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Horse Performance In Show, Rodeo Or Parade

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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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