Let’s continue our conversation in this blog and explore the distinction between Haute Ecole Movements and the performance of Horse Tricks. This might assist to further educate and bring clarity around these topics with an amazing history involving some amazing people and horses.
In the realm of equestrianism, the partnership between horse and rider often transcends mere practicality, evolving into a captivating display of skill, precision, and harmony. Within this world, two distinct categories emerge: horse tricks and Haute Ecole movements. While both involve training horses to perform specific actions, they serve vastly different purposes and occupy unique niches within the equestrian landscape.
Horse Tricks: A Captivating Display
Horse tricks, often the darlings of entertainment spectacles and viral videos, captivate audiences with their charm and novelty. These tricks involve teaching horses to perform a myriad of fanciful behaviours, ranging from the playful to the awe-inspiring. Picture a horse bowing gracefully or even fetching objects with precision. These feats, though impressive, are not typically part of traditional riding or competitive dressage.
The essence of horse tricks lies in their ability to showcase the intelligence, adaptability, and willingness of our equine companions. Through positive reinforcement training methods, horses can be taught a plethora of tricks, each more delightful than the last.
From nodding and shaking hooves to more elaborate acts like rearing on command, the repertoire of horse tricks knows no bounds. I have listed some for you below:
- Bow: The horse lowers its head towards the ground, often accompanied by a bend in the knees.
- Rear: The horse stands upright on its hind legs while balancing.
- Sit or lay down: The horse sits or lays downs.
- Kneel: Similar to bowing, the horse lowers its front legs to the ground while remaining standing on its hind legs.
- Fetch: The horse retrieves an object, such as a ball or a stick, and delivers it to its handler.
- Smile: The horse curls back its lips, exposing its teeth, often giving the appearance of a smile.
- Counting: The horse taps its hoof or nods its head a specific number of times in response to a cue from the handler.
- Kiss: The horse touches its muzzle to the handler’s cheek or hand on command.
- Salute: The horse raises one of its front legs as if saluting.
- Hug: The horse wraps its neck around the handler’s body or arm in a gentle embrace.
- Pawing: The horse deliberately paws at the ground, often used as a playful or attention-seeking behaviour.
Tricks performed by horses are often highlighted in equestrian shows, exhibitions, and entertainment events, with numerous horse trainers incorporating these captivating displays into their demonstrations. I had the opportunity to meet some of these trainers and thought I feature them below for you.
Horse trainers using tricks
Many liberty trainers excel in showcasing the incredible abilities of horses through various dressage movements and tricks. I have featured some of the ones I know below for you.
Sylvia Zerbini: Equestrian Aerialist
Among these skilled trainers is Sylvia Zerbini. Her performances in numerous circuses and equestrian shows, such as Cavalia’s Odysseo, features her with her Arabian horses working together in liberty through amazing programs of movements and tricks. Zerbini showcases her versatility, creativity, and daring spirit, captivating audiences with her breathtaking displays of horsemanship combined with aerial work.
Tommy Turvey: Equine Entertainer Extraordinaire
Tommy Turvey, an American stuntman, is celebrated for his innovative tricks, including his mesmerizing ‘Horse Lying Down’ stunt and ‘Horseboarding’ stunt. He has lent his expertise to various films, showcasing his versatility.
Kenzie Dysli: Equestrian Maven
Kenzie Dysli, a renowned German-Spanish horse trainer and stunt rider, has made notable contributions to cinema and equestrian shows, including her roles in films like “Windstorm” series and Cavaluna. Dysli’s exceptional riding skills and proficiency in free dressage and trick training have earned her widespread recognition. Her liberty program is also well structured and easy to follow as a student.
Jean-François Pignon: Equestrian Virtuoso
Jean-François Pignon’s global tours demonstrate horses’ remarkable talents in diverse shows like Cavalia’s Odysseo and exhibitions such as Cheval Passion. Pignon’s signature trick of ‘Roman Riding’ is renowned for its excellence. His connection with his horses is magical
Frederic Pignon: Equestrain Luminary
Frederic Pignon, Jean-Francois’s brother, is known for his collaborative approach to working with horses and his creativity. He has made significant contributions to shows like Cavalia and EQI. He uses some trick work in liberty. In my view a ‘true’ liberty performer of horses.
David Lichman: The Visionary Horseman
David Lichman embodies the artistry, harmony and partnership of natural horsemanship. Renowed for his innovative approach to liberty training, bridleless riding, and communication with horses. He is always inspiring his students to reach for another level.
Double Dan Horsemanship: Equestrian Showmen and Storytellers
Double Dan Horsemanship, founded by Dan Steers and Dan James, is a renowed horsemanship duo, known for their innovative training methods, captivating performances, and eduational clinics. They are significant figures in the equestrian world, particularly in the realms of liberty training, trick riding and entertainment.
Other Notable Trainers in the Equestrian World
In addition to these listed, other notable trainers such as Mario Luraschi, renowned for orchestrating breathtaking equestrian stunts in films and live performances, have made significant contributions to the world of trick training with horses. Keep in mind that there is also trick riding which I have not included in this blog and as I was told is not the same as stunt riding. My friend Freddy Steele is a horse trainer in the UK and trick rider and he explained this to me when we met. Here is his interview (at 13:30min) on Flying Change Mindset where he makes the distinction between the two.
Equestrian Shows: Celebrating the Human-Horse Bond
Equestrian shows unite skilled riders, handlers, and trainers to entertain, showcase, and educate audiences. These shows serve as a celebration of the profound connection between humans and horses, highlighting the beauty, expertise, and camaraderie that define the equestrian world.
Haute Ecole Movements: The Epitome of Equestrian Elegance
In stark contrast to the theatrical horse tricks, Haute Ecole movements epitomize the pinnacle of equestrian refinement and precision. Rooted in classical dressage, these advanced manoeuvres demand a symphony of communication and collaboration between horse and rider. Each movement is a testament to years of meticulous training, discipline, and dedication.
Haute Ecole movements are the jewels in the crown of competitive dressage and traditional equestrian performances. The piaffe, a highly collected trot executed in place, showcases the horse’s impeccable balance and rhythm. In contrast, the passage mesmerizes with its elevated trot and exaggerated knee action, exuding an aura of grace and majesty.
Other notable Haute Ecole movements include the pirouette, a breathtaking 360-degree turn executed with precision and finesse, and the half-pass, a lateral movement performed with elegance and fluidity. Refer to my previous blog on the detailed description of the movements that are not merely displays of athleticism but reflections of the deep bond and mutual understanding between horse and rider.
Haute Ecole Trainers views on ‘Tricks’
Classical dressage trainers typically emphasize the principles of classical dressage, which focus on developing the horse’s athleticism, suppleness, and obedience through systematic training based on classical principles.
Some classical dressage trainers may view trick training as complementary to classical dressage principles, particularly if the tricks are taught in a manner that respects the horse’s physical and mental well-being and enhances the bond between horse and handler. However, others may emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to traditional dressage training methods and exercises to ensure the horse’s correct development and soundness.
It’s important to note that opinions on trick training among classical dressage trainers may vary, and individual trainers may have different perspectives based on their own experiences, philosophies, and priorities within the realm of horsemanship.
Classical dressage trainers typically focus on the development of classical dressage principles and may not necessarily incorporate tricks into their training programs.
Conclusion: Bridging the Divide
In equestrianism, horse tricks and Haute Ecole movements enhance our fascination. Tricks dazzle with charm, while Haute Ecole impresses with precision.
Whether playful tricks or refined dressage, the horse-rider bond remains constant. Celebrating diversity in equestrian pursuits honors our equine partners’ abilities and the timeless bond between horse and rider.
Hope you enjoyed reading! Stay tuned for the next installment on ‘Liberty Training’.
