IceHorses

Carolyn Resnick Method and Icelandic Horses

2010-01-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

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

Bareback Bridleless Night Icelandic Horse Riding

2009-11-15T18:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T20:13:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

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

Nosebands Coming Off!

2009-10-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Icelandic Horses in Portugal

2009-07-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is a demo of Icelandic Horses in Portugal, using natural horsemanship, operant conditioning (clicker training), and riding without heavy contact on the reins. (There is some fighting of the bit, which may need to be changed out for a bit with a different mouth piece).

Icelandic Horse Castration

2009-07-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here are several Icelandic Horses being castrated.

Icelandic Horse Self Carriage

2009-07-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

From a trainer on a gaitedhorse list:

"A horse must self-balance and have release when he's moving correctly so that he may do so. First I want them to achieve balance and learn to freely move in response to my cues "asking" for particular movement.

Like the toddler that must learn to walk before he can run, jump and skip; the horse must first learn to self carry his gaits with a rider on board, in balance and *without rider support* or framing. If you "have" to hold a horse up in the front to achieve a correct walk then he is dependent on you and not self-carrying."

An Icelandic Horse should be trained bitless, and then move into a small curb with an unjointed mouthpiece or a mullen-mouth snaffle.

I believe that the jointed snaffles are torturous to Icelandics if they are ridden icelandic-style, and of course the shanked jointed-mouth bit (i.e. icelandic bit) compound the problems for them.

Misty in Alaska / Sutton Summer Fest

2009-07-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

From Misty and her Icelandic Horses in Alaska:

It has been hot all week and today is like a sauna.

Here's hoping for a thunderstorm.

Duke & I spent all day Friday and Saturday giving pony rides at the Sutton Summer Fest. Today I took everybody down to the neighbor's to help with fire prevention. Here are a couple of pictures of my Removal Squad.

Misty

Riding Icelandic Horses Bitless

2009-06-14T17:09:00.001-07:00

Here's another progressive Icelandic Horse owner who rides bitless with her Icelandic Horses.

Icelandic Horse Riding in Neck Rope

2009-06-08T06:43:00.001-07:00

This Icelandic Horse is being ridden in a neck rope.

Natural Head and Neck Carriage

2009-05-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

These videos show the natural carriage of the head and neck of the Icelandic Horses (versus the forced frame carriage).

Yank a Little More

2009-05-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

Yank a little more on the mouth of that Icelandic Horse (Pony).

Is that the only way they gait?

Fighting the Bit

2009-05-12T19:48:00.001-07:00

OK, so the horse can lift his front legs... what about the horse fighting the bit?

Can we concentrate on basic horsemanship instead of this stuff?

More fighting the bit by Icelandic Horses:

http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2009/04/yank-yank-yank.html

http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2009/04/unhappy-mouth-icelandic-horse.html

http://icehorses.blogspot.com/2009/01/differences.html

http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2009/04/icelandic-horses-fighting-bit.html

http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2008/12/fighting-bit.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvk7MhR2Z2U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsB0VFeXyW8

Riding Icelandic Horse in Neck Rope Bareback

2009-05-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Riding an Icelandic Horse mare in bareback pad and neck rope.

Christ Lammfelle Bareback Riding Pad

2009-04-11T18:41:00.001-07:00

The Christ Lammfelle Bareback Riding Pad sets new standards in terms of riding feel and riding therapy. Tests carried out by independent expert riders and riding therapists have confirmed the positive qualities and the effect of this pad on the rider and the horse.

The bareback riding pad allows a you to ride with the close bareback feel but comfort of this beautiful pad. The bareback pad will help you to form a closeness to your horse encourage a strong bond and unique partnership.

An innovation engineered by CHRIST of Germany.

The pad in the picture is the "premium" model, with the knee rolls. There is a model without the knee rolls, and also a western model with a pommel and cantle.

Christ Lammfelle Bareback Riding Pad

Icelandic Horse Saddle and Tack Fit

2009-04-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

This video allows us to view the fit of saddles and tack on the Icelandic Horses in Iceland. Take some time to view the video, pause it, check the saddles, how the horses react to the bits, etc.

Saddles should not end past the last rib. Extended panels that end past the last rib are not a good thing, as they can dig into the loins. Also the lowest point of the saddle should be in the center of the saddle, not to the rear of the saddle. If the rider sits towards the rear of the saddle, it can dig into the horse, and the rider is not aligned with the horse's center of mass making it more difficult for him to easily carry a rider.

Look at bit fit, and noseband fit and tightness. A well-trained horse does not need a noseband, and a horse who has a bit that fits, and accepts the bit, will not need a noseband.

Training Horses at Liberty

2009-03-31T18:52:00.001-07:00

This gal is using methods taught by Carolyn Resnick. Please read the story about this Icelandic Horse and his owner at:

Carolyn Resnick Blog

Icelandic Horse Teeth Floating

2009-03-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Icelandic Horses, like any other horses, need to have their teeth floated. This veterinary dentist is using a special piece of equipment that keeps the horse's mouth open for the work to be done.

Icelandic Horse Groundwork, Bareback, Bitless

2009-03-15T12:37:00.001-07:00

Here's a young gal doing groundwork and bareback / bridleless riding with her Icelandic Horse:

River Ride

2009-03-04T19:16:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from our river ride today, along with my Icelandic Horse mare, and my friend's two Rocky Mountain Horses.

Riding with Mind Connection

2009-02-28T15:53:00.001-08:00

There are many ways to ride a horse. With Icelandic Horses, we see a lot of riding by way of equipment. How did such unnatural methods come to be mainstream with such a natural horse?

Let's see if we can get our Icelandic Horses back to natural riding such as shown in this video.

Ground Driving Charm, Icelandic Horse

2009-02-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

Charm went out on the road, ground driving; lots of challenges such as the cars driving by, tempting green grass, dogs charging the fence, pasture mates calling when she left, driving one handed with the camera in the other hand, pastures mates running when she came back. She was calm, and only did a slightly faster walk on the way home.

Raising the Level of Horsemanship with Icelandic Horses

2009-02-12T18:59:00.001-08:00

We are raising the level of horsemanship with Icelandic Horses by aspiring to ride "in concert" with the horse, as seen in the video above with horses of other breeds.

Young riders develop great riding skills and have super communication with their bridleless horses. Producing horses who love two-way communication, who enjoy willingly responding to light requests is rewarding!

Icelandic Horse Gait Comparison

2009-02-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Fun Natural Horsemanship with Icelandic Horse

2009-02-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

This young gal is having some fun doing natural horsemanship with her Icelandic Horse.

Making a Smarter Horse

2009-01-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, we started clicker training with our horses, along with natural horsemanship, and started teaching our horses how to learn. Once the horse knows how to learn, he's a much smarter horse!

A good horseman is able to put his horse's feet exactly where he wants them. It's a good thing if the horse knows how to respond to a request of where to put his feet by thinking about it, not just by rote. You end up being able to do a lot more with a thinking horse! And he doesn't need to be micro-managed!

Toss out the bits, the nosebands, the contact on the reins. A well-trained, thinking horse doesn't need them. Neither does the rider.

Little by little, over the years, our following has grown, and we are getting more Icelandic Horse owners who want thinking Icelandic Horses.

In Germany, clicker training and natural horsemanship is growing with Icelandic Horses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw8gVG77g2o

In the UK, they have had Circus Trick courses:

http://www.ihsgb.co.uk/Circus_Course12.htm

We are so proud to have been able to bring this to the Icelandic Horse breed, and made such a positive impact.

We all are lovin' it!

Straight and Crooked Legs

2009-01-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Here are two sets of front legs of Icelandic Horses. The flight of one is straight, the flight
of the other is crooked.

How do straight or crooked front legs impact the horse and his movement?

Click onto the image to see a larger version.

Icelandic Horse Bridleless Riding

2009-01-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Riding Taktur, Icelandic Horse, bridleless.

Differences in Icelandic Horse Frame and Reaction to Bit Contact

2009-01-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

Here are two videos of an Icelandic Horse show. The first is regular classes, the second is of loose-rein tolt. Notice the differences in how the horse carries himself, and how he reacts to the bit, in each video.

In the first video, notice the horses tossing the head, shaking it, pumping it up and down, trying to open the mouth, holding the head at odd angles, going way above the bit, or way behind the bit.

If the Icelandic Horse is able to tolt without the heavy contact, why would riders want to go back to having the horse fight the bit?

Who is teaching people to ride like this? and who is allowing this type of negative impact on the Icelandic Horse?

In the second video, the horses are in more relaxed frames, able to carry their heads where they need them, and there is no fighting the bit.

No Greater Love

2008-12-31T20:50:00.000-08:00

Icelandic Horses are full of love and loyalty. Love them back and ride them as naturally as possible, without severe equipment. Thanks!

Clicker Training Saela

2008-12-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

This mare, Saela, is being clicker trained.

Adopt A Soldier

2008-12-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

The Icelandic Horse Connection is supporting the Adopt A Soldier program. Many soldiers (an all "volunteer" service) do not have family or friends that correspond with them, or send them gifts or needed items.

Help to make a soldier more comfortable; contact: http://anysoldier.com/

Behind the Bit

2008-12-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Icelandic Horses should never be behind the bit. If they are, it means something is wrong. Either the tack does not fit properly, or the rider is uneducated, or the rider's hands are too heavy.

The Icelandic Horse does not have the conformation, with the thick throat latch and the type of neck structure, to be on the vertical or behind the vertical. It can be very painful and uncomfortable for them.

Relaxation, Loose Rein with Icelandic Horse

2008-12-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

Nice job with the training of this Icelandic Horse, Vinur; loose rein, the horse has some nice head nod, he looks relaxed, use of his body is not restricted by the rider or the tack. I believe he's in a halter / bitless.

Another loose-rein riding gait with an Icelandic Horse here:

Loose Rein Riding Icelandic Horse

Versatility Test of Icelandic Pleasure Horses

2008-12-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a nice video showing testing of Icelandic Pleasure Horses in Denmark, which includes jumping, endurance, dressage, and gaits.

It's obvious that some of the icelandic saddles put the riders in positions that aren't so good, and there is some contact that is heavier than should be.

Gag Bit

2008-12-01T21:34:00.001-08:00

We're starting to see gag bits used on Icelandic Horses. The mechanics of this bit are not very nice to the horse (or the horse's mouth). This bit is usually used in place of training or good / natural horsemanship, and can be used to force gait. A good, knowledgeable trainer won't use one.

They are also known as: gag bits, wonder bits, Dutch or Continental bits, and Pessoas.

From Wikipedia:

The gag bit works on the horse's lips and poll simultaneously. The pressure on the lips tends to make the horse raise its head, which is useful for a horse that tends to overextend.

Gag bits are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining... mainly for increased control at times when a horse may try to run off with the rider.

They are not permitted at any level of dressage, since dressage riders are trying to get the horse come down onto the bit, and want to encourage the horse to accept contact. Additionally, the horse is supposed to be completely submissive in dressage, and a gag bit gives the impression that it is not. Gags are also never seen in the hunter arena, again because they wish to portray that the horse is an easy ride, and because they want a long, relaxed frame with the neck stretched out, rather than a high neck.

You will also see that the Icelandic Horse was shown to Al Roker in a television interview with it's mouth strapped shut and a gag bit:

Icelandic Horse Interview, Al Roker

For more information about the gag / wonder bit, click onto this link at the Icelandic Horse Connection

Icelandic Horse Roundup

2008-11-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

What Gait / Icelandic Horse

2008-11-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

What gait is the Icelandic Horse doing in the above image?

My guess is:

It's a "they-are-trying-to-make-me-gait-with-everything-possible-(and-painful)-but-i'm-not-gaited" gait.

Or the "why-does-it-have-to-hurt-to-try-to-get-gait" gait.

Or "i'm-a-trotting-horse,-you-moron!" gait.

Icelandic Horse Holiday Attire

2008-11-19T08:08:00.001-08:00

If you'd like to dress up your Icelandic Horse for the holidays, it looks like it would be easy to make a costume like this one, shown by Alice and her horse, Gunni.

The bridle has some colorful red material, edged with white trim and some bangles (maybe buttons, jewels, or bells). This could be sewn, but also can be glued, which makes it a simple project.

The holiday hat, especially fitted for a horse, is very cute! The horse also wears a red blanket under the saddle which makes him look very holiday-ish!

Icelandic Horse Book

2008-11-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand

MORE JOY WITH ICELANDICS by Christine Schwartz

A training guide by Christine Schwartz and Rikke Schultz, DVM- republished Nov 2008

Many pictures and detailed how-to descriptions 125 pages dedicated to educate the Icelandic horse owner- subjects include Educating your horse, Riding Icelandics, Problem Corner, Vet Corner with Rikke Schultz.

This book was originally published in 1998 and the first 1000 copies sold out 4 years ago. It just went into it's 2nd printing and is available again due to popular demand.

SPECIAL OFFER First 20 orders pay NO POSTAGE

$22.00 per copy plus s/h $8.95

Order through icefarm.com icefarm store or via paypal Valur70@hotmail.com

Or mail check to:

Christine Schwartz
5435 Rochdell Rd
Vernon BC V1B 3E8
Canada

Chapters include:

[] Educating your horse
[] Welcome to More Joy With Icelandics
[] Icelandics are different
[] The reality of easy family horses
[] Reading horses
[] Herd behaviour
[] Tying and retaining safely
[] Picking up baby's feet
[] The first bath
[] Ponying
[] Installing brakes
[] Finding the right trainer

Riding

[] The right frame for tolting
[] Collection for the tolt
[] Soft, subtle and alert
[] The promise rope and balance rein
[] Back up
[] A Playground for higher learning
[] The oval track
[] Riding bareback
[] Icelandic cowboys
[] Jumping
[] Swimming with horses
[] Alternatives to showing
[] Helpful hints

Problem corner

[] Going out alone
[] Tripping
[] Running away
[] Shod the tolt right out of the horse
[] Taking the "yuck" out of deworming
[] Trailering safely and stress free
[] Getting lazy bones going

Vet Corner with Rikke Schultz

[] Meet Doctor Rikke
[] Icelandics are different
[] Health problems in Icelandics
[] Vet call
[] Worm patrol
[] Vaccinations are important prevention
[] Do look that horse in the mouth
[] Minerals
[] Sheath cleaning
[] Giving injections without the "ouch"
[] A question of maturity
[] Gelding
[] Red stains in the snow
[] Oh boy, she's pregnant
[] Weaning foals without trauma
[] Summer eczema
[] Spavin
[] Stag or scirrhous cord problems
[] Back problems in Icelandics
[] Strangles
[] Founder
[] Homeopathics

Icelandic Horse Foal and Dam

2008-11-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

When an Icelandic Horse (or any horse for that matter) foal is born, his legs (the distal limb) are almost as long as his mother's legs! At six months of age, his cannon will be about as long as it ever will be. From this point on, his body grows which gives him his height.

Click onto the image below to see larger versions of the photo.

The Icelandic horse
Originally uploaded by Fjola Dogg

Icelandic Horse Lift and Animation

2008-11-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Here's an image with several pictures of Icelandic Horse legs showing lift and animation.

The center picture shows sections of the leg with numbers so that we can use these for reference (click onto the image to see a larger version).

Look at section #1. It is about horizontal, 90 degrees, right?

How high are the section #1's in the other pictures?

Is this normal? Is this type of lift and animation made from mechanical means (weights, concussive practices, etc.)?

Is this functional? What affect does it have on the gait of tolt? Does it make the gait smoother or bumpier?

We have heard that according to FEIF, competitions call for high, but "not hackney-like" action in the tolt.

This looks like they have met the Hackney animation, and gone well past it!!

Beautiful Icelandic Cross Filly

2008-11-04T07:24:00.001-08:00

Beautiful Icelandic cross Filly, very sweet and first one at the gate to great everyone. More information at http://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-126398

What Gait / Fjola

2008-10-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

What gait is this Icelandic Horse, Fjola, doing?

Welfare of the Icelandic Horse

2008-10-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

Where do you stand on the issue of the welfare of the Icelandic Horse?

Do you support the use of weights, forced frames, bad use and placement of equipment, manipulated gaits?

Do you buy from, take clinics from, verbally or financially support, those individuals and / or organizations who use or allow the above practices?

A few quotes from Albert Einstein:

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."

"Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."

"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."

Is this a "natural" horse?

If so, why is it tied up and bound so tightly with leather straps when ridden, with metal on it's feet, back, and mouth, and forced into pretzel frames?

CIRP Saddle Technology

2008-10-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

New saddle technology allows saddle to conform to horse's back, per Ron Friedson:

No Nosebands!

2008-10-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

Tandri, an Icelandic Horse stallion, being trained with no noseband! He is learning to use the bit as a tool of communication and not one that controls him through pain.

Yvonne's First Horse

2008-10-10T13:56:00.001-07:00

Yvonne's very first horse, in 1963, was an Icelandic Horse, in Germany. His name was Serkur.

Diddi Rides Icelandic Horse

2008-10-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ouch!

Description:
"The Association of Trainers contributed to the show a very entertaining and informative event which was a demonstration implemented by Master Sigurbjörn Bárðarson ...."Sigurbjorn supported his show with a little tale where he explained how important it is that we, the Icelandic horse people, do not forget the roots of Icelandic horse riding and do not get lost in our thirst for innovation. Finally at the end of his presentation, Sigurbjorn said that we should not learn from foreigners how to ride the Icelandic horse. They should learn from us. His show was extremely well received by the spectators." -- Eidfaxi.Full story in Icelandic: http://eidfaxi.is/Frettir/Birtinggreinar/4239Full story in Icelanglish: http://en.eidfaxi.is/News/Read/4257

Click To Play

My Icelandic Horse Mare

2008-10-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

These are a couple of pictures taken on a ride
with my Icelandic Horse mare.

Clipping Your Icelandic Horse

2008-10-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you start out clipping your Icelandic Horse, it seems to be harder than you thought!

Does the pony look more like a patchwork quilt?

Never fear! We have more information for you about how to do a good job in clipping for the seasons.

It's important to start with a clean horse, and the right equipment.

You can find more information about what you need and how to clip your Icelandic Horse:

http://iceryder.net/clips.html

http://iceryder.net/clipping2.html

TTouch / TTeam

2008-10-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Clinics: http://www.ttouch.com/

November in Texas and California. Click onto the flier above for more info, or go to the Ttouch website.

Open to all levels of skill and experience; each participant is treated with respect, support and encouragement

[] Develop a new level of trust between you and your horse

[] Improve your horse’s athletic ability with the Playground for Higher Learning

[] Learn the fun of bridless riding — whether in the saddle or simply in admiration

[] Participants work and share together, assessing progress each day

[] TTouches for stress reduction and well-being for you and your horse

[] Learn the “Joy of Riding” through awareness and simple techniques

[] Discover how to communicate with your hands and your heart

[] Learn the scientific evidence of why the “Mystery of TTouch” is so effective

Horses As You've Never Seen Them

2008-09-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Watch this slideshow narrated by photographer Tim Flach showing photos from his book Equus which will be published on October 1.

Four-year-old Icelandic Horse

2008-09-28T20:01:00.001-07:00

Another picture of Charm, Icelandic Horse. She's mowing the lawn, but has her sights on the banana tree and is anxious for me to leave so that she can sneak over there and eat the leaves!

Charm, Icelandic Horse

2008-09-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Charm, an Icelandic horse, is four-years old and is very people friendly. She likes to do her tricks, go for walks, and especially likes to eat the leaves on the banana trees!

Parelli Seven Games

2008-09-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

If you would like to learn the Parelli Seven Games to use with your Icelandic Horse, you can find them here:

http://iceryder.net/7games.html

Combined with clicker training, you can get a great partnership with your Icelandic Horse, and have a smooth, supple, horse, with two-way communication between you both.

More info on the PNH 7 Games:

Parelli Horse Training Technique: The Friendly Game
This form of natural horsemanship centers around one simple premise: the horse wants to remain comfortable at all times.
View more »

Parelli Horse Training Technique: The Porcupine Game
Second of the seven exercises, the porcupine game teaches the horse to move away from pressure, while also preparing him to respond to leg and rein aids later on down the road.
View more »

Clicker Training Icelandic Horses

2008-09-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Most Icelandic Horses love clicker training and enjoy learning:

Icelandic Horse Slide Show

2008-09-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the past several months:

>

Icelandic Horses in the Fog

2008-09-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

It was foggy this morning. Here are a few Icelandic Horses (and a pony) in the fog.

Icelandic Horse Moonlight Ride

2008-09-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

Icelandic Horse Bedtime Story

2008-09-12T01:06:00.000-07:00

A bedtime story by Janice McDonald:

Berry Picking Icelandic Horses

2008-09-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

End of berry picking season at Sheep Mountain in Alaska, with Misty and her Icelandic Horses:

Viking Kids; and Gaits

2008-09-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

This is a cute video of kids doing a Viking re-enactment.

We can also use this as an educational tool to look at gaits. From about the 1:00 minute mark to about the 4:00 minute mark, there are video clips where you can see the horses moving. What gaits?

Changes

2008-09-09T17:01:00.001-07:00

We are changing the Icelandic Horse world!

We are making things better for the Icelandic Horse!

Change the World - Eric Clapton

The lyrics:

Change The World
by Tommy Sims, Gordon Kenney and Wayne Kirkpatrick

If I can reach the stars,
Pull one down for you,
Shine it on my heart
So you could see the truth:

That this love I have inside
Is everything it seems.
But for now I find
It's only in my dreams.

And I can change the world,
I will be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.

And if I could be king,
Even for a day,
I'd take you as my queen;
I'd have it no other way.

And our love would rule
This kingdom we had made.
Till then I'd be a fool,
Wishing for the day...

That I can change the world,
I would be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.
Baby if I could change the world.

I could change the world,
I would be the sunlight in your universe.
You would think my love was really something good,
Baby if I could change the world.
Baby if I could change the world.
Baby if I could change the world.

River Ride

2008-09-09T14:28:00.001-07:00

Photos from today's river ride; pictures taken by Billy:

Cookie, Icelandic Horse mare, riding with a sheepskin and rope sidepull:

Icelandic Horse Connection

Jennifer and Trilla

2008-09-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Jennifer's Icelandic Horse mare, Trilla:

Icelandic Horse Connection

Amanda's New Icelandic Horse

2008-09-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Amanda's new Icelandic Horse:

Icelandic Horse Connection

Icelandic Horse Stickam

2008-09-05T18:16:00.001-07:00

Icelandic Horse Evaluations

2008-09-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

It is always good to look at a system with new eyes, critical eyes, and unbiased eyes. Healthy criticism is good for the process. It can help gain insight to making a system better.

Before attending an evaluation, study up on things to look for which will help you make educated opinions and decisions about what you see.

Evaluations should be about good conformation and natural gait.

What is good conformation?

What is natural gait?

These are things that you will see, which are *past* the color of the horse, and the mane and tail.

Of course, they are much more important than any of those things!

So, we need to know how to evaluate, for ourselves, conformation and gait.

What tells you if legs are good or not? Good conformation of the legs leads to good movement, and *protection* boots will be unnecessary!

What tells you if it's a natural gait?

Natural gait is what the horse offers with no mechanical or artificial aids. Mechanical and / or artificial aids include:

[] tight, narrow, long saddles that pinch and dig,

[] "brida" saddles (icelandic saddles are "brida" saddles),

[] riders sitting anywhere other than the sweet spot of the horse, just behind the withers (brida, cantle or loin sitters are mechanical aids),

[] any weight on the distal limb, which includes shoes and / or boots;

[] nosebands, particularly tight nosebands;

[] bits: icelandic, gag, wonder, pessoa, single-jointed, whatever doesn't fit or bothers the horse;

[] intimidation of the horse with a whip;

[] concussive practices.

Things to look for:

[] Notice how much contact the riders have on the reins...

[] How much is the bit being pulled through the mouth, or how much it is stretching the lips

[] Is there a lot of head tossing? horse tipping his head at odd angles?

[] Is the horse opening his mouth? If not, is the noseband too tight? If so, we have to wonder why?

[] Is the rider sitting on the back of the saddle? does the saddle end past the last rib? is it sitting over, or digging into the loins?

[] Does the horse have boots on? Why? how much are they affecting his gait, and how crooked are his legs? Horses with straight (correct) legs, do not need protection.

[] Do the riders ever give the horse a release from the rein contact?

[] Is the horse able to stand still on a casual rein, or does the rider keep the horse behind the vertical?

[] Notice the horse's frame in gait... is he pulled up in the head and neck? are there wrinkles at the withers, in front of the saddle?

[] What kind of bits are being used?

[] How much does the rider yank on the horse's mouth to change gaits?

[] Does the rider pound on the horse's back at the trot?

[] How much does the horse's front legs wing? how much do his back legs cross the center line?

What is wrong with natural gaits? Mechanical / manipulated / artificial gaits are not inherited, so they do no good for evaluation scores that are used to determine which horse to breed to which horse.

Have you ever heard the old theory about breeding only four-gaited horses and you'll lose the tolt? That is entirely logical if the gaits are manipulated! The three-gaited horse can be forced into tolt to get evaluated and scored as a four-gaited horse (heck, enough weight, enough ventroflexion, and enough heavy contact will produce "gait" in any horse!), but he really doesn't have any natural gait in him!

There are so many things to think about, to learn about, to be able to make informed, educated decisions and opinions in the best interests of the horse and the breed.

As Gerd Heuschmann says in his book:

"I take my hat off to all people who have the courage to stand up, not follow the crowd, at times be "loud" and clearly point out deplorable states of affairs."

"Horses don't have a sound for expressing pain. Just imagine how loud the noise would be... if these wonderful creatures opened their mouths not only when facing a hand that is too hard..."

We want the best for the breed; the best tack, the best riders, the best riding style, the best knowledge and education, the best, most productive evaluations, so that the breed can be the best it can be!

Icelandic Horse Alaska

2008-09-03T13:46:00.001-07:00

Here's Misty, with her Icelandic Horse, in Alaska, going berry picking. Click onto the picture to see a larger version.

Icelandic Horse Connection

Number of Grey Icelandic Horses Decreasing

2008-09-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

An article about the number of grey Icelandic Horses decreasing (they tend to use the word "white" which is actually different than a white horse):

Number of Grey Icelandic Horse Color Decreasing

More about Icelandic Horse colors.

Icelandic Horse Connection

Teaching My Icelandic Horse to Talk

2008-08-30T21:21:00.001-07:00

We've been working on getting my Icelandic Horse mare, Cookie, to "talk to me", by making a waffling / nickering noise through her nostrils, when she gets the American Sign Language sign "talk" as her cue.

She is not consistent yet, and offers her most favorite behavior that is on cue, which is "yawn" (using the ASL sign for "Y"), and she also paws, which is one of those behaviors that was not taught to her, she just does it (and we don't like it!). But she's getting better at "talking"; we'll keep practicing. :-)

(You may have to listen closely to hear her, or turn up the volume.)

Riding Cookie

2008-08-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

We had to cancel our ride this afternoon due to potential thunderstorms, so I just rode Cookie, my Icelandic Horse mare, around the property, and asked my husband to grab a few pictures.

We went to visit the dog next door, Chewy. She's a friendly dog, but sort of scared. She'll come over, and then shake or cower. In any case, she's very cute!

We generally ride bareback and bitless (rope halter).

Had to check out the bananas growing on the banana tree. You can see the sky is relatively clear.

Then the sky darkened with clouds starting to come in from the east (maybe the Arizona monsoons!).

Youtube

2008-08-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am trying to get 1000 subscribers on my youtube page!

Please help me reach my goal by subscribing to:

http://www.youtube.com/user/icehorses

Just go to that page and click onto the "subscribe" button.

Thanks!

Right From The Start

2008-08-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Starting young horses:

"When you see a horse under saddle that looks light, elegant, and graceful—as though he’s having the best time of his life—that horse is moving in “true balance.” Right from the Start introduces trainers and riders to the fundamentals of training a horse to perform with these desirable qualities. Author Michael Schaffer offers clear instruction on his unique methods of starting young horses as well as re–schooling those that lack a good training foundation. Using techniques both on the ground and under saddle, Schaffer reveals the key to success—teaching the horse to soften and move into the rider’s hand. Right from the Start offers training principles that produce happy, well–trained horses, enabling riders to succeed in any area of the sport they choose—dressage, jumping, reining, trail, or just riding for fun. Michael Schaffer has trained horses professionally for more than 25 years; he works out of New Start Farm in central New Jersey."

More books at Icelandic Horse Connection Books.

New Ride With Your Mind

2008-08-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

The New Ride With Your Mind Clinic, a book by Mary Wanless:

The exercises in this book are easily combined with clicker training.

Based on an understanding of the biomechanical demands of riding, the strategies in this book will teach riders how to connect with their horse in a way that makes sense to both and ultimately leads to better riding. It features real riders and horses throughout and takes riders through the mechanics of riding in a logical, step-by-step method that identifies common challenges so that riders may identify their own problems and learn to get the methods right. Case studies will help readers relate their own problems with those included in the book, and instruction on achieving a firm seat and proper posture will result in an immediate improvement of performance of horse and rider.

Icelandic Horse Herd

2008-08-18T16:45:00.001-07:00

Icelandic Horses moving in a herd:

Connected Riding Halter

2008-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

A Connected Riding halter on an Icelandic Horse:

Icelandic Horse Named April

2008-08-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

How cute... an Icelandic Horse in Iceland named April:

Nattfari, the Tea Table

2008-08-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

Many Icelandic Horses have wide backs, wide enough to be used as a table :-)

Photo by Yvonne Lemis of OZ: http://www.lemis.com/yvonne/

Icelandic Pony

2008-08-10T12:22:00.001-07:00

Icelandic Pony
Originally uploaded by piotr.pl

Megastrandrit

2008-08-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thousand Years in Iceland

2008-08-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ouch!

2008-08-06T21:14:00.001-07:00

No Noseband!

2008-08-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

No noseband on this Icelandic Horse! Isn't that GREAT!

Misty and Stjarni in Alaska

2008-07-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

This is Misty and Stjarni, Icelandic Horse, in Alaska:

River Trip with Lorraine

2008-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is Lorraine with Cookie, Icelandic Horse mare, taking a ride down by the trails of the Santa Margarita Riverbed.

IceHorses

2008-07-30T15:09:00.001-07:00

Astronaut Sunita Williams Pics Of Earth

view presentation

Icelandic Pony

2008-07-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

Icelandic horse
Originally uploaded by Arnold Bjornsson

Love this photo!

Icelandic Horse Crossing Water

2008-07-30T13:25:00.001-07:00

I'm coming
Originally uploaded by anna.andres

An Icelandic Horse picks it's way over the stones to get to the other side of the water.

Old Leira

2008-07-30T13:11:00.001-07:00

Old Leira
Originally uploaded by hkvam

Leira, Icelandic Horse, aged 25, laying down to rest.

Two Icelandic Horse Need Homes

2008-07-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is a mare and a gelding, aged in the teens, located in Georgia, who need homes. Have not been ridden in several years; a little summer eczema. The owner would like to sell them together.

Summer Eczema Sweet Itch

2008-07-29T09:54:00.001-07:00

Some Icelandic Horses can be victims of summer eczema (sweet itch). A higher percent of imported Icelandics develop SE than domestic Icelandic Horses.

From an owner of an SE horse:

We are at the height of the SE season here and at the time of year , when in the past, we have been in bad shape - no tail (rubbed off), scabby face, sores on chest and belly, etc.

I am happy to report that we are in much better shape this year and I really attribute it to being proactive before a problem developed. We do have some itchiness and scratching (the bugs are really bad right now) but nothing like we've had in the past - very much at a manageable level.

I started my Icelandic Horse mare on ground flax seed this winter and switched her to BOSS this spring (just because of the convenience) which I think helped her general skin condition. Then as soon as it got warm enough for bugs I started her on EquiSpot and I put SWAT and Desitin (used on alternating days - Swat 1 day, Desitin the next) on her ventral line. Now that the bugs are really bad I have started putting M-T-G under her front legs at the elbow (the bugs really like that area, too).

I think getting started on this regimen before we started seeing signs of SE made a huge difference - if you wait until you see the signs, it's like you never catch up. Even though she is still a little itchy, I wouldn't call her anymore uncomfortable than most horses this time of year.

I am soooo grateful because it is awful to see them suffer when they are eaten up with the cullicoide reaction. I went back and figured it up and my mare was in the states about 7-8 years before the SE developed.

Quicksand

2008-07-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

A story by Micki and Julie Collins, about their Icelandic Horses:

"Dropi was gasping. I was gasping too. The stout red and white Icelandic horse rolled partway onto his side, belly-deep in quicksand. Standing over him in shin-deep water, I urged him forward. As he lunged gamely, his nose splashed underwater, once, twice, three times before he paused again."

Read more here

Knol Article about Icelandic Horses

2008-07-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

An article about Icelandic Horses on Knol:

Icelandic Horse

Trausti and Cows

2008-07-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Trausti, Icelandic Horse, had a session of exposure to chasing cows.

DeSpooking

2008-07-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Some despooking practice sessions with Icelandic Horses:

Meg describes: Finding treats on shiny auto windshield sunscreen, under bucket, by the tarp and flag. (windy day. Our other horse was too nervous to come up to the scary tarp objects, but was watching his buddy with interest.