Saturday, January 24, 2009

Natural Riding Icelandic Horse


This is a good video of bridleless riding of an Icelandic Horse. There is no fighting of the bit. The horse holds his head where he *needs* to, for his freedom, balance, suppleness, as well as function.


Saturday, January 17, 2009

Horse Training in Iceland


Perhaps the horses should be started in sidepulls or bosals; at least bitless in the beginning.


Friday, January 9, 2009

Icelandic Horse Responsibility


Whose responsibility is it to protect the Icelandic Horse, to consider his welfare, and to advocate for him?



Saturday, January 3, 2009

Heavy Contact on the Reins of the Icelandic Horse



If there is heavy contact on the reins of the ridden Icelandic Horse, it will show in several ways.

The lips will be stretched beyond normal, to an intolerable point, hurting the horse. Try stretching your own lips backwards.

The mouthpiece of the bit will be showing so much that we might wonder how much is left in the mouth!

The bridle sidepiece will bend and fall away from the side of the horse's face.

The neck will show wrinkles at the throatlatch and the withers.

Is this right to do to the Icelandic Horse to get him to tolt?

Who encourages riding like this? Who sanctions it?

Is all of this odd, hurtful riding style approved by FEIF?