 |
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ - From Rawhide to Reining via Medieval Spain and John Wayne
|
|
Recognised as a sport in 1949 by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the world’s largest equestrian organisation currently counting more than 350,000 members and nearly five million horses, Reining is the product of a fascinating history and enchanting cultural phenomenon. Indeed the likes of the Rollback, the Spin or even the Sliding Stop find their roots not just in the cattle herding traditions of the Americas but as far back as the hacienda system of medieval Spain where what we now consider the cowboy lifestyle was born |
|
 |
Some kind of Pony
|
|
Ponies are the most maddening, lovable, faithful and fun-filled creatures and they range in usefulness from pack-animals to super-athletes and everything in between. In the world of international equestrian sport they play a major role in the development of young riders in many disciplines including Dressage, Jumping, Eventing and Driving and the level at which they compete is quite astounding |
|
 |
Mustang Sally
|
|
The English word "mustang" comes from the Mexican Spanish word mestengo, which was derived from the Spanish mesteño, meaning "stray" or "feral animal". Indeed, although often referred to as wild horses, the free roaming horses of North America are all descendants of domesticated animals which makes them feral rather than wild. A term which often causes debate – often implying that wild would invite greater protection whereas feral tends to connote the negative impact an introduced species may have in an environment. |
|