[Vision]

Can someone explain to a non Texan what is happening in the photo? Is he trying to tame the horse?

[SuzyQue]

No, it's just picturesque.

[AnAmericanMother]

It's supposed to look that way . . . but the horse has been taught to rear on command. The tie-down visible under his chin keeps him from going too high (or flipping over backwards, but he's rearing under control and he's not going to do that.)

It makes a nice picture.

[Jedidah]

They were just performing for the camera.

From the article:

"Crossfire is 15-years-old and is a registered American paint horse, Chapman said. He has been trained to rear up, bow, count, nod his head yes and no, spin a rope in his mouth and do other tricks.

Chapman, 36, shoes horses and is a performer who does trick roping and routines with horses and his trained dog. He has been invited to go to the White House this week to do trick roping at a presidential picnic. Chapman has appeared at the South Plains Fair and performs locally at schools and rodeos."

[i_dont_chat]

Yes, but in this instance I think he was posing for photo.

[Huck]

I think he's already tame, judging from the saddle, reins, etc.

[JFC]

what I can tell you is that is the typical Sunset or sunrise each and every day out here in Lubbock, Texas

[Redcloak]

I was thinking the same thing. What the Sam Hill does he think he's doin'?! Must be one o' them cowboys what gets their salsa from New York City.