Horse-breaking scene

Have we come a long way, baby? I don't think so. Instead of using a horse trained in bucking, they still use the infamous flanking strap. The scene in this movie when Arthur gets his chops amongst the bad men, is too obvious to truly enjoy.

A beautiful sorrel horse has a flanking strap tied tight around his "personals." He's bucking enough to throw the best rider. Then - he falls over!! The camera cuts and next scene, Arthur Kennedy is still in the saddle as the horse rises from the ground. He's docile!! Quel surprise! But, of course, one look at the horse - the flanking strap is gone. Without that dastardly equipment strangling his tenderest spot, of course, he's not bucking.

I hated that damn strap as a girl visiting rodeos and I still hate them today. I have no respect for anyone using equipment to subdue an animal, just because he can. It doesn't make us superior, just crueler.