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Italy's Palios. Is it just a matter of time......

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Post by Flip Mon Aug 17, 2015 2:32 pm

An interesting article about the Palios that take place in Tuscany in the Summer months; for years now passions have run high at these events regarding animal cruelty and the dangers they face during the races, this year there have been several fatal injuries to horses in these races. So is it right, just tradition, should modern passions influence these events?
Personally I think more should be done to prevent injuries occurring with a better temporary surface installed for these events, lets face it horseshoes on cobble stones is a recipe for disaster, but banning it outright is the thin end of the wedge.
Italy's Palios
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Post by Gala Placidia Mon Aug 17, 2015 3:44 pm

I agree with you, Flip. Customs and traditions should be preserved; however, it is most important to take all necessary measures to prevent injuries to the animals, the riders and the general public. Yes, that costs money, but these events also bring in lots of money to the town. Common sense should prevail.
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Post by modicasa Thu Aug 20, 2015 10:56 am

I would look at it from a different angle.   the palio its not about speed necessarily, but tactics.  If you avoided purebred horses which have legs like matchsticks, and plumped for 'normal' steeds, the incidence of accidents would be much lower, it would reduce the speed a bit, and as long it were a level playing field with all the horses being the same, it wouldnt affect the race or tradition one jot.   Even so , given the figures, there are fewer casualties in all the Italian palios over a given period than in a Uk sticks horse racing season.

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Post by Gala Placidia Thu Aug 20, 2015 12:19 pm

And I would add to Modi's reasoning, which is totally correct, that, if the purpose is to maintain old traditions, the horses which participated in the old times were not purebreds.
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Post by Flip Thu Aug 20, 2015 12:38 pm

Now I would pay to watch Guys on Shire Horses thundering round Siena.
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Post by Gala Placidia Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:38 pm

Well, back in the 16th and 17th centuries, the races were on Buffaloes (buffalatto) and donkeys' backs (asinate)...
I also found out that purebreds are not allowed and horses must be of mixed races, although there could ba several interpretations...
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Post by Sagraiasolar Wed Aug 26, 2015 8:46 pm

In Castiglion Fiorentina (just north of Cortona) they lay chalk on the car park and have a very civilised Palio..... much easier to attend than Sienna..... lots of flag tossing and partying by the contradas the night before ... a rare opportunity to see Italians dancing on the tables.
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