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 an opening ride around the arena and roping, barrel racing and bronco bull riding. Barrel racing involves riding around three large barrels set up in a cloverleaf pattern. The rider races around them as fast as possible without tipping over a barrel. Fastest ride wins the event. The bull riding requires the cowboy to stay atop that dangerous animal for eight seconds.

There is one event that is in a class by itself, called dressage. The amazing horse executes a series of dance steps that require years of learning and perfecting. Rider and mount are in perfect sync and their communication is key to success. They put on a fascinating show for the spectators.

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.

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 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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