Two "different" equine disciplines--But how "different" are they really?

Training



Showing

Rejoneadores often use several horses during a performance. They are of various single and mixed breeds. Typically the rider has at least one of each of the following horses:

• A parade horse - physically attractive and disciplined
  
• A horse for the first tercio (entrance of bull) - very fast and brave.
• A horse for the second tercio (banderillas) - fast, agile, and a natural instinct for fooling the bull
• A horse for the third tercio (death of bull) - very steady

Accidents are rare. Occasionally a horse is injured or even killed.

The Rejoneador's horses are trained and skilled in classical dressage Click the link to appreciate what the purpose of the discipline, classical dressage, above and below is.




Training



Showing

Both trainers can be seen using and advocating using their aids, spurs, bit, whip. Neither one is telling us that they only carry/wear them, but never use them. One discipline has it's history in the killing of a bull, to test it's courage, while the other has it's history in the killing of men in war.

Steve Robinson: So, when do we get your thoughts on how to make your suggestions work?

Steve, First and foremost, I think we have to address and be realistic about what "what is the purpose for what we are doing with the animals, and address consequences. Note the statement above, "Accidents are rare. Occasionally a horse is injured or even killed" Is there a circus site that address's that issue, other then in the context of "human" trapeze artists for sensationalism? I have noted hundreds of examples on blogs and in private conversations with circus folk that each time they perceive an injustice they point to how rodeo, horse racing, dog kennels, beef ranchers, etc. etc. are much worse. That's pretty ignorant. Why don't they do like the Rejoneador link above has done? Instead of pointing out how bad something successful like dressage is when ever a horse bows a tendon or a rolker debate is discussed , to justify alibi yourself, point out how they are successful as a you are because you are doing the same thing, admitting to problems and taking care of them.
Are you familiar or know of any rejoneadors, arena owners, managers, dressage trainers, stable owners who carry signs and picket the picketers, as a rebuttal to them?

Note Pablo at the tale end of the second clip. Is he applauding the audience? Is he snatching their applause out of the air, and putting it in his heart? No, nothing quite that cheesy or cornball. He salutes his mount, and applauds him first, before acknowledging what he, Pablo has done. As is stated in a prior thread, it goes much deeper then, "a performance with one of my children." They survived something, call it an accident, if that is the politically correct term now days, or be realistic and call it life or death, together aiding and depending on each other. It is way, way deeper then family.

Maybe the Duke of Wellington, if he were alive today could explain how Copenhagen was more then family:

When not in a battle situation Copenhagen was tetchy and difficult and totally unimpressed with situation or status. His cantankerous temperament gave many a groom a bad moment and even nearly gave the Duke himself a severe injury. He had dismounted after the final battle of Waterloo and moved to the rear and patted Copenhagen on the rump in thanks for a fine day s work. The horse responded with a savage kick, just missing the General who had already just missed death many times that day.

But Copenhagen was a superb battle horse. Unflinching amidst gunfire he repeatedly exhibited great stamina and fortitude. On one occasion he carried the General Duke into a square of infantrymen under cannon fire, both remaining perfectly composed. Later the Duke said of him: There may have been many faster horses, no doubt many handsomer, but for bottom and endurance I never saw his fellow.

Copenhagen and the Duke became synonymous and even in retirement from war they remained together. The Iron Duke, as he was affectionately known, became Prime Minister of Britain in 1828 and rode Copenhagen up Downing Street to No.10 to take up his new position of leadership.

When the great horse died in 1936, at the remarkable age of 29, he was given a funeral with full military honors. But the day was worsened for the Duke who noticed that one hoof had been removed and flew into a terrible passion about the mutilation. After his own death the guilty servant who had taken the hoof as a memento came forward to confess and presented it to the second Duke who had it made into an inkstand.

The War Museum approached the Duke about disinterring Copenhagen in order to keep his skeleton in the Museum alongside the skeleton of Napoleon's horse, Marengo. But the Duke thwarted the idea by saying he was not sure exactly where the horse had been buried. Of course, he knew precisely where Copenhagen's remains were under the turkey oak in the Ice House Paddock at his country estate at Stratfield Saye but obviously preferred to keep his loyal friend at home with him.