Enjoy A Horse Performance In A Show Or At The Racetrack

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is a Western event that requires perfect communication between rider and mount. It copies the methods used by cowboys when they cut a calf from the herd. The event is referred to as a cutting class. Shifting the weight in the saddle tells the animal which way to turn.

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 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.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment