> I would infer that a shoe that size is altering a > gait much more than > the 110g boot maximum.
Sorry, Nick, but that's an old argument, and it won't fly here. Finger pointing to other breeds does not make what is done in this breed OK. We already have educational processes going on in other breeds, so this list will continue to focus on educating people with Icelandic Horses. Any weight is not OK for breeding evaluations. If a gait is altered (by any mechanical means which includes sitting on the loins, heavy contact, greyhound D&P saddle, tight noseband, whip, etc.) and a horse scores higher because of it, it's not a gait that will be passed on if the horse is used as a breeding animal. I recently went to a show and saw no weighing of any of the boots on the Icelandic Horses. So who knows how much weight was used on them since the boots are sold at up to 240 grams, or 320. I did however see some very sad riding, and the trainer who taught these people should be very ashamed of himself. The people don't know; they are novices, easily buying into whatever the trainer is selling / teaching. It was sad and it was noticed by other audience members. We need to clean up our own backyard and not worry about other breeds as an excuse to look away from what's happening within. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
