La Garrocha: The magic schtick!

“The Garrocha pole is a spanish tradition of the Doma Vaqueros. The long pole was used to both tend cattle and then to perform in the bull fights. The handy vaquero horses had to be able to turn and spin around that pole while the rider intimidated the bull into fighting by poking it with the long stick. The speed and collection demonstrated by the Doma Vaqueros is impressive and awe inspiring and a beauty to watch. In gatherings and expositions of skill the vaquero may perform around a lovely lady who danced while the Vaquero danced around with prancing pony and long pole. Those particularly proficient in performing with the Garrocha pole are called “Garrachista”, a term of respect and honor for the Doma Vaquero.

There is something magical that happens when you ride with the Garrocha.

Today the Garrocha pole is a tool that can be used to help give meaning and purpose to the suppling and lateral maneuvers that we often use in Cowboy Dressage. The dexterity required in handling the pole requires that the rider guide the horse with all the aids and not just the reins. The presence of the pole gives the horse something to focus on in the maneuvers adding bend and suppleness. It’s an excellent cross training tool that you can add to your workouts. And best of all, it’s fun!

There is something magical that happens when you ride with the Garrocha. It’s almost as if there is something hardwired into the horse to move around and with the long pole. It adds focus, bend, and purpose for the horse as you carry on with maneuvers such as turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches (pirouette), leg yield, roll backs and perfect bend. It removes from the rider the ability to micromanage the horse as your hands are literally quite full and your attention is split between guiding the horse and not beaning either of you with the pole!”

Read more at: https://cowboydressage.blogspot.com/2018/11/la-garrocha-magic-schtick.html