Anyway, I have some pretty exciting stuff to show you today! You know I have been working regularly with Mr. JP since September. So far, we had been laying the groundwork to move on to the "real" stuff which is a Spanish equestrian art called Doma Vaquera. This is Spain's traditional working dressage and it is also what all the "cowboy" skills such as reining come from. As far as we are aware, no Percheron has ever tried his hoof at Doma Vaquera before!
Now, Doma Vaquera consists of several different techniques, and there is one tool which is central to it. It is called La Garrocha. This is a pole that is 3.5 to 4 metres (12-13 feet) long, and which is used to work cattle (ever wondered where the term "cow poke" came from?). So, last Friday, Mr. JP decided that the time had come to introduce me to La Garrocha and rode me over to his place where he has a covered riding school. Now, apparently, most horses have a bit of a conniption fit when they first see La Garrocha, but I am of course Vidock, THE Percheron stallion, and these things do not scare me! Here, for your entertainment, are a few pics of me on my first experience with La Garrocha:
And here is a little video of my moves:
Both #1 and Mr. JP were seriously proud of me, and not a little impressed at my prowess for a first-timer! My apologies for the sound of excited panting, courtesy of Mr. Floppy Ears Tommy...
Violette: Did you call me, #1?
Here I am!
Vidock, I am very impressed by your work - great job!
ReplyDeleteVidock, we are impressed :)
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so well and you look pawsome.
Violette, you are so pretty!
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
Vidock you are so patient going over the same moves time and time again. Did one call your Violette - if so we hope you got some tasty nibbles.
ReplyDeleteLuv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
opps - meant you're not your!!
ReplyDeleteVidock, we are very impressed with your moves! Especially since you are a Percheron! Our mom has done a lot of dressage and has never seen a Percheron doing dressage. Well done!
ReplyDeleteGo Vidock!! I really enjoy Wednesday Whinnies!
ReplyDeleteWhooa! Fantastic Vidock. You show'm how it's done
ReplyDeleteSnorts,
Lily & Edward
Quand on est un cheval bien dans sa tête, il n'y a pas de raison d'avoir peur d'un bâton. Alors c'est bien normal que ce truc ne te fasse pas peur Vidock.
ReplyDeleteJ'ai vu plusieurs fois des démonstrations de Doma Vaquera accompagnées d'un joueur de guitare, aux Crinières d'Or à Cheval Passion. C'était d'une beauté irréelle. Un instant magique hors du temps.
Bonne soirée
Nat à Chat
Keep up the good work, Vidock - that was very impressive. We bet Tommy was returning from a good ball chase:)
ReplyDeleteWoos - Ciara and Lightning
We're impressed, Vidock, you did a great job ! You're so powerful, but so graceful at the same time : you're an amazing pole dancer (did we really write it ? ) ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so well, Vidock. You are a big horse but very supple.
ReplyDeleteVidock you sure are a fast learner and so calm around that pole. We loved seeing you in the video and wish #1 would take more. Of course Miss Violette is as sweet as ever.
ReplyDeleteYou have nimble hooves Vidock! Well done :) And Violette, you are as lovely as always :)
ReplyDeletethe critters in the cottage xo
Great job Vidock! You are looking good! JP seems to be an awesome trainer. It's good to see you too, Violette. I bet #1 gave you both some treats. Hope everyone had a wonderful Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteWow, Vidock! That was very impressive for your first time! And Violette...you're looking as beautiful as ever!
ReplyDeleteWow, mowzers, Vidock! That's impressive! And your first time too?
ReplyDelete