I would love to hear your comments on the comparison between a trained Lusitano cattle-horse and a Grand Prix dressage horse. Perhaps you would like to have a look at this and give me your thoughts, or maybe even go a step further – what about a comparison of the 3 videos?
The door is wide open, let’s have some input: Western, ‘working’ bull-fighting horse, top-knotch dressage… not which one is best, but what you see in each… Is there anything that encourages or violates ethical horsemanship? What do you admire about each?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Karen
That was fantastic to watch. I thought the cattle horse looked more relaxed and happy in his work. It also seemed to be more instantaneous in its responses.
But I was impressed with how both riders seemed to adapt to riding a differently-trained horse.
Olivia
Hi Olivia,
Thanks for your feedback on the video.
I agree that the immediacy of the Quarter horse was impressive, especially given the type of trot the western horses are trained to go in. This was answered well with his transition to canter, and so nice to see him covering the ground in his canter, which was definitely his most fluent gait.
The Western rider would have had quite an adaptation to make to sit the warmblood, with its big, elastic paces! Very bouncy – I too thought they did a great job. The dressage rider would face the size problem of a smaller, ‘flatter’ style of horse, built in the downhill manner – the complete opposite from what is desired in a dressage horse.
Thanks for your input!
Great video!!! I thought the GP horse was quite tense, lots of tail swishing and fidgeting when he halted. The Lusitano was very relaxed and calm and it was a very harmonious display. The GP horse improved with the other rider and seemed a lot happier, also moved more correctly (imho). The Lusitano was trained to respond to the lightest aids, amazing! Good on both riders for swapping, what a brave thing to do!
Hi Daniele,
Thanks for your comments – very astute, and just the sort of discussion I was hoping might come from this post.
You know when you sit on big-moving Warmbloods, I think the cowboy did a great job of sitting on the horse with elastic movement, so different from the Quarterhorse who requires an efficient, smooth gait for his job. I felt he worked well with each of the ‘materials’ he was given (if you will excuse the expression, I just returned from a fabulous indigenous art show).
You also noticed my favourite – the Lusitano. For me in part because it is potentially a horse with a ‘job’ to do, and is so well ridden on light cues with true rhythm. While I in no way condone or admire bull fighting, it does not stop me appreciating the skill of a well-trained horse and sympathetic rider. I am happier to watch this competition than the ‘poor excuses’ we frequently see in the dressage menage today – sights that would make some of the old masters turn in their graves.
Thanks for your keen observations ; )
I must chuckle…seems the western rider got more fluidity out of the warmblood.
Yes! And he did a great job of sitting a horse much ’springier’ than he was used to. Love what this clip represents!