>At 04:57 PM 3/15/96 -0500, you wrote:
>>I don't agree with the all of the Arab carriage thing. I would like for
>>Diane to watch my stallion at the next ride we go to. He carries himself
>>with his entire bodyrounded and can stretch out EASILY at the trot to keep
>>up with a canter. In fact, he's a "trotter" and only canters on the track
>>and if he REALLY wants to catch up. We have a lot of control over what we
>>do on trail and he has a good rhythm with his head and neck which are
>>carried quite low compared to some Arabs i have seen.
>
>
>Quite right Gwen....no analysis can be all-inclusive. You luckily may have
>an exception and are breeding for the qualities that make a difference. On
>the East Coast, it is the Halter/Park/English Pleasure Arab that is setting
>breed standards...in our area. Out west there are several bloodlines that
>represent the old-line Western using horse. This is the Arab with the lower
>head carriage and daisy-cutter way-of-going.
>
>But the principles are the meat of the essay, not particulars. We need to
>be more clear in our understanding and appreciation of the differences among
>"way of going", "down and round", and collection. Reiner Klimke has several
>outstanding videos that show beautifully how these three concepts are
>applied at the various levels. And you don't have to be a dressage
>enthusiast to appreciate the lessons from this incredible rider.
>
>Very few "natural" athletes reach their full potential without discipline or
>training. After all, Carl Lewis didn't win all his gold medals in track
>just because he was fast!
>
>
>Let us all applaud our friends and fellow athletes, our horses!
>
>
>Diane @ Safe Haven
>Allentown, PA
>