>>>>> 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.
Sarah, I wanted to apologize too. There are a few people who jump to deny whatever the list topic of the moment is - "I've never seen that", "it never happens" or "I've never heard that" even about things that are so common and so blatantly obvious, and I find that embarrassing. Not all Icelandic owners and breeders are so quick to defend and/or deny the claims that are so glaringly common. >>>> 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?" Even though I hate to hear that's what your and your husband's impressions were, I know what you mean. We on the list NEED to hear that more often, from potential owners coming from the "outside" horse world. I think way too many people are turned off from the breed and quietly, politely walk away without saying anything. Thanks for speaking up. I wish more people would. >>>> 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. If I thought they were simply claims to broaden the pony market, it wouldn't automatically bother me so much. However, I know there are actually 300-350-pound (maybe more) riders buying these horses...and while some of our ponies may be able to carry that weight, I have to ask how long are these riders riding, how fast, how good is their balance, how well do their saddles fit, etc...? Fair or not, it's just a fact that the heavier the rider, the more perfect all other factors should be. After all, horseback riding is not a "victimless sport." Karen Thomas, NC
