[cnvh]

Big Lick, but possibly the most atrocious non-natural gait I have ever seen. Starts at 1:36... (And unless I'm mistaken, this horse went on to WIN THE CLASS.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kYb0er9mbk

[vxf111]

I don't even know how that counts as a canter? There's never a moment with all 4 legs off the ground?!

[SharonA]

I thing the whole episode is completely freaky. Yeesh. To each their own, but, ick (JMO).

[cnvh]

I don't know a thing about gaited horses or gaits (although I can see myself owning one someday, when I'm old and want a comfy trail mount!), so I'm not sure this is supposed to be a canter or WHAT, but holy hell, I've never seen anything like it.

[reay6790]

I did a presentation on big lick walkers a few years ago...sick sick world. They do a lot of stewarding, and it is pitiful. Now, I do quite enjoy flatshod TWHs, and would love one to do trails on later down the road.

[BansheeBreeze]

Kind of sadly ironic it's a "charity" horse show. Where is the charity for these poor horses!?

[2tempe]

Beyond ridiculous IMO. This stuff makes me nuts. I guess the "sort-of-good" observation is that there were only three horses in a championship class and darn few spectators supporting the craziness.

[angel]

I hate those built up feet. I thought the black did a better job. I absolutely felt sorry for the gray, and expect if they keep showing him, he soon will be lame. Can any one tell me why those riders stay so hunched over?

[reay6790]

I hate those built up feet. I thought the black did a better job. I absolutely felt sorry for the gray, and expect if they keep showing him, he soon will be lame. Can any one tell me why those riders stay so hunched over?

It seems to be a "man" thing. I guess kind of like the hunter perch being in style (I'm a hunter, not hating!!). Women and equitation classes are not ridden like that.

[mswillie]

Are their tails broken and set or do they wear fake tails? And I don't know what gait that was, but sure as I'm sitting here it isn't a canter.

[reay6790]

they sever the tendon on the tails...not sure about fake tails though.

[Appsolute]

it literally makes me queasy.

[caballero]

I felt dirty after watching that.....

[Liberty]

it literally makes me queasy.

That's just what I was going to say. Hard to believe it's still legal.

[Beentheredonethat]

Post on it and let the morons know how atrocious it is. People are trying to say these horses are happy with ears forward. Where that video of the "world champion" trainer beating the horse in the face so he wouldn;t react t the pain in his feet?

[RedMare01]

They look like they're moving in slow motion.

Tails are not "broken"; the ligaments on the underside are nicked and then the tail is set in a brace to give it the upright look. Many of them also wear fake tails.

[Huntersmom]

I couldn't even watch the whole thing. How can those people think that it is okay? I had never seen that type of "riding" before.

[JustMyStyle]

It's disgusting. I think Equus did an article many years back looking at the progression of the "big lick". It showed pictures of the national champions from the 80's to now. It was really sad to see. I love my saddleseat horses but this is a very different and terrifying world where abusively beating to get results seems to be normal.

[Eireamon]

OMG Hand to Mouth. The Poor things. I couldnt watch it all either. It made me feel quite ill

[ako]

Had to stop. Literally getting nauseous here. One looked to be in such pain, almost walking on his hocks instead of his hind feet, looked like he was trying to alleviate the pressure, I had to stop. Too disgusting for words. And to think some people actually like this shit.... Sad. Very sad.