| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
 Posted - 12 Jul 2008 : 10:16:24 PM
|
....and I saw them today ~ twice and they were GREAT!!!!!
The rapport they have with the horses is natural and sympathetic and everyone ~ both human nad equine look to be having a good time.
The horses are beautifully turned out, gleaming and fit with plenty of natural sparkle and fire ~ but never undisciplined and the riders, full of flair and enthusiasm but always at one with their mounts.
Guido and Sophie and the others obviously "live and breathe" horse ~ everything they do including some of the most extreme moves, look as natural to them as doing a spot of simple grid work would to most of us!
Honestly, the balance and lightness of the riding was amazing ~ especially Guido's ride standing on the backs of two horses with the third in the middle ~ WOW!!!
There is TOTAL trust ~ there has to be with the under the belly routine ~ ok, some of us might duck under our horses now and then....but how many of us would chance our skulls under them at a gallop?
The empathy is impressive as man and horse HAVE to be at one with each other's movements or the whole stunt would be truly DEADLY.
It was quite breathtaking to watch and I have some stunning photographs ~ must have shot over a thousand pictures during two shows, jut couldn't keep my finder off the shutter!!!!
Some of the Andalusian, Cyrano and Lusitano, Xiado are just the most beautiful head shots I think I've ever had of any horse ~ superb portrait material ~ just gorgeous horses.
One thing that stands out so vivdly is that a good deal of the time, no one has their hands on the reins but the horses still move in a well disciplined manner yet beautifully and freely. The show is very well rehearsed and the horses know their "choreography".......but it IS open to interpretation.....especially when it comes to Sputnik the Welsh Cob! However, any antics are taken in good part and the riders know their horses SO well, any little blips are coped with instantly and safely.
I went not knowing what to expect, but the warmth and humour was infectious and the stunt riding adrenalin running stuff!!!
By the way, the horses are just being themselves, the risk is entirely the humans'.....more than you can say for steeplechasing or some other equestrian disciplines.
The horses seem to have their ears constantly *****ed, even when Xiado gallops through burning straw, he never flinches or flicks his ears .....no bullying or coercing....just people and horses going to the max TOGETHER!
The trust element is truly impressive.
So, there you have it, great horses in great condition with great attitude and great riders with great skill and trust.
The sound system failed during much of their time in the ring sadly....so they did the show with no really audible music .....but it still ROCKED!
Liz, you are lucky to know them ~ they're superb!! |
Fine Art & Photography
www.catehamilton.com
 
Cate Hamilton
|
Edited by - Wyllow on 12 Jul 2008 10:43:27 PM |
Report to Moderator  |
|
|
Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2008 : 10:14:28 PM
|
....and I saw them AGAIN today and I'm amazed by them !! 
I have some FABULOUS photos of Guido taking a jump, standing on the backs of Rohirrim and Xiado ~ when I get to download them and resize them tomorrow, I'll post the best ones.
|
Fine Art & Photography
www.catehamilton.com
Cate Hamilton
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
barbara.gregory
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
4531 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2008 : 11:13:16 PM
|
Thanks for the commentary, Wyllow. It sounds great. I never understood why so many people were totally against "Spirit of the Horse" as the show I saw was just like you described for the show you saw; happy horses showing off and loving it. The "lazy" horse who lay down and pulled the covers over himself was just so funny. We talked to his owner after the show and that horse was a problem horse who was almost unrideable; he was bored and bad tempered. Once he started learning tricks he just blossomed and loved every minute of his "acting". No horse who was unhappy would perform like that.
Thank you again for your comments on the show.
Barbara |
    |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Wyllow
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
2885 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jul 2008 : 10:55:52 AM
|
Hi Barbara,
Yes, I recall that particular horse and Rosy his handler. No horse could be forced to perform the way he did in such a relaxed manner. He clearly had a sense of humour too.
As I said, on the whole I was surprised that the horses seemed so relaxed in their temporary stables. All however, were well cared for, in great condition and shining.
The Arabs looked less than settled though and I suppose I may have noticed this more owing to my inevitable interest in them. I didn't like the muzzles on some in the show and if they had needed them, I'd have seriously questioned whether those horses were of suitable temperaments for their job.
I would have enjoyed the show FAR more WITHOUT the Arabs as their part was the only part that looked "forced". I really would have loved to have taken THEM home and turned them out in a field.
So, you see, I DO have a tendancy to judge and evaluate anything I see ~ not just be carried away by a pretty performance ~ and if I don't like something, then I'll say so!
Rockin' Horse, however, seemed to have a troop of very confident animals who stood quietly until it was their turn and then unleashed bursts of enormous enthusiasm.
I've been reviewing my series of shots of Guido going under the belly and I STILL don't know how anyone can do it!!! The action of the horse is completely regular and steady although the speed is alarming! Cyrano, who isn't wearing side reins, just his regular ones (with a snaffle) tied over the pommel, doesn't seem to find it in the least bit unusual that a man should be climbing underneath him as he gallops.It must have taken AGES to perfect as that horse has to be so reliable and the man so move perfect it doesn't upset the horse.
Just a thought.....my daughter went on an activity week lately with the school at a riding stables and she was quite alarmed by the way they now "teach" riding, with all manner of basic skills ignored and the use of whips encouraged, in her mind, without need. She has been taught by me for years and never seen the "riding school shenanigans" that sometimes happen......and was quite upset by what seems "the norm". Anyone who thinks performing horses get bullied should go take a look at some ( I repeat SOME not all! ) riding "schools" and see what exploiting and bullying an animal really is in a horribly everyday setting!
I was lucky enough to go to stables and schools where this sort of thing didn't occur and I'm sure most of you did too....but many of you will know what I mean ALL TOO WELL.
You tell me what is more unacceptable, a superb horseman training a fit horse with skill and sensitivity, one to one and clearly developing an understanding ~ just about telepathic ~ relationship with his animal.....or an uncordinated child, pulling the mouth and kicking the ribs of a fat pony, going around and around in the dust of the school.
Well....I'll leave that to your judement.
|
Fine Art & Photography
www.catehamilton.com
Cate Hamilton
|
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Topic Locked 