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Local in dressage gala to celebrate Pan Am Games

July 21, 2015   ·   0 Comments

Susan Beharriell took part in dressage performances in Caledon recently.
Photo by Bev Furer

To celebrate the Pan Am Games, a series of equine events is taking place in King and Caledon dubbed “The Horse Experience.” Events included stable tours at, amongst others, Winsong Farm in King.
LCol (ret’d) Susan Beharriell and her trusty steed, Catrina, a 19-year old Spanish Norman mare, were part of three sold-out performances earlier this month at Grelo Farms in Caledon.
Mounted warriors fought with swords, so needed to maneuver the horse with their seat and legs rather than use 2 reins. Classical Dressage traces its origin back to ancient Greece and the writings of Xenephon.
The wool uniform was borrowed from a generous re-enactor and is an accurate reproduction of the 19th Light Dragoons – the only British Cavalry Regt. to fight, mounted, in the War of 1812. The unit was formed in 1781 in India, hence the elephant on the wool saddle cover (shabraque).  The helmet is heavy leather with a “tube” of real black bear fur.
Beharriell rode with one hand while brandishing the sword in the other.  In spite of the heat the audiences, performers and horses had a great time.

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