lazycat
Active Member
I see the term 'sharp' used in so many contexts, I feel like I have no idea what it really means.
For example, that classic strapline --'never sharp or silly'-- seems to put sharp into a negative category. Then, I hear certain breeds described as sharp and intelligent and in that context is sounds preferable and related to trainability. I'd say I'm a competent novice (another category which is a hard one to pin down!). I've exercised an arab described as sharp, but that seemed to translate to: likes having his head; prefers voice aids; dislikes an imbalanced rider and by dislike I mean will rush, nothing nasty. I had to be more mindful when riding but it seemed to me that sensitive is maybe a better word for his so-called sharpness. He made me ride better simply because he 'felt' so finely-tuned and I was wondering if it's that feeling that confirms you are on a 'sharp' horse.
I would absolutely love to ride or even own a Lusitano one day, but from what I hear, they can be very 'sharp'. I'd love to hear what people think this term means so I can learn my own limitations!
For example, that classic strapline --'never sharp or silly'-- seems to put sharp into a negative category. Then, I hear certain breeds described as sharp and intelligent and in that context is sounds preferable and related to trainability. I'd say I'm a competent novice (another category which is a hard one to pin down!). I've exercised an arab described as sharp, but that seemed to translate to: likes having his head; prefers voice aids; dislikes an imbalanced rider and by dislike I mean will rush, nothing nasty. I had to be more mindful when riding but it seemed to me that sensitive is maybe a better word for his so-called sharpness. He made me ride better simply because he 'felt' so finely-tuned and I was wondering if it's that feeling that confirms you are on a 'sharp' horse.
I would absolutely love to ride or even own a Lusitano one day, but from what I hear, they can be very 'sharp'. I'd love to hear what people think this term means so I can learn my own limitations!