> As for Gudmar..... He has forgotten more about Icelandic horses than most of > you will ever know..... I am sorry for you, that you have to trash a man for > what he says not because he is wrong or un-knowledgeable but because you > don't like what he says or simply don't understand his culture.... If Gudmar > sat down with me to discuss horses I certainly would feel privileged and I > would sit-up and pay attention....
Hello Christopher, I don't know Gudmar, probably never will, and right now he's not even on my radar screen, but I still manage to fumble around gaining knowledge from regular horse trainers in my area. You don't need an Icelandic trainer to help you with issues with your horses. Icelandic horses need consistent, kind training just like any other horse (I say horse, but they ARE a pony breed). The gait thing can get complicated, but isn't impossible to work through. I think we can become passionate about these horses and can be drawn into the whole cultural aspect of them. And for some this is fine.... However, my experience has been that I needed to separate the horses from any cultural influence and just concentrate on good horsemanship....no matter what source. I use what works for me and right now I don't use one piece of Icelandic tack on any of my horses. None of it fits properly. I'm Icelandic...purebred...though I'm not registered. :) When someone starts throwing cultural hooey at me...I start asking questions. It's all about the horses for me, and always will be. Wanda
