Christmas Santa Icelandic Horse

Nice bitless and bareback riding. The horse looks very fluid and supple and free. When the bit is used, there is no noseband (yeay!).

Interesting Blog about Icelandic Horses, Spavin, Kissing Spines

Here's an interesting blog post about Icelandic Horses, spavin, kissing spines, ventroflexion, and more:

http://bondenistan.blogspot.com/2009/10/icelandic-horses-gaited-training.html

Insulin Resistance in Icelandic Horses

Up to date information about insulin resistance in horses, by TheHorse.com

Accepted Look of Tolt

There is no reason for a horse to open it's mouth, unless he is being hurt by the bit.

Fighting the bit, head tossing, odd-angled head tipping by Icelandic Horses has become the norm.

It's the accepted "look" of tolt.

It does not seem that anyone recognizes it as a problem.

If there is a question about it, it is excused as "the horse wants to go", or "it's a show, they're all excited", or "he loves it", or "the other horses are pumping him up", or "it's the speed" (no matter that it happens on the trail, or walking, and / or when the horse is alone).

It is not recognized for what it is: a problem for the horse, a painful situation.

But we are making it better for the horse; and the horse is glad.

Icelandic Horses Fighting the Bit

In many of the previous posts (below), the videos show the horses fighting the bit, and / or wringing their tails, and / or tipping their heads at odd angles, or showing other behaviors that indicate he is uncomfortable, in pain, or having a problem.

We need to learn how to listen to the horse, to hear what he is telling us, to fix what might be wrong for him.

Oddur i fin tölt på hingstfestival 19 april 09

Ginna från Solbacken

Straumur frá Sauðárkróki

Skorpan från Björkeryd rids från marken

Camilla o Hrimnir 8 maj