Horse Performance In Show, Rodeo Or Parade

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.

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.

Another event that is the result of perfect communication and years of training is cutting competition. The cowboy guides the steed following a calf and cutting it from the herd as done by ranch hands in earlier times. The animal is guided by the rider shifting his weight in the saddle. Horse and rider move as one.

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.

Another draft breed is the Scottish Clydesdale. Most recognize this tall animal as part of the team pulling the Budweiser wagon and having the long, feathery fetlocks, the hair above and behind each hoof. Color varies, but they all have some white markings.

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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