This magnificent animal provides an exciting riding experience. Being a spectator at any type of horse performance can capture the heart. To a child who has the opportunity to hold out her hand to offer an apple, it will remain a memorable event.

Riding styles come in two variations. The first is English and the second Western. In an English show you will see flat leather saddles and bridles with double reins to control the animal. There is a special grace to the way a rider takes his mount over a fence or brick wall set up on the jumping course.

A Western show features barrel racing, pole bending and speed events, which might have names like potato race. The leather saddle is bigger and bulkier. It has a horn at the front. This originated from the roping event in which the competition involved roping and tying a calf in the shortest length of time.

In a rodeo the competitive events can get rough. The roping and barrel racing are timed. The wild horse race and bull riding can be quite dangerous. During the bronco bull riding there are two rodeo clowns in the arena to distract the bull from attacking the cowboy after he is bucked off, or finishes his eight second ride and dismounts voluntarily.

There is one event that is in a class by itself, called dressage. The amazing horse executes a series of dance steps that require years of learning and perfecting. Rider and mount are in perfect sync and their communication is key to success. They put on a fascinating show for the spectators.

Another event involves a cowboy riding a well-trained steed in a way that simulates the way cattle were followed and separated from the herd by a ranch hand. This also requires excellent communication between rider and mount. The reins are not used. Shifting weight in the saddle tells the animal which direction to move in.

It is always a day of entertainment and betting when you go to the racetrack. The jockeys ride out towards the starting gates in a wild splash of color and pageantry. This fast-paced race around the track poses danger to the jockey and the horse. The prize, or purse, for the winner can be a huge amount of money.

The conformation of each breed makes it suitable for the competition it enters. A thoroughbred is taller and more slender. The compact quarter horse can turn quickly giving it an edge in barrel racing. Smaller animals are used for harness racing. The draft horses are taller and heavier. The Percheron and Clydesdale is well suited to pulling heavy wagons.

The French Percheron has a gray or brown coat. The Scottish Clydesdale may be black, brown and sometimes different shades. You will see this powerful animal pulling the Budweiser wagon in television commercials. The showy look is evidenced by its long, white and feathery fetlocks.

Then there is the magnificent horse performance that is part of every parade. On the Fourth of July, one lucky rider gets to carry the American flag. Her mount must be accustomed to being amongst a crowd and to remain calm and avoid endangering the spectators lining the parade route. This fine animal, in any conformation or color, is a favorite part of the parade.