RE: [IceHorses] Re: Another step in starting the mares...
I don't remember the reasoning, but the head down cue is supposed to help diffuse excitement and nervousness. Is it that it mimics eating and thus a soothing, calming memory related action or is it something physiological? I'll see if I can find more info on that. That's true, but I'm not exactly sure why either. For these mares, it's not a big deal, because they are all calm, confident mares - just unexposed to tack experiences. For us, it was as simple as knowing that a girth will self-tighten if the horse drops her head to the ground, and what better diversion in the drought than allowing them to grab a little bit of coveted grass. We save this sort of training until July-August usually because it's too hot for any of us, horses or humans, to be tempted to rush. Our next milestone will come early-mid August. The barn swallows usually vacate about August 4-7th or so, and within a day or so, we'll have the big horseflies back. I first noticed their departure date when we were starting Gracie under saddle about 9-10 years ago. All was going exceedingly well, until she got her first horsefly on her butt with a rider up...and that rider was I. As a lot of horses will do, she kicked out behind to get the fly off, and I instinctively leaned forward and grabbed mane. Wrong! That really triggered the mountain-lion-attack response and I got violently bucked off - and she stepped on my ankle in the process. I think the initial kick would have been a non-event, but my leaning forward and grabbing mane was too much for her. I'm much more careful now to do a lot of leaning over their necks, banging a little on their rumps, etc, before I ever get on. Plus, my horses are less reactive than Gracie was, and until I met Icelandic's, I thought Gracie was pretty darned calm! We will either mount the mares before the barn swallows leave or give them a few weeks after they've left, but I'll never mount another one the week they leave! Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.23/924 - Release Date: 7/28/2007 3:50 PM
RE: [IceHorses] Huginn Update 7/29 Sunday
That's so unfortunate. It is unfortunate, and we're all wishing Huginn a speedy recovery, and hoping for the best. However, I've been reading articles on equine influenza and apparently a horse that has had the virus and appears healthy again can still shed the virus for 9 days after all symptoms have disappeared. Scary isn't it? Strangles too can be undetectable, although in this case it sounds like that's been ruled out. It's a good reminder that we all need to be very careful about the symptoms we can see... and also those we can't. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.25/926 - Release Date: 7/29/2007 11:14 PM
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Huginn Update 7/29 Sunday
Do the others who had sick horses know what the bug was/what caused this?
i don't know...if they do, they were not willing to share the info
with debbie or me.
This is so incredibly selfish and unethical of this woman--does she
have any clue at all as to what she's been responsible for?!
oh yes...she knows what huginn has been through. :{
Re: [IceHorses] Huginn Update 7/29 Sunday
However, I've been reading articles on equine influenza and apparently a horse that has had the virus and appears healthy again can still shed the virus for 9 days after all symptoms have disappeared. Hi, What is bad about this situation is the fact that these women brought a snotty nose horse to the clinic. :[ Both she and her mother knew that other horses were ill back at their barn. IMO..the horses should never have been taken off the property. Because of their total disregard for the health and wellness of other people's horses, Huginn suffered horribly and had some very scary days. I am VERY grateful that my horse is getting better Raven Lucy Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] our oscar the cat horse
i heard or read somewhere that horses are masters of discerning intent. So when the farrier was doing his feet he was practically napping. when the farrier suddenly froze, went braced and stiff... maybe like a horse is when about to bolt? Maybe that was it. because he was in that farrier position doing the back leg where it is sorta resting on the farriers thigh i believe, or against his shoulder/forearm maybe... Maybe he felt all the farriers muscles lock up Tivar is so humorously grouchy btw :) It was so hot yesterday i saw he was sweaty. I took him and gave him a cool rinse. he enjoyed it tremendously for about ten minutes, then when he was finished and ready to go back to grazing he started acting grouchy, restless, doing these little nose poke at the air things. I scolded him and looked in his eye and when I did he immediately dropped his head contrite. He is very very, almost off the chart, perceptive. janice-- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Another step in starting the mares...
head down supposedly releases endorphins. Calms and soothes. I trained my berserk stonewall to do a head down and he will do it and then instantluyu go back to being too excited. but i have always noticed when we go to a new place and they emerge from the trailer nervous and blowy, if I will let them lower the head and graze a little then they settle down immediately. Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] horses reading people vibes
Cherie on Kolur and Cary on Skjoni, both geldings went into a slight hyper mode at the beginning of the first two rides. In this case, I don't think either Cary or Cherie were particularly nervous or uptight, but I suspect that somehow, the two geldings picked up each other vibes. The first time I brought Kolur and Brenna to Trish's was a very cool breezy day after a warm spell. Kolur was quite hyped up before we got there but as soon as he met Trish's Kopar his masculine energy went into overdrive. He lives with a mare so when he finds a gelding to hang with he gets very energized and excited and seems to really like Kopar in particular. (Just prior to this he was the picture of calm and collected leading three mares trail riding at Biltmore.) Subsequently Brenna bonded strongly with Cherie's Lilja but the energy was more about hanging out together away from the boys. So in these cases too the energy coming from the people was nothing compared to the energy from cool breezes, new horse buddy hormones, and being in a new place. Sue
Re: [IceHorses] My, what big noses you have...
--- Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tifa and Kola. Karen Thomas, NC Totally cute. I need to take more pics. I have to keep up. If I could only figure out how to send them. I have been going through kodac Happy Trails from Lori Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/
Re: [IceHorses] Another step in starting the mares...
interpret this dream I had just this weekend I dreamed someone GAVE me a mare so wonderful there was no way i could turn her down. She was just wonderful in every way, just a perfect horse. I was so excited when I took her home. I wanted to quarantine her for a while so I put her in a paddock separate from the rest. I went inside to relax a minute, heard a commotion, went out and my geldings had run berserk and tore out every fence I had and when i tried to control them they acted like I was invisible and were even turning the shed over, like a police riot or something. I think I have always wanted a mare cause its the only thing I've never had, but I fear them :) They can be so witchy and make the geldings insane :) Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
RE: [IceHorses] You want fat legs?
I have a TTH horse too...as well as a couple of IWH's. (That would be Icelandic Walking Horses... :) ) Ihave a I hah. That is hauling ass horse. excuse my french. LOL Happy Trails from Lori Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection. http://new.toolbar.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/norton/index.php
[IceHorses] Re: House Guest
--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, Judy Ryder [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here's a little video (maybe boring to watch). The criteria is, of course, very loose for her since it's her first time. http://iceryder.net/videoclickerpinto.html She's adorable:) Kim
Re: [IceHorses] Another step in starting the mares...
Oh no! Not another mare bigot. I am a huge fan of good geldings and would always rather ride one. And I have probably owned the witchiest Welsh pony mare ever born, but there are great mares, too, and mares who are never cranky and never exhibit in heat behavior. I have two here right now. At the boarding facility where Hunter lives, they have mare pastures and gelding pastures, but they will sometimes break the rules. There's a big black mare in the pasture where Hunter is and there is a gelding with two mare that our friends keep there. I really don't see the mares upsetting the geldings any more than any new horse would. Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] House Guest
Hi Judy Here's a little video (maybe boring to watch). The criteria is, of course, very loose for her since it's her first time. Nice videos showing the steps. One of the most valuable, IMO, about the clicker is that it teaches people to have patience and to break down an exercise into smaller parts. Instead of escalating pressure, it does the opposite, and makes it less. I have used the clicker for the halter as well and it carried with the horses forever, even years after and with a variety of people. I also used it with my son and his girlfriend's dog who was very adverse to a harness, collar anything that was put on him. He is very small - pom-Chihuahua cross. I broke it into several lessons, taking away the pressure of having to get the harness on. At first I just used it as a target, and then on the floor and raised the criteria to having him place a foot into it. It has worked really well so he no longer runs when he sees the harness. I also had done some clicker for the halter with a rather reactive mare. When we needed to sedate her she was incredibly reactive to the needle (unusual IME for Icelandics), after trying a variety of things unsuccessfully I said I would like to try the clicker. Within less than 2 minutes the mare was quietly sedated - I hadn't done any clicker training with this mare for over a year and yet she immediately remembered the process. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
Re: [IceHorses] Another step in starting the mares...
On 7/30/07 8:53 AM, Janice McDonald [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think I have always wanted a mare cause its the only thing I've never had, but I fear them :) They can be so witchy and make the geldings insane :) Janice Oh Janice You are generalizing! You need to expose yourself to Icelandic mares. Karen's or mine or any Icelandic mares for that matter. They advertise that they are in heat only when there is a stallion and they are witchy- bitchy - etc. only when a stallion tries to breed them when they are not ready and I understand that perfectly well. I realize that I am now generalizing about Icelandic mares. But I think I can because I have owned MANY Icelandic mares and never had a single moody one. Anneliese
Re: [IceHorses] House Guest
she is just too cool for school Judy :) Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] NH w/Icelandics
Judy, Where was this taken? I have been told my horse is too round, heavy and needs a diet. Now this horse is much bigger in weight in the neck that he is and I am thinking this is a mare. What a chunk and great training and movement. This looks like in my mind a draft pony should look like when the warriors rode them forever ago. There are definitely two different or more styles out there aren't there? Sylvia my tivar is real big but i really dont think he is that fat! He might be like on the brink of it, but if you look at a horse, to me fatness is in the belly but also on the back and mostly, the rump. When the backbone forms a little hollow that usually means too fat to me. But if a horse is just big and round all over, even big round legs and a heavy neck, it is just a big horse! Also, as a big person I can say this--- I took a fitness class one time and it was very embarassingly obvious at the start of day one that i was the fattest person in the whole room of about 40 people. Then she had us do resting pulse and active pulse and guess who was best? me! I was the most fit! I have also had a doctor tell me you are the healthiest fat woman i have ever seen as far as my cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides etc. So just because a horse is big and fat looking doesnt mean its unhealthy and overweight! just my fyi :) Its a sensitive subject for me haha Janice-- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] My, what big noses you have...
On 30/07/07, Janice McDonald [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: here is a cool schnoz, a Noz-Shnoz :) Janice Janice, what does the shape of the snip on his nose put you in mind of?? Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] head down
no, the head down is supposed to release endorphins altho the head down could be a sign of relaxation too :) janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] My, what big noses you have...
On 7/30/07, Wanda Lauscher [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 30/07/07, Janice McDonald [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: here is a cool schnoz, a Noz-Shnoz :) Janice Janice, what does the shape of the snip on his nose put you in mind of?? Wanda a catfish swimming :) a tadpole. a fleur de lis, a star, a comet, but the white commas of nose hair on each side makes me think of a tadpole swimming. what do you see?? Janice-- yipie tie yie yo
[IceHorses] horse friends
I am so proud my horses come up to me and say hello at liberty. Yesterday I gave them turnout in the front area and they all sauntered over to say hello now and then. Three even came over for at-liberty hosing off heat relief while I was watering the roses. That is the best feeling. janice -- yipie tie yie yo
RE: [IceHorses] Re: Another step in starting the mares...
I'm much more careful now to do a lot of leaning over their necks, banging a little on thei Are some of my posts coming through to everyone else chopped off mid-sentence? I've noticed it 2-3 times now, but when I've checked, they've look fine in my outbox. Also, I sent this one yesterday mid-morning, but it didn't show up from yahoo until this morning about 6:30am, and it's been whacked oddly. A couple of mine last week went through about 4:30am...and I promise, I am not up doing e-mail at that hour. :) Sometimes yahoo is just weird... Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] A skewed perspective
she looks wormy too. :) Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] horse friends
Janice wrote: I am so proud my horses come up to me and say hello at liberty. You should be proud, but not just of your horses. This speaks to your work at developing that kind of relationship with your horses. congratulations! Jean
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Another step in starting the mares...
I'm much more careful now to do a lot of leaning over their necks, banging a little on thei Are some of my posts coming through to everyone else chopped off mid-sentence? I got the one above OK, as it said: I'm much more careful now to do a lot of leaning over their necks, banging a little on their rumps, etc, before I ever get on. Plus, my horses are less reactive than Gracie... I sent this one yesterday mid-morning, but it didn't show up from yahoo until this morning about 6:30am, and it's been whacked oddly. I got it this morning, too, but no whacking. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Tolt / Gait
Hi everyone,I would like to show my friend a video of a Icelandic tolting. Could someone send me a linkI can't seem to find one. Here's a saddle rack - and the best I can tell, that's probably the most common sort of tolt naturally found in this breed without resorting to force or mechanical devices. http://youtube.com/watch?v=xHdab8atoiA Not all Icelandic Horses tolt. You will see them offer other gaits naturally, such as the fox trot, running walk, stepping pace, etc., as well as the saddle rack. The gait of tolt can be had by mechanical means, some of which include: [] Saddles, the tight narrow icelandic saddles, some of which have extended bars. [] Bits, snaffles, icelandic, pessoas, anything that doesn't fit the horse and makes him high-headed or tense. [] Tight nosebands [] Icelandic shoes, or heavier than normal shoes, or unequally weighted shoes [] Whips [] Heavy contact [] Sitting on the back of the saddle [] Concussive practices Some of these things are used in, or in training preparation for evaluations and competitions. Using gaits made by mechanical means is not a good basis for evaluating breeding potential. In advertising a competition, someone said: here is a chance to learn what a true icelandic horse competition is like. all the classes are designed especially for icelandics and only icelandics can compete. So, what is a true icelandic horse competition? Is it a good thing? Should we hold it in esteem? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
RE: [IceHorses] Re: Another step in starting the mares...
I got it this morning, too, but no whacking. Hmm, maybe The Sopranos own my Internet service provider, if I'm the only one getting whacked. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: [IceHorses] Another step in starting the mares...
I realize that I am now generalizing about Icelandic mares. But I think I can because I have owned MANY Icelandic mares and never had a single moody one. Anneliese does have some awfully sweet mares, and I think I do too. Seriously, I can really only think of one real disadvantage to having a mare. If you ride at a public place where you need to tie your horses overnight, there's the possibility of someone else's stallion getting loose and getting to your mare. That's not literally the mare's problem though, but a consideration nonetheless. I don't worry about that when riding most places though, and certainly not with friends or at home. I have about equal numbers of favorite horses who are mares and geldings...and of course, one of my all time favorites is Melnir, who was a stallion until two months ago. Cary's two favorite horses on our farm are probably Maja and Skjoni - one each. I can't honestly say that I have a gender preference. The other complication comes with keeping a single mare on the property with intact males, especially within sight, as I think is Janice's situation. A stallion may be jealous of the mare and the geldings being together, and if the stallion should escape his pasture, he might not only breed the mare but also fight the geldings. I wouldn't want to keep a single mare separated with no friends, so that could be a management issue. I still don't think that's the mare's fault though, it's just what it is. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[IceHorses] Zimba
Here's a video of Elisabeth and Zimba. I thought some of the listees who have offspring from Zimba might enjoy seeing this video. It's at the bottom of the page: http://iceryder.net/videoelisabeth.html Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] My new farrier is a GOD
My new farrier came today and he is so wonderful, he is a GOD! He prefers to start with the hard ones first while his energy is highest. So I got Daisy the donkey. Farriers have usually used a neck rope on her in the past, but this guy (Ben) talked to her and proceeded to trim all 4 feet with absolutely NO problems. So he passed the donkey test with flying colors! Next came my yearling, Vinney, and he was fine for him, as well. He got a little impatient on his last foot, but he is just a baby. Ben doesn't fight the horses, he just goes with them, and they settle immediately. When we got to Raven, I forgot about Raven's Vet phobia and strange men. I bragged about how she was the patient one (she let me rasp her feet and each foot took me an hour!) threw him the lead rope and ran inside to get some water. When I came out, I saw Raven freaking out and remembered her phobia about thinking strange men are going to give her a shot. I took the lead rope, settled Raven down, picked up a foot and gave it to Ben, then she realized what he was, let out a big sigh and became the horse I bragged about. Her feet probably have the worst flair of all my horses. Ben explained it's because she has a really thick hoof wall and when they grow out, they don't chip and break, but instead flair out. And that is why my hard, tough footed horses are owey on gravel. When they flair, the hoof wall seperates and it is like peeling back your fingernail from the bed! That is why taking off the flair and beveling the edges are so important! Especially in this part of the country where it is so dry and the hooves are so hard. Raven is worse because of her healthy hoof! It is so thick, it doesn't break off on it's own. When he got done with her feet, they looked better than the entire time I've had her since she was a baby! She does not have platter feet! Finally, a farrier that addresses flairs! My previous farriers have tried to tell me it's just the shape of her feet every time I've asked about flair! Plus, someone to tell me WHY beveling the edges and doing a mustang roll is necessary, especially out here and especially with her type of hoof. Afterwards, he spent 45 minutes with me showing me how to use a rasp and discussing feed and the hoof. OH - HE ARRIVED 15 MINUTES EARLY TO BOOT!!! I am going to build an effigy and worship my new farrier! Susan in NV Nevermore Ranch http://users.oasisol.com/nevermore/ Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mailp=graduation+giftscs=bz
Re: [IceHorses] House Guest
she is just too cool for school Judy :) Ha! I think she'll be in school for a while :-) I did get a fly mask on her face today, so that's good. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Oat Hay
Maybe you got really green oat hay before the grain heads came in? You should still see some seed heads in the yellow oat hay, otherwise you are just paying for straw. It was years ago I got some green Oat Hay. It was one of those times that I got a delivery when I wasn't home and when I called the supplier, he said it should be just fine, but it wasn't... A moot point, since we can't seem to get Oat hay anymore anyway... Ferne
Re: [IceHorses] Zimba
THAT is the coolest calmest horse! a stallion! does he pass his sane calm temperament to his offspring?? how awesome. Janice
Re: [IceHorses] Zimba
On 7/30/07, Judy Ryder [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here's a video of Elisabeth and Zimba. I thought some of the listees who have offspring from Zimba might enjoy seeing this video. It's at the bottom of the page: http://iceryder.net/videoelisabeth.html When were these taken? I tried to look at them to see how Elisabeth looked, since I haven't seen her for several years now. Since I have dialup, I don't get very far with the videos. Where were these taken? E looks nice and tan. Ferne
[IceHorses] Amy Tryon Speaks Out on FEI Case
Amy Tryon Speaks Out on FEI Case http://equisearch.com/equiwire_news/nancy_jaffer/tryonspeaksout_072707/ Raven Lucy Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] House Guest
this is tivar when i'm putting on his fly mask: tries to use it as a face scratcher, shoving me half way around the yard, me wrestling it around, then I get aggravated and give his shoulder a whack, he immediately stands nicely and calm, head sorta down, sorta contrite, then I go to put it on he lays his ears flat so I can't get them up inside the little ear thingies. I have a few times actually shoved up a wad of forelock hair into the ear thingie thinking it was his ear. if i take too long at this point he will start walking off like oh for... like he gave me a half minute, if i cant get a fly mask on in a half minute then i dont deserve his time, his time is so valuable you know. If he needs ointment where he's rubbed on something he will fight it like he suspects I am trying to shove deadly arsentic up his nostril or something, but if I start petting his forehead real hard, sorta scrubbing on it, he will stand there all day for that. so you have to scrub his face with one hand while smearing ointment with the other, getting ointment all over yourself. then there is always that window where he will be good and give me a chance to get it done so I will leave him alone. then when i'm done and totally convinced he just hates my guts I will say good boy and give him a pet and walk away and he will actually follow me everywhere like a dog. I swear he would even follow me into the house. explain that! he is a big mystery. Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
[IceHorses] Weight-Carrying Ability
Here's some information about the weight-carrying ability of Icelandic Horses: http://iceryder.net/weight.html Have we heard a trainer, breeder, or seller of Icelandic Horses claim that the horses can carry a 300 lb man all day? Is this true? Is it logical? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] House Guest
One of the most valuable, IMO, about the clicker is that it teaches people to have patience and to break down an exercise into smaller parts. Instead of escalating pressure, it does the opposite, and makes it less. Thanks, Robyn, for mentioning this. my son and his girlfriend's dog who was very adverse to a harness, broke it into several lessons, taking away the pressure of having to get the harness on. At first I just used it as a target, and then on the floor and raised the criteria to having him place a foot into it. Very good example of breaking it down. Nicki, who owns Fridur, came up with the chunk it down expression :-). Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] The Nature of Icelandics
You need to expose yourself to Icelandic mares. I think Icelandics are generally quiet in herds, but some can do injury to newcomers! Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] What Gaits
Here's a nice video for those who are studying gaits: http://iceryder.net/videogaitgalco.html Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] What Gaits
What a lovely lovely mare. I like the way she uses her head and neck - really no resistance until the riders backs her. I would like to see her a little happier and less resistant when she backs. Is she for sale? Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] House Guest
Hi Judy Very good example of breaking it down. Nicki, who owns Fridur, came up with the chunk it down expression :-). We have used the express chunk it down for about 20 years so I think it came from lots of sources. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
Re: [IceHorses] A picture for Wanda
30/07/07, Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wanda, I know you can't tolerate heat well, so here's a picture that might cool you off. This is Flekka, obviously taken a few months back! Karen Thomas, NC Sighdoesn't that look lovely Thanks
RE: [IceHorses] House Guest
then when i'm done and totally convinced he just hates my guts I will say good boy and give him a pet and walk away and he will actually follow me everywhere like a dog. I swear he would even follow me into the house. explain that! he is a big mystery. Tivar really does seem to talk with his ears, maybe more than any horse I've ever met. It helped me to start decoding him when I began to pay attention to degrees of ears back. I don't think he's usually really upset unless his ears are flat back against his head. He seems to put them sort of back when he's just wary, or maybe even thinking about stuff, and not particularly upset. I eventually began looking more at his neck and head for tale-tell signs of tension, because he really will tense his neck and raise his head when he's not happy. Have you noticed his neck and head position during these times - I think it might help to add up all the clues from his whole body, but you've probably already figured that out. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Weight-Carrying Ability
On Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:27:55PM -0700, Judy Ryder wrote: Have we heard a trainer, breeder, or seller of Icelandic Horses claim that the horses can carry a 300 lb man all day? i've never heard an icelander make such claims. it is however common practice in iceland to go out on a trip with multiple horses, so that you can change horses (perhaps several times a day) and the others rest when they're not taking their turn carrying you. so i don't think it's typical in iceland to ride a single horse on an all-day trip. i love your webpage with tips for horses for large people! i will be printing this out and posting it in my barn for the benefit of some of our larger riders and people (like me!) who sometimes have large people riding their horses. --vicka
[IceHorses] New Icelandic Lover!
Had one of my friends ride Lukka last week. She had never ridden in an english saddle or on a Icelandic. She was very worried. Even told me she could hardly sleep thinking about the ride the next day. Her daughter owns two paints that she has ridden. She had a fabulous time. She was way up ahead of me totally enjoying herself and the horse. I talked to her today and she said she had been on the internet looking at Icelandics for sale. I will have to remind her that Lukka is a special girl and they all aren't as nice (beginner safe) as her when and if she goes looking. So MN/Wisconsin breeders/sellers I may have a new buyer for you.
Re: [IceHorses] Zimba
THAT is the coolest calmest horse! a stallion! does he pass his sane calm temperament to his offspring?? how awesome. Janice We have a daughter of his, and she's awesome! Here is a little article that I wrote about her last year with a pic: http://home-n-stead.com/homestead/homesteadingarticles/ naturaly_natural.html and here's a pic with her winter coat (scroll down) http://home-n-stead.com/about/blog.html My daughter is continuing to lightly ride her this year (she's 3 and my daughter is 85 lbs). She sometimes uses her to go fetch the cows at the back of the pasture (1/2 mile deep), and she has a ball. She often rides her around with nothing at all on her head. Last week, my daughter was picking berries at the back of the pasture and suddenly had to go potty. She jumped on Lina and cantered straight up to the house without anything at all. She's a lot of fun, but she can also be a real stinker if she's mad about something... she seems like she's part mule :-). For example, my daughter started a new horse recently and it seems as if Lina is very jealous. She acted rather nonchalant, but the first time that my daughter went to ride her again she played all kinds of naughty tricks. Her intelligence and perceptivity is unlike any horse I've ever known. She's not afraid of anything and loves to trail ride.. hates to turn around to go home, like she's looking forward to seeing what's around the next bend. Meg
Re: [IceHorses] House Guest
On 7/30/07, Janice McDonald [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: this is tivar when i'm putting on his fly mask: Gloi is very cooperative with his fly mask as long as you did not put it on too tight the day before. Once I got the right amount of looseness he is very cooperative. You would think it is way too loose. If some one puts it on too tight, he will take it off and won't let you put it on the next day. Anna
Re: [IceHorses] Weight-Carrying Ability
I have wondered about the Icelandic method of riding several horses during a trip. I think the US Calvary and some large ranch outfits had the same practice. Don't the extra horses still have to cover the same amount of ground? How much easier for them do you suppose it is to cover say 25 miles unencumbered as compared to traveling the same amount of miles with a rider? Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] What Gaits
What a lovely lovely mare. I like the way she uses her head and neck - really no resistance until the riders backs her. I would like to see her a little happier and less resistant when she backs. Is she for sale? Yes, she is. It's one of Anita Howe's, from Howe They Walk: http://howetheywalk.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxdWp6suaa8 Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Zimba
Her intelligence and perceptivity is unlike any horse I've ever known. She's not afraid of anything and loves to trail ride.. hates to turn around to go home, like she's looking forward to seeing what's around the next bend. Hi Meg, thanks for the input on Lina! I put her pictures on the same page with Zimba, so people can see Dad and Daughter together :-). Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Weight-Carrying Ability
Have we heard a trainer, breeder, or seller of Icelandic Horses claim that the horses can carry a 300 lb man all day? i've never heard an icelander make such claims. Here's an excerpt (attached) from an article written from an interview with Steinar, Diddi's son. That's just one instance; I believe it's been stated by other imported trainers with the amount at 250 lbs. On one breeder's site, in regard to a horse for sale, it includes the following comment: the professional trainers from Iceland that saw her say she could easily carry 350 lbs. In a horse magazine, one importer says: Icelandics are powerful enough to carry a 300-pound man over tough terrain on long trail rides. it is however common practice in iceland to go out on a trip with multiple horses, so that you can change horses (perhaps several times a day) and the others rest when they're not taking their turn carrying you. so i don't think it's typical in iceland to ride a single horse on an all-day trip. Yes, I think that's true. I don't understand why they would try to change that to say differently just to sell horses, when it's not true and may not be in the best interests of the horse. i love your webpage with tips for horses for large people! i will be printing this out and posting it in my barn for the benefit of some of our larger riders and people (like me!) who sometimes have large people riding their horses. Great; thanks! Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com attachment: articlesteinar2a.jpg
