Icelandic Horse Connection

Misty, In Alaska, With Her Icelandic Horse

2011-02-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

Misty and her Icelandic Horse, in Alaska, plowing through a snow drift.

TWH and Trail Skills

2010-09-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tennessee Walker: Here's a very nice video showing a Tennessee Walking Horse practicing a trail skill.

The horse is TWH Chief's Fancy Blue Eyes and rider is Antoinette Austin. Video provided by Lu Ann Cooper.

Icelandic Horses -- Not Necessarily Unspookable or Unflappable

2010-09-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Icelandic Horses are not necessarily unspookable or unflappable. Some Icelandic Horses are born calm, some are born nervous / sensitive.

Some Icelandic Horses are pretty unflappable and calm, some are skeptical and unsure of things around them.

Icelandic Horses and Parelli Natural Horsemanship

2010-06-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

A few videos of Icelandic Horses (Ponies) doing Parelli Natural Horsemanship exercises:

Horse Group Ride Rules

2010-05-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Written by Janice McDonald:

Someone on our huge ride this weekend came and handed out trail rules which they had written. So I wrote a sarcastic humorous response.

Some of it is a private joke for people around here but i bet you can read between the lines.

Captain Cowgirl’s Trail Rules

1. Do not get so drunk you have to yell at everybody in camp and then go home.

2. If your horse bites, put crime scene tape around her so people will stay away.

3. Do not expect for any rides to leave on time. In fact, don’t even saddle up until at least a hundred people are all mounted on horses standing around waiting for you.

4. Wear a costume of some kind so you will have a real image.

5. If you serve coffee with hay in it you aren’t doing anybody any real favors.

6. If your horse follows too close and it gets kicked its your own fault.

7. If your horse kicks the horse behind you its your own fault.

8. If your horse doesn’t act bad and embarrass you now and then its not normal.

9. If you expect your horse to be perfect you need one of those horses in front of walmart.

10. Leave the seat up in the portolet if you are one of those people who perch a foot above the hole and spray a three foot radius.

11. If your tie line is only an inch above the ground your horse is gonna end up having to be cut out of it by morning.

12. If your horse gets tangled in the tie line, just cut it out, don’t stand there screeching like an idiot.

13. Offer pitiful looking people food or coffee.

14. Act pitiful if you don’t have any food or coffee.

15. Don’t flirt with anybody's husband.

16. Don’t ride into camp without making sure someone isn’t in a sleeping bag.

17. If your dog beats up another dog apologize and be nice.

18. If another dog beats up your dog, put it in your camper or truck in the shade.

19. If you smell a skunk don’t say anything, it is probably you.

20. When someone flips out it helps to remember they are either drunk, forgot their meds, or have taken too many meds.

21. Don’t curse in front of children.

22. Don’t hire any trainers that screech and hit horses in the face with whips.

And REMEMBER. Don’t ever clean house or wash dishes or clean out your
car or do any chores at all if you can go riding instead!!

Janice McDonald

Article on Sweet Itch (Summer Eczema)

2010-04-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

This article mentions Icelandic Horses:

Article on Sweet Itch / Summer Eczema

Icelandic Horse Rollkur

2010-02-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

My gosh... what ARE they thinking?!?!?!

Why should an adult male *NEED* to put a huge piece of metal in his pony's mouth, and then strap the metal down as tight as possible with a huge, severe noseband, and then put all his muscle on the reins?!?!?

Why should any Icelandic Horse have to endure this practice?

I thought people loved the Icelandic Horse? I thought people respected the Icelandic Horse?

Is this love? Is this respect?

Who is teaching these people to ride? to train????

Why is there a need to put the horse into a master / slave position? complete domination?

Why does FEIF allow this horrific type of riding and training? Why do they endorse it?

Why does the USIHC support FEIF, in all ways, including financial?

This means YOUR money is going to pay for competitions and evaluations that use this type of riding / training practice on the Icelandic Horse.

The Icelandic Horse is known by different names, such as: hest, hestur, hestar, cheval islandais, icelandic horse, island hast, islandske hest, island pferde, islenskir hestar, ijslands paard, islanninhevonen, islenskihesturinn, islandisches pferd, islandpony, icelandic pony.

Please help to free the Icelandic Horse from poor riding and training methods!

Drameur, Icelandic Horse Needs New Home

2010-01-24T12:26:00.001-08:00

Drameur is a 19 year old black Icelandic pony.

He has lived and worked in a handicapped riding program in Northern California for the past six years.

He has been a sweet and dependable mount for our clients on a lead line. However, he has developed a bad habit of bolting on lead and under saddle with less experienced volunteers.

We have decided that Draemur would be a happier and safer pony if he had one experienced, consistent handler to be his person.

Previously, he has had some unbalanced movement in his gaits. Our regular vet has not been able to diagnose/treat this problem.

Last August Draemur was seen by a veterinarian/chiropractor from out of the area. She determined that Draemur was somewhat "locked up" in his neck/withers. Her treatment helped his gaits considerably.

About a month ago, he broke free from his handler (bolted) on a trail near the stable and proceeded to run home.

It appears Draemur has re-injured himself during this escapade, as he is now "locked up" in his neck/withers again, favoring his right front leg.

The vet/chiropractor that helped him in August will not be available to see him again until June. We need to find a home for Draemur as soon as possible. Please contact Sally Friedley (or: iceryder at gmail.com)

Icelandic Horse Slow Motion

2010-01-04T18:52:00.001-08:00

It is interesting to view the legs of the Icelandic Horse in slow motion. Conformation problems may cause the transverse legs to cross over each other (rope walking), and the style of riding with mechanical aids, or the pounding of the feet on the ground may cause the joints to hyperextend (such as seeing the bottom of the front feet from the front, as in the above picture, not a good thing).

Take a look at the picture and figure out which leg is which and what the flight pattern is of each leg. Do the legs looks like they are tracking up? travelling on one, two, or three tracks? or cross-tracking?

Gerd Heuschmann Interview

2009-12-08T07:13:00.001-08:00

Interviews with Gerd Heuschmann:

http://www.jonibentley.co.uk/articles/less.htm

http://www.jonibentley.co.uk/articles/edited/simple.htm

This article describes some of the poor riding practices and therefore let's us know why Icelandic Horses should not be ridden icelandic-style.

Icelandic Horse and Natural Horsemanship

2009-12-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

From the owner:

It's been one year since I have purchased my icelandic ponies. Things started off rough. Stjarni was green and so was I. The saying is green on green equals black and blue. Thanks to a great trainer and natural horsemanship, I have learned a whole new way of being around horses. I've not only gained new skills, but gained confidence. I've learned never to give up, be patient, and respect my horse. I've got a lot more to learn, but I welcome the journey.

Icelandic Horses Looking for Homes

2009-11-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

Information from the owner about the two geldings, Trausti (chestnut) and Dreki (palomino), located in northern Colorado:

Trausti -626-:

Gelding, born April 10, 1992.
Sorrel chestnut. No white markings.
13h
Out of Logi fra Icelandic Horse Farm -309- and Loa -312-
Has Canadian Icelandic Horse Federation papers.

4-gaited though very rusty in tolt.

He is very smart. Likes to think of ways to get food and not do much work for it. Unafraid of almost anything. Good on trails. Loves people and is quite the socialite. He ties, trailers, and is wonderful as long as he has a firm hand that demands respect from him.

He has been deemed "sound" by my veterinarian. However, he foundered in May of 2001. He was grass hay fed on dry-lot when it happened, and my vet could not find any reason why he should have foundered, but he did. So, although he is "sound," my vet cautioned that we should be careful not to "over do it" with him. It took about 4 years to get him back to trail worthy condition again.

He has been somewhat heavy on the forehand since the founder. This is partially why his tolt is rusty. We haven't really asked him to.

Dreki fra Lone Rock US94100566:

Gelding born June 12, 1994.
Palomino
About 13h
Out of Logi fra Icelandic Horse Farm M8400326 and Sunna fra Fitjamyri
US88200361
I have his US United Icelandic Horse Congress Certificate of Registration.

5-gaited with tendency towards pace.

Dreki was very frightened when we got him. We made some progress and he halters nicely where as when we got him he would run away. He was terribly head shy when we got him, but now he comes to me for scratching. And, that is about as far as we have gotten with him.

He likes to be groomed, but is still very cautions even after all these years.

About 1.5 years after we got him, my husband sustained a devastating spinal injury. It took 4.5 years before I was able to turn my attention back to Dreki. I tried working with him, but each day was as though we were starting from the beginning again.

I contacted a trainer and he was in training for about 6 weeks with the assurances that he would be a wonderful riding horse when we got him back "no problem." Well... Dreki came back and was in some ways a little better and in some ways a little worse. The trainer told me that he would need at least 3 more months to be able to get anywhere with him, because it was "like starting over with him every day!" I didn't have the funds for it, so we did what we could here at home.

One day, I got an offer from a woman who has "rescued" a "problem icey" with a reputation for being "dangerous." She has done an amazing job with this little horse and is even able to give local kids pony rides on him. She has also had good success with mustangs, and she offered to take Dreki and train him. I told her to take him for as long as she wanted and train him. She called me 3 weeks later and said he had to be returned because "he would not progress". He would be longing nicely one day, and the next he would be in a complete panic at the sight of the longe line. She did not feel that she would be able to get anywhere with him. So, he came back and we have worked with him as best we could, but never really gotten past his seemingly
illogical "panic" outbursts.

That said, he has never tried to deliberately hurt anyone. He is a sweet guy who really needs someone who understands how he thinks and who can help him through whatever it is he fears.

Please email me at iceryder at gmail.com for owner's contact information.

Legend of God and Pegasus

2009-10-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

Icelandic Horses

A book by Elisabeth Haug: The Legend of God and Pegasus.

Listi, Bareback and Bitless

2009-10-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Description by the owner from The Netherlands: Listi is an Icelandic horse who is hypersensitive and very quickly stressed. In this video an impression of his training in hand and riding, in which we try to get him more relaxed every day.

A Natural Ride for A Natural Horse

2009-09-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Iceland likes to think of the Icelandic Horse as a "natural horse", one that is able to be left out in the pastures 24 / 7, raised in the herds with little interference.

This is fine, but what happens when the horses are then introduced to their riding careers?

Shoes are nailed on; boots are put in place on the fetlocks; icelandic-style saddles (which may be unbalanced / uncentered, too long, and / or too narrow) are put on; jointed snaffles are put in the mouth; and the mouth tightened by a noseband; rider sits to the weaker part of the horse's back; puts his weight on the reins and the mechanics of the snaffle come into play; and the whip is there for... whatever reason. The horse is held in frame, ventroflexed, and fighting the bit.

Pretty picture? NOT!

But this is what is taught at the icelandic-style riding schools, by the icelandic-style trained trainers, and supported in the show ring.

How natural is this?

Can't we take some inspiration from the Indians who worked *with* their natural horses, and took the time to ride *with* the horse and not against the horse?

Bitless Riding Portugal

2009-08-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Bitless riding an Icelandic Horse in Portugal. This is a Norton Bitless Bridle. It may have the cross-under-the-jaw reins (not a fan of this type of bridle due to the mechanics).

Icelandic Horses Fall Through Ice

2009-08-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

The poster of this youtube video, entitles it:

Icelandic Horses fall through ice. Sometimes people do really dumb stuff.

"This is a video from animal planets "Uncut & Untamed". As a horse lover I find it amazing that all these riders would risk riding there horses on a frozen lake without checking to see how thick the ice is. I feel so sorry that those poor horses had to go through that ordeal & thank God the iceman jumped in to save them. What a courageous man."

Bit Effect

2009-07-22T07:55:00.001-07:00

This is a video of several young gals jumping the Icelandic Horse bareback. You can see how the jointed snaffle affects the horse and his mouth.

The answer is not to tie the horse's mouth shut on the negative impact on the mouth by the bit. Perhaps a different bit, maybe non-jointed mouthpiece would help, or perhaps less contact on the reins.

Bit Problems - Icelandic Horse

2009-07-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-06-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing?

How the Bit Affects the Mouth of the Icelandic Horse

2009-05-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Bridleless in Gait

2009-05-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is a Rocky Mountain Horse stallion in gait, bridleless; no yanking or cranking; turning without pulling on the mouth.

New Bareback Pad

2009-05-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

Icelandic Horses are not the easier horse to fit for a saddle. The treeless saddles and bareback pads work pretty well for them. It allows them to move more fluidly.

This is a new style of bareback pad that stirrups can also be used with.

Level 3 Parelli Freestyle

2009-04-29T06:48:00.001-07:00

This is a Level 3 Parelli Natural Horsemanship video with a gaited horse, Paso Fino breed. It should be easy for the Icelandic Horses to attain this level of horsemanship.

Challenge to Icelandic Horse riders, owners, trainers, and Holar students and graduates, and any certified and / or professional Icelandic Horse trainer! Can you do this? Can you train and ride your Icelandic Horse without a bit? without a noseband? without weights? without whips?

Can you learn to train and ride a horse naturally?

A gal from Iceland sent this link, and follows is a response:

http://www.seisei.is/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=392&Itemid=10

Yes, those are nice pictues. I think the challenge is not to ride bridleless for a little time to get photos, but to change the whole style of riding to be more friendly to the horse. In a video of the same rider, her horse is fighting the bit and showing displeasure in every gait. Hopefully, this will change for the better. Here is the video:

Nadja and Kjarkur, Icelandic Horse, Parelli Level 1

2009-04-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Nadja, of Germany, and her Icelandic Horse gelding, Kjarkur vom Vinfjall, are submitting their Level One Parelli Natural Horsemanship audition.

Yank, Yank, Yank

2009-04-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Is this horse fighting the bit?

Is the rider yank, yank, yanking on the reins?

If so, why?

Unhappy Mouth Icelandic Horse

2009-04-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

This horse has an unhappy mouth, indicated by opening the mouth against the bit and the head tossing and tipping at odd angles.

It can be called by several different names: fighting the bit, fighting the hand, resisting the hand, resisting the contact. All of it means a problem for the horse, and he is trying to communicate that to the rider.

It could be a problem with the bit not fitting, the mechanics of the bit not appropriate for the job, the noseband interfering, or the heavy contact.

In addition to the video below, how about the horses in these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE55OGFzXr0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54qdpD6vnP8

Icelandic Horses Fighting the Bit

2009-04-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

It appears that all of the Icelandic Horses in this exhibition are fighting the bit. Their heads are tossing and tipping at odd angles; their mouths and jaws are opening and twisting.

Has this become so common place in the Icelandic Horse world that it is acceptable as OK, or even "good" riding?!?!

What do these riders think when they see themselves and their horses?

Do they think that other horse people can't see the problems with the riding and the equipment?

For more information about natural horsemanship and Icelandic Horses, see the Icelandic Horses Connection

Body Wrap for Icelandic Horses

2009-04-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the TTEAM body wrap on Gaefur, Icelandic Horse gelding.

Here are some links to pages and articles that offer information about use of the body wrap and training exercises for the Icelandic Horse:

The above image is also seen here: http://iceryder.net/bodywrap.html

And a couple of articles by Robyn:

http://iceryder.net/grounddriving.html

http://iceryder.net/necklinedriving.html

http://iceryder.net/playground.html

Horse - Human Attraction

2009-03-29T19:42:00.001-07:00

I've received a bunch of interesting mail in the past several weeks. For the most part, it is from people who are switching from icelandic-style training and riding to good horsemanship and relationship-type training.

One of the messages that I received was from a gal in Iceland who said that she wanted to ride her horse bitless, but had no idea how to start, and how could she stop her horse from running away if he didn't have a bit.

Knowing the problem areas that icelandic-style training brings to some horses, I suggested that she choose a calm, quiet horse, one that hadn't been forced into a frame or forced to run, run, run. And start with some clicker training, doing some of the PNH 7 games, and wait until she felt that she and the horse had a good two-way communication before trying to ride bitless (make that the end goal, but enjoy the journey in the meantime).

I suggested that my horse makes a pro-active choice to allow me to use her legs, and to go "with" me, not to run away from me when I'm on her, because of the relationship we've built and the type of training that we use.

A few days later she wrote back that she didn't have the type of Icelandic Horse that I mentioned, her horse was somewhat nervous, but she wanted to try bitless anyway. She did; he ran away.

Bummer. But it seems that she is willing to continue with clicker training and natural horsemanship, so I hope that she has some success.

It can be difficult to try to describe a new paradigm to someone who is interested in making a change. It may not be an easy paradigm to grasp. A lot of it doesn't actually have to do with *actual* training. We're not running a horse around a round pen. It's hard to pinpoint... there's something more... something intangible... it's a whole 'nother thing. It takes time, patience, dedication, and maybe an "extra sense".

Maybe it's more on the mental / emotional side than actual physical work.

Another blog has an article called "What Is Attraction?" (the article is in regard to training).

http://paintinghorse.wordpress.com/what-is-attraction/

One of the definitions given is: A force acting mutually between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation.

I think that's how I would describe how I want my relationship with my horse, especially when riding.

Perhaps the article can help owners to get that special feeling / connection with their horse so that the reins aren't necessary to "control" the horse.

In any case, for those who are interested in finding this type of relationship with a horse, I think that Icelandic Horses can be very special in this area. Not the nervous ones, or maybe not the ones who have been trained to "run, run, run". But the naturally calm and willing Icelandic Horse who is searching to make a special connection with a human.

It's about the relationship. Not about control, or who is the boss.

Read more:

http://icehorses.blogspot.com/2009/03/training-horses-at-liberty.html

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/message/146884

http://click-ryder.blogspot.com/2009/04/horse-pedestal-training.html

Messages from the Animal Kingdom: http://iceryder.net/animalkingdom.html

Sensation Saddle for Icelandic Horses

2009-03-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Sensation saddle works well for Icelandic Horses: http://iceryder.net/sensation.html (we don't sell the saddles, it is a link to the manufacturer, along with other pictures of the different models).

Level 1 Icelandic Horse

2009-03-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

This gal from Germany is doing her Level 1 Parelli audition with her Icelandic Horse mare.

Icelandic Horse Bitless Riding

2009-03-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes snaffles are too pointed for the interior of the mouth of the Icelandic Horse. It may be due to a low palate, or a smaller area that does not leave room for a bit comfortably.

Try bitless riding, either with a sidepull, rope halter, jaquima, or lindell.

Here are some pictures: Icelandic Horse Sidepulls

Susan, of SaddleUp Tack, also has some sidepulls for Icelandic Horses:

SaddleUp Tack Sidepull, special sizes for Icelandic Horses

We have just started a sidepull picture "contest". Susan is sending one of her new sidepulls out to one of our IceHorses listees, and that person will send it on to the next person in line who wants to try it, and the sidepull will continue on it's path.

The people who are trying the sidepull are taking pictures, sending them to the IceHorses list, to see who's horse looks better in the sidepull :-).

It's a fun thing to do!

Natural Horsemanship

2009-02-24T22:26:00.000-08:00

A young gal is starting her Icelandic Horse with natural horsemanship. She is riding bareback and bitless, doing the circle game, and also a figure 8 on-line.

Starting Icelandic Horses Bitless

2009-02-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

The interior of the Icelandic Horse's mouth generally has a low palate and sensitive bars. It is beneficial to start them with sidepulls, lindells, bosals, hackamores, rope halters, regular halters, or any other bitless configuration that is not severe.

Young horses have many changes going on in their mouths until they are mature adults. Teeth are still coming and going for a while. Training bitless saves them from discomfort from the bit.

The horse should be trained with emphasis on relaxation; no tension on the reins, so that the horse can relax his head and neck.

Horse Quote: Do Less, Get More

2009-02-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

"Do less, get more--a peculiar and wonderful equation."

This quote is from Leslie Desmond, co-author of the book, True Horsemanship Through Feel.

The quote is from her article: A Bit About Bit Adjustment.

Natural Gaits Icelandic Horse

2009-02-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

Natural Riding Icelandic Horse

2009-01-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Horse Training in Iceland

2009-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

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

Icelandic Horse Responsibility

2009-01-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

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

Heavy Contact on the Reins of the Icelandic Horse

2009-01-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

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?

Fighting the Bit

2008-12-31T21:21:00.000-08:00

In the video, the horse has his mouth open at times.

An Icelandic Horse should have no reason to open his mouth while being ridden. Horses are nostril breathers. Opening the mouth can indicate problems / pain from the bit, noseband, heavy contact, etc.

If the horse is fighting the bit, what should be done? whose responsibility is it to be sure that the horse is comfortable in his job?

Natural Gait or Not

2008-12-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

If the Icelandic Horse has to be pulled, with heavy contact that stretches his lips to absolute intolerance, trying to get away from the pain by opening his mouth; and being forced into an unnatural inverted, ventroflexed frame, is the gait of "tolt" natural to him?

The use of increasingly severe bits, as well as severe tight nosebands, is shocking.

Click onto the image to see a larger version.

Lee Ziegler, Easy Gaited Horses

2008-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Easy Gaited Horses, a book for gaited horse enthusiasts, by Lee Ziegler, which describes the easy gaits.

Lee Ziegler, Easy Gaited Horses

Mechanical Aids

2008-12-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

Not all Icelandic Horses tolt (which is a one-foot / two-foot support, even four-beat, lateral gait, of speed, where the horse is ventroflexed, and downhill).

Icelandic Horses can offer several different easy gaits at liberty, such as the fox trot, running walk, stepping pace, etc., as well as the saddle rack; or may not offer any easy gait at liberty.

Tolt can be manufactured by mechanical means, some of which include:

[] Saddles, the tight narrow icelandic saddles, possibly with extended bars, brida-style.

[] Bits, snaffles, icelandic, pessoas, anything that doesn't fit the horse and makes him high-headed or tense.

[] Tight nosebands

[] Severe bits combined with severe nosebands

[] Icelandic shoes, or heavier than normal shoes, or unequally weighted shoes

[] Boots; double pairs of boots

[] Straps on the hoof

[] Whips

[] Heavy contact, leaning on the horse's mouth, obvious muscular strength pulling on reins

[] Sitting on the back of the saddle

[] Extreme ventroflexion

[] Extreme high-headedness

[] Ewe Necks

[] Long toes; contracted heels

[] Concussive practices

Some of these things are used in, or in training preparation for evaluations and competitions.

Gaits made by mechanical means invalidates the potential value of evaluation breeding scores.

The Icelandic Horses Wrinkles

2008-12-07T11:11:00.001-08:00

The wrinkles of Icelandic Horses tell us what is happening with them. They are an indication that the horse is in an unnatural frame. The wrinkles around the throatlatch indicate the head is being crammed into the neck at an odd angle.

The wrinkles around the withers indicate that the horse's neck is being inverted, the base of the neck is being lowered, and the neck is crammed into an unnatural position.

Wrinkles can also be caused by a poorly fitting saddle.

What Gait / Fakur

2008-12-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is a nice older black imported Icelandic Horse gelding. What gait(s) is he doing?

Change for the Icelandic Horse

2008-12-01T05:51:00.000-08:00

We are at a point of great change within the Icelandic Horse breed. We have reached the cross roads; one going down the path of mechanical devices and manufactured gaits, and one leading to natural horsemanship and natural gaits.

Which path will you take? It may be a hard decision for some. For many people, it will involve change.

Are you afraid of change?

We are creatures of habit. People generally *like* status quo. Humans are made to recognize familiar objects and experiences. That's the logic of our brains. We can use a minimum of brain power to function with "familiar" things, rules, and order, which can be taken care of subconsciously. That leaves conscious brain power to deal with "different" or new things.

Sometimes "different" can be perceived as "dangerous" or disconcerting. Just part of the human makeup... leaving the comfort zone. The level of danger can be based on if you are isolated, alone, or the size of your companion group. Higher danger is in smaller groups or for the isolated human.

The tendency is that outgoing, confident people are more willing to consider and accept change, and move towards making changes more easily.

Change involves work. It's not easy, and it takes time, energy and effort. This explains why most people loathe change. Change can be viewed as opportunity or threat.

What some people see as a benefit can stress out others. Most people have a natural curiosity about change but at the same time, can be spooked by it. There are people at the low end of tolerance of change and at the other, the confidant ones, who love it.

"It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit from the old order and only luke warm defenders in all those who would profit from the new order. This is partly due to the incredulity of man who do not truly believe anything new until they experience it."
~~Quote from the Italian Machiavelli delivered in 15th Century.

There are four distinct phases of change: denial, resistance, exploration, commitment.

These can be broken down into seven phases: shock and surprise, denial and refusal, rational understanding, emotional acceptance, learning and practicing, realization, and integration.

Most people look at change in a negative way. For them, change may mean learning new things, increased pressure, potential loss of position, fear of the unknown, or even a challenge to their personal beliefs or way of doing things.

Six reasons for fear of change:

1. Fear of the Unknown
2. Self Doubt; Afraid of Losing
3. Self Isolation and Agonize Over Decisions
4. Forget That We Always Have Options
5. Focus on the External World to Define Our Identity and Worth
6. Handcuff Ourself to Stuff

In each generation there are a few individuals or a group who step from the old patterns and push the boundaries of current limiting beliefs and structure.

WE ARE THAT GROUP!

We are standing up for the Icelandic Horse, and insisting on improved training methods.

Some individuals will never be change makers, but kudos to those who are, as that's how we progress and how we reach higher levels in our society.

People like to hang on to the familiar, even if the change will be beneficial, something "different" is harder to accept or deal with. The denial and refusal stage also includes "hanging on"... hanging on to the old, familiar way, resisting the new. Change can disrupt work patterns and teamwork.

The middle part of the process of change is "letting go"... letting go of the old ways. A successful "letting go" includes confidence that the new way will be more personally beneficial and for the greater good for the whole. This is where there is a willingness to consider change.

Active acceptance, the final step in positive change, is mental and emotional acceptance and implementation of change. People learn, practice, and exercise; the more positive responses they get (correct answers), the more vested in the new changes.

You do not have to be afraid of change!

Again: WE ARE THAT GROUP!

We are the Change Makers who are making things better for the Icelandic Horse; moving away from mechanical devices and manufactured gaits, over to natural horsemanship and natural gaits.

Which do you value? Blue ribbons? ego? winning? or fairness, empathy, two-way communication with, and consideration for, your horse?

Read the Change Maker: http://iceryder.net/changemaker.html

Hurting the Icelandic Horses

2008-11-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

Why do the riders do these things to the Icelandic Horses? Too much rein contact, bits that don't fit, tight nosebands, uneducated hands. Overbending the horse is found to be very detrimental... what type of rider does this? to a pony?!?!?

The Icelandic Horse is supposed to be a "natural" horse... why all the heavy equipment? Is the equipment supposed to "control" the horse? Does it take the place of knowledge and education?

Norah Jones

"Don't Know Why" Lyrics:

I waited 'til I saw the sun
I don't know why I didn't come
I left you by the house of fun
I don't know why I didn't come
I don't know why I didn't come

When I saw the break of day
I wished that I could fly away
Instead of kneeling in the sand
Catching teardrops in my hand

My heart is drenched in wine
But you'll be on my mind
Forever

Out across the endless sea
I would die in ecstasy
But I'll be a bag of bones
Driving down the road along

My heart is drenched in wine
But you'll be on my mind
Forever

Something has to make you run
I don't know why I didn't come
I feel as empty as a drum
I don't know why I didn't come
I don't know why I didn't come
I don't know why I didn't come

icelandic horse, cheval islandais, island hast, islandske hest, pferde islenskir hestar, ijslands paard, islanninhevonen, islenskihesturinn, islandisches pferd, hestur, islandpony pony

Open Mouths on Icelandic Horses

2008-11-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

Several new videos of Icelandic Horses show their mouths open. I wonder why the riders are doing this to the horses?

Icelandic Horse Foot Flicking

2008-11-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Foot flicking (aka toe flicking, foot flipping) in the Icelandic Horse is when the hoof of the front foot travels past it's normal arc; hyperextention.

It can happen because of a few reasons, a couple of which are: too much laxity in the fetlock, and / or weights on the distal limb.

The bottom of the hoof should not be seen from the front.

The hoof landing on the point of the heel first (versus normal soft heel-first landing with a rolling action), is not desireable and can be problematic and painful for the horse.

More here: Flipping Toe

Al Roker Icelandic Horse

2008-11-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

If only they could show the horse without having it's mouth tied shut, without a gag bit, and without boots. :-(

What's so natural about all that?!?!

Is that showing respect of the horse to use all that bad stuff on him?

Natural and Artificial Gaits of the Icelandic Horse

2008-11-16T07:54:00.001-08:00

Some Icelandic Horses are naturally gaited; some are not. If a gait is *made* by mechanical means, it is artificial and not inheritable. We need to be careful to only show and evaluate natural gaits of the icelandic Horse to preserve the gaits in the breed. Mechanical (manipulated) gaits should not be allowed.

Insulin Resistance in Icelandic Horses

2008-11-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Is your Icelandic Horse overweight? a very easy keeper? an air fern? hard to get to lose weight?

Consider that your Icelandic Pony may be insulin resistant.

Insulin resistance should be addressed before it causes laminitis in your Icelandic Horse.

Find more information at thehorse.com:

Diagnosing Insulin Resistance

Gait Chart

2008-11-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

This chart shows the intermediate gaits between trot and pace. These are gaits exhibited by gaited horses.

Each breed has a signature gait, but not every individual within the breed will do the signature gait. The gait of the Tennessee Walking Horse is the running walk, but some Tennessee Walkers may prefer to fox trot or saddle rack or do a stepping pace.

Missouri Fox Trotters' main gait is the fox trot; but individuals may prefer a running walk, rack, or pace.

Same with Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Icelandic Horses, etc.

Icelandic Horses may be single gaited (pace, pace, and pace), or three gaited (walk, trot, canter; or walk, gait, canter; etc.) or may be multi-gaited. Not all Icelandic Horses tolt; not all Icelandic Horses trot; not all Icelandic Horses canter; some may fox trot, some may saddle rack, some may run walk.

We prefer not to use the terms "four-gaited" or "five-gaited" with Icelandic Horses as some of the gaits may not be natural, and the terms may be misleading.

Icelandic Horse Crooked Legs

2008-11-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

What do you see in this picture?

First the Icelandic Horses are supposed to be turning to the left, but their bodies are not bent in that direction, but more in a counter direction. There is a lot of blockage in their necks, and problems with fighting the bit. Note the mouths, and odd angles of the heads.

Unfortunately, this type of riding has been accepted as *norm* and no one apparently questions what problems the horses are having.

The image also shows the problems with the crooked legs in the breed. Both horses are on their right laterals, and you can see the winging of the front left leg (airborn) in both horses.

Also notable is the rear left airborn leg on the darker horse; odd angle; compare it to the rear airborn leg of the other horse.

It is a shame that this type of riding is acceptable; and not only acceptable, but rewarded! AND taught at the riding school!

What A Clip!

2008-11-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

A beautiful "star" clip!

Welsh Mountain Ponies

2008-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Two men discuss their love for the Welsh Mountain Pony.

Trailer Loading Icelandic with Parelli

2008-10-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Trailer loading Stella, Icelandic Horse mare, with Parelli Natural Horsemanship.

Lift / Animation

2008-10-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

These photos are samples of the "lift" and "animation" that the show ring is promoting and striving for.

Does any horse move like this naturally? Is this lift / animation derived from mechanical means?

These horses are practically hitting themselves in the elbow with their hoof! Should they wear elbow pads for protection?!?!?

Would an Icelandic Horse that was bred with this kind of lift / animation survive by moving on the terrain of Iceland in this manner?

Neckrope Riding with Leiknir

2008-10-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

Neckrope riding with Leiknir, Icelandic Horse

Gerd Heuschmann

2008-10-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

In Gerd Heuschmann's new book, Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage, he writes a Preface directed to the USA (UK and other English speaking countries). Here are some excerpts:

"...Europe and Germany... has had an enormous influence... in the development of equestrian sport all over the world."

"...in order to cater to the market, the horse-training process is being shortened ... A group of trainers has evolved who strive only for the quickest way to success."

"Such a monetary goal... isn't something fundamentally wrong, however, if on the way to such success the horse is reduced to a mere object... is not only very dangerous but also morally questionable."

"Some horses are being trained with mechanical and technical devices in the shortest time possible... being trained mechanically."

"Other nations... are attempting to emulate these quick training methods... "hand-dominated" riding is also being copied."

"Riders and trainers... in... the United States are widely imitating this procedure... despite the fact that hand and strength-dominated riding isn't part of the American way of riding at all. Remember... a light and horse-friendly riding style [of the US]."

"...it's an American, living... in Germany... who is showing the entire equestrian world that riding with feel and delicacy in harmony with the horse... leads to great success."

Heuschmann will be giving a seminar at the International Dressage Symposion, Maplewood Warmbloods, Middletown, NY, in October, and subsequently a clinic for the Utah Dressage Society, February 12, 13, 14.

Watch for his 60-minute DVD, "Stimmen der Pferd" ("If Horses Could Speak") on the biomechanical exploitation of horses.

What Gait / Tandri 2

2008-10-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse stallion doing?

Icelandic Horse Beach Riding

2008-10-10T16:29:00.001-07:00

Pictures from Mic, riding with her friends on the beach (UK).

Icelandic Horse Embroidery

2008-10-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Mary has embroidered this image onto some sweatshirts. If you're interested in getting one, email me at iceryder @ gmail.com and I'll put you in touch with her.

Connected Riding Icelandic Horse

2008-10-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

An additional video here: Connected Riding Video with Icelandic Horse

What Gait / Tandri

2008-10-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing?

What Gait / Hottur

2008-10-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing?

Judy and Vinur, circa 1997

2008-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

This video is from about 1997, working with Vinur, the Icelandic Horse, with natural horsemanship and clicker training:

Therapy Pony

2008-09-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

This pony is working his therapy job at a senior facility.

Soring Gaited Horses

2008-09-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

Gaited Horses can be "sored" to create lift, animation, and to change the timing of the front feet.

Soring can be accomplished by:

[] long toes
[] big feet (add more weight)
[] heavier shoes
[] adding boots
[] adding toe weights
[] quarter boots tightened on the coronary band
[] heavy contact which interferes with the horse's normal leg flight
[] sitting on the cantle of the saddle
[] placing the saddle past the last rib
[] saddle digging into the loins
[] the feet pounding on the ground (concussive practices)

None of these practices should be used with Icelandic Horses, but some are.

Barefoot Icelandic Horses

2008-09-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

In North America, we tend to like to have our Icelandic Horses barefoot, it at all possible. Barefoot allows the horse's hoof to spread and contract as necessary. It may not be possible to have barefoot horses in Iceland, but it is possible in North America. It all depends on your terrain and how much you ride. If the horse has genetically good feet, it may not be a problem to be barefoot, and may actually be healthier for him!

The natural barefoot trims work really well for Icelandic Horses.

Icelandic Horse UnHappy Mouth

2008-09-15T21:49:00.001-07:00

Let's see if we can move away from seeing pictures like this of Icelandic Horses. Well, not only no pictures, but no pulling on the horse's mouth, no strapping the mouth shut, and no bits that cause this type of reaction.

Tolt: Not Collected

2008-09-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

Tolt is a gait that is not collected.

The definition of collection is a combination of three factors:

[] Engagement of the hindquarters, which means that the pelvis tips down (tail down) and in (rotating the bottom of the pelvis in and under the horse), bringing both legs under the mass of the horse.

[] Bascule (rounding) of the back. Engagement of the hindquarters must happen for the back to round up.

[] Lifting of the base of the neck. This allows the neck to telescope and the head to freely offer it's relaxed position slightly in front of the vehicle.

In tolt, the pelvis is doing the opposite of the engaged position; it is tipping up (tail up) and out (rotating the bottom of the pelvis up and out away from the mass of the horse).

This action, starts the back to hollow. The back cannot "round" when the hindquarters have not been engaged.

In collection, the lowering of the pelvis (engagement of the hindquarters) is a *sustained* lowering.

Sustained lowering never happens in tolt.

Going to the front of the horse: lifting the head and neck lowers the base of the neck, which makes tolt an earth-bound gait. The vector of the movement is down; earth-bound, which is the opposite of collection.

Charm, Icelandic Horse

2008-09-11T17:26:00.001-07:00

Charm went to the Rider's Field today, did some ground driving in the arena, and walked on the trails.

Shame in the Icelandic Horse Show Ring

2008-09-09T15:35:00.001-07:00

A blog entitled "Shame in the Show Ring" has featured Icelandic Horses:

http://shameinthehorseshowring.blogspot.com/2008/09/ponies-on-ice.html

Please be sure to read the article, and feel free to comment on it.

We want the best for our Icelandic Horses, and want to see natural horsemanship and natural gaits!

Disharmonie Videos

2008-09-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hyperflexion

Schritttrickkiste

More:
Passgewürge

Schrittmanipulation II

Icelandic Horse WC 2007

2008-09-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

What is happening here?

disharmonie

2008-09-05T08:17:00.001-07:00

disharmonie
Originally uploaded by lena & pferde

Icelandic Horse Natural and Artificial Gaits

2008-09-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Some gaits of gaited horses are natural and some are "created"; artificial, mechanical, manipulated.

Here are some of the ways that gait is created in Icelandic Horses:

Icelandic Horse Connection

Saddle Fit Videos

2008-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Horses need to have well-fitting saddles. Fitting a saddle to a horse needs knowledge about equine anatomy, and saddle structure. Add to this the biomechanics of the horse and the mechanics of the saddle, and how they mesh. Video by Joanna Robson, Napa, CA

Youtube

2008-08-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get 1000 subscribers on my Icelandic Horse youtube page!

Please help me reach my goal by subscribing to:

http://www.youtube.com/user/icehorses

Just go to that page and click onto the "subscribe" button.

Thanks!

Schleich Brown Iceland Pony

2008-08-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Schleich Brown Iceland Pony is on sale at $3.00:

Icelandic Horse Connection

Balanced Saddle Versus Chair Seat Saddle

2008-08-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here are two Icelandic Horses with different style saddles.

The first is a treed icelandic-style saddle. The lowest part of the seat is further back, putting the rider in a chair seat, which places most of the weight behind the action of the horse (center of mass), and on the weakest part of the horse's back.

This is a treeless western-style Sensation saddle. The rider will be aligned more with the horse's COM (center of mass). Even though the saddle ends past the last rib, since it's treeless, it's not a problem (there won't be anything digging into the loins), and the center of saddle (the low point) appears to be well forward.

Icelandic Horse Connection

Should We Do Dressage with Icelandic Horses

2008-08-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Icelandic Horse is not built to succeed or excel in dressage. Because of their conformation, they are not meant to be held in frame with contact. Their heads and necks are conformed for loose-rein riding.

Considering the problems in modern-day dressage, should we "do" dressage with Icelandic Horses?

In Gerd Heuschmann's new book, Tug of War: Classical Versus Modern Dressage, he writes a Preface directed to the USA (UK and other English speaking countries). Here are some excerpts:

"...Europe and Germany... has had an enormous influence... in the development of equestrian sport all over the world."

"...in order to cater to the market, the horse-training process is being shortened... A group of trainers has evolved who strive only for the quickest way to success."

"Such a monetary goal... isn't something fundamentally wrong, however, if on the way to such success the horse is reduced to a mere object... is not only very dangerous but also morally questionable."

"Some horses are being trained with mechanical and technical devices in the shortest time possible... being trained mechanically."

"Other nations... are attempting to emulate these quick training methods... "hand-dominated" riding is also being copied."

"Riders and trainers... in... the United States are widely imitating this procedure... despite the fact that hand and strength-dominated riding isn't part of the American way of riding at all. Remember... a light and horse-friendly riding style [of the US]."

"...it's an American, living... in Germany... who is showing the entire equestrian world that riding with feel and delicacy in harmony with the horse... leads to great success."

In Philippe Karl's new book, "Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage":

"One of the most outspoken critics of the modern dressage world reveals some disturbing facts about the physical, anatomical, and mental effects through official dressage guidelines as issued by the German Horse Society (FN) on horses. By comparing these with philosophies of masters of classical riding such as La Gueriniere and Baucher, he shows possible solutions to the challenging situation of modern competitive dressage."

Natural Ride

2008-08-23T16:12:00.001-07:00

An option for "natural ride" on an Icelandic Horse:

http://www.enasco.com/product/C27575N

Starting Snorri

2008-08-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

Starting Snorri, an Icelandic Horse gelding, bareback and bitless:

Baldur

2008-08-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Baldur fra Alfasaga:

Tosca

2008-08-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

Tosca, an 3/4 Icelandic and 1/4 Paso cross:

Carlos Tobon Riding Icelandic Horse

2008-08-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Carlos Tobon, Paso Fino clinician and judge, having his first ride on an Icelandic.

What Gait / Dagur

2008-08-17T18:14:00.001-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing:

What Gait / Freyja

2008-08-17T17:32:00.001-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse mare doing, for the most part, in the first half of the video:

Natural and Artificial Gaits

2008-08-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Gaits of the Icelandic Horse can be natural, or can be artificial, by mechanical or manipulated means.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

What Gait / Drifa

2008-08-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse mare doing?

Slow-mo

What Gait / Draumur

2008-08-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing in the "tolt" section:

Sterling, Icelandic Horse

2008-08-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Sterling, an Icelandic Horse in Australia, being trained by Yvonne Lemis and her partner in training, Christiane:

A little wary of the camera person.

Photos by Yvonne Lemis of OZ: http://www.lemis.com/yvonne/