>>>> it's not like the information isn't there, and i don't see a whole lot of use in replacing those who'd rather have say an arab or an appy with an icelandic.
That doesn't really make sense. How would someone KNOW they'd "rather have an arab or an appy" if they haven't seen what Icelandic's really are? I certainly didn't see myself ever buying one of these horses when there are so many choices of other breeds close by - not until I MET the horses. >>> there's always going to be a largish supply available from iceland, at least for the foreseeable future, because of their breeding and rearing practices. I, for one, would never buy an imported Icelandic, not knowing the big risk a horse coming into the eastern part of the USA has for summer eczema. Frankly, I think it's rather cruel that people keep importing them, knowing how high the chances are that the horses will suffer, when domestic-bred horses (of all breeds) have very low risks. I love this breed, but if I had to choose between a TWH or QH, or an Icelandic that had a 50+% chance of being miserable half the year, I'd get another breed. I'd miss the breed terribly if I had to give them up, but I think it's not worth it to make a horse suffer just for my selfish whims. Karen Karen Thomas
