Thursday, May 4, 2017

Everyone Admires A Different Kind Of Horse Performance


By Essie Craft


Being a spectator at a horse performance can create a love for life for this animal. Any child who dreams of feeding a sugar lump to an equine friend will love the experience when it happens. The first ride for pleasure on a trail will be a memorable event.

There are two basic types of riding style. One is English and the other is Western. The English uses a flat saddle with stirrups and a bridle with reins controlled by using both hands. Some of the events are jumping over a variety of fences, small water obstacles and brick walls.

The Western saddle is substantial and has a saddle horn at the front. Barrel racing and pole bending are two prominent events at the Western show. The saddle horn originated from the days on the ranch when a cowboy tied a rope to it after lassoing a calf for branding. Now it is a timed event at some shows.

A rodeo features the roping event and barrel racing in addition to others such as bronco bull riding and the wild horse race. Barrel racing involves riding in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels set up for it. The rider with the fastest time without knocking over a barrel wins.

One performance that is breathtakingly beautiful is dressage. This requires a show gait often referred to as dancing. The animal performs a number of intricate steps that require years and patience to perfect. Communication between horse and rider is key.

Another event that is the result of perfect communication and years of training is cutting competition. The cowboy guides the steed following a calf and cutting it from the herd as done by ranch hands in earlier times. The animal is guided by the rider shifting his weight in the saddle. Horse and rider move as one.

The racetrack is a place that provides a spectacular spectator sport. The excitement mounts as the jockeys ride out on the track before entering the starting gate. A jockey must be short and slender to enable the horse to run faster. They spend the ride standing up in the stirrups.

Each breed in various competitions has a different conformation, which refers to the build or body type. The thoroughbred is generally taller and thinner. The quarter horse is compact and able to turn on a dime. There are smaller animals used for harness racing. The heavier breeds are referred to as draft horses. These are the Percheron, a French breed with a gray or black coat.

The French Percheron has a gray or brown coat. The Scottish Clydesdale may be black, brown and sometimes different shades. You will see this powerful animal pulling the Budweiser wagon in television commercials. The showy look is evidenced by its long, white and feathery fetlocks.

Then there is the magnificent horse performance that is part of every parade. On the Fourth of July, one lucky rider gets to carry the American flag. Her mount must be accustomed to being amongst a crowd and to remain calm and avoid endangering the spectators lining the parade route. This fine animal, in any conformation or color, is a favorite part of the parade.




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