Re: [IceHorses] No training days
>I decided to take a couple of days off clicker training. More of a > retreat and regroup while I organise a plan Maybe she is addicted > to clicker training. Is that something to be worried about? >If I take too long to click her she briefly turns and nudges me > to turn and toss my arm over her head and do a quick nod. Try to go with a plan of what behavior is acceptable and what is not. You can decide that if the horse touches you, at any point in time, you will leave and the game / training session is over. After a break, whenever you decide you want to try again, you can start a new session, with the same criteria. If she touches you, game over; you and the treats leave. She'll get the idea. You can redefine your level of acceptable behavior from her as you go along. Your next step may be that she cannot bring her head into your space bubble at all. If she violates the rule, you leave, clicker, treats, and all. You control the parameters of behavior. Here's a thread on mugging from the ClickRyder list: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ClickRyder/message/67551 Looking forward to more Ofeig videos! Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] Icelandic Horses Need Time to Settle In
After so many reports of Icelandic Horses bolting and / or running away, we first started letting people know that they need time to settle in, in 1998; and here is one of the early postings with the advice to let them settle in: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/IcelandicHorse/message/17138 It was also included in this article on the website, about 9 years ago: http://iceryder.net/buying.html I'm glad to hear that Gudmar is learning from us and letting people know that some Icelandic Horses may take a year to settle in. I would like to see more of his words and actions jive together. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] What Gait / Elephant
http://iceryder.net/videogaitelephant.html Slo-mo included. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] It's cold
> > One evening while talking with my husband I said - "It is SO nice to > walk dogs in decent weather again. This morning it was 12 degrees!" > He just laughed. But it really is amazing what a few degrees above > zero can do for you. > i work in a fla beach town. Sometimes at lunch we laugh cause you can always tell the snowbirds in their shorts and us in our sweaters and long johns. Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] What gait elephants?
> > That would be understandable if she were an Icelandic poodle - I was > surprised that no one mentioned "leads" when I first joined these lists - > apparently not a consideration in Icelandic showing. Go figure. > > > Karen Thomas, NC > i love this thing nasi does when curly ray is trying to show dominance and mounts him. He is so short he has to stand on his tippy toes and nasi will just start walking, change leads, walk, change leads, walk, its almost like weaving, almost pretty. he does it every time. He is just having fun making poor curly ray work harder for his "dominance" haha Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] Blizzard
HAHAHA gotta LOVE the tongue! Wanda that is classic!! janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] What gait elephants?
well, actually, Liz told me some runningwalk. I think ruby trots but sometimes she goes so fast i think its a speed rack. Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] It's cold
The past couple of weeks have been pretty cold here in Montana as well. In addition to training dogs I also do private hour long dog walks/hikes for some clients as well. It had dipped down to -11, -14, etc. After about a week the temps started to warm back up. One evening while talking with my husband I said - "It is SO nice to walk dogs in decent weather again. This morning it was 12 degrees!" He just laughed. But it really is amazing what a few degrees above zero can do for you. Yesterday it warmed to 42 above - a heat wave really. We are supposed to dip back down to frigid later this week. Sarah in MT
Re: [IceHorses] What gait elephants?
>>> We had a standard poodle that was forever on the wrong lead. That would be understandable if she were an Icelandic poodle - I was surprised that no one mentioned "leads" when I first joined these lists - apparently not a consideration in Icelandic showing. Go figure. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] What gait - Runa #2
I would say canter...I'm almost always wrong on these pictures though... Bia Not this time. She was indeed cantering. Runa is a "goey" Icelandic by my definition. That means she canters pretty much the second she hears the word. No one has cantered her under saddle yet, but at liberty, you don't have to get down on both knees and beg and plead like with some. Of course, compared to that hot mare in the Parelli "Impulsion" video, I'm sure she's a total deadhead - it's all a matter of what your frame of reference is. :) Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] What gait elephants?
Cary told me I was gait-obsessed the day I noticed > Carmen the cat pacing - but then, he agreed that she does indeed pace. We had a standard poodle that was forever on the wrong lead. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] What gait elephants?
The elephant is executing a gait not known to man nor beast. I think they have the front feet moving forward together and then the hind feet moving forward together. Somehow all I can visualize from that description would be some giant inch-worms sliding along! How funny! :) >>> But this got me to wondering what gait elephants actually do. Hard >>> pace? Elephants "lumber" right - whatever that means!?!? Seriously, I'm not sure. Our good gait-ally Liz is just back from studying the gaits of elephants in Thailand. We should ask her. I'm pretty sure that camels pace - as does one of my barn cats. Cary told me I was gait-obsessed the day I noticed Carmen the cat pacing - but then, he agreed that she does indeed pace. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] What gait - Runa #2
I would say canter... I'm almost always wrong on these pictures though... Bia
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
horses are like dogs, very very into consistency and daily routine, time schedules etc. I very very rarely pack up and go for a ride in the afternoon. i almost exclusively ride in a routine of get up before day, feed, go out an hour or two later, around 7 or so and get the horse caught up and loaded. My horses know when I do this we are going for a ride. yesterday I had all the horses out in my front yard and on spur of the moment a friend called around 2 PM., i ran out and loaded Jaspar, started the truck, looked up thru the windshield and oh my gosh you would think I was a child abductor. My entire herd was gathered in front of the trailer, snorting, blowing, whirling and bolting, calling... even curly who hates jaspar, and Tivar, who normally wont be disturbed from his hay even if a cannon went off by his head was one of the most upset. I was so amused really. When I came home they met me at the gate when they heard the deisel engine and I had to shoo them so I could pull in. Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
its not my imagination, i swear, but every time I load Tivar up before daylight or after daylight he is upset, calls out the trailer window, acts very grumpy and restless in the trailer. me and my husband always say "tivar thinks he is going to california" haha Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] What gait elephants?
On 28/01/2008, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Okay ladies, you have completely ruined everything for me. I was just > watching a segment of Barbie, Island Princess (a cinematic classic) with > Brenda. The elephant is executing a gait not known to man nor beast. Yes, Nancy. You've caught the bug. I watch everything move now .even Sophie. Wanda
[IceHorses] What gait elephants?
Okay ladies, you have completely ruined everything for me. I was just watching a segment of Barbie, Island Princess (a cinematic classic) with Brenda. The elephant is executing a gait not known to man nor beast. I think they have the front feet moving forward together and then the hind feet moving forward together. But this got me to wondering what gait elephants actually do. Hard pace? Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
>>> When I used to import horses from Iceland fairly regularly, most of them >>> settled really well in about 6 weeks or so, though occasionally one >>> would take longer. It wasn't that the horses were afraid, once they had >>> got over seeing big trees/huge horses/walking on the wrong side of the >>> road etc, it was more that they seemed very, very tired, and sometimes >>> depressed. But only a couple of times did it take more than 6 months. >>> One of those was my beloved Kalsi, but then he came with a fair bit of >>> baggage. The "with baggage" part I can understand - if the horse has never been given any reason to trust people, then it would make sense that any change might be more scary to him. As far as the "tiredness" or "depression" - whatever it is - I'd have to ask how long it takes for a horse to travel from Iceland, to for instance, KY, or from Iceland to Wales? In the USA, I believe they fly directly from Iceland into NYC, stay in quarantine for a day or two, then can be trailered to their final destination...? If that's true, a horse could make it from Iceland to KY in notably less time than one coming by trailer from British Columbia to NC. I would say if you looked at my horses' most superficial behaviors, most people would have said they didn't need ANY period of adjustment. But, after seeing how different they were a year later, I think most needed that long to FULLY adjust. It was subtle, especially for some, but I feel sure they all grieved and worried some. Think about us changing jobs for instance. We may know immediately that we like a new job, but it takes a while for the routine to become such that we feel truly "at home" with the change. And, if we changed jobs, odds are we had a clue what the new job would entail - a horse makes a move without any inkling of what's coming up. That has to be worrisome to them. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
>>> Karen, I don't think that a year for a horse to settle into a new >>> country is unreal. I'm very well aware that it takes horses a while to settle in a new environment. I've brought about 20 Icelandic's into NC, several literally even "imported" from Canada. I have one who was born in Iceland, who then went to south Florida, before coming to NC - three entirely different areas re: terrain,climates, and vegetation. He wasn't terrified, and really settled about as quickly as any horse I've had. I have one horse who came from the American southwest desert about 2500 miles away. Even the terrain/vegetation even in the desert of British Columbia (where several of mine are from) is quite different from NC. We have different kind of shade and shadows here, falling rustling leaves from deciduous trees, (not many deciduous trees in BC or in the desert southwest) and many things that are terribly different from what they are used to. I have yet to see a horse come to NC who is "terrified" of such mundane things as fences and roads, or falling leaves or wind blowing through the trees. I HAVE seen them take in a few new sights with a slightly questioning look, but not with anything even vaguely approaching "terror." Not even Angie, who I got as a project horse because she is supposedly so "nervous." (I don't consider her unduly nervous - she's settling in nicely.) This isn't the first time I've heard of an import being "terrified" of virtually everything. Why is that? I DO believe that all horses grieve at least a little when they leave a comfortable home, but I'm not sure why the adjustment from Iceland should be so very different than, say, the adjustment from British Columbia to NC, or from South Florida to NC, or from Arizona to NC. I suspect the loss of friends and familiarity is a bigger part of the shock than merely moving from one "country" to another - I don't think horses have any concept of country. >>> He had just arrived when the Kentucky show was going on and that in >>> itself had to create a lot more commotion to his already stressed big >>> move. My next question would be why drag a horse so poorly and incompletely adjusted to his new home out to a show so quickly...?For bragging rights, to show him off because he's so big...? Why not wait until he was better settled, and the horse is over his grief? Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Horses that Rush
Bev reported that Tosca trembled and handled her first steep muddy section of trail very badly. The second time she went down the same section of trail, she tucked her hind quarters and slid like an experienced little mountain horse. If all those other things (saddle fit, bit/no bit, teeth) are in place, sometimes it takes "tincture of time". > I agree that time can fix a lot of minor problems. And, how many young trail horses will "jump" over their first twig on the ground until they get enough perspective to realize that's simply a waste of effort? A good many, although honestly, I can't say that I've seen much over-reacting in this breed at all, not with our gently-started horses. With a calm, sensible breed like this one, gently started, I'd expect Tosca's reaction to be fairly typical - a question or two on the first outings, then down to business like old pros. Gee, aren't we lucky? :) Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] No training days
I decided to take a couple of days off clicker training. More of a retreat and regroup while I organise a plan. Well I still do maintainance with some carrots and otherwise they get feed in a bowl as before the clicker training. This is definitely not acceptable to Ofeig. She wants the training please. In fact I'm altogether worried that she is too bonded to me. Is that possible? Maybe she is addicted to clicker training. I'm all for any type of positive training, but that said, I have definitely encountered a few horses that had become clicker junkies. Seriously, I've seen a couple who got so worked up trying to "guess" what would get them a click and treat that they would actually stop thinking, and resort to simply "doing" rotely, and in a demanding way. There are ways to misapply any type of training technique - no matter how hard we try to get things right the first time. We're human, and they're horses, so we make a few mistakes... :) Taking a few days off until you get inspired on how to proceed is probably a wise move. Maybe you could try adding in some other positive groundwork games, some that aren't so food-based? TTEAM, Parelli Seven Games, Lyons, Dorrence Horses can become pretty tuned-in, responsive and participatory learners even without food rewards. I do give my horses treats at times, but they are also generally pretty tuned-in even without food. Is this your first horse? Your first clicker-training experience? Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] What gait, Runa?
Runa looks to be on the RW side of things to me. I think she has that sweeping back end for it too. I am not even CLOSE to being good at guessing, but I do know a horse that does a RW has to have that sweeping long legged rear end going on. I don't think running walk will be her easiest gait - not because of her rear end but because of her conformation in front. She has a steep (upright) shoulder angle, as well as an angled-to-the-front (non-horizontal) humerus bone. Those are both traits that contribute to "lift and fold" in the front end, so she won't have a ton of reach in front. In other words, I think she's going to be racker, probably of the saddle-rack variety, although she certainly seems capable of foxtrot too. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Blizzard
> Elska is always so expressive...:) > Nice tongue. Now that is winter. Very pretty. Lorraine Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
Re: [IceHorses] It's Pouring!
> It's really pouring here and has been for a couple > of days. > It rained all day here in AZ yesterday. The coral is once again, a mess. Lorraine Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
Re: [IceHorses] It's cold
> Lorraine, dear, you do not know that's not really > winter don't you? I lived in the snow for 23 years. I know this is a cake walk. Lorraine Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
[IceHorses] Re: Wonderful Breed
--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, "Karen Thomas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >This is a wonderful breed, and there's no > need to embellish their traits or their histories. I think they are pretty > darned cool - even sticking to the cold, hard facts. ;) Karen, We are in perfect agreement on this point. Icelandics are a wonderful breed. I am so happy that my first (and probably only horse) isan Icelandic. ;-) Regards, Pamela
Re: [IceHorses] Blizzard
Great pictures. Bless you - glad I'm not there. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Medium ponies
If you look at the pictures that I posted, you can see that Blessi is 14 plus hands (and he is an import). I am 5'6" or 66 inches; Blessi is 57". His shoulders are are a little above my shoulder. In my original post, I said that Blessi could be one of the few who really is 14.1H. I sure don't know him, so I wouldn't say. I just know that most of the Icelandic's who are touted as 14+H that I've seen are nowhere close. I don't really care how tall ANY individual Icelandic is...or isn't. What does bother me is the need that some people seem to feel to exaggerate their heights, and to pretend that they aren't ponies. It seems sad to me when people can't accept - what the breed is, and not feel compelled to deny what they are. It also bothers me to hear any of the other questionable myths we hear about the breed. This is a wonderful breed, and there's no need to embellish their traits or their histories. I think they are pretty darned cool - even sticking to the cold, hard facts. ;) Karen Thomas, NC
[IceHorses] No training days
I decided to take a couple of days off clicker training. More of a retreat and regroup while I organise a plan. Well I still do maintainance with some carrots and otherwise they get feed in a bowl as before the clicker training. This is definitely not acceptable to Ofeig. She wants the training please. In fact I'm altogether worried that she is too bonded to me. Is that possible? Maybe she is addicted to clicker training. Is that something to be worried about? It has occured to me that she may be under the delusion that she is training me. I have been getting her to do 'stand still and look out the window while I put up a hay net'. If I take too long to click her she briefly turns and nudges me going immediately back to the window. I have been trying to put her spontaneous headlowering on cue. I'm only clicking if I have initiated it with a hand cue. She soon cottoned on and after 3 spontaneous nods without a click she managed to turn and toss my arm over her head and do a quick nod. I did click and treat her but somehow it didn't feel like I was in charge. Corrie knows that lowering the head is not a forward moving exercise. Is it a backing exercise? She looks like Tony Blair exiting an audience with the Queen. She only backs with headlowering if I'm on her blind side. The good news is that neither of them barge out of the stable now. They wait for my signal even if the door is wide open. I'm going to do some mat work next. I will be glad when the slippery mud has gone. My back is really playing up. Rising trot was hell the other day. We had beautiful sunshine today but I couldn't face riding and then leading Corrie back through the mud. It's too unsafe onboard or on the ground. She nearly fell on me twice last time. Are no training days ok, well there is no such thing unless I don't handle them at all. I wish there were no poo days too! Sue Lincolnshire UK
[IceHorses] Re: Medium ponies
--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, "Karen Thomas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > (And there's only one reliable way - on perfectly > flat, level surface, with a stick made for the purpose.) > > > Can you measure him yourself? I know that a lot of people have been > surprised when they measure their own horses. > Karen, The people who measured Blessi used a stick made for that purpose on a flat level surface otherwise I would not have said that I was confident of the measurement. They were Americans. And I was present at the measuring. If you look at the pictures that I posted, you can see that Blessi is 14 plus hands (and he is an import). I am 5'6" or 66 inches; Blessi is 57". His shoulders are are a little above my shoulder. Regards, Pamela
[IceHorses] Power of Positive Training
The Power of Positive Training By Marj Piazza The average horse you train wants to please. You can encourage this desire by showing appreciation when the horse correctly does what he has been asked. It is a good idea to choose a particular way to show your pleasure, then use that method consistently. Perhaps you could a pat on the neck or if you are a verbal person, you might want to try, "Well done", or, "Good boy/girl." Using praise indicates to the animal that he is moving in the right direction in his training. The horse must feel he is being successful if he is to continue to try to please. Why Praise? Often, when training, the rider is too inclined to punish for failure rather than praise for success. The horse tries to please then anticipates some type of punishment - a jab with the spurs, a slap with the crop or a yank on the bit. As he waits, he often gets nervous or uptight, which prevents him from concentrating on what he was being asked to do next. Not only does he lose concentration, but his muscles may contract, preventing him from smoothly carrying out the next movement. By immediately praising your horse when he succeeds, he relaxes and is prepared to carry on, anxious to receive further positive feedback. Instant, positive feedback helps the horse understand he has been successful. Praise Makes Perfect As a rider, it is sometimes difficult to remember to praise, but it is of utmost importance. If the horse has successfully managed a movement we are teaching, we are often so concerned on quick repetition to ensure the horse retains what he has just learned, we often forget to praise for the first successful accomplishment. But try to remember that praise will almost always generate another successful response. If you forget the positive reinforcement, the horse is often at a loss. With no response from you, what should the horse do? Should he try again? Should he do something different or should he just give up? Without some type of reaction from the rider, he is left in the dark. Praise him even for small improvements and he will try to accomplish again what he was praised for previously. But what do you do about failure to execute a training request? First and foremost, always be very sure you are asking for only what the particular horse is able to do at his level of development and training. Do not frustrate the horse and yourself by asking too much, too soon - particularly if the horse is young. Usually, the most difficult time to remember to praise is when you are embarking on a new area of endeavour. You may have just started your horse jumping, eventing or some other area of training and feel a little unsure yourself. If you and your horse have a good relationship, he will likely forgive your mistakes and keep trying to do well. In turn, you must be prepared to allow him some mistakes and praise him when he tries to do as he is asked. Negative Feedback You have chosen your praising method, which you use constantly. Now it is just as important to choose what method you will use to show dissatisfaction. This cue should be verbal, never physical, while training. The only time physical punishment should be used is when a horse does something dangerous like biting or kicking. A sharp "no" or a "growl" lets the horse know that he has not done as asked, but the reprimand causes no physical pain. Pain causes the horse to focus on escaping the pain rather than paying attention to whatever skill you are trying to teach. Suppose you are asking for a canter on the left lead, but the horse takes his right. Growl or use whatever signal you chose to show displeasure. Then quietly bring the horse back to the walk, settle him and try again. If after several attempts, he has not grasped what you are asking of him, it is best to forgo the exercise for the time being. He is either physically unbalanced or he does not understand your cues. Go back to a skill he does well, even if it is only stopping squarely at the halt. Give him praise and allow yourself and the horse time to relax. When the tension is gone and you are once again both communicating, try again. Use the same method for all new advances in training. Always leave a session on a positive note. At the end of the day's workout, practice a movement the horse can easily accomplish, so that you end the ride with praise. Pain = No Gain Don't make the damaging mistake of using the reins as a tool for punishment. The bit should only be used to send signals to the horse. If you punish a horse's mouth, he begins to anticipate pain, rather than paying attention to rein communication. Often the horse will develop evasive habits while trying to escape the pain. Some horses throw their heads, others over-bend or try other means to evade the bit. Punishing a horse's mouth is not only cruel, but can add endless hours to your training. If he is continually in fear of pain, he will not concentrate and won't try to please in other areas of his tra
[IceHorses] Mufassa
Karen, I don't think that a year for a horse to settle into a new country is unreal. He had just arrived when the Kentucky show was going on and that in itself had to create a lot more commotion to his already stressed big move. I also don't assume that the whole year of settling in would he be skiddish, may expect him the first couple of months, then become reactive and gradually see him conditiondown to a more managed reactive state. I think Gudmar list his horses pretty straight forward as what kind of personality they have, whether it be family style, anyone can ride, to excitable, show prospect, etc...I do think that the language and intonation of the US carries its own training issues to these imported horses. My oldest mare was very nervous when I got her and I know it took me a very long time to buddy up with her, she had always been with her herd from iceland until she came to my farm and I think it disarmed her, no where to hide, she was shy and we were all over her, she is beautiful. It took her a long while to trust us and not too uncommon for the imports to be this way. Especially if they come without a buddy. if he does stay overly emotional, or as some would say, sensitive, I bet that is the horse Gudmar would advertise. I guess we will all wait and see, when he posts him on his site for sale.Right!
[IceHorses] horses, heights, and temperments
On Mon, Jan 28, 2008 at 12:36:38PM -0500, Karen Thomas wrote: > That's the other side of the height thing that has surprised me: how few > Icelandic's are actually UNDER 13.0H. I initially assumed that Sina was > about 12.2-12.3H - she's a stocky girl, but NOT tall. She too measures > right on 13.0H the first icey i really, really wanted was 12.2 -- TOTALLY adorable guy, i only wish his seller and i had been able to come to terms. and now i have stjarni, at 13.3-14hh. i live on the edges of the bell curves. we are now seriously looking for a horse for my husband (i.e. he has admitted a willingness to TRAVEL to try ponies, and he HATES to travel :) this comes i think from him recently trying a semi-local horse, whom he liked a lot and i didn't from his report (basically she ran away with him, but they were in an indoor and she had lovely gaits, so he enjoyed himself :) i am going down to see her myself, and bringing (with luck) my instructor. but i fear this is another case of what seems to be my usual problem with north american sellers, they say the horse is gentler and easier to ride than it really is. with that complaint aside, if anyone has or knows of a wonderful pony for my partner, please to tell me? (robyn, i already know i want to talk to you about your horses if you're willing to sell to the likes of me, and i'm now going to offend everyone by saying i'm trying to get back in touch with gudmar again as well :) --vicka
Re: [IceHorses] Horses that Rush
> > Great list, Judy, very comprehensive! I agree. And after you have considered and "fixed" each of those things, you still could find that rushing hills and obstacles is caused by anxiety and inexperience. Because we live at the base of the mountains and all our trails go either up and down, our horses get lots of practice at coming down steep trails - some VERY steep. They seem to handle their first few experiences based on their temperment. Tali (nice Arab gelding) really scared me when I was riding him because he sort of hopped, skipped and bucked downhill. Now, several years later and with many hills under his hooves, he's a good downhill horse. Bev reported that Tosca trembled and handled her first steep muddy section of trail very badly. The second time she went down the same section of trail, she tucked her hind quarters and slid like an experienced little mountain horse. If all those other things (saddle fit, bit/no bit, teeth) are in place, sometimes it takes "tincture of time". Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] It's Pouring!
Oh gee! It's beautiful and green, though. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
>>> All this talk about how tall is the pony, I very carefully measured my >>> Willie/Segull and he is right on the mark of 13 hh. Next I will measure >>> his chest or barrel, and his leg below the knee. I figured out >>> standing him on pavement and getting on he was taller than I thought. >>> Sylvia > That's the other side of the height thing that has surprised me: how few Icelandic's are actually UNDER 13.0H. I initially assumed that Sina was about 12.2-12.3H - she's a stocky girl, but NOT tall. She too measures right on 13.0H. You'd certainly get the impression that Tivar is several inches taller than Sina...but he only measured 13.1H, just an inch taller than her. Despite the fact that there APPEARS to be a wide range of sizes in this breed, I think the vast majority are between 13.0H and 13.3H - a few under and a few over - and that's just fine with me. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Horses that Rush
>>> Here are some of the suggestions to get started on helping an Icelandic >>> Horse with problems: Great list, Judy, very comprehensive! If I had to add one thing, it would be this: please take a moment and at least entertain the thought that the horse might not be "goey", or "willing" or whatever positive spin someone might have put on it. Please take a moment and understand that other breeds/disciplines define "rushing" as what Icelandic people often euphemistically call "goey"... and rushing is NOT a good thing at all. Pat Parelli has a great video in his "Success" series on this topic. It's called Impulsion. He works with a mare that is REALLY "goey"...and he's trying hard to "control" her forwardness. If you've ever watched the Parelli's work, you can tell they have a bias towards the energetic type horses, and they most certainly don't want to stifle that energy - just make sure that the horse can relax in her energy so that he/she can THINK and react appropriately. Pat's best phrase on this subject: "Impulsion is not the same thing as impulsive." I would consider rushing to be pretty much the same thing as "impulsive" in this context. Karen Thomas, NC
[IceHorses] rushing horses
Thanks for the checklist Judy, lots to work out as source problems. I wanted to mention I don't usually ride in the western saddle, just did yesterday as I hadn't been on her in 2 weeks more or less and it was a breezy day, and the norm is one of my treeless saddles, and yes she still tries to rush, which is a good term for it, down or over things. I have seen horses like this get loaded into trailers and they leap over the ramp, when on trails, they leap over a downed tree, and in my case they leap down an incline, or at least she tries. Just don't want this to be her only way of thinking she should go, all my other horses I ride always walk down hillsides, never trot or tolt, too afraid of accidents on unexperienced riders who don't know to go slow down hill. Probably why I don't let others ride this little girl unless we stay on flat ground. Always want people and horses safe.
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
On Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:11:35 -0500, you wrote: >Sure, I think it can take >as much as a year for most horses to FULLY feel relaxed in a new home, but >if one is terrified of such basic landscape items as fences and roads, >that's another ball of wax altogether. When I used to import horses from Iceland fairly regularly, most of them settled really well in about 6 weeks or so, though occasionally one would take longer. It wasn't that the horses were afraid, once they had got over seeing big trees/huge horses/walking on the wrong side of the road etc, it was more that they seemed very, very tired, and sometimes depressed. But only a couple of times did it take more than 6 months. One of those was my beloved Kalsi, but then he came with a fair bit of baggage. Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk --- "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes"
Re: [IceHorses] It's cold
Lorraine, dear, you do not know that's not really winter don't you? It was about 27 F degrees when I took that picture. Of course, Wanda would be planning a picnic on the deck at that temperature, but we're sissies. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
Yes, I did talk to Gudmar about him. He will be for sale when he settles down to all his surrounding. At the show the poor guy was afraid of everything. The KY Horse Park has beautiful white fence and paved roads. He was terrified of the fences, roads, etc. Great. Just what the USA does NOT need: another tall, skittish horse. We have plenty of those already - gaited and non-gaited. If tall and skittish is your thing, just call your local rescue agency and they can probably offer you a dozen or more that fit that description - for free, or for a tiny adoption fee. (Of course, you might get lucky and find some tall, non-spooky horses there too.) What a bad impression to give people of the breed...and pity the poor horse. How much will Gudmar ask for this horse... $10,000, $12,000, or even $15,000? >>> Gudmar states that sometimes it take a year or longer for a horse to >>> get comfortable after importation. IMHO, if it regularly takes a year for horses to adjust to a new country, that's a lot of unnecessary stress on a horse. Sure, I think it can take as much as a year for most horses to FULLY feel relaxed in a new home, but if one is terrified of such basic landscape items as fences and roads, that's another ball of wax altogether. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] It's cold
> In Southern Oregon, this is a cold morning. What is the temp? It is in the low 60's here. Colder than normal. Lorraine Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
In a message dated 1/28/2008 8:29:26 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: All this talk about how tall is the pony, I very carefully measured my Willie/Segull and he is right on the mark of 13 hh. Next I will measure his chest or barrel, and his leg below the knee. I figured out standing him on pavement and getting on he was taller than I thought. Sylvia **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489
RE: [IceHorses] Mufassa
Thanks Renee, I am going to one of Gudmar's clinics in May and will ask him about the big guy myself since he will be available. I might have to start thinking about selling my Am. Cream Draft horse, otherwise my husband would shoot medead!
[IceHorses] Horses that Rush
Downhill horses can tend to rush, like a wheelbarrow going downhill, trying to catch up to themselves. Sore backs can cause rushing. A poor fitting saddle, dirty pad or cinch or a weak back can all contribute to a horse moving short and quick rather than long and flowing. If a rider is tense or nervous (in anticipation of a show, for example) the horse will pick this up right away and start moving quickly. Take a deep breath, settle deep into the saddle and relax. Rushing can be a sign of a lack of balance. The hind legs thrust more than they carry, because their hip and stifle joints have not developed the necessary elasticity and the flexor muscles of the hind legs have not become strong enough yet. Some horses will rush because of constant pressure on the reins. Eventually the horse needs to learn to hold a gait at a certain tempo "on the honor system" (dressage riders call this self-carriage) - that is, on his own without holding his speed down via the reins. Here are some of the suggestions to get started on helping an Icelandic Horse with problems: * Get an equine dentist to check his teeth and do necessary work (have the wolf teeth been pulled?) * Get an equine chiropractor to check him out. * Get his back muscles checked by someone who knows about saddle fitting. * Switch tack, go to treeless, bitless; remove nosebands. * Check his hocks. * Get a knowledgeable farrier to check his feet for any problems, founder, crushed or contracted heels. * Check for fleas, ticks, lice, ear mites, worms, etc. * Put him on low-sugar grass hay and supplement with B vitamins (be sure to get B1 in there). * Forget riding for a while. * Work on the relationship between horse and owner. * Make working with a person beneficial to the horse. * Start on groundwork; include some clicker training. Try the PNH 7 Games, Dorrance ground exercises, Lyons groundwork, TTEAM ground driving and obstacles, etc. * When you're ready to prepare to start riding, be sure the saddle fits. Be extra extra sure! Either do the learning yourself or check with someone extremely knowledgeable about how to fit a saddle (not necessarily a trainer). * If you aren't comfortable re-starting a horse in a sidepull, bosal, halter, or otherwise bitless, be sure the bit fits. Single jointed snaffles aren't always the best fit for Icelandic Horses because of the low palate and shorter length of palate (equating to less room in the mouth for the action of a single-jointed snaffle). * Start in a small area. Practice stand for mounting, get on, get off. Build up your "basket of yes" answers (positive responses). The more positive responses, the better. * Try not to rush or get ahead of yourself or the horse. Try not to get into situations or ask for something that you are not sure of getting a good response. Remember he may have lots of negative stuff to be over-written by positive stuff. * Still in a confined area, work on walk, walk, walk, with head down. Long and low. * If a horse does not want to move in an arena, it may be because of his feet and the footing; or the turns required in the confined area which may bother him because of saddle fit or weak back, or the rider not moving in sync with the horse on the bends. * Practice circles; catch the horse before he speeds up and ask for a circle; praise and reward. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] It's cold
On 1/28/08, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > In Southern Oregon, this is a cold morning. > > Nancy > I had that too yesterday morning nancy, and I am in SUNNY fla haha Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
i know in paso finos they try to breed taller ones sometimes, and when you breed for anything other than gait and temperament you sacrifice gait, even breeding for color. Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
> down to all his surrounding. At the show the poor guy was afraid of > everything. The KY Horse Park has beautiful white fence and paved roads. > He was > terrified of the fences, roads, etc. maybe when he came to america and saw there were actually horses even taller than him it freaked him out :) Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] pony height not big enough for my organization
On 1/28/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > --vicka (who has some hysterically funny pictures of herself on > a 17.2 dutch warmblood. but i really liked that horse :) > well, yesterday at the trail head while I was mounting Jaspar from a stepstool with a huge 12 inch block of wood on the top step so i could get my foot in the stirrup, a man I didnt even know called from the next parking slot "hey, how come you traded in your short horse?" I just looked at him like what the?? and he smiled and said "need a hand?" I said no thanks and he said "well, I got a short horse too, and I was wondering why you'd want a tall one" and I looked and he was mounting a real short horse, i doubt it was even 14hh. He rode with us a while and we chatted. I told him I was real glad jaspar is so well mannered cause sometimes when I hop down off him I fall forward and clutch onto him and he saves me haha. Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] pony height not big enough for my organization
On Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 08:09:53PM +, Mic Rushen wrote: > On Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:53:37 -0500, you wrote: > > >can you guess the size of each? > > No, not really, but they look pretty well matched. i agree. that said, the rider is forty years old, five feet tall, around a hundred and thirty or a hundred and forty pounds. the pony is 12.2, and obviously not big-boned. --vicka (who has some hysterically funny pictures of herself on a 17.2 dutch warmblood. but i really liked that horse :)
Re: [IceHorses] young tall icey
i don't know how to help, I am at a loss with this myself :) I did get stonewall to slow down and listen but it took a year or so of constant work. and he still goes berserk in an excited crowd. If its not the bit tho, look to other tack. Is your saddle, since it is western, so long your weight is on the loins? That can cause pain and cause the horse to want to be frantic under saddle. Is there anyone near you that has a bob marshall treeless you could borrow and try out? is your saddle a wide tree?? One thing I determined... walking horses, and icelandics, are somtimes trained to GO against pressure. I think with my stonewall he even taught himself that. i dont know why a horse would do that. but no one else made him that way but me, and he got that way from me constantly trying to hold him in. he got worse and worse, just constantly braced against pressure. I finally started just throwing up my hands and kicking him to go and not letting him stop on his own, til I said so. then starting over with making him give to the bit. after much training on the ground Janice Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
> > Assume for a minute then that he really is 15H+...and I've seen SO many > Icelandic's touted about 3-4" taller than they really are that I remain > skeptical...why would anyone WANT a 15+ H Icelandic? > > Considering the average height of the breed is about 13-13.2H, wouldn't you > be suspicious that there is something genetically aberrant about a horse so > unusually tall? I would. > I have frequently seen poorly gaited horses that conformation-wise were outside the norm for the breed. And most often of these, it was when a horse of short breeding was exceptionally tall. Mostly, paso finos. They are just like icelandic people seem to be lately and I dont know what the heck they are thinking!! paso finos are SHORT. Icelandics are SHORT. if it aint broke, dont FIX it. any time you BREED for something besides gait and temperament you are gonna sacrifice gait and temperament, and that goes for color too! Janice -- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Walter Feldmann / Yvonne
Katrin Sheehan is the sponsor not USIHC. Maybe literally, yes, but it's certainly not that simple. Here the link: http://www.icelandics.org/calendar.php so it is posted on the USIHC website calendar, where it says, "Mar 3-18. FEIF International Trainer Seminar at Creekside Farm in Madison, Georgia. Seminar and option to take the exam. Dates may vary. For further information, please contact Katrin Sheehan at ..." The USIHC requires that all Icelandic shows be judged by sanctioned and certified judges. Since the only way to become a certified judge is to take these classes (or so I believe), then every aspiring-judge who may in the future judges Icelandic shows will be taught with the biases of the particular judges he learned from. I find this VERY troubling that this man is essentially "training the trainers", since most people will invariably teach to whatever wins in the show ring. I've seen many very troubling videos posted by Feldman on his for-sale website over the years. While the USIHC may not literally sponsor the clinic, it's only "one degree of separation" so to speak. No doubt the breed will "benefit" from his teachings for a while to come. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] What gait, Runa?
On 1/27/08, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >>> I was wishing I had my camera with me that day, because I would have > >>> loved a video of it. From his tail set it looked more 'racky' but he > >>> didn't sustain it long enough for me to study it. > > > When Janice visited here with Stonewall, I took a little video of him. I > would have sworn that he was racking...but all I could make out when I > freeze-framed the video was trot, with just a stride or two of canter. He's > built to rack, and Janice says he does under saddle, but he really does trot > at liberty - at least a good bit of the time. > > Karen Thomas, NC > hey you dont have to take my word, Lee Zeigler saw pics of stonewall "gaiting" at liberty and then conformation analysis pics from the side and she verified that he was doing "a nice big floaty trot" at liberty and that his conformation was perfect for saddlerack. Interestingly when I bought him at age 15 months, the seller, a person who breeds mccurdy horses, said "i think he is gonna be well gaited, he does a flashy rack sometimes in the field". But I have never, not once ever, seen him do anything at liberty but gallop and trot. Traveller, now, he very often at liberty does the prettiest little gait, I havent a clue what it is, but it is so low to the ground his toes actually puff up sand and it is very rhythmic and smooth looking, something none of my other horses do. I wonder if it is what some people call a "shuffle" which Lee says is a stepping pace. Jaspar at liberty very frequently looks like he is doing his stepping pace. I have seen fox gait at liberty many times but not sure what it is. Runa looks to be on the RW side of things to me. I think she has that sweeping back end for it too. I am not even CLOSE to being good at guessing, but I do know a horse that does a RW has to have that sweeping long legged rear end going on. Traveller has it, but his front end is so short he forges himself sometimes :) Janice Janice-- courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
Re: [IceHorses] What gait, Runa?
> > Another possibility - I'm a firm believer that horses mirror our bodies. > Maybe YOU'VE started anticipating trot a little more after riding Tivar so > long, so maybe you subconsciously are expecting - and thus asking for - a > trot? > > > Karen Thomas, NC > -- this is interesting to consider... because before, any time he did anything that wasn't smooth I would bring him up, (or down as the case may be) into his stepping pace. But I havent ridden him on a real trail ride in so long, months, and then yesterday we were with trotting breeds and his dogwalk was way faster than there's (way slower than most gaited horses), and when one of them trotted past us he went into a canter, which I allowed, a slow one, then after only four or five strides of it dropped back into a sorta extremely smooth bouncey gait and i thought hmmm, what the heck is that. I started analyzing it, noting there was no side to side movement whatsoever, some natural up and down head swing, not sure if it was a nod, certainly not a deep nod, and it was too jouncy to be a rw or foxtrot i think. I have never ridden a real foxtrot that I know of. In our shadows he had his tail real perked and seemed to have a collected headset on a very loose rein, no contact at all. It felt exactly like tivar's jog, and he stayed in it on his own, willingly, for quite some time, until the others quit trotting. he is not one that mimics others gaits and on rides he likes to keep to himself so we were pretty far away from the others most of the time... Janice courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway--John Wayne
[IceHorses] Re: Walter Feldmann / Yvonne
--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, "Janice McDonald" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > > Is this the person that the USIHC is bringing in to teach Americans how to > > ride Icelandics?> > > yes.janice Katrin Sheehan is the sponsor not USIHC. Kayla "The Calendar of Events includes all events in North America which are sponsored by a member of the USIHC as well as all FEIF events outside of the U.S. in which the US is eligible to participate. If you have an event to add, please e-mail us. Please limit your Calendar event to specific date, place, contact and a brief description. MARCH Mar 3-18. FEIF International Trainer Seminar at Creekside Farm in Madison, Georgia. Seminar and option to take the exam. Dates may vary. For further information, please contact Katrin Sheehan at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or Alexandra Pregitzer at [EMAIL PROTECTED]>"
[IceHorses] Mufassa
Yes, I did talk to Gudmar about him. He will be for sale when he settles down to all his surrounding. At the show the poor guy was afraid of everything. The KY Horse Park has beautiful white fence and paved roads. He was terrified of the fences, roads, etc. Gudmar states that sometimes it take a year or longer for a horse to get comfortable after importation. Renee **Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489
RE: [IceHorses] Re: Medium ponies
I believe I can say with confidence that my horse Blessi is 14.1. At one of the local NW Icelandic club events, several experienced trainers and breeders got together and measured him to confirm that he is 14.1. Several of the horses that I KNOW were not as tall as touted were measured or advertised by Icelander trainers. Apparently, either they are as given to exaggerate as any horse traders, or they measure differently than we have been taught to measure. (And there's only one reliable way - on perfectly flat, level surface, with a stick made for the purpose.) Now, maybe Blessi COULD indeed be one of the few 14.1H Icelandic's, but if you watch the sellers' sites, Dreamhorse, etc., a oddly large percentage of Icelandic's for sale are "14-14.2". Again, inflating height isn't anything unique to Icelandic's, but it DOES happen a lot. Can you measure him yourself? I know that a lot of people have been surprised when they measure their own horses. Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.13/1246 - Release Date: 1/27/2008 6:39 PM
[IceHorses] Re: FALLSand MUD MIC
> > The colder , dryer weather of Bend Oregon is starting to not look so bad. > We've lived here 14 years & it seems that every 3-4 years we get a real > doozy of a rain year with high winds. > I sympathise with you. We have a flooding problem here. Some fields are under 6ft water. I have nowhere to exercise horses except the road. Well at least it's not a busy road but sometimes it's a stream. We had severe flooding in June and some people have only just got moved back into there houses only to be flooded out again. We have been very lucky. Sue, Lincs UK
[IceHorses] NC Horse Owners - Hay
Important Information for Livestock Producers and Equine Owners on Availability of Hay The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has launched several initiatives to assist livestock producers and equine owners in locating and transporting hay to their farms to cope with the ongoing drought. The NCDA&CS has established the Hay Alert Web site and a toll-free hotline to assist individuals in their search for hay. A database is available online and those without internet access may call the hotline for assistance. A program also has been established to help offset a portion of the transportation cost. In addition, the State of North Carolina has created an Emergency Hay Program through which the NCDA&CS is buying hay and transporting it to stockpiles around the state where livestock and equine owners can purchase the hay—at cost—in an emergency. Resources Hay Alert Hotline: 1-866-506-6222 Hay Alert Web Site: www.ncagr.com/hayalert / www.ncagr.com/hayalert/emergencyhay.htm Ag Drought Resource Information Page: www.ncagr.com/drought NC Cooperative Extension Drought Management Information: www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/drought Posted Jan. 23, 2008 ___ -- Laree in NC Doppa & Mura Simon, Sadie and Sam (the "S" gang) "Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." - William Farley IceHorses Community for Photos and Videos: http://kickapps.com/icehorses "The greatest enemy of the truth very often is not the lie- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth -- persistent, persuasive and unrealistic." "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer [] Lee Ziegler http://leeziegler.com [] Liz Graves http://lizgraves.com [] Lee's Book Easy Gaited Horses http://tinyurl.com/7vyjo [] IceHorses Map http://www.frappr.com/IceHorses Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [IceHorses] last spring
On 28/01/2008, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Isn't that what we just love about Icelandics? Yesterday, if I had batteries in my photo binoculars, I would have had a video of Solon charging after the neighbour's dogs. Since our outside dogs are gone, we're finding we have more and more wildlife in the yard including the neighbours rather agressive dogs. A flock of gray partridges has decided to live in our front pasture and the crazy dogs have decided they don't like them there. Solon gave the dogs bit of a run yesterday until they reached the safety of the fence. Solon is going to be an absolutely outstanding trail horse someday...I haven't found one thing that gives him pause... Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] last spring
> This is a video I took of Kevin flying his remote-controlled > helicopter out over the > horses. Isn't that what we just love about Icelandics? Last summer we heard shouting and went out to see what ws going on. A young guy, participant in a huge para-gliding meet that takes place near us, had come swooping down over the hillside where the ponies were grazing, landing in our hay field. Their reaction was to run toward him to see what in the world that loud flapping brightly colored object was. He told us the competitors had been instructed to yell so that livestock wouldn't be so afraid. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] nos saddle fit
On Jan 27, 2008 12:10 PM, Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > does it look like the saddle is placed correctly on his back as far as > being too far forward or anything? Janice - It's hard to tell from a picture but I would say it's just a touch too far forward. I have a feeling (again hard to tell from a pic) that he is going to have a girth groove that is going to encourage the saddle to sit a little too forward. -- Laree in NC Doppa & Mura Simon, Sadie and Sam (the "S" gang) "Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." - William Farley
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Totally OT- CORRECT LINK !!!
On Jan 27, 2008 11:36 PM, Raven <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Sorry about that, here is he correct link. > > I'm sorry, but books like this make owning a wild animal sound like fun and encourage others to do the same. I know that at the time people weren't as educated as they are now about the down sides but they should know better now. -- Laree in NC Doppa & Mura Simon, Sadie and Sam (the "S" gang) "Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." - William Farley
Re: [IceHorses] Mufassa
On Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:58:32 -0500, you wrote: >skeptical...why would anyone WANT a 15+ H Icelandic? I really would not! (and I'm tall and large myself). I once rode a really big one in Iceland, genuinely above 15hh, and I really didn't like him. He felt sooo cumbersome, not fast and nippy like the ones I'm used to. Skessa, who I had on loan before xmas, is 14hh and a bit, and that's plenty big enough. Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk --- "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes"
Re: [IceHorses] Medium ponies
On Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:29:03 -0800, you wrote: >Well, that's 69" which computes to the woman being 17.2 at the top of her >head. How much below the level of her head are the horse's withers? I would say roughly 10 inches. Bearing in mind she's probably wearing high-ish heels, knowing Kolla - say 2 inches - which would make the actual height difference 8 inches. So that would make Mufasa 15.2hh. I have to say, he does look like a pretty big horse. He's in the US, isn't he? Anyone want to go and measure him? ; ) Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk --- "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes"
