> Ok, well in shows they allow a difference. I just > looked up the rules for each, showing Rockys and > showing Icelandics. They do allow a difference in > weight between the front and back for Icelandics. They > use boots for evaluations though, that can also effect > gait. I found tons of articles written by Icelanders > talking about how to shoe for gait, I know this isn't > just in my imagination:)
I remember a few years ago that we often heard of people buying a horse and then a few months later the horse mysteriously stopped gaiting..... So then there were trips back to the orginal trainer for 'tune-up's" and things would go fine for a while and then the horse would stop gaiting again, and usually the owner felt responsible and then was told she should take more lessons and go to more clinics to learn how to ride properly. Anyone else recall these discussions? It is my opinion now, years later and somewhat smarter about a lot of things...if a horse is naturally gaited and has been trained properly (and kindly)....I should be able to stand on my head in the saddle and that horse should still be able to tolt... Mind you, good balanced riding always helps every partnership. But naturally gaited horses shouldn't 'lose' their gaitedness. It should always come bubbling to the surface as it was in the little video clip I sent in of Dagur the other day. Am I right or am I missing something? Wanda gradually grazing my way through the junk food...
