>>> I have a few questions since I've gotten conflicting information from >>> different breeders:
Lori, I should have asked: what do you plan to do with your Icelandic, and what gaits do you think you want? In other words, do you want an Icelandic with a strong trot, or do you never want to ride a trot? There are all variations in this breed, so it depends on what you need and you want. I'm a big believer that we should always pick the horse that's suitable for what we want to do, not buy a horse and try to make him do what we want. There are people who are happy with their trot-only Icelandic's, and some with very pacey Icelandic's, and of course, there are those happy with gaits in the middle. Are gaits the main trait you value? Are you looking for a show horse, a pleasure horse, or for a partner/companion...or some of all of the above? Do you have one sport you want to pursue, or are you, like many of us, a "dabbler"? Welcome to the list! (Sorry I forgot to say that earlier...) Karen Thomas, NC
