>>> An upright shoulder may cause a rough, inelastic ride due to the high knee action. It increases concussion on front limbs, possibly promoting the of impact tends to stiffen the muscles of the shoulder, making the horse less supple with a reduced range of motion needed for long stride reach.
That sounds like what I remembered. So "lift" (knee action) is sought after in Icelandics. It's a stated breeding goal in the FEIF rules. Why? But these two statements confuse me. First: >>> A long, sloping shoulder generally allows for the higher neck carriage desired of horses who will be ridden under saddle seat tack.<<< But then it says: >>> An upright shoulder is best for gaited or park showing, parade horses<<< What exactly is the difference between "park horses" and three-gaited saddleseat horses? I thought they were the same thing? >>>> An upright shoulder causes the shoulder joint to be open and set low over a short, steep arm bone, making it difficult for horse to elevate its shoulders and fold its angles tightly, which is needed for a good jump and in cutting. Thus the horse usually does not have good form over fences. I've always thought of sloped shoulders being best for "using horses", where straight, upright shoulders would be showier. I hadn't thought of it being an advantage for sprinters...not that I need a sprinter! :) Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
