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Bull Fighting in Central Portugal |
Portuguese bullfighting takes place in relatively small rings, requiring that the horse posses a perfect and precise training to avoid the charge of the bull. Most towns of some size in Portugal have their own bull ring. Traditionally the Portuguese bullfighting is mounted on a pure bred Lusitano stallion and called toureio equestre. On occasions, they will ride mares or cross-bred horses. In fact, the breeding selection process of the Lusitano horse is essentially based on its ability for the bullfight. In Portugal, the objective of the bullfight is not to kill the bull, in fact it is forbidden to, but rather to demonstrate the training and schooling of the horse. The bullfight consist of placing a series of long and short darts on the muscular part of the bull, just behind the neck. The darts irritate the bull and make it more aggressive. The performance is relatively short, ten minutes or so, in which an average of six darts are placed, but it must be performed under strict "codes of honour." The bull should be given the advantage when charging, that is, it must initiate the charge before the cavalier makes his move. In addition, the approach and encounter of bull and cavalier must be face to face to the last possible moment, in which the horse, to escape the impact of the bull must literally wrap itself around the bull in some fascinating displays of agility. The placing of darts is usually done one by one, however, it is not uncommon for the cavalier to tie the reigns, hold a banderilla in each hand, and with the aids of his legs and seat, manoeuvre his horse for the placing of a pair of banderillas. During the intervals of placing darts, the cavaliers allows his horse to be closely chased by the bulls and then demonstrates in an elegant and relaxed manner, a variety of movements of dressage. |
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