I think that taking up too much contact, too soon, may cause problems for horses, mysterious lameness issues which may not show up until age 10, 11, 12, etc., behavior problems, pain.
I think all horses may benefit from being started without a bit. And all horses may benefit from being started long and low. Particularly those Icelandics who are intended for the American market. I'll tell you why... Betty's dream.... This is where the market is for Icelandic Horses. We're not going to get cowboys, fox hunters, cross country eventers, endurance riders, gaited horse riders, to switch to Icelandics. The market is in Betty's dream and the fulfillment of that dream... the pony, comfortable riding, reminiscent of Dale Evans, and all the child pony books read in childhood. So, while some breeders want to train and ride their horses icelander-style, I think they are missing out on a big market in providing horses that Betty wants. The horses should be presented in a way that the Bettys of the American culture recognize, something familiar. Western style would be it. They don't necessarily want to ride in a way that is not familiar to them. "If you want to sell things that Betty buys, you need to see things through Betty's eyes." Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
