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.

Riding styles come in two variations. The first is English and the second Western. In an English show you will see flat leather saddles and bridles with double reins to control the animal. There is a special grace to the way a rider takes his mount over a fence or brick wall set up on the jumping course.

A Western show features barrel racing, pole bending and speed events, which might have names like potato race. The leather saddle is bigger and bulkier. It has a horn at the front. This originated from the roping event in which the competition involved roping and tying a calf in the shortest length of time.

In a rodeo the competitive events can get rough. The roping and barrel racing are timed. The wild horse race and bull riding can be quite dangerous. During the bronco bull riding there are two rodeo clowns in the arena to distract the bull from attacking the cowboy after he is bucked off, or finishes his eight second ride and dismounts voluntarily.

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 involves a cowboy riding a well-trained steed in a way that simulates the way cattle were followed and separated from the herd by a ranch hand. This also requires excellent communication between rider and mount. The reins are not used. Shifting weight in the saddle tells the animal which direction to move in.

Going to the racetrack is an exciting spectator sport. There is music and pageantry as the jockeys ride out on the track. The jockeys, small, lightweight men and women, are magnificent athletes in a somewhat dangerous competition. Each wears colors matching the tack worn by his or her mount. Race winners collect a purse, which can vary in amount.

Each breed has different characteristics and appearance. Conformation, or body type varies. A race horse, the thoroughbred, is tall and thin. A quarter horse is bred to reach a high speed in a short time and be able to turn on a dime. There are big, strong draft horses built to pull circus wagons.

The Scottish Clydesdale is noted for pulling the famous Budweiser wagon. Its feathery, white fetlocks give it a distinctive look. The color of the coat varies, but most include white markings. The Percheron is of French origin and has a gray or brown coat. Standing next to one of these mighty animals can make you aware of his power.

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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