[SarahLyndsey]

Dancing Horse - '06 Dressage freestyle finals

Someone sent this to me... Just watch it!

[97BladeRider]

The right link

[ChrisNoF4i]

He never even fell off the horse!

[TheIglu]

That's some fancy-walkin.

[SarahLyndsey]

oops... dunno how that link got messed up.. anyways... it doesnt get good til about halfway thru

[naked-daytrader]

Originally Posted by SarahLyndsey

Dancing Horse - '06 Dressage freestyle finals

Someone sent this to me... Just watch it!

I actually enjoyed that! Does this mean I'm gay now?



How do they train the horse to do that type of walking/dancing? What kind of signals is the rider giving to the horse? There has to be some type of signals given in order for the horse to know when to change his steps corresponding to the music? I'm confused; I didn't even know this type of competition existed.

[SarahLyndsey]

dressage is crazy.. and hard. it's all about the rider.. subtle signals using your hands legs, and body are what its all about.. the more subtle and natural it looks the better your score.

[naked-daytrader]

Originally Posted by SarahLyndsey

dressage is crazy.. and hard. it's all about the rider.. subtle signals using your hands legs, and body are what its all about.. the more subtle and natural it looks the better your score.

How long does it take to train a horse to move like that? This might seem like a dumb question (I've been a drummer and I've studied rhythm and percussion for many years and its effects on people, tribes, communications etc etc ...yada yada yada) but is it possible the horses have any sort of rhythm that comes into play or is it just a learned behavior? I'm very intrigued!

[SarahLyndsey]

haha it can take years.. months.. it all depends on the horse and when it is trained... certain breeds are more apt for that kind of work, and also if you start a horse young they learn much easier.. at least in my experience they have.. i've been part of training hunter and jumper horses but never dressage so im not really sure what it takes.. patience and a good rider!

[97BladeRider]

Originally Posted by SarahLyndsey

dressage is crazy.. and hard. it's all about the rider.. subtle signals using your hands legs, and body are what its all about.. the more subtle and natural it looks the better your score.

My wife used to compete in eventing (triathlon of dressage, show jumping and cross-country for those who aren't familiar with the terms) with her former Hungarian. (she lost him in an accident at a not-so-terrific barn when one of the alpha-males kicked him in the hock and broke his leg.)

She's just started showing her current horse as of last season and she's coming around pretty well.

[SarahLyndsey]

Originally Posted by 97BladeRider

My wife used to compete in eventing (triathlon of dressage, show jumping and cross-country for those who aren't familiar with the terms) with her former Hungarian. (she lost him in an accident at a not-so-terrific barn when one of the alpha-males kicked him in the hock and broke his leg.)

She's just started showing her current horse as of last season and she's coming around pretty well.

that's awesome ... where did she compete?

[97BladeRider]

Originally Posted by SarahLyndsey

that's awesome ... where did she compete?

Around here, South Shore (she also used to do side saddle classes and is getting her current filly fitted for the side saddle), Groton House, Ledyard, and King Oak.

I'll get some pics posted when I get them scanned. Nothing digital.

[Honclfibr]

Originally Posted by SarahLyndsey

dressage is crazy.. and hard. it's all about the rider.. subtle signals using your hands legs, and body are what its all about.. the more subtle and natural it looks the better your score.

Do you guys have sayings like "it's the rider, not the horse"? Do you make fun of people who buy big horses as their first horse?

[highsider]

Originally Posted by Honclfibr

Do you guys have sayings like "it's the rider, not the horse"? Do you make fun of people who buy big horses as their first horse?

Yes, and yes.

[Honclfibr]

Heh, and do they have stupid arguments on internet message boards about which horse is the fastest or the prettiest, or whether stunt horse riding or horse racing takes more skill?

[highsider]

Originally Posted by Honclfibr

Heh, and do they have stupid arguments on internet message boards about which horse is the fastest or the prettiest, or whether stunt horse riding or horse racing takes more skill?

I am on one horse related forum, and it usually just confirms what I've experienced in owning horses for 20 years - horse people are out of their fucking minds. They all think they are the most knowledgeable horse owners in the world, their horses are the best, and everything you know is wrong.

[beet]

Originally Posted by Honclfibr

Heh, and do they have stupid arguments on internet message boards about which horse is the fastest or the prettiest, or whether stunt horse riding or horse racing takes more skill?

[Honclfibr]

Originally Posted by highsider

I am on one horse related forum, and it usually just confirms what I've experienced in owning horses for 20 years - horse people are out of their fucking minds. They all think they are the most knowledgeable horse owners in the world, their horses are the best, and everything you know is wrong.

So basically it's just like motorcycling.

Do you guys have vests?

[highsider]

Originally Posted by Honclfibr

So basically it's just like motorcycling.

Do you guys have vests?

No, trust me - the bitchery that goes on this site is not even in the neighborhood.

And no, there are no vests. There are ridiculous hunt caps, breeches, and jackets for english riders, and retarded hats, belt buckles, and chaps for western riders.

[97BladeRider]

Originally Posted by highsider

No, trust me - the bitchery that goes on this site is not even in the neighborhood.

And no, there are no vests. There are ridiculous hunt caps, breeches, and jackets for english riders, and retarded hats, belt buckles, and chaps for western riders.

Actually, my wife has a kevlar vest for x-country.

[deeto]

not even sure what I was looking at there...

saw this in the related video section though --> YouTube - Patches the Coolest Horse

[mzdagrl]

Originally Posted by Honclfibr

So basically it's just like motorcycling.

You're forgetting one major piece:

No matter what size, year or make of horse you buy, you still only get one horsepower.

[SarahLyndsey]

Originally Posted by Honclfibr

Do you guys have sayings like "it's the rider, not the horse"? Do you make fun of people who buy big horses as their first horse?

yes and no... if you are a good rider you will be able to handle just about any horse you get on... if not.. then you get thrown. simple as that, unless the horse is downright dangerous. i've worked with alot of green (young and don't have much experience with a saddle) horses so i've gotten to know different types and personalities. alot of rich bitches will buy expensive horses that will easily win any competition just because they can afford it... but alot of judges are smartening up and realizing this.. equitation classes judge the rider, and hunter classes jusge the horse. so they could win any hunter class but come in last in eq. people eventually see through that!

Originally Posted by highsider

They all think they are the most knowledgeable horse owners in the world, their horses are the best, and everything you know is wrong.

exactly like this forum haha except i myself admit to knowing next to nothing about bikes except how to ride... even though its not well! kitt got me into street stuff and i like it and want/hope to learn more.

as far as horse forums go, i dont even bother because it just makes me angry seeing how dumb some people are.. ive ridden for just about 10 years now and i know my stuff but dont feel the need to throw it in anyones face! just go to shows and win if you think you know everything dammit!

[97BladeRider]

Here's a couple of crappy resolution pics of my wife doing x-country.

[SarahLyndsey]

Originally Posted by deeto

not even sure what I was looking at there...

saw this in the related video section though --> YouTube - Patches the Coolest Horse

patches is the coolest horse!