Carolyn Resnick Method and Icelandic Horses

This video shows use of the Carolyn Resnick Method with an Icelandic Horse.

Bareback Bridleless Night Icelandic Horse Riding

Bareback, bridleless night riding on an Icelandic Horse, in Norway.

From the owner:

This film was shot on a long ride in the darkening Norwegian forest. The moon was full and clear. Happy and safe on the back of my dear Icelandic horse, no bridle, no saddle - just a free, wild run to the top and a slow walk home. This is life, this is love!

Icelandic Horse

Icelandic Horse
Originally uploaded by ProjectDominion

This is an interesting looking Icelandic Horse; coloring and the shape of his head and ears.

Helgi, Icelandic Horse Driving

Helgi, an Icelandic Horse gelding, is re-learning to be driven in a cart; by IceHorse Farm (see their videos and website).

What Gait / Ruby / Icelandic Horse

Ruby, Icelandic Horse mare, ridden bareback, bitless, loose rein; what gait is she doing?

Nosebands Coming Off!

These nordic gymnastic students went to practice in Iceland and had a try at riding the Icelandic Horses. If this video is representative of coming trends in Iceland, nosebands are starting to come off the Icelandic Horses, which is a good thing.

We still see some of the extended bar saddles (the bar digs into the loins), but disposing of the nosebands is a great start in consideration of the horse!

Bridles Without Bits

Are bridles without bits for you? for your horse?

New information and studies will help you decide; articles by theHorse.com:

A New Breed of Bridle (Bitless)

Bitless Bridles Touted as Safer Alternative for Horses

Jessica Jahiel: "Beginner riders often use the reins for balance..." observes Jahiel. "All of this is painful for the horses because by jerking, pulling, and water-skiing on the reins, the riders are putting strong and erratic pressure on the bit."

"Horses in bitless bridles don't have to hesitate for that initial moment of evaluation, 'Is this going to hurt me?' " she says. Quicker response times can be had without a bit.

If a *horseman* is riding a horse, more than likely, he has little use for the reins, communicating with the horse through his body and natural aids. Cook believes that a supposedly simple snaffle in the uneducated hands can be an instrument of torture for the horse.

I ride my Icelandic Horse bitless, and throughout the world, there is a growing number of other Icelandic Horse owners following suit, turning away from the icelandic-style riding and training, in lieu of the more natural ways, which are considerate of the horse.