>> are very few people in the US who actually travel to iceland and talk >> to breeders/sellers/trainers there. so who puts all this wrong stuff >> out there?? > > i have to say i've personally heard the most of it (clearly marked as > disinformation) on this list.
We try to keep up with the current information, as well as trying to dispell the myths and rumors, as quickly as possible, for the benefit of the horse. Sometimes, if people haven't heard it, except here, they may be new to the breed, not been exposed to the PR, and / or get most of their information from the list, which is a good thing. I think applying logic and common sense to the situation would be better for the horse. Here are several places where it has been repeated about the 250 lbs: http://www.3dranch.net/IcelandicHorses.html (breeders) An Icelandic Horse can easily carry a rider up to 250 lb. over great distances. http://www.gaitedhorses.net/BreedArticles/IceBreedDesc.htm (info from Lukka) An Icelandic Horse can easily carry a rider up to 250 lb. over great distances. http://www.moondanceacres.com/FAQ.html (importers, breeders) Q. I'm a husky 220 lb, do you really think one of those little Icelandic horses can carry me? A. It is commonly said that the Icelandic Horse can carry up to 300 lb without problems. I am only comfortable saying this, when we talk about an individual horse that is physically built for weight carrying ability with strong bones, well muscled and compact, and if such horse is not expected to carry all that weight for many hours in challenging terrain. In Germany such horses are called "weight carrier type". We have to be aware of the fact that not size, but conformation determines weight carrying ability. A strong back, loins and hind, paired with good muscling, strong joints and feet will make a much stronger horse that some of the lofty 16 hh thoroughbred type horses with weak backs and no substance. Some Icelandics are small and fineboned with weaker backs or loins, but the average Icelandic will be fine with weights of up to 250 lb if the Rider is balanced and the Saddle fits well. Just consider this - it is the only breed in Iceland, and the Icelandic people are generally tall and many men exceed six feet. The Icelandic Horse is very powerful for its size, has a very long stride and a proud bearing that makes it look much larger than it actually is. Small horses like the icelandic have a better ratio of calories to output and great stamina/willingness that will actually get you somewhere - they often are natural swimmers and have a lot of sense for the trail, they rarely spook and can also be your best buddy when you are not in the saddle. http://www.hiddentrails.com/canada/rt/bc-icelandics.htm#The_Icelandic_Horse These small but strong horses can easily carry a rider up to 250 lbs. http://www.hiddentrails.com/weight-trips.htm Also all rides in Iceland and Norway are OK to book up to 250 lbs due to the unique body structure of the Icelandic horses. http://www.toltaway.com/index.cfm/id/The_Icelandic_Horse (breeders) The Icelandic Horse can without problem carry a person up to 300 lbs. http://forums.somd.com/archive/index.php/t-67911.html A nieghbor of mine is 5'9" and 250 lbs and he rides and breeds icelandic horses. http://www.icehorse.com This Viking Horse is tough enough to carry a 300-pound man, and can easily be ridden by women and children. http://goldenvalleyicelandics.com/history.html The Icelandic Horse can without problem carry a person up to 300 lbs. http://www.horse-sense.org. If you were to tour Iceland and wanted to ride an Icelandic horse, you would be able to do it - the horse-tour facility I've heard about has a rider weight limit of 280 pounds. http://www.ridingholidays.com/canada_british-columbia.htm These small but strong horses can easily carry a rider up to 200 lbs. Rides will be 4 to 5 hours daily. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
