> My Icelandic colt that I'm just starting is as light and flexible
> as
> he can be--does turns on the fore and hindquarters, backs easily,
> and
> is quickly picking up sidepassing. He bends well around turns w/
> very
> slight leg pressure--unless he wants to go back to the barn, in
> which
> case he gets stiff! But no, I wouldn't say Icelandics are stiff as
> a
> rule.
>
>
> Robyn
I have found them to be super flexible, they are easy to trim and
shoe because they are usually lighter, flexible joints....they even
have different stances they seem to take that are different than
other breeds...some of ours seem to be able to bend in half
almost...they can turn on a dime, they bend with ease....
Sally will look at a horse from the hind end with the tail in her
hand to see if they are off balance, if there is a stiffer
side.....you can also look at them straight ....you look to see if
one nostril is going upwards on one side...if one nostril is going
upwards they could be having problems/pain on that side...when the
issue is eleviated the nostril will go back down to the normal
position. Sounds weird, but it works. Sally uses that technique
when shoeing horses especially with joint pain, doing corrective
work, she will let the horse tell her what to do, or if the technique
is working.
Could be hip issues or back issues, off balance in the hoof...so many
things that it could be.
Skye
~~~~Fire Island Farms~~~~
Breeding Quality Icelandic Trail Horses
Certified Farrier Services
'Natural Balance' Shoeing and Trimming.
Founder, Navicular options for your horse.
808-640-6080
