Bit Problems - Icelandic Horse

Are we using the wrong bits on Icelandic Horses?

Or is it a matter of too much contact, not enough training, not enough education on the rider's part?

Lame Icelandic Horses Winning?

Are judges putting up lame Icelandic Horses?

The recent video (the first below) of Hvinur frá Holtsmúla is creating quite a stir. (The second video is about six months earlier. The third video shows a tolt clinic by Joi and Hvinur in 2005.)

Are Icelandic Horse judges rewarding bad conformation, bad gaits, lameness, and poor riding? Is this what makes a "world champion"?

Some people say this horse is obviously lame. (See the section of the first video, around 1:30 where he starts walking and then goes to turn to reverse direction.)

The horse is fighting the bit the whole time, which should be addressed. Is the bit wrong for the horse's mouth? Is the contact too much? Is the horse being held in a frame that doesn't agree with him? Are the glands in the throat latch area being compressed to a painful problem for him?

The horse's tail, obviously for years, has been wringing. Has anyone asked him "why"?

Additionally, the horse's legs show marked winging. This much winging can be caused by incorrect conformation. It can be exacerbated by weights on the distal limb, or other means that create extreme animation.

Force Equals Force in Horses

Force equals force in horses, and it is seen in Icelandic Horses.

There is too much contact used to force gait, and the horses learn to brace.

Here is a three-part article about using force with horses:

Force Equals Force

Is Fighting the Bit Required for Tolt?

Is fighting the bit required to get an Icelandic Horse to tolt? For years we've seen the Icelandic Horses fighting the bit. Some people would say that the horses were tossing their heads because of the excitement in the competitions. But we see the same thing when a rider is alone with a horse.

Is the jointed snaffle causing the horse problems with his mouth? Is the heavy contact causing the problems? Or a combination of both?

Why does the horse have to be held so tightly with a bit that bothers him, to get him to tolt?

Academia Liberti

Academia Liberti official video. Academia Liberti specilises in educating equines at liberty in species appropriate living conditions without coersion or psychological manipulation. The academy relationship is based on friendship and equality between horse and human.

What Gait / Icelandic Horse

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing?

How the Bit Affects the Mouth of the Icelandic Horse

OK, this is just a fooling around video by young people, but it does show how the mouth of the Icelandic Horse is affected by a bit.