--- Kim Morton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Courtesy of the USIHC, what do you think about this > definition? > > http://www.icelandics.org/checklist.html#naturaltolter >
This part is pretty good: "Tolt This is the four-beat, lateral gait of the Icelandic Horse, which is very comfortable to ride. It is sometimes compared to the rack of the American Saddlebred, but there is a lot of variation in this gait, from horses which move somewhat like a Paso Fino to ones which tolt similar to the running walk of the Tennessee Walking Horse. The tolt is a natural gait, meaning that the horse is born with the ability to perform the gait (although it is best brought out by good training and riding), and it doesn't require the use of manipulative training devices, extreme shoeing, etc. A four-gaited horse will possess the tolt, in addition to the walk, trot and canter. An incorrect tolt is closer to two-beat than four-beat is the "Pig's Pace" (similar to the lateral gait sometimes seen in gaited breeds which rely on shoeing and training). A tolt/canter combination, sometimes seen in young, untrained horses, or in horses which mix their gaits, is the "Valhopp." Neither of these gaits are desirable, and they can be uncomfortable for the rider" It's just interesting. I haven't read their definitions in a long time. I remember reading this a long time ago, it was similar, but I don't think it used to include many soft gaits in tolt. I remember thinking it didn't actually offer much guidance for me, not knowing about gaits and trying to figure this out. Kim
