Dressage with a difference: cats, camels, cows and more [VIDEO]
Aside from having four legs, a tail and a furry coat, there’s not a huge amount in common between dogs, cats, camels, cows and horses. Until now. We’ve found an eclectic collection of animals who are interested in giving Valegro a run for his money — flying changes, extended trot and half-pass included. Warning: you may feel like you’re having a bad dream…
Unlikely animals doing dressage
1. A long-haired cat gives trot his best shot
All this cat is missing is a crowd and a judge to reward him with the top marks for his exuberant trot. Next stop Stoneleigh for the nationals?
2. A camel gets up to speed with an Arab
If you’ve ever ridden a camel, you’ll know that the most exciting (and bearable) part is getting on and off — once you’re on board and settled between the humps you’re in for a fairly uncomfortable and numbingly boring ride. But this camel looks set to shun such a reputation. He takes to the arena with an Arab horse and shows the crowds that he’s up to flying changes — and even takes a final bow. Quite the showman!
3. A bull takes a starring role in a Schweppes advert
Spectators get more than they bargained for when this bull — clearly over the rodeo scene — makes a spectacular entrance into the dressage arena. Who says dressage is predictable?
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4. Freestyle dressage from a dog
We all know that dogs are accustomed to tackling fences and navigating bending poles. But freestyle dressage is a whole new ball game. And we’re glad to see that the handler is dressed appropriately — top hat and tails included.
Not confused enough? How about a showjumping cow to finish up with. Meet Luna the leaping cow
Have you got a pet with a penchant for dressage? Let us know below…
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A graduate from Durham University, Madeleine joined H&H in 2011 and became Features Editor — producing content across the magazine and website, including the popular inside back cover article ‘The horse that made me’ and the weekly ‘The best of my fun…’ interview. She has written on topics as diverse as hay making and headcams, to hot totty in the horse world and circus horses. Madeleine now works as a freelance feature writer for Country Life, The Telegraph, Horse & Hound, cntraveller.com, The Spectator and The Field, as well as writing obituaries for The Times.