>>>> i've never heard an icelander make such claims.
Melnir is one of my smaller Icelandics. He was just five when we got him, so he wasn't even fully physically mature. At the moment, I can't remember what he weight tapes now, but he was less than 700 when we got him. I explained his size to two Icelander trainers not long after we bought him, telling them we might later be looking for a horse suitable to carry Cary, who is 235 pounds. They said no problem, Melnir would have no problem carrying Cary. At five? No way was I going to let anyone so big ride him, and even now at nine, Cary doesn't ride him. I just stared at them and said I don't think so. Cary only rides our larger framed Icelandic horses, and is careful to condition them slowly. He doesn't ride the young ones until they've carried a smaller rider for a while. I think I remember that, at that time, Cary was about 35% of Melnir's weight. I personally like some of the more moderately-framed Icelandics - I feel like Melnir fits me (or maybe I fit him) better than about any horse (ok, pony) that I've ever ridden. But, I'm petite-framed, 5'0" tall, size 5.5-6 shoes, and a 6" wrist, even though I'm chubbier than I should be at 138 pounds. But, for a large man to ride him? Not my pony! Even though Melnir is fully mature now, I have been taking my time to condition him slowly to carry MY weight. It's just the nice thing to do. Karen Thomas, NC
