I had chance today to go and see the spirit of the horse, and all i can say is wow, if they are touring near you at any time then i would definitley recommend you to go it is brilliant
:D
tanya

I've been... I wasn't keen on all the dancers and I didn't like the plastic bit at the beginning, but other than that it was OK :)

Yep, I've been too.  I enjoyed it but the "circusy" dancing bits were not for me either as I don't care for that at all.  I did want to see the Arabs, Friesans and Andalucians though, beaufiful!!!
Dawn.
(OMG, that was me agreeing with Chloe!! miracles DO happen!) :D :D

:D :D

Yeah, have to agree - it was the "circus" element that put me off. I enjoyed the cowboy bit though and the horses were stunning. What do you think of the rumour that she allegedly uses a cattle prod to train those arab stallions as opposed to the lung whip she uses in the show? :)

I saw that last year, breath taking in parts isn't it! I haven't heard about the cattle prod though! :-(

both my mum and my youngest sister are petrified of horses but we were in the front row in the centre, when the horses came charging out across the arena my sister ran and my mum says she felt physically sick, but they too enjoyed it and i would most definitley go again, the most diappointing bit was we were told no cameras only to find that we were allowed cameras in :(
tanya

<<<<What do you think of the rumour that she allegedly uses a cattle prod to train those arab stallions as opposed to the lung whip she uses in the show? >>>>

I'd say it was a load of rubbish, the rumour, not the show! Horses are not stupid animals, they'd know the difference between a cattle prod and lunge whip and would play up accordingly in the ring. Judging by the number of Arabs wearing muzzles, they certainly know how to play up ;)

I saw the first show a couple of years ago - and wondered WHY the Arabs were muzzled - what had provoked a prey animal to attack???

Not all horses, stallions or not, get along with each other, digger. They will bite given the chance. Made me laugh to see some of the muzzled still trying to have a nibble!

Stallions will fight for breeding rights, territory and space....having so many in such a close proximity can cause problems I would imagine.

Horses are not stupid animals, they'd know the difference between a cattle prod and lunge whip and would play up accordingly in the ring

I disagree :) For one, a cattle prod could be made to resemble a lunge whip. Also, horses may not be stupid, but they're not that clever either! I was impressed though I will admit - although its not how I like to see arab stallions. I was intrigued to see the cowboy bit though - he looked parelli trained to me. I didn't like the circus bit with the hoops and the winch though.

Hadn't heard about the Cattle prod bit, but I must admit teaching animals to do unnatural behaviours etc... MUST involve some sort of force.  This is one reason I do not like performing animals.
Dawn.

<<<For one, a cattle prod could be made to resemble a lunge whip.>>>

Maybe, but I'd have thought if this were true, you'd at least see some evidence of the cattle prod. They can and often do, leave burn marks. All I saw on some of the Arabs was the odd bite mark on their rumps. I think I spent more time scrutinising the condition of the horses, than I did watching the show. But we can agree to disagree, Chloe ;)

there were protesters at the show the night before saying that it shouldnt be allowed, but when you see the condition of the animals it is hard to believe that they are mistreated, the show was breath taking, my favorites were the russian cossacks there were many gasps from the audience when these were on, and the freisens and the andulcians (excuse my spelling) were brilliant, when the andulcians came charging towards us and dont think that there were many kids that stayed sitting in their seats :) , and for my youngest sister who is petrifed to think that it was brilliant and for her to say after that she wants to ride horses she found it not only breath taking but inspirational too, today she took the first step to getting on a horse-she stroked one, she said that during the holidays she will get on one, she is only 5 and shakes with fear at the thought of going near horses but the spirit of the horse is helping her to get over her fear, so we never know in a few years time she could be doing her own russian cossack bit :D :D
tanya

Awww, Well done your sister!

<<<but when you see the condition of the animals it is hard to believe that they are mistreated>>>

I agree...did you take a tour around the stables at the end of the show? :)

She'd be welcome anytime to come and meet my horses :) I've never known such gentle neddies - they all take a quarter of a polo out of your fingers and my 4 year old rides my 16.2 ID Josh :)

I agree again Dawn :) I wasn't keen either on the tugging on the bit to raise the legs up either in the first "act". I felt there were a lot of harsh bits and spurs involved. Can't argue that the horses looked very healthy and well cared for, its just I'd rather see them rolling in mud in a field and grooming each other :D

Nothing can compare to seeing the Spanish School of Riding in Vienna; now there is real horsemanship, understanding and partnership......................