>>>The problems with this is that the "ungaited domestics" are related to the >>>ungaited Icelandics in Iceland, very closely related, maybe only a >>>generation or two apart. They came out of stock from Iceland, sold by >>>Icelanders.
I've seen some darned weakly-gaited (virtually ungaited?) imports. And I've heard many riders talk about having to "learn how to ride the tolt" which often means getting a death-grip on the reins, scooting back onto the cantle of the saddle and leaning back. I'm not sure that there are more "ungaited domestics" than imports. What I DO think is that there's a cluster of us who mostly own domestics (perhaps to avoid SE-risks, or because we've been able to find nice domestics...) who don't mind talking about it. But, gee, in some circles, why WOULD some people talk about the three-gaited horses, domestic or imports, when a few bullies of the traditional bent will quickly jump into the discussion, saying that the horse should be eaten. Go figure why many people are in denial, or at least "in the closet." One thought hit me yesterday. I know that treeless saddles are rapidly becoming accepted within this breed, across the board from traditional to more "natural" (for lack of a better term) owners. I honestly think we need to thank the Nicker's saddlery designer/owner, her dealers, and her satisfied customers for making a wonderful option and getting the word out about the Sensation - thanks, Judy, for giving her an award. Wouldn't it be nice to think that as more horses become comfortable in their saddles, that their natural gaitedness will be easier to see? There are other ways that natural gait-disposition can be disguised or manipulated - saddles are just one factor of many - but hopefully, as more people realize that it shouldn't be hard to get a naturally gaited horse to gait, life will be better for the horses. I can dream, anyway. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.16/729 - Release Date: 3/21/2007 7:52 AM
