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.

What Gait / Tandri 2

What gait is this Icelandic Horse stallion doing?

Icelandic Horse Beach Riding

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

Icelandic Horse Embroidery

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

An additional video here: Connected Riding Video with Icelandic Horse

What Gait / Tandri

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing?

What Gait / Hottur

What gait is this Icelandic Horse doing?

Judy and Vinur, circa 1997

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