East meets West

When Cari met Rex Peterson in 2005 she had no idea what she was in for. Last night at the Equine Affaire in West Springfield, Massachusetts, an artistic version of their relationship played out. Two riders captivated the crowd at the Eastern States Expo Coliseum with a performance titled “East meets West.”

A top dressage rider (representing Cari) took to the arena with the theme from “Chariots of Fire” playing. A Grand Prix dressage performance began . . . then the spotlight switched to rider number two. A cowboy galloped in to the song “Dueling Banjos.” The contrast between the controlled, refined, blue-blooded dressage performance, and the raucous high energy cowboy on his Quarter Horse couldn’t have been greater. Imagine Rex Peterson.

Back and forth it went, world class dressage with the grandiose, inspiring, and rareified music, and then world class Western riding to the down and dirty music from “Deliverance.” It was a duel of cultures, worlds apart, yet so very complimentary.

Last night’s act just might inspire Cari and Rex to do one of their own riding RJ and Bond. The performers last night were great, but our favorite resident of Dutchess County and the legendary horseman from southern California could do even better.

We’re enjoying our time at the Equine Affaire. We hope to see you but if you can’t make it, keep checking here for updates. Buy the first three in the Rex Peterson training video series today by clicking here.

Cari’s brother Jim Breitinger is an Arizona-based writer.