Enjoy A Horse Performance In A Show Or At The Racetrack

By Essie Craft


Riding or watching this magnificent animal is such a pleasure. It captures the hearts of a crowd to witness a horse performance of any kind. Being a spectator or holding out a hand to offer a treat will always create a wonderful memory.

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.

A Western show features barrel racing, pole bending and speed events, which might have names like potato race. The leather saddle is bigger and bulkier. It has a horn at the front. This originated from the roping event in which the competition involved roping and tying a calf in the shortest length of time.

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.

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 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.

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.

The conformation of each breed makes it suitable for the competition it enters. A thoroughbred is taller and more slender. The compact quarter horse can turn quickly giving it an edge in barrel racing. Smaller animals are used for harness racing. The draft horses are taller and heavier. The Percheron and Clydesdale is well suited to pulling heavy 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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