10. how a gala horse should look like

When one wants a horse for show or parade with noble and imposing bearing, then it has to be said, that such cannot be reached with all horses. A proud spirit and a strong body are the first condition. But also if some believes a horse, that has supple legs, can also raise his body, this is not true without further conditions. There is also a short and strong lumbar region required. (I do not mean the part in direction tail, but that towards the flank.) Such a horse will be able to set the hind leg far beyond the fores.

When holding the horse with the reins while he sets under the hind leg, he bends the hind leg but rises the fore, so that the people standing in front of the horse can see belly and genitals. But when he does so, one must also release the reins, for he likes doing, what is the most beautiful of the horse and so does appears to the spectators.

Some teach this attitude by hitting the place beyond the ankle-joint with a whip or by having a groom with a stick running beside the horse, who must hit the horse beyond the haunch. But we think it is the best way to teach, when after each exercise, that the horse performs well according to the will of the rider, the rider gives him a rest. For what the horse is forced to, it does not understand, as also Simon already said. It is also not beautiful, such as one does not whip a dancer or spur him. For a horse, like a man, is more likely which such a treatment to do something bad, than perform it right. So it is necessary that he does the exercise willingly when receiving a given sign and can present himself in the most beautiful and magnificent manner. When he is ridden and moves until heavy sweating, and works hard, then, after he has risen beautiful, one shall dismount quickly and put off saddle and bridle. So one can be sure he will like to raise himself.

Even gods and heroes are painted riding such horses, and men who know how to do ride them look magnificent. And indeed such a horse, raising himself, is something so beautiful, admirable and amazing, that it draws the eyes of all spectators, young and old, on him. For nobody gets tired of watching him, as long as he shows himself in magnificence.

When one of those, who own such a horse, is appointed leader of the riders of a tribe or commander of the cavalry, then he should not only try to ride well himself, but also all his followers should appear admirable. Whenever he rides ahead (at parades how they are loved most) with such a horse, that raises his body very high and goes forward in very short steps, then it is clear, that the other horses will follow him in pace. But what could be still more brilliant than such an appearance.

When he encourages his horse and doing so neither rides too fast nor too slow, but in the way, like very graceful horses turn most proudly and in the collection become most beautiful in their bearing, and such leads his followers, then hoofbeat, snorting and neighing of all together are viewed as being one, so that not only he but also all, that follow him, appear admirable.

If one is lucky when buying of horses and breeds them well, so that they can bear exertion, then further treats them right at exercises for war and for riding the parade as well and in fights with the enemy, what could hinder this man increasing the horses' value above the level at which he received them, and becoming owner of famous horses and famous himself in the art of horsemanship, if not a god disapproves of it?

Translation and Copyright
by Stefan Welebny 2000, All Rights Reserved