--- Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> And Icelandic horses are not typically 13.2-14.2H. Average is more
like 13.1-ish, MAYBE 13.2H, measured the honest-with-a-stick method.
I think the average range is more like what we saw posted until the
height inflation of the past couple of years, about 12.2H-14.0H, with
not many making the 14.0H mark... a few probably, but not many.
Yes, I think the range creeps up a little, however we have discussed
that the Icelandic people measure a little differently that we do
therefor making them seem taller than they are, though I do not think
that is the point, as they do not value height as Americans do.
However, really, who came up with using the withers for height? I
think it is frankley a stupid place to measure to. I do not sit on
the withers, so why should that matter? I would like to see people
measure to the middle of the back, now that measurement is important
to me as that is where my butt is, and it would be a better
indication of how far I will fall when it happens, and it does from
time to time..... :)
>
> What does it mean that Icelandics are the most popular breed in
> Germany?
> That they are the most common breed in Germany? I've never heard
> that
> before - is it true? I thought I'd read that there are maybe
> 500,000-1,000,000 horses in Germany...and haven't I read that there
> are
> about 50,000 Icelandics in Germany...? What I DO think I've read
> before is
> that there are more Icelandic's in Germany than in any country
> outside
> Iceland, but never before that they are the most popular breed in
> Germany...?
I think they are the faster growing breed over there, at least that
is what I have read, but that info. could have been incorrect as
well.
>
> For the record, we are hesitant for 235-pound Cary ride just any of
> our
> Icelandics, although Skjoni, Falki...and even Eitill never seem to
> notice
> the extra weight. Many DO notice when he's up, so we try to
> condition any
> he will ride before he rides them, we don't except any of the young
> horses
> to carry him. And frankly, I don't think some Icelandics simply
> should
> never carry someone as big as he is. Even so, he doesn't get on
> Skjoni or
> Falki and take off for an all-day ride when they are out of shape.
Well, I weigh more than that, and when I get on Foss he does not even
notice, infact he can pick up his hind leg and scratch himself with
it like a dog when I am on him if he wants....very strong boy.
I have one here who is a tank, not as tall as Foss (Foss is 14 hands,
really....) but bigger bone and wider.....and he carries weight like
its nothing to him.....
I have others here that are not as strong, it really depends, and it
depends on how well balanced the heavy rider is......
I have lost about 40 pounds or so these past few months, so riding is
easier for me, and I am sure my horses as well!
I know that all the Icelandics here carry me better than my 15-2 appy
mare I used to ride........
S. Lee
~~~~Fire Island Farms~~~~
Breeding Quality Icelandic Trail Horses
Certified Farrier Services
'Natural Balance' Shoeing and Trimming.
Founder, Navicular options for your horse.
808-640-6080
