Everyone Admires A Different Kind Of Horse Performance

By Essie Craft


This magnificent animal provides an exciting riding experience. Being a spectator at any type of horse performance can capture the heart. To a child who has the opportunity to hold out her hand to offer an apple, it will remain 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.

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.

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 along comes a most welcome and familiar kind of horse performance that is part of every parade. Costumed riders take a group of horses down a parade route on the Fourth of July, or another celebration. This animal must look good plus be able to remain calm in a crowd.




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