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Now my first reaction was - how lovely. But then I noticed how short the rein was - the poor horse could barely move it's head - and I fell to wondering - do horses actually like being trained to do this sort of thing?
And what about all those Westerns where the horses were supposed to be shot and play dead. The film makers issued disclaimers that no horses were hurt - but I can't help wondering??
Now my first reaction was - how lovely. But then I noticed how short the rein was - the poor horse could barely move it's head - and I fell to wondering - do horses actually like being trained to do this sort of thing?
And what about all those Westerns where the horses were supposed to be shot and play dead. The film makers issued disclaimers that no horses were hurt - but I can't help wondering??
I am sure most horses would prefer to be in a field eating .
But these horses are highly trained and dressage is not a big deal for them .
They generally live long lives .
In order to do these movements with a ridden on they are kept ‘ collected ‘ ie the centre of balance ( weight ) goes on the rear end of the horse as oppose to the front . The forehand ( front ) is lightened and comes up . Horses at this level of training are very well balanced and would not really be moving their heads about anyway but they are ridden on short reins but the reins are light they are not pulling the horse ( or shouldn’t be)
Here is a clip of Clemence lurashi ( sorry it’s so dark I couldn’t share the lighter ones with and without a bridle on her super powerful horse .Fuego.
I hate dropped nose bands or any type that keeps the mouth shut . I also hate the rolkur method of training these are cruel and unfortunately still be practised especially in some places -
Germany the U.K. and other European countries .
Spain and Portugal follow the classical method of training .
But as you say it depends on the trainer they can be cruel too.