more information about the finer points of Jump Racing is located at, Go Jump Racing. Two more sites that offer perspectives on Jump Racing and racing in general are, News BBC Co UK, and Mr Mike.

As with any sport, there are vocabulary terms used that are particular to the Jump Racing world. For instance, when a horse is said "to ping," it means that he is jumping in good style. Or, if someone refers to the "stiff track," it means that the particular racetrack will require a lot of stamina from the horses. If a horse is referred to as "handy," it means that the horse is holding a prominent place during the race. For a website with a full list of racing terms, including the three examples here, travel to Cheltenham Festival.

The Cheltenham Festival features Jump Racing and takes place each March, in the town of Cheltenham, in England. Hundreds of thousands of people travel to the Cheltenham Festival to watch the horses fly over the hurdles--in the hopes of spotting a future champion. In the midst of the crisp, expectant atmospere of the Festival, visitors can easily imagine the five time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner (1932-1936), Golden Miller, being led across the grounds by his jockey. Musical events, delicious food, spectacular sites, and horse racing history can all be enjoyed at the Cheltenham Festival. Whether you are a Jump Racing enthusiast or you just enjoy watching the beauty of a horse's stride, the Cheltenham Festival holds something for you. You'll find a wide range of helpful material from an illustration of the New and Old Courses at Cheltenham to a quiz to test your race knowledge at, Cheltenham Co UK.

Here are some additional sites where you will find more information about Jump Racing and its history:

Extension This site offers a concise summary of Jump Racing and other horse races.

Racing Post Chase A collection of history and information about National Hunt Racing is featured at this site.

T B Heritage You'll find a list of horses who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup, statistics, and information about their bloodlines at this site.

Scottish National Betting This site features photographs of National Hunt Racing champions accompanied by interesting descriptions.

Jump Racing This site offers different perspectives on the sport of Jump Racing.

]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/jump-racing-essentials-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/jump-racing-essentials-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:48:09 +0000 Man vs. Computer Playing computer chess is a favorite pastime for many people around the world. Those who play chess enjoy the idea of playing with a computer because it gives them the freedom to play the game whenever they want to, without having to look for a human opponent. For a long time, people just played computer chess for recreation, but as computer technology continued to advance, it seemed more possible that a computer chess program may be able to defeat chess players at the highest level of competition. Even though it is a very competitive game online, it probably won't be gambled on like online football betting anytime in the near future.

An international chess master, David Levy, said in 1968 that computer chess programs would not be able to defeat him within the next decade. In 1978, he proved that he was right by defeating Chess 4.7, but the computer chess program played so well that he admitted that it was just a matter of time before a chess computer would defeat him. In the year 1989, he played Deep Thought in an exhibition match, and he met with defeat.

In 1989, Garry Kasparov, who was the world chess champion at that time, took on Deep Thought twice, and he won both matches. However, Kasparov would meet his match in IBM's Deep Blue, which became the first chess computer to beat a world champion by taking the first game of an exhibition match. Then again, Kasparov managed to make a comeback by winning three and drawing two of the remaining games. In a rematch in 1997, Kasparov lost to a more advanced Deep Blue 3.5 - 2.5.

As chess computers became more advanced, many more interesting Man vs Computer match-ups followed. In the year 1998, second-ranked world master Viswanathan Anand played with Rebel 10, and he lost 5 out of the 8 games that were played. In this match, however, the games were played with different time controls, and it was clearly seen that the chess computer had an edge in blitz games, while the human player was better when games were played with classic time controls.

Vladimir Kramnik, who was the 'classical' world champion, played Deep Fritz in the Brains of Bahrain match in 2002. Although the match ended in a draw, chess experts regarded Kramnik as the better player. Garry Kasparov continued to compete with chess computers by playing Junior and X3D Fritz in 2003, and he had to settle for draws in both matches. Kramnik had a rematch with Deep Fritz in 2006, but this time, he lost to the computer by a score of 2 - 4.

Links:

Information about Computer Chess

Man vs Computer Chess Competition

History of Computer Chess

Playing Chess with Computers vs Playing Chess with Humans

The Basics of Chess

World Chess Champions

Man vs Computer: Who is Winning?

Kasparov vs Deep Blue (1997)

Kasparov vs Deep Blue Rematch

Viswanathan Anand vs Rebel 10

Vladimir Kramnik vs Deep Fritz

Information about Deep Blue

Computer Chess Software and Download

Biography of Deep Fritz

How to Beat Chess Computers

How Chess Computers Work

Information about Artificial Intelligence

Questions and Answers about Artificial Intelligence

The Future of Computer Chess

Books about Man vs Computer Chess


]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/man-vs-computer-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/man-vs-computer-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:43:19 +0000 Gambling Software Gambling has been an activity in the United States for centuries. The earliest records of gambling in the U.S. go back to the Puritans in the 1600s. Throughout the United States early years, gambling flourished as the country grew. The old west had poker games for high stakes, where if you were found cheating, you'd be shot. Horse racing is another gambling sport which has been around for many years. All gambling activities like poker and horse racing were created for the enjoyment and the lure of making easy money. Gambling continues to be a big business event today. Here are some resources on the early origins of gambling:

History of gambling in the US

Gambling origins

History of gambling

Gambling history resources

US gambling history

Casino gambling and soccer betting has become a big industry in the United States. In the 1930s when Las Vegas legalized casino gambling, the growth began. Casinos expanded to Atlantic City in the 1970s as a legal activity. In recent years casinos expanded to Mississippi and other Indian run areas. Casinos have become popular destinations where gamblers can play blackjack, roulette, poker, and slot machines. In addition, they have become entertainment centers where gamblers can take a break from the gaming and watch headline entertainers perform. Here are some interesting links on casino gambling in the United States:

US gambling laws

List of US casinos

American casinos

US casinos listing

Casino hotels by state

Because of the popularity of casino gambling, software manufacturers and casino operators got together to create online gambling web sites. The websites offered gamblers the opportunity to wager money on popular games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette from the comfort of their homes.

With the establishment of the Free Trade and Processing Zone Act in 1994, the Government of Antigua Barbuda allowed online gambling. To this day many of the established online gambling operations were established in Antigua Barbuda.

Here is a timeline of pertinent events in online gambling:

1994: The Free Trade and Processing Zone Act is passed

1995: CryptoLogic, an online gambling software development company was established

1996: The first e-cash application is introduced

1998: The first progressive jackpot and first US based online casino are introduced

2002: The first online support application is developed

2003: Live interactions with dealers, where you can hear the cards being shuffled and roulette wheel being spun is put into action

2004: Online poker begins its popularity

Online casino gambling is one of the most popular pastimes in the world and the advances in online gambling software have been the driving force behind the growth. Here are some websites on the history of gambling software:

History of online gambling

Online gambling timeline

Online gambling history

Gambling software

History of gambling online


]]> http://betting.betfair.com/resources/gambling-software-130309.html http://betting.betfair.com/resources/gambling-software-130309.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:08:09 +0000