Horses in the ring

Joe Tanti, Xemxija

Since when is dancing with a horse, making it look ridiculous, considered an Olympic sport?

Last I heard, that kind of thing was called circus.

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Comments

Kenneth Cassar (on 29/8/08)

@ Caroline Crutchley:

Of course, in a certain sense, you can say that what horses perform in dressage is what they perform in nature. After all, in dressage, horses are not made to fly. However, you will agree that any stunts horses perform in nature, they perform them them when and if they like.

Perhaps we would disagree that keeping horses in captivity (except rescued horses) amounts to slavery. However, I'm sure that at least you will agree with my first paragraph above.

Caroline crutchley (on 28/8/08)

Well Kenneth you can come and watch my arab horse prance round the field anytime .. He always is a bit of a show off especially when the mares are around. If you go onto you tube and search for horses at liberty you'll soon see what they do.

Joe Tabone-Adami (on 27/8/08)

In my view, Dressage brings out the horse's "intelligence". Like all sporting disciplines it requires both a natural adaptability in the subjects, i.e. horse and rider, as well as long and patient understanding between the two in order for the natural bond between them to perfect.

maria vella (on 27/8/08)

If Mr. Tanti is so concerned about the well being of horses, perhaps he can start by donating some money to organisations like Funny Farm who are working hard towards rescuing horses so cruelly dumped by their owners just because they might not have performed well in a race.

Dressage is an elegant sport that requires a strong bond to be developed between the horse and the rider. Perhaps before criticising such sport Mr. Tanti should do some research to learn more about what he decides to criticise

John Caruana (on 27/8/08)

It would be intersting to know Mr. Tanti's age as dressage has been part of the Olympic sport much longer than other sports that today arecpart of the Olympic Games.

If he considers that the horse looks ridiculous i wander of he thinks of classical dancers.

Kenneth Cassar (on 27/8/08)

@ Caroline Crutchley:

If wild horses do much of what you see in the arena by nature, why is a rider necessary?

Before you give me the answer, I know it already - it is all about control and about forcing horses to do things they would not normally do in nature.

Caroline crutchley (on 27/8/08)

Dressage is a disipline for horse and rider. If you watch a herd of horses wild they will do much of what you see in the arena by nature. Sport by definition is a physical activity that takes fitness and technical skills.... by yourself or in a team... and the horse is an important part of the team.