Icelandic Horse Crooked Legs

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!

A beautiful "star" clip!

Welsh Mountain Ponies

Two men discuss their love for the Welsh Mountain Pony.

Trailer Loading Icelandic with Parelli

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

Lift / Animation

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

Neckrope riding with Leiknir, Icelandic Horse

Gerd Heuschmann

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.