--- Robyn Hood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Hi Mic & Judy,
> > Oh, I agree - but that's also changing. You only have to look at
> > various websites from Iceland which now advertise horses which
> stand
> > still on a loose rein to be mounted, tolerate the rider flapping
> their
> > arms and legs etc. You would never have seen that 10 years ago.
>
> When I first went to Iceland in 1979 - that is one of the first
> things I
> told people I bought horses from. The horses must stand for
> mounting and I
> have bought lots of them over the years that do.
All of my Icelandics stand perfect still while being mounted, its
where I am the most nervous.
> What I find difficult is how many people in North America, when
> they go to
> mount, don't pick up the reins. I would never consider getting on
> a horse,
> especially one I don't know, without any rein contact. Anything
> can happen.
I learned from my friend here, who has traveled and taught in Europe
and Iceland (an American teaching Icelanders to ride, yes) that
picking up the reins is a must. I do not know why this was never
emphasised to me before...but she has a very eclectic background in
riding, teaching and training...her things are they must stand well,
and be able to stand with a mounting block, and the rider must pick
up the reins and have contact, not a loose rein, but contact, cuz
anything can happen, yes indeed.
Skye
~~~~Fire Island Farms~~~~
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