>>>> I think many Icies have an inherent desire to go quickly wherever they go. This is masked by the fact that they are so calm and peaceful when working with them from the ground.
I really don't believe that is true, Laree. I have no doubt that some horses are innately more energetic than others, but I'm very skeptical that there's a very wide range of energy levels in this breed. The Icelandic horses that I know that are noticeably quicker in their tempo are ones who have been taught that's their default....And believe me, there are PLENTY of inherently SLOW horses in this breed. Sure, Skjoni has more "pep" (for lack of a better word) than Trausti, but neither one is exactly a speed demon when relaxed. And when I use the word "pep", I'm speaking of a willingness to go forward with enthusiasm that but with no nervousness/edginess/wariness associated. I'd even go so far as to say, initial training equal, there is less range of inherent energy-levels in this breed than, say, within Arabs or QH for instance. The key is looking at a range of horses who've been trained the same. Unfortunately, way too many Icelandic's have had some of the rushed type speed-is-the-only-goal-training at some point in their lives, and it's very hard to separate what they WANT to do, from what they have been trained to believe they SHOULD do. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.31/1129 - Release Date: 11/13/2007 9:22 PM
