No matter how our discussions go here, we always have the input from the outside world that can see what some of us can not see:
Hi Judy, I was watching the Travel Channel night before last. That Anthony Bourdain (something like that) and "No Reservations". Anyway, (love his show) he was in Iceland. He was pretty miserable to tell the truth but what caught my attention was a few minuets of this program when he's riding an Icelandic Horse. You WOULD NOT BELIEVE THE NOSEBAND ON THIS HORSE!? OHMYGOD! Judy, it was so tight that I am certain this horse must have a permanent DENT in it's face. It was quite pitiful. It was AWFUL! The bit looked fairly OK, (not sure) with no seriously long shanks but it did have some shank. The thing was, it was pulled/yanked up so high in the horses mouth as to be ridiculous. IOW this horse was not carrying it's bit. Instead, the bit was FORCED upon this horse and it had no way to MANAGE it into a comfortable position. I cannot fathom the thinking here Judy. There was no possible way for any, two way, communication to happen via bit here. Yet, this horse was obviously keen, and also kind. He was rubbing all over Anthony (trying to dislodge the nasty thing crossed my mind) and generally just a good hearted creature and SO PRETTY! He was a big Icelandic. Not one of the tinny one's and there was a little clip of him at the tolt/rack. He moved out pretty well but had, very little reach, in the rear. It was the bit! I'm telling you Judy, I could SO SEE IT! He didn't have his head and it effected the use of his body to an extreme degree. He couldn't get under himself and it really did mess up his ability to move forward. It made me very sad to see this. Even George (the husband) saw it! I was SO proud of him for seeing this! Well, just thought I'd share my thoughts on this with you. Nothing new I'm sure but all the same, I feel your pain Judy. I really do. Hugs, Lucy Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
