This message is from: "Jean Ernest" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I apologize for posting that, but I had read about Portuguese Equestrian
Bullfighting, where the bull is NOT killed, but the bull fight goes on for
10 minutes, with 6 darts in the bull. Now I know that is too much and I do
not approve of any animal torture, but if you want to read about it:
THE ART OF THE
PORTUGUESE EQUESTRIAN BULLFIGHTS
http://mundo-taurino.org/horses.html
(Here is part of this article:)
Modern Equestrian Bullfighting in Portugal
In her book, Cavaliers of Portugal, Huldine Beamish writes: "the mentioning
of the word bullfighting would probably elicit some negative reactions from
an English speaking readership, however when preceded by the word
Portuguese, it conjures images of one of the most exquisite forms of
equestrian display, which would interest anyone involved with horses, but
specially those of us interested in the Iberian horse."
The mounted bullfight begins with a regal display of cavaliers dressed in
XVII century outfits and mounted on equally magnificently harnessed
stallions. After a complex exhibitions of haute icole, which demonstrates
the superb training of the horse, a single cavalier remains in the ring to
face the bull alone.
In Portugal, the objective of the bullfight is not to kill the bull but
rather to demonstrate the training and schooling of the horse. The bullfight
consist of placing a series of long and short darts on the muscular part of
the bull, just behind the neck. The darts irritate the bull and make it more
aggressive. The performance is relatively short, ten minutes or so, in which
an average of six darts are placed, but it must be performed under strict
"codes of honor." The bull should be given the advantage when charging, that
is, it must initiate the charge before the cavalier makes his move. In
addition, the approach and encounter of bull and cavalier must be face to
face to the last possible moment, in which the horse, to escape the impact
of the bull must literally wrap itself around the bull in some fascinating
displays of agility.
The placing of darts is usually done one by one, however, it is not uncommon
for the cavalier to tie the reigns, hold a banderilla in each hand, and with
the aids of his legs and seat, maneuver his horse for the placing of a pair
of banderillas. During the intervals of placing darts, the cavaliers allows
his horse to be closely chased by the bulls and then demonstrates in an
elegant and relaxed manner, a variety of movements of dressage.
Portuguese bullfighting take place in relatively small rings, requiring that
the horse posses a perfect and precise training to avoid the charge of the
bull. Therefore, the success in evading the impact of the bull depends more
in skilled movements than in running speed. To cite Sr. Alvaro Domecq D.
again "in Portugal everything seems to have concentrated around the
development of a precise and perfect training . The labor of bullfighting
seems to be given by an equestrian master solely for the display of his
horse. bullfighting on horse back seen in this setting, has become a
marvelous game, a delectable one,..... pure art".
******
Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, dressed in flame suit.
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