>>> Give him time and more time and lots of trail rides, relaxed trail rides over all sort of terrain. Pay attention to what he does in which situations. This type of horse will likely tolt on slight decline. And then if he tolts for only a few steps, you praise him as if he had hung the moon. Then, at some point, go to a black top road where you can hear his footfalls very well. Try and recreate the situation in which he first tolted and if he does it again, praise him a lot again. Most Icelandics are so willing to please that he will probably try his utmost to please you. And have PATIENCE!
Oh yes, PATIENCE is right! If someone pressures a horse that's very willing to please...well, I'm frankly more worried about the horse's frustration than the owner's. The horse can only do as much as he can, but given time, he may be able to do more...and if he can't, well, there are some darned nice three-gaited trail horses out there. The owner should enjoy what she has, not fixate on what she doesn't have. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
