>>>> just because I want to always go on record as to not perpetuate any >>>> stereotypes... I have owned/own three icelandics. All three were/have >>>> been pistol balls. They are not "sweet" little darling munchkins, little >>>> darling lambs all docile and cuddly.
As far as Nasi, well, ALL the little colts are pistol balls, but seriously, it seems to change as they mature. At three, Nasi is still a baby, full of beans! I'd bet Anneliese isn't even aware what she calls her young colts - Cary thinks it's a hoot, and that's what he calls our colts. (Hint: it's not a "sweet" nickname!) But Stali...? Surely that was the sweetest, longest suffering horse I can imagine... >>> Tivar, he aint gonna take nothing if he dont think its fair, and he'll do >>> whatever it takes. And you gotta respect that, admire it. But again, he >>> is not lovey dovey little fluffy baby bunnee stuffed animal horse. in fact >>> I dont even know where you guys get this, thats how vastly different my own >>> icelandic experience is. Tivar is an extreme in his personality - as in being possibly the least stoic, and most vocal Icelandic I've ever met. Don't get me wrong - I love him for those traits, but he's not typical along those lines. But, I think Tivar is VERY sweet...one of the sweetest Icelandic's I've ever met. Yeah, when he came here, he was all defensive, very pissy over the smallest thing, but once he relaxed and got physically better he would do anything in the world to please his people - and I can think of no other word to describe his willingness to please except "sweet." No, he's not the cuddliest horse in some ways, certainly not to people he doesn't know, but his willingness to try just melts my heart. But the real deal I see, Janice...? You adore the "brattiness" of your horses. You dote on them for being unique "personalities" and there's nothing in the world wrong with that, since I know you also make sure they are ultimately well-behaved and mannerly. I just want to point out that each of us sees a little of what we want to see in our horses... Nothing wrong with that either, within reason, of course. :) Karen Thomas, NC
