The Airs Above the Ground

It has been thought and even affirmed in documentaries for many centuries, that the airs above the ground were movements developed for the combat purposes. It has bee said time and again that the capriole is a movement developed and performed in battle when a cavalry officer was surrounded by enemy troops, to kick out in combat and kill soldiers in this way. It has also been said in such documentaries similar stories and tall tales of the other school jumps.

For those of us who have trained horses to do airs above the ground know and understand that such movements are for exhibition. In battle a horse had to be light, supple, responsive, quick, submissive, and with great stamina. However, a school jump requires great talents that most horses DO NOT poses. Besides the latter requirements, horses trained to do airs above the ground must poses incredible talent, bravery, strength, and the right disposition. Any horse can be trained to rear as a form of tricks; few actually perform a correct Levade or Pesade. Horses can also be taught to leap in the air through forceful jerking in the mouth and unnecessary spurring, again as a form of tricks, or as a defense on the part of the horse because of the unnecessary punishment, but few can actually do a correct courvette, croupade, balloted or capriole.

Not only does the horse need to have such qualities, but also the rider/trainer himself must posses the ability and knowledge to train the horse, correctly and patiently to avoid all risks of ruining him. The rider must also have a clear understanding of his horse, and his horse’s abilities, mental and physical as well as the right time to commence the movements. In the past as in today’s time, there were only a hand full of riders that had such gifts, and abilities. Even today, not all riders at the Spanish Riding School and other such institutions develop the feel, ability or talent to ever train a horse to do airs above the ground.

Horses that have been trained in caprioles will not always kick out but will perform a balloted instead from time to time. A school jump, such as a levade and even more a capriole or courvette, is extremely tiring for the horse. A horse that had been in battle for hours moving about with extreme quickness would have been too tired to perform caprioles or levades etc. To perform a levade under saddle a rider must sit motionless to not disturb the horse’s natural balance, in battle this would have been impossible to do if there are soldiers attacking from all angles.

Finally, only certain horses of commanders, and officers were trained to high school level, and mostly those of royalty. Proof can be found in ancient paintings of ancient masters who were mostly commanding officers or royalty. The military horse was trained to be efficient in battle and usually nothing more, ending it’s training around what is known to many as third level dressage. Few horses were ever taken to the level of grand prix and even fewer beyond that to the airs above the ground, due to so many horses being sacrificed in battle, and for those horses that did survive and make it to high school would without doubt been very valuable just like today and would not likely been sent to the front lines. So, it is logic to think that such high school movements could not have been really used in the battlefield.

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Equine Breeding For Beginners by: Ron Petracek

You've got it! That beautiful stallion or mare that is the perfect example of everything a horse of its breed should be. It's got great conformation, a perfect temperament, and has performed well in its chosen discipline. You know this horse could benefit its breed by passing on its progeny.

You've made the decision to breed your horse.

So, now what? Do you follow the old adage and "breed the best to the best and hope for the best?"

Well, while that advice is actually tried-and-true, and certainly not the worst advice in the world, you are going to have to take a few extra steps to make sure the resulting foal is everything you hope it will be. Because the foal will be a blend of both the sire's and the dam's genetics, there are a few things to consider when choosing a good mate for your horse.

* Consider the goal of breeding your horse. In other words, what kind of horse are you breeding for? Do you want to produce a horse for dressage, hunting, cutting, reining, endurance, driving, or one of the other many disciplines? Knowing what kind of horse you want to produce will help you narrow the field as you consider mates for your horse.

* Look at your horse's conformation. No horse is perfect! Take a good look at your horse, and make notes about his good points, as well as what needs improving. Now do the same to the mates you are considering. Eliminate any horse who have weak points in common with your horse, and lean toward those who correct your horse where he is weak.

* Consider the temperament of potential mates. A horse who is easy to work with is just as valuable as a horse with perfect conformation. Because disposition may be genetic, be sure to evaluate the mate's personality. What kind of temperament are you looking for in the foal? Is the mate nervous or confident? Timid or bold? Calm or jumpy?

* Look at prior progeny. If the mate has other offspring, take a good look at them. Did the mate pass along its good traits to its progeny? Did any congenital defects crop up? You can investigate ancestry even further by contacting breeders with the same line. Did the dam, sire, and siblings of the mate you are considering produce successful individuals?

* Investigate the health of the mate. Is the mare or stallion in good health? Look for the normal things, like bright eyes, a shiny coat, and an alert expression. If the animal is under or overweight consider carefully, especially if it is a mare. Mares who are not in good body weight can sometimes have difficulty getting in foal. Make sure the horse is sound and moves correctly. Be wary of horses with injuries, as certain weaknesses can be passed to offspring. You should also make sure the horse has received good veterinary care, including regular deworming and current vaccinations.

* Do a breeding exam. A mare should always undergo a breeding exam before you commit. Maiden mares will need rectal and vaginal exams, while proven mares may need more extensive examinations.

* When you think you've decided, think again! That's right. Before you sign any papers or contracts, make sure you know what breeding entails, including the costs involved. And always, always make sure you have a valid reason for breeding your horse. It is not something to be done lightly! In the end, if you've determined that your horse can contribute the betterment of the breed, you well understand what financial and health risks you'll be up against, and you've found a good mate, go for it!