Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase race

Riders take the water jump during the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase race on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival horse racing meeting in Gloucestershire, western England March 10, 2009.
REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
(BRITAIN SPORT HORSE RACING IMAGE OF THE DAY TOP PICTURE)

"And hen the rising sun has first breathed On us with his painting horses, over there the red evening-star is lighting his late lamps." Virgil, 70-19 BC

" Today art is moving in a direction of which our fathers would never even have dreamed. We stand before a new pictures as in a dream and we hear the apocalyptic horsemen in the air." Franz Marc, 1880-1916

" To fight aloud, is very brave, But gallanter I know, Who charge within the blossom The Cavalry Woe." Emily Dickinson, 1830-86

" That Unicorn that was so wild aleyd is of a cheaste; thou has it itamed and istild wilt milke of thy breste." William of Shoreham?, Early 14th Century

" Now the great winds shorewards blow; Now the salt tides seawards flow; Now the wild white horses play, Champ and chafe and toss in the spray." Matthew Arnold, 1822-88

Saint George, that swinged the dragon, and e'er since Sits on his horse back at mine hostess' door.
William Shakespeare, 1564-1616

" My sister and my sister's child, Myself and children three, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride On horseback after we." William Cowper, 1731-1800

La Fenice theatre

La Fenice theatre

Spanish Riding School

Spanish Riding School