Applications from participants were accepted by the organisers from 15th June upto and including 20th August, and on the 4th September the first live-stream of the exhibition was held and the champion chosen.

The exhibition ran in an online format on the electronic platform “Hipposphere”. The experts who appeared were Galina Kalinkina, a candidate of agricultural sciences, lecturer, leading scientific worker, and manager of the department of breeding within FGBSI (Federal Government Budgetary Scientific Institute) “ASRI (All-Russian Scientific Research Institute) of horse breeding”, Oksana Makhmutova, the youngest scientific worker in the group working on the Orlov trotter breed in the department of breeding within FGBSI “ASRI of horse breeding” and Yulia Orlova, the oldest scientific worker in the department of breeding within FGBSI “ASRI of horse breeding”.

Galina Kalinkina pointed to the history of virtual exhibitions of Orlov trotter breeds and shared memory, and congratulated all the candidates on the revival of similar exhibitions. This had all begun as early as 2003. It is hard to imagine now, that then the participants sent their materials to the experts at ASRI on videotapes.

But what are the features of a virtual exhibition? The fact is that the experts directly evaluate the horses live, scheduled online: with commentary, wishes and advice, accompanying their explanations with a photo and video materials. On exiting one receives a unique express course on breeds for all horsemen.

The exhibition “Hooves of Russia” was presented as the ideal method of participation for all those situated in distant regions. It is a real chance to present your farm and horses, to receive a professional mark and to become acquainted with other horse breeders, which are important factors for a true understanding of differences between breeds and for the formation of a literate plan of action.

The event did not ignore the viewers either – they sent in more than 160 comments at the time of the live-stream – reviews, words of thanks, constructive suggestions and remarks, for example, to establish a prize for the best handler, in order to improve the feed. The live-streamof the exhibition was watched by more than 4,500 people. In addition, the organisers posted the protocol for all evaluations, for general access, in order to avoid doubts and arguments. Participants also shared their impressions, here are some of the most glowing!

“What I will say about the exhibition is that what has been achieved is very interesting, we have participated before in ‘virtuals’, but only ones which were not live and a where photo was just posted with a description of the defects and merits. Therefore, this format achieved something more lively and interesting. I would like to continue to participate in your exhibitions.” – Elena Abramova, KD “Roksana”.

“Impressions: this format, with live communication with ASRIH is very interesting and better than just a dry description and appraisals. I again suggest that next time a prize for the best handler is made. And I don’t know if this will happen in 2020, I of course would like a printed protocol with a description and a photo. It feels that this would be useful to many. All good and relevant – especially now, when real exhibitions are cancelled.” Ekaterina Popova.