The piaffe requires ultimate collection from a horse in order to maintain a composed and cadenced trot on the spot or near to it. Originally used on horses awaiting battle in order to keep them warm, focused and always ready to charge when ordered, the move is now performed in dressage at Grand Prix level.
The pirouette, meanwhile, can be performed at any speed, although canter is the most challenging. The forehand of the horse moves around the hindquarters, creating a circle around the hindquarters, which leave and land on the same piece of ground, all the time the sequence of canter remaining. This movement requires great energy and agility to keep it going.
Paul completed his appearance with a routine to music. Giving the public an insight into the more bubbly and entertaining side of dressage not usually seen in the ring, Paul had Highlander moving as if the horse was literally dancing to music.
Paul says of the event: "The show went very, very well – we had such a good response. The place was extremely busy with all the city workers on their lunch break when we were in the ring. As I was riding, I explained the training that was involved to carry the movements and how I was riding them. We've had amazing feedback from both the organisers and the audience." Having taken part in the event in previous years, Paul is now looking forward to next year: "They're thinking of holding another in March 2008, which I hope to attend," he says.