| k |
|
|
| #1 |
I ride western and enjoy watching any horse perform. I watched the dressage videos and they are pretty to watch, but it doesn't look like the horse is happy to have the reins so tight and be so controlled. He is swishing his tail a lot. I don't know anything about the details of riding english but I have always felt sorry for the horses that have the bridle with the strap that holds their mouth shut when they are working. I feel upset with the riders when I see that because I think they have to use the bit so much that their ride won't be pretty unless they hold the horses mouth shut. I have always wanted to ask about this but felt a little stupid asking. I didn't want to take away from that thread but wanted to put this out there again. Some of you may have seen it on here before.
This is the ride that I most enjoy watching and I think this horse looks happy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wLikusmCEA
|
| |
| kathy atkins |
|
|
| #2 |
Oops, I didn't mean to post anonymously.
|
| |
| BOP Mom |
|
|
| #3 |
I have always wondered about the wringing tails too. To me, it pretty much indicates the horse is tense and unhappy but I had always wondered if there was more to it than that. You see so much of it in dressage anymore. I have always loved classical dressage and what it is truly all about. (I think that was covered in the other thread with the dressage video). Stacy's freestyle ride always chokes me up when I watch it. Anyone who acheives a true willing connection and partnership with their horse is at a world class level as far as I'm concerned. You don't have to be in the competition ring and you don't have to ride a certain "style". If you've got the connection and the willingness, that's enough in my book! |
| |
| Cindy Smiley |
|
|
| #4 |
I totally agree, although my daughter rides English and her horse seems to love jumping. I would love to be able to ride freestyle. It looks like the rider and the horse have such a wonderful relationship. |
| |
| Karen-MHWF | |
| Laurie L. |
|
|
| #6 |
Kathy, thanks for posting that video. I've seen it before but can watch it again and again. I'd never take anything away from dressage riders, but certainly don't think they have a thing over the skill and talent of these western type riders. And with the exception of a little at the very beginning, Stacy's horse appeared willing and calm without all the tail wringing. Thanks again. |
| |
| Jane Liess |
|
|
| #7 |
It has become impossible to find a "dressage" bridle without a figure-8 or (worse) a dropped noseband; fortunately, there is finally a contingent that is fighting to eliminate their use. I agree with Sharon (on the related thread) that it isn't pretty to see football players being forced to do ballet, which is what dressage often looks like today. If you get a chance, visit Temple Farms in Wadsworth, Illinois to see the Lipizzans. At least when George Williams was there (several years back) it was a joy to watch them perform. Not so sure if it is still quite as good... |
| |
| Kristin |
|
|
| #8 |
I take lessons and am training my horse in dressage. But I do not care for some of the harsh methods used either. My instructor is Jennifer Collman and she advises her clients to find dressage bridles without the flashband. So that is what we use. And the noseband is so lose that it is only there for decoration. If you need to strap the horses mouth shut, then you have other problems and need to go back to the basics to get the true issues worked out. Opening mouth, chomping bit, sticking tongue out, are all signs of displaced frustration. |
| |
| Jen |
|
|
| #9 |
OMG I just LOVE that her horse is moving so freely and the licking indicating trust......I almost came to tears! |
| |
| Peggy-IL | |
| mel d |
|
|
| #11 |
Thanks for all the videos, especially loved those ones from you, Karen. I had never heard Templeton before and now I am hooked on her videos!
I am learning about dressage, but would much rather ride like Stacy...I do in my dreams...hee hee!
|
| |
| Mary Early Zuhn |
|
|
| #12 |
Peggy, I just loved that video!! It's so much fun to watch folks switch places 
|
| |
| cp |
|
|
| #13 |
Just a quick note--most people assume that when a horse is licking and chewing, it is feeling A-okay inside. However, there are many horses out there that express stress by doing the same thing. If you look at how the horse is CONSTANTLY licking and chewing, it really does appear to be a stereotypy, instead of relaxation. Ever see a horse stick its tongue out when ridden? Same type of thing.
|
| |
