Sunday, January 24, 2010

Drameur, Icelandic Horse Needs New Home



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)

Monday, January 4, 2010

Icelandic Horse Slow Motion



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?