Please note: The translation provided below is done as a favor to this list
and not necessarily the opinion of the translator.
For Those That Love Horses and Dogs
This is an animal program on Dutch TV featuring the Icelandic Horse.
The female announcer introduces the Icelandic Horse (note, not Pony!),
which, as the name indicates, comes from Iceland. This "cool" horse gains
more and more popularity in the Netherlands.
The male voice tells us that this "cool" horse from Iceland has melted many
hearts. Carla van Nunen is the owner of Farm Breidablik [site of the 2007
World Championships this year] and she informs the audience that the allure
of the Icelandic horse is their character, they are easy to take care of,
they don't get aroused easily, and due to the fact that they are raised in
herds they are not only socialized with each other but also more social with
people. Carla speaks about her business which covers all services. They keep
a few stallions, they breed, they raise the foals, they start young horses,
sell horses, give lessons, organize clinics and events.
The male announcer then follows: Due to the fact that the Icelandic is "a
horse of nature", their upkeep is simple. Carla illustrates that by saying
that they mostly need good pasture. Make sure there is actually grass on
your pasture. Generally that is sufficient, but we feed concentrated food
after riding and if you ask challenging competition work from your horse you
have to feed accordingly. And of course, check them daily and make sure that
they are doing well.
During a competition at Breidablik, a special guest was invited: a famous
dressage rider - Anky van Grunsven.
Interviewer: "Anky have you ridden an Icelandic before?"
Anky: "Tried one once. And this was the second time."
Interviewer: "And how do you like it?"
Anky: "Now much better than the first time, but I also think that's
because of the horse:) This is a nice horse, he feels great, with his trot
and canter too, he feels really great"
Interviewer: "How does it feel when he does this tolt?
Anky: "Wonderful!!!" Really awesome, really quite different! You sit
real smooth and yet you feel everything under you, but in your back it stays
so quiet!
The male voice than continues to explain the additional gaites of the
Icelandic horse. The gentleman at the end confirms the Icelandic as an easy
keeper and the most comfortable horse to ride and to keep!
