> Yes, I think so, too, but the focus is different. I am concerned for > Stormur's long term soundness, being such a pacey horse. So, I invested a > lot of time teaching him to relax through his body and elevate his back.
That's good. I think that's a good focus, and that you're doing a good job. >> I'm not sure what you mean by "does it create problems >> with a gaited horse?" >> > What I mean is: how does it affect the easy gaits? Does it change them, > for better or for worse? Sorry, I'm dense today.... what is "it"? I'm just not making the connection of what "it" refers to. > I agree that he doesn't look exactly like any of them. We'll have to > agree > to disagree, as I think he's closer to round. I suspect you are looking > from the rear end forward and I am looking from the front end back! Yes, correct. >> I don't see "round" in this picture. >> > What do you see in his head and neck? I see that his head is on the vertical (as well as I can see if from the back end :-)); and that his neck is level with his body; not raised, not lowered, not telescoped. I'd like to see this picture from the opposite side, with his mane out of the way. In fact, it would be good to see conformation pictures of him. >> First, I think that looking at the topline is only a >> little part of whether the frame is round, neutral, or >> hollow. >> > I agree. But Lee talks about pacey horses ALWAYS having hollow backs, not > just hollow frames, so does it make sense to talk about whether the > topline > is round, neutral or hollow? OK... let's see.... I think the back *can* be hollow, without you, me, us, anybody, being able to see an obvious sag. Does that make any sense? It's a piece of the puzzle, but we have to look at the whole to get the answer. Remember the blind men feeling different parts of an elephant, and one thinks it's a snake because he's feeling the trunk, etc. (I don't remember the rest off hand.) If someone were to look *only* at his back, it looks neutral. If someone were to look *only* at his head and neck, it may appear rounded to them. Please be sure to know that anything that I say in regard to this picture is not criticism of you, or of Stormur. We're looking at body parts, body position, limb position, frames; nothing personal. Like Stormur, my faithful horse Ljufur was pacey, and no matter what, he was a joy. Thank you for sending in the picture; it's a great educational opportunity. More later, in the meantime, tell me why you look from front to back? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
