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 variations but the two basic types of riding are English and Western. This refers to the tack that is used, the saddle and bridle. For the English riding and jumping events, a flat saddle and bridle with double reins are used. The rider controls the animal holding the reins in two hands. Small water obstacles, brick walls and fences set up in different sequences are used in jumping competitions.

In a Western show you will see the rider take the steed around the cloverleaf pattern in the barrel race or weave between the poles in the pole bending event. The Western saddle is bulkier. The saddle horn at the front is where the old time ranch hands tied their ropes as they lassoed calves for branding.

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.

There is a show gait that takes excellent communication plus years of training to perfect. It is technically called dressage and often referred to as horse dancing. There are a number of intricately executed steps providing a fascinating spectacle.

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.

It is always a day of entertainment and betting when you go to the racetrack. The jockeys ride out towards the starting gates in a wild splash of color and pageantry. This fast-paced race around the track poses danger to the jockey and the horse. The prize, or purse, for the winner can be a huge amount of money.

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 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.

When a parade marches down the street amidst music and cheering, the groups of horses are one of the favorite spectacles. This horse performance includes riders carrying flags and wearing bright costumes. Some wear military uniforms to represent a branch of the service. People wave and cheer as these equestrian groups ride by.




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