That's one strong horse! His hind is really coiled -- for a long time. Can you imagine the strength that would take? And he looks happy and relaxed, head in front of the vertical... wow!
It's beautiful to watch what horses can, and will do for their riders. They're such amazing animals, but it always makes me cringe that the rider asks for too much, and for too long. In my humble opinion, the over-collection was held too long without letting the horse relax his neck, and the horse's nose was behind the vertical meaning that his airways were undoubtedly pinched and obstructed during this work, making his breathing difficult due to reduced oxygen. We never seem to truly understand just how much the horse is giving to us when they perform maneuvers like this. God Bless them! They truly are a gift to mankind. I just wish we were more respectful and kind in our handling of them...
It doesn't get much better than that!
ReplyDeleteBackwards piaffe??? Why? I would think that could lead to some really bad habits..... impressive though and a beautiful horse. :D
ReplyDeleteCool!
ReplyDeleteThat's one strong horse! His hind is really coiled -- for a long time. Can you imagine the strength that would take? And he looks happy and relaxed, head in front of the vertical... wow!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful to watch what horses can, and will do for their riders. They're such amazing animals, but it always makes me cringe that the rider asks for too much, and for too long. In my humble opinion, the over-collection was held too long without letting the horse relax his neck, and the horse's nose was behind the vertical meaning that his airways were undoubtedly pinched and obstructed during this work, making his breathing difficult due to reduced oxygen. We never seem to truly understand just how much the horse is giving to us when they perform maneuvers like this. God Bless them! They truly are a gift to mankind. I just wish we were more respectful and kind in our handling of them...
ReplyDelete