Enjoy A Horse Performance In A Show Or At The Racetrack

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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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