>>>> Do you think you could have an effect on having the riders practice riding >>>> without nosebands so that the horses would show nicely at demos without them?
Those horses were wearing nosebands, but they looked loose. And anyway, if you can take your jacket off while you're going over jumps, then you PROBABLY aren't depending on the reins too much... :) >>> I think the new owners think that it's a great thing to go out and do >>> demos, but if they are riding icelander-style, they may be doing more harm >>> than good in promoting the breed. That demo didn't DEPEND on the fire or the lights. That was darned good riding, an impressive pattern, ridden with precision. If there's nothing more to the drill than JUST lights or sparklers, then that's not enough...and some of the ones I've seen are downright embarrassing. I don't expect most drills to reach the level this one though, but it wouldn't hurt to practice a few times before performing. Karen Thomas, NC
