>>>> This is a nice recognition of Tosca's phlegmatic Icelandic temperment - >>>> says something for her 1/4 Peruvian DNA too. Or maybe they just thing >>>> her stocky little body makes a good roadblock.
Good girl! Honestly, I think the vast majority of Icelandic's are like that - IF they handled appropriately as youngsters and trained gently and with kindness. That's what I love about this breed! Sure, some in this breed are less brave than others, but I've never seen an Icelandic that was innately high-strung and nervous in the "about to jump out of his own skin" way. Most of the "brave" horses of other breeds seem like wimpy chickens compared to the super-bravest members of this breed. In contrast though, Nancy, I have several video copies of various official Icelandic "breeding evalutions." Many of the horses have been in saddle training about as long as Tosca has, some maybe less. The most common comment I heard from the judges (in the videos where I can understand what the judge is saying...)? Needs more speed...not fast enough... needs more lift...canter not fast enough...yada, yada... Most of the horses look nervous and rushed to me as they are, and way too many are fighting the bit and constantly breaking gait. I swear that's why so many of these horses bolt. Well, that and saddle fit/pain issues...and heavy-handed riding. I swear it's because the "breed people" have tried to take one of the most phlegmatic breeds (to borrow your word) and try to make them into fire-breathing speed demons from the very get-go, before they've learned anything about carrying a rider. It's nuts...when so many people with other breed horses would do anything to have the easy-going, dependable temperament of this breed. Sometimes I look back and shake my head, remembering how disabled I still was when I took my first ride on Sina...and Sina probably had no more than 10-12 rides on her at the time. I still had nerve damage in my leg and Cary had to virtually put me up on her. And I've never trusted a horse more than I trust that little mare. She was five when I bought her. She probably has a little more energy than Tosca from your descriptions (although we may be using different definitions - hard to say via e-mail) but she's just as dependable. Good girl...and good for you for getting her some good, basic training so she can be who she was meant to be! Karen Thomas, NC
