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00:15:39
00:17:51
00:15:39
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Transcription: [00:15:39]
{SPEAKER name="Jeanne Porterfield "}
Here in this vast plain area, he specializes in raising not only horses but fine fighting bulls as well.

[00:15:48]
José is also a 'caballero' - the name given to the men of Portugal who fight the bulls from magnificently trained horses.

[00:15:58]
These free moments with his wife and children are a happy treat for all of them. Being a leading caballero, much of his time is spent away from home - appearing not only in the bull rings of Portugal but also those of Spain and Brazil.

[00:16:16]
Little Lizbeth often accompanies her father to see the bulls, which fascinate her. José explains though, that they aren't like her gentle donkey and she must never get close to them, but! keep a good distance away.

[00:16:31]
A highlight is when José, on his horse named Yankee, practices in his private ring.

[00:16:40]
It takes great skill and dedicated work to train a horse in the artistic style of the Portuguese bull fight. During the season, José practices five hours a day with Yankee, carefully putting him through his turns and paces.

{SILENCE}

[00:17:02]
A vital part of the training is getting the horse accustomed to a bull, as they're afraid of them.

[00:17:11]
José now practices making passes by touching the young bull's neck with a blunt pole.

[00:17:18]
This sport originated when man fought war from horseback and in order to keep himself and his steed in top form for combat he trained in this manner.

[00:17:31]
The most stirring spectacle is seen in the big ring.

[00:17:41]
Escorted by this procession of pomp and pageantry, the caballeros step from their royal coach to greet the presiding officials and enthusiastic audience.