>>>>> Hi everyone, I would like to show my friend a video of a Icelandic > tolting. Could someone send me a link....I can't seem to find one. > > Here's a saddle rack - and the best I can tell, that's probably the most > common sort of "tolt" naturally found in this breed without resorting to > force or mechanical devices. http://youtube.com/watch?v=xHdab8atoiA Not all Icelandic Horses tolt. You will see them offer other gaits naturally, such as the fox trot, running walk, stepping pace, etc., as well as the saddle rack. The gait of tolt can be had by mechanical means, some of which include: [] Saddles, the tight narrow icelandic saddles, some of which have extended bars. [] Bits, snaffles, icelandic, pessoas, anything that doesn't fit the horse and makes him high-headed or tense. [] Tight nosebands [] Icelandic shoes, or heavier than normal shoes, or unequally weighted shoes [] Whips [] Heavy contact [] Sitting on the back of the saddle [] Concussive practices Some of these things are used in, or in training preparation for evaluations and competitions. Using gaits made by mechanical means is not a good basis for evaluating breeding potential. In advertising a competition, someone said: "here is a chance to learn what a true icelandic horse competition is like. all the classes are designed especially for icelandics and only icelandics can compete." So, what is "a true icelandic horse competition"? Is it a good thing? Should we hold it in esteem? Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
