>That is a very interesting subject. I would wonder why they haven't >expanded their knowledge about gaits (accepting all the gaits on the gait >spectrum, allowing the fox trotting Icelandics to fox trot, as well as run >walk), including understanding more of the basics such as the biomechanics, >how conformation relates to gait, natural gait training, and going for more >finesse, rather than just the fluff of action and speed.
I suspect it's because all the fluff is a crowd pleaser among the Icelandic horse "in-crowd" - and one reason why Icelandics (I mean competition horses here) are often somewhat controversial in some European countries. >Yes, the cherry-picking is good, but I see a lack of understanding of what >they are picking. For instance, the dressage... why are they going straight >to rollkur? or applying more mechanical aids, in general not only in regard >to gaits, rather than less. Goodness knows. Maybe because you get fast results? >How about the shoulder-in at tolt? It can't be done, as we have seen, and >biomechanically, there are certain exercises that are for suppleness, which >can't be applied to gaits, especially rack / tolt (it actually defeats the >purpose and builds in a brace). I agree, but it's bloody difficult trying to persuade Icelandic trainers of that fact. I've tried.... >> >We need to see them; they need to be willing to show what they are doing. If >we don't see it, how do we know what they are doing? To be honest I don't think they really give a damn about international exposure - they're working quietly with their own horses, and having a nice time. Icelanders as a nation are renowned for being bloody awful at replying to letters or emails, and most of the Icelanders I know are far too busy to bother with things like the list, or updating websites, writing to magazines etc. The other thing is that in general, the more gentle training methods simply do not get good results in competition, so trainers who use them are not that popular among the serious competition riders. It's one thing that has completely put me off returning to competition riding - the more I watch the direction Icelandic competition is taking the less I want to be a part of it. Unless the horse has high action, heavy shoes and great speed he won't come anywhere (and I'm beginning to think you need to add "unless the rider is well known to the international judges" to that equation....). Judging in this country is a different matter, certainly in all but the most serious classes most people are along to have a good time. However even here, it's noticeable how much attitudes have changed over the past decade and how now the riders in the serious classes are much more ambitious and determined to win. Used to be a time those same riders would come along to fun shows, pleasure rides etc as well - these days we don't often see them except for at competitions. When a genuine natural trainer can come forward and win a big competition against the big boys on a naturally trained horse, then the big boys will start to listen. Until then, they will go their own sweet way, sadly for the horses. Unless we can completely change the perception of the audience and judges.... >Icelander. She asked if I would go there to film the horse in gait, and I >said yes, sure. The Icelander would not agree to being filmed. Who was the Icelander? >horse with a lead rope. He couldn't explain what he was doing or why or >what it was going to accomplish. Was it a case of he couldn't explain or he didn't bother to reply??? >If they are doing good stuff, they need to put it out there for review. >Interesting that none of them have done so, or will agree to do so. > I don't think it's that interesting, just some typical Icelandic apathy! ; )) Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
