Yes, gaits are identifiable in 2012.
I probably couldn’t even ride his walk so no worries.
I guess I don’t understand where they (the true gaits) go.
I know a lot of the first video is born of tension. Edward Gal can make it work. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Susan
Sorry but I bet if had photo shopped Reiner Kimke’s head on Ed Gals body, those same critics would be gushing praise.
I appreciate RK of course and he was a brilliant rider, but honestly his hands look very rough by comparison.
Love Zonik!:applause: I sure hope he stays sound and we get to see Edward take him to the top.
Remember, this horse is only SEVEN years old. WHY would you expect a finished passage in this environment from this young horse, who is obviously being very carefully trained to be a world champion? They are showing off a little at a stallion show. And why would you expect to see a horse to track up in passage or a collected trot (unless of course you don’t know what you’re talking about ;)).
And by the way, in the few strides of extended trot, the horse doesn’t step into his front hoof prints, he steps over them as he should.
No, people certainly don’t have to like this type of horse, but do they have to come and pee all over it?
Zonik is what, 7 yrs old?
Yes, there is some tension. Yes, there is some gait mistakes… So what? I don’t understand why people have so much expectation from others, asking for perfection at all time. Relax, it’s a stallion show. Young stallion show.
In 2012, he was 4 yrs old. His beautiful gaits are still there, just enhanced from good dressage training. He gained weight, muscles and skills, so he just has more power control. And since he is still so young, there is room for improvement!!! He will get bigger and stronger!
And I disagree with the “he’s just a leg mover” comments. His back is moving just fine, it’s Edward who makes it look so easy.
Riding is an art, it is not because you don’t understand it at first sight that it isn’t.
Looks artificial to me. I know, I know, dressage is supposed to be about the horse moving under a rider as he would at liberty in his pasture, and I guess stallions like to “prance,” but I’d rather see the horse doing it at liberty than under a rider.
Don’t care for the coat much, either. 
And shouldn’t Edward’s last name be Guy?
Excuse me??? Don’t understand that.
Dressage as we know it is doooooommmmeeeeddddddddd
[QUOTE=enjoytheride;8411911]
Dressage as we know it is doooooommmmeeeeddddddddd[/QUOTE]
Again??
[QUOTE=alicen;8411429]
Here you go -walk, trot, and canter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcYLfTQLaJ4 - average mover, not so much.[/QUOTE]
Reminds me of a young Totilas vs what Edward turned him into.
[QUOTE=Countrywood;8411590]
What impresses me about Zonik ( thank you for the name) is his joy in performing that Toto had. I did not sense that joy in Underscore however[/QUOTE]
Perhaps you meant to say Undercover? I confess, as much as I admire Gal, that I didn’t enjoy watching him on that horse because of the tension and probably would have misnamed him Overscored.
[QUOTE=Draftmare;8411932]
Reminds me of a young Totilas vs what Edward turned him into.[/QUOTE]
Goodness,I don’t see any resemblance whatsoever, other than they’re both black.
Yes, so much tension that the gait is artificial and hovering…not forward looking. Yes it looks sensational, but it isn’t what the true/original/ground covering or natural gaits should emulate. Oh well…
[QUOTE=RPM;8411851]
Looks artificial to me. I know, I know, dressage is supposed to be about the horse moving under a rider as he would at liberty in his pasture, and I guess stallions like to “prance,” but I’d rather see the horse doing it at liberty than under a rider.
Don’t care for the coat much, either.
And shouldn’t Edward’s last name be Guy?[/QUOTE]
???
[QUOTE=alicen;8411952]
???[/QUOTE] Gal - Guy. Get it?
I disagree with the comment that dressage is supposed to look like horses do at liberty. Most horses at liberty will not engage from their hind end, but will be on their forehand. And the snark about Edward’s last name? Totally out of line.
I originally said that he looked mechanical. I still stand by this comment. Perhaps as he gets used to those sorts of crowds he will be less tense and his movement will flow better.
But the firey, flashy dutch (yes, I am aware he is Danish) horses are not to my taste. I have seen two professional riders that I know and am friends with get drawn into the flashy movers, and their horses are constantly plagued by soft tissue injuries. I don’t think the breeding for this sort of extravagant leg movement leads to sustainable, durable dressage horses - or maybe they are only durable enough for professionals who have the Olympic-level skill and resources to manage them.
I’m also not some klassical nut. Totilas’s piaffe was electric, I imagine Zonik’s will be as well. I just see shortcomings in them and I’m not sure I want this to be the new standard for dressage horses.
[QUOTE=ToN Farm;8411982]
Gal - Guy. Get it?[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I got it. I guess I just didn’t think it was the epitome of wit.
Back mover or leg mover … if they are bred for that and they are a high quality horse they are easy to ride once you get them round and you know how to use your seat. It takes work only as an athletic sport.
I do think many of these horse end up getting broken down early … because of how they are trained and ridden … professional rider or not … they are asked to stay in the same position for long durations … not allowed to lengthen the frame and be soft with breaks.
[QUOTE=BaroquePony;8412018]
I do think many of these horse end up getting broken down early … because of how they are trained and ridden … professional rider or not … they are asked to stay in the same position for long durations … not allowed to lengthen the frame and be soft with breaks.[/QUOTE]
Examples would be appreciated, please.
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