> While many of us on the list like to take credit for some of the > positive changes (such as they are) I personally don't think any of > the movers and shakers in Icelandics in Europe are the slightest bit > bothered one way or the other by what you lot over there, and us on > our little island, say on the internet about Icelandics.
The movers and shakers are insignificant. I think our aim is towards those who are looking and reaching out for newer, better information and wanting to learn about gaits, conformation, biomechanics, etc. Now there is a choice; no one *has* to train or ride their horses icelandic-style any more, just because everyone else does, or that's the only way people are teaching. And we are more educated and able to make better choices. It pleases me to see the changes in European owners that we have effected, such as with Hylling: http://iceryder.net/clickerhylling.html There probably always will be those who value their ego and show ribbons over the horse, versus those who are into horsemanship. The impact of what we say may not be immediately seen, but look at the positive changes over the long run. At least in the US, we are tipping the scales towards horsemanship, by the majority of us not buying into icelandic-style training and riding. That the USIHC is dedicated towards the minority is another story. Watch what your membership dues are supporting. Mic, don't underestimate yourself and what you are saying and what impact it is making on the Icelandic Horse world. Remember that little ripple... and the movement of the butterfly's wing.... YOU are very important! so is your message! Just keep on keepin' on. (and I can't get that Jambalaya song out of my head :-)) > I really think the answer, if there is one, lies in more "mainstream" > condemnation from the equine world as a whole, particularly in Europe > - like the article in Cavallo which caused a nice little storm in the > Icelandic world over here. That is true. However, we have such a small, tiny population of Icelandics in North America, that it doesn't really take the interest of general horse magazines. > Judy, when that article is complete, I think it would be well worth > while sending it to a few of the ordinary horse magazines rather than > just preaching to the converted (though I still want it for STP > please! ; )) Absolutely. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
