> > i have to say i've personally heard the most of it (clearly marked as > > disinformation) on this list.
I have been looking into Icelandics for about six months now and I visited many, many websites before finding Judy's site. About 99% of them had some qoute or another about the superiority of the Icelandic weight carrying ability. It usually ranges from 250 to 300 lbs. It was never clarified beyond that - that it only applies to certain builds and types within the breed etc. I am a fairly light weight rider so that never concerned me directly however I always thought it interesting that there was so much emphasis on it. It struck me that it was put out there to combat the American ideas about ponies - they are for children etc. But it did imply and on many cases state outright that they are stronger than other short horses (ponies).The pony stigma seems to be a real or perceived problem to overcome when promoting the breed. I have a hard time believing that they are some how stronger than other similarily built ponies around the globe. They are not mythical creatures after all! Mind you these were American breeders and importers of various ethnicities. I can't read Icelandic so I did not stay long on Icelandic sites although the pictures are pretty. But while on the topic of first impressions to someone getting to know the breed I was really turned off by the tons and tons of pictures and videos out there that promote the (for lack of a better word) "show" tolt. My husband was really horrified by the riding to be honest. He kept saying "Why are they riding like that? Why is that horses neck and chest so over built?" I am not interested in the show world of Icelandics and not interested in the type of riding that was so readily available and promoted on many breeder's websites. So unfortunately it was big turn off for me in the beginning. However, I had seen Icelandics in other contexts in Alexandra Kurland's videos and I did finally find Judy's site. I am not trying to prove or disprove any side of an "argument" but that particular tidbit is all over the web. I can only assume that it is a form of some information that was given to them by Icelandic importers but that is just an assumption! When your are selling to a country that thinks ponies are for children I think this claim would help to bolster your sales. > I think applying logic and common sense to the situation would be better for > the horse. And I agree! This whole weight carrying ability thing always struck me at sensationalism. In fact my board owner ( who knows nothing about Icelandics) - exclaimed "aren't they small but very, very strong and can carry up to 300lbs!" when I talked to her about my interest in the breed. Funny! Sarah Msla, MT
