Mounted Bullfighting

Vindicated

Vindicated

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Has anyone witnessed this in either Spain or Portugal, or take any interest in it? The level of dressage and bravery on the parts of both the horse and rider is outstanding. A chap named Pablo de Mendoza is currently the top rider and his ability on horseback is simply amazing.
 
Kaylum said:
Hate bullfighting why on earth people pay to watch it is beyond me.
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Some can be brutal... but you know what? I can think of a much worse life for a bull than for it to end up fighting.

Not that I support it!

However, I do feel that certain arts and communities that benefit should be preserved. It is illegal to kill a bull in Portugal nowadays and it has spread to Spain in certain parts, and so they are just teased. The best "performing" bulls enjoy a CAREER. They are well cared for, have fan mail!!! and help to keep a culture alive.

There's much more to it and I'd hate to see bullfighting banned. I'd like that authorities find ways of keeping the sport alive and consider the welfare of the animals in one.
 
tallyho! said:
Some can be brutal... but you know what? I can think of a much worse life for a bull than for it to end up fighting.

Not that I support it!

However, I do feel that certain arts and communities that benefit should be preserved. It is illegal to kill a bull in Portugal nowadays and it has spread to Spain in certain parts, and so they are just teased. The best "performing" bulls enjoy a CAREER. They are well cared for, have fan mail!!! and help to keep a culture alive.

There's much more to it and I'd hate to see bullfighting banned. I'd like that authorities find ways of keeping the sport alive and consider the welfare of the animals in one.
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You're right, in Portugal they don't kill the bull. The bulls they use for these fights are almost wild anyway. They are left in herds on wide open ranches and that's what makes them so fierce and ready to charge.

I don't like the standard bullfights where a whole team of bullfighters fight the bull, but I find mounted bullfighting to be very bitter-sweet

Pablo training and some clips of him performing live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmNQBYHpLrs
 
Bullfighting is the wrong side of the line for me, however I think the working equitation videos are very impressive, thanks for posting them Tallyho.:)
 
Vindicated said:
Just to add, Pablo Hermoso De Mendoza actually trained in secret for 10 years before showing his skills in public.
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The training video is good and I can see the rider/horse skill involved. However, I don't see how stabbing an animal like that is considered art and entertainment - it's what I'd call cruelty. If it was another horse they were stabbing would it still be considered art?
 
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Spudlet said:
Bullfighting is the wrong side of the line for me, however I think the working equitation videos are very impressive, thanks for posting them Tallyho.:)
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No worries :) I just love to watch it! Discovered it about 8 years ago on a trip with an old boyfriend in Spain actually... haha!! Fell head over heels with the PRE & Luso's and the whole spirit of horsemanship there. I'm still saving up for one....

Sure there are many on here that also share a passion for the WE in Golega and Spain. It's exciting to me anyway (not the bull stuff btw before anyone thinks I support it!!!!!!!! - the WE!) :D
 
I've lived in Portugal for nearly five years and have never, and will never, go to a bullfight. Barbaric.

Golega on the other hand is wonderful - I live about 30 mins away :D
 
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