On March 11, 2008, on Buckles Blog I asked a question in regards to the term "vertical" in horse training/riding terminology, in reference to a picture of William Heyer. Below is the question and John Herriotts response:
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Wade, Here we go again. Its obvious the horse is doing a fantastic "High Trot" [also called by the "horsey set a Spainish trot] Don't they wish they could do one. What the hell is Vertical, please enlighten me, and for your information its just "one hellava great high trot" and I don't believe we need an alibi lesson to sort it out.What the hell is this Madam Col. bullshit. I will tell you anything you want to know on the subject. I have been an alert participant for over sixty years. When did your Madam Col. meet Mr. Heyer? Unfortunately I like to call a spade a spade even if its on the blog. Especially when I was subject to a lesson in horse trsining finesse in this public forum. Please spare me all the bullshit.
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- On April 17,2008 John Herriott posted:
It is an excellent book on all phases of high school riding a nd training. It is not dated, but I would suggest it goes back to the turn of the previous century. I have had it for many years and have read and refreered to it many times during my training and riding days and it covers all aspects on the subject in a no nonsense fashion.
On April 19, 2008 this photo of James Fillis from John Herriotts book was posted:
You will note "head a little beyond the vertical", which I asked about on March 11th, and John Herriott responded, "what the hell is vertical, please enlighten me, and we don't need an alibi lesson to sort it out." I think he also insinuated James Fillis was a member of the "horsey set", as they call a high trot, a Spanish trot. I am also assuming "no nonsense fashion", is the same thing as "spare me the bullshit" but I may be wrong.
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"3 step"; right diagonal in the air; perfectly in hand; head a little beyondthe vertical; and jaw bent. Passage below, same deal.
William Heyer is behind the vertical as I was suggesting on March 11th, and John Herriott didn't understand what vertical was. Now that James Fillis and the rest of the "horsey set" have "schooled" us. Behind the vertical will often occur when an attempt is made to "lift" the front end of the horse up, instead of "pushing" it up with with the rear hock engaging and driving forward. An important deal called collection. When the curb is poking the horse in the chest, your hands may be a little "heavy" also. If you manage to get the croup/hocks engaged, you may want to let him go "a little beyond the vertical"
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Madame Col.,
Thank you for responding to the "question" of what is the specific name for this action. I didn't even "suggest", as I didn't have a clue. Hard to tell sometimes in a still photo, what a "movement" actually is. Using today's generally accepted standard of judging, would he be what's considered, on the vertical. For my own understanding and knowledge.
Thank you,
Wade Burck