Monday Minstrel: The Prancing Horse of China

The “Prancing Horse”  is a tomb figure of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) The horse symbolized strength, bravery, and beauty.Also horses were considered as having  divine attributes.

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Photo of an illustration in Tamsin Pickeral’s book “The Horse. 30,000 Years of the Horse in Art”

 

During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (AD 712-56) a troupe of 100 horses belonging to the Emperor performed complicated exercises to music.

I have not associated modern China with dressage and have not seen any  competitors from China competing internationally in dressage. I thought that despite the history of dancing or prancing horses the tradition had died out. But then I saw this on Facebook. I do not know too much about this performance but was told it was in China and that  Spanish instructors had trained the horses and riders. I find it interesting that all of the riders are women and all have perfect, almost mask like, makeup. Quite a spectacle.

 

Information on the history of horses in art in China from Tamsin Pickeral’s book “The Horse. 30,000 Years of the Horse in Art.

 

 

Comments

15 responses to “Monday Minstrel: The Prancing Horse of China”

  1. Monday Minstrel: The Prancing Horse of China — HorseAddict – MÁS ALLA, EL DESPERTAR… Avatar

    […] a través de Monday Minstrel: The Prancing Horse of China — HorseAddict […]

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    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Yes they are very similar.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. the_sand_arena_ballerina Avatar

    That is so cool! There is always something to be learned

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Yes there is! We never stop learning.

      Like

  3. Cheryl Wright Avatar

    I found this post very interesting. I thought the video was awesome. Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you! I agree the video is really something.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Sadaf Siddiqi Avatar
    Sadaf Siddiqi

    Horse in Art seems so fascinating!

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Elizabeth (HorseLover4Ever) Avatar
    Elizabeth (HorseLover4Ever)

    Very interesting!!!! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  6. shamimsobhani Avatar

    I like the name ¨Prancing horse¨. It has a ring to it.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Shiva Malekopmath Avatar

    Anne this is amazing fact about the horses.
    Women riders only, that makes me stunned.
    Women have shown their ability, might and skill always in history. Apart from beauty what they represent for, I adore women for their unmatched quality ever since. 👏
    My Salutations🙏
    Horses dancing to the Music tunes is interesting to know and would be fascinating to see them dance.
    Shiva🎶

    Liked by 1 person

    1. anne leueen Avatar

      Thank you for this comment. Traditionally in this type of choreographed riding it is men who do the riding. In Vienna the famous riding school has only recently accepted female riders so it is great to see this troop of women riding in China!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Shiva Malekopmath Avatar

        Anne I welcome you to my Blog. Your presence, your thoughts are most essentially desired and shall be shared.
        Thanks
        Shiva🎶

        Liked by 1 person

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