GrrlScientist is an evolutionary biologist, ornithologist, aviculturist, birder and freelance science and nature writer. A native of the Pacific Northwest, she relocated from Seattle to NYC with her parrots after earning a BS in Microbiology (emphasis in Virology) and PhD in Zoology (Ornithology) from the University of Washington. In NYC, she was the Chapman Postdoctoral Fellow at the American Museum of Natural History for two years, pursuing part of her "dream" research project by reconstructing a molecular phylogeny of the parrots of the South Pacific islands. GrrlScientist and her five parrots are currently relocating to Germany, where she will continue writing her blog while also writing a book and learning German. (Meanwhile, her parrots will continue to nibble on her extensive personal library.) If you appreciate GrrlScientist's writing, you can help pay her living expenses by hiring her to "blog" your conference, speak at your club or write articles for your publication (or by clicking on the Paypal button below). If you read an essay on this blog that you especially enjoyed, please nominate it for inclusion in 
tags: Blue Hors Matine, horses, behavior, performance art, streaming video
This video shows a horse and her rider as they dance -- yes, dance -- in front of thousands of people. When you watch this video, watch the rider .. how does he tell Matine what he wants her to do? He barely moves, yet he can communicate clearly with this 1200 pound animal, and the result is pure poetry in motion. It is so amazing to see the intense bond between this horse and rider, as if they read each other's minds. It's a rare person who ever enjoys such a strong bond with another living thing, be it another person or an animal. [6:30]
Brain & Behavior
Life Science
Comments
Matine is stunning--her passage is incredible. To have achieved that level of execution at age 9 is very rare indeed. I'm just sorry that she won't be paired with Andreas H. any longer since he is leaving Blue Hors stud to begin his own business.
Posted by: jea | October 29, 2008 11:09 AM
truly impressive, though I sort of thought that the top hat and tails sort of conflicted with "voulez vous couchez avec moi" music (though I suppose it might help explain that bond you were talking about...(sorry, couldn't resist...please forgive me...))
Posted by: peter | October 29, 2008 11:31 AM
As a former horse person, I assure you this horse is not happy. The twisting tail is a glaring sign, as well as the ears flipping back and under at times. The frothing mouth is from resisting two bits, one usually a snaffle with a break, and one with a cinch mechanism under the chin. The rider has the horse "behind the bit" which the horse is fighting. He has taught the horse to fear the bits.
Every time I see this I feel I must speak up for that horse, who deserves a few months on pasture duty.
Posted by: Carol | October 29, 2008 5:00 PM
If you enjoyed that...you'd likely enjoy this one too; about a dog, not a horse:
http://breathingeasy.wordpress.com/2008/03/15/dog-dance/
It's sweet...and that's a HAPPY DOG!
Posted by: Beverly | October 30, 2008 12:58 PM
To Peter-Grand Prix rides are always ridden with top hat and tails. It is very formal.
To Carol from another "horse person." This mare is most certainly a most happy horse. No one can get this kind of "dancing" by force from any horse. It you look closely, the tail swishing is not "tail-wringing" but is a marish response to every touch of the spur. My mare was the same. It you look at Matine's walk and extended trot, where to leg aids are applied, her tail is quiet. Her ears are so relaxed in most of her movements, they can't help but flop. She is just totally in tune with her rider. Mares ususally have larger ears, especially the warm-bloods. Sometimes her ears are pricked forward in interest.
As for the foaming mouth, that is a sign of a wet, responsive mouth and is highly desireable. Dressage riders work carefully to achieve this and would be very concerned it the horse's mouth stayed dry. Andreas has marvelous hands and the mare is certainly not afraid of his hands nor of the bits. It is highly likely she would do all of that in a simple snaffle bit, but the full bridle is part of the appropriate appointments for a Grand Prix competition and is useful for giving more finely tuned aids. Yes, the mare's poll is not always the highest point, but much worse than she get highly rewarded in wins all of the time.
Posted by: Susan | February 20, 2009 7:39 PM
to carol a former horse person,
there is no proper response to such a negative outlook on horses, riding, and people in gerneral. It lacks knowledge, empathy, and touches on envy. I don't think I would like to be your friend.
Posted by: Sep | February 20, 2009 8:06 PM
I'm very late with my commments. However, have had horses most of my life, never to that level...I am truly in awe of those two, what a partnership. As for the tail swishing, maybe not so desirable, but, I love it, I think it shows her individuality and she looks so SASSY, looks like she enjoys every second and I agree can't get that from force.....I will miss them...
Posted by: trish | July 3, 2009 11:06 PM
Just had to totally disagree with Carol's comments about Matine not being happy. This is nonsense and ignorant.
Some horses do swish their tails when working. It can denote tension, but I do not believe that to be the case here.
Her ears are moving - but they are totally relaxed to the point of being floppy.
And a horse should foam at the mouth when working. This actually proves the horse's mouth has not been hardened by heavy-handed riding.
I was fortunate enough to see this pair compete up close and it was phenomenal. Andreas is a fabulous and sympathetic trainer.
Posted by: Emma | July 11, 2009 9:27 AM
I admire Carol's good intentions but she is dead wrong.
It would help her to take some horsemanship classes. Ray Hunt was the granddaddy of them all, RIP.
Posted by: Matine Fan | July 26, 2009 7:12 PM
Just by the by: Matiné was injured in a fall in Las Vegas, and due to the damage done then she is now retired to the pasture and will be a brood mare.
Posted by: eva denmark | August 19, 2009 9:21 AM