Mint Jacob Performs at the 2009 Warren County Fair

Warrenton, MO
June 28- July 04, 2009

Mint Jacob and I were given the opportunity to promote the Morgan once again at the Warren County Fair 2009 in Warrenton, Missouri.  Our demonstration time was right before the traditional bull-riding event.
This year we decided to perform classical dressage as well as give a second demonstration using the garrocha pole.
Classical dressage evolved from the Calvary movements and the training for the battlefield and now has been developed into an art performed for the pleasure of audiences globally.
The rider must have a correct seat, a well-balanced body position that moves with the horse’s motion and have the ability to “give” and cue the horse with a variety of aids.
The Morgan horse has great courage, strength, a powerfully compact stature combined with a well-muscled, close coupled, clean-limbed conformation which in essence means that Jacob is perfectly suited to the collection required for high school dressage.
Much of the high schooling, which includes the “airs above the ground”, was so important to survival on the battlefield that it developed into an artistic form of equitation that culminated in the classical dressage of the finest academies.

Our second performance involved the use of the garrocha pole.  When you carry the garrocha you are using a bull-working pole/spear or lance to work stock and to test bulls.  This is a strong Spanish tradition and is a very important, established practice in the Spanish stockman’s world.  The pole is wooden, has a metal point at one end, and is generally 12-14 feet long. Not only does this wooden tool get the job of working the bulls done, but the garrocha pole can also be used in artistic displays at equine demonstrations.
The rider’s horse must be able to perform all movements required when asked by the garrochista.  These movements must be performed using only one hand on the reins- the left hand holds the reins, while the right hand handles the garrocha pole. When giving the rein aids, it is equally, if not more important, that the horse understand the aids/cues of the seat and leg.  The voice can also be used. All the movements accomplished are extremely refined by the natural body aids.  Communication with the horse is second nature, as the rider and horse work together as “one.”  Much like the dressage whip, the garrocha is “an extension of the body.”

Jacob and I use the garrocha as an art form when performing. Most of this work is done freestyle; which means we can present any movements we so choose to show off our skill with the garrocha. Movements include lateral work, changes in leads, turns on the haunches, pirouettes as well as changes in tempo at any of the three gaits.
Picture, if you will, a garrocha horse and rider entering the ring with the pole resting on the rider’s right shoulder, the horse is engaged in an animated, forward, piaffe-like movement.  The tempo of the music increases and a fast turn on the haunches is performed both ways.  The garrocha horse then takes off at full speed whilst making full spins on the haunches under the pole as well as away from the pole.  The turns are single movements with a graceful, lifting of the forehand by the powerful haunches of the horse.  Turns can be 180 degrees or a full 360 degrees.  The energy of the horse reminds you of a pressure cooker, so powerful, yet contained with the horse coiled up like a spring until the cue is given. And with a burst of controlled speed he comes out of the turn to change into a fast gallop only to switch leads as the pole is transferred from side to side.

My belief is that classical riding and doma classica go hand in hand. Each has its roots buried in the acts of war. There is absolutely no excuse as to why the classical training principles cannot be applied to all horses.  There are many enthusiastic ambassadors outside of the Spanish Riding School, the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, who vigorously promote and adhere to the classical principles.  These riders are passionate and many are able to execute good classical movements as well as deliver to the public the “airs above the ground.”
Another bright spot at the fair was that Bob Schaumberg, a long time Morgan breeder (close to 40 years), was there to help promote and assist us.  Bob fielded many of the questions about the Morgan, classical dressage, the garrocha, and Jacob.  A very big thank-you goes out to the Schaumberg’s for all their help! 

Deborah Siegrist
www.peppercornmorgans.com
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