A Natural Ride for A Natural Horse

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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