>> Will Covert DID have some success (as a FEIFInternational Judge) in getting them to listen - at least the Peruvian spade bit has been banned. All kudos to him, and especially to Sali Peterson who first made a noise to the USIHC about the use of the bit and got Will to go to FEIF with it.
Hi...my gut feeling was that they withdrew the Peruvian bit due to the fact that it is not an "Icelandic" piece of equipment. Will they also start disallowing other tack from other countries? Will they get to a point where only "Icelandic made" equipment is allowed? Then why the dropped noseband, I believe that it was Germany who introduced this to the Icelandic breed (??). I personally do not believe that disallowing the Peruvian bit was due to the fact that it is a harsh bit. Isn't the long shank Icelandic bit still allowed? I do hope they keep the pace on a straight track, I would hate to see horses being injured just for a blue. Can I ask what has the pace has been traditionally used for in Iceland? Getting from village to village as fast as possible or only in competition? Reason I ask, is if it's a risky gait for maneuvering curves and bends, it's not IMO...a gait that could be utilized for trail riding. I have only seen pace on the trail a few times, and then it was on a long straight open trail. It was a hoot to watch! The horses were indeed flying! Huginn and I were doing a tolt, then went into a canter...then went into a gallop and still we could not catch up. HA! BTW...I also do not believe that FEIF will start making big changes to their competition rules based solely on the whims of the USA. I think that when and if all countries with FEIF membership get on the same page...that is when change will start to happen. Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
