The movements of dressage originated with training for war. The bullring also puts the movements in a more "practical" context -- although it is an obvious performance as well. It is interesting to see -- once -- but I definitely would rather that these were historical documents, and not a continuing practice.

I did read that in addition to cutting the horse's vocal cords, they have their ears either plugged or deafened with drugs for the ring.

I wonder if there are differences in the care of the horses between the Spanish style and the Portuguese style of bullfighting. The Spanish picadores (the ones with the padding on the horses nowadays) are not featured in the same way. The Portuguese horse and rider must have a trusting relationship with one another. Most of the reports seem to refer to Spanish bullfighting.

~ Becky in Tucson