--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, "Karen Thomas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I've seen a few small herds of Icelandic's elsewhere since, and now I have > my own herd: 25, with 18 of them Icelandic's. I guess that's another thing > that's dampened my "need" to go to Iceland. There are some nice herds here > in North America, and I feel lucky to have seen some of them. I feel like I > have seen Icelandic's in paradise, thanks to Anneliese. :) > There are some nice herds in North America, I do like to travel though and would not mind going to Iceland, I think it would be great. There is nothing like getting out of the country for a while. I can't say I would stay away just because I don't agree with how some things are done, if that were true, I couldn't have anything to do with any of the horse people in Kentucky, or probably most horse people for that matter. I hear horrendous things (I think) all the time, usually I try not to watch this stuff. I have now heard, and witnessed more than one person putting full blinds on a horse (to gain their trust), this is a hood with full plastic bubbles over the eyes, instead of part like on driving blinds. Someone makes these things, and it was explained to me that it makes the horse trust you. People know how I am with my horses, I try to be an example, I don't know what else to do. I can't stay away from all people who have these kinds of ideas, which also include hard bits and spurs and dominating the horse, they aren't really looking for better ideas, I don't even know if they know where to look. Maybe it is the same in Iceland for a lot of people. Some of the people who use these things really do care for their horses, I am sure people can't understand that, but I swear they just don't know better. A gentle horsemanship is still rather rare out here, unless it is just innate. In real life, I do try to be an example, I know it is clear to everyone in real life, that I go slowly, hopefully over time they will see the results of what really gaining trust gets you, and having patience. Giving respect to the horse. Waiting for spring now. Kim