I have had 2 Icelandics for a little over a year now - a mare and a gelding - Robyn I am sure you will remember Bjalla and Atli.
I have been giving them a chance to settle and develop physically before being too particular about gait. I'd like to distinguish more now. Aside from occasional arena work - both now understand lateral movement quite well, we ride about 20 - 35 miles (30-55km) a week, on a relatively straight rail trail. Bjalla tends to be a little more lateral in her gaits and when asked to go faster will often go from a canter to a flying pace. While this is thrilling - I would like to work on her canter. I believe she has the strength and balance. What aids, and what type of seat would the group suggest to encourage canter and prevent her from racing into the flying pace? - She does love to go fast and I swear she does it with an evil sideways grin at Atli who doesn't seem to have her turn for speed, although his most comfortable medium gait - a foxtrot or something - not a true tolt, is faster than hers. Sometimes I find that a half seat helps her maintain the canter. Is there an aid you use specifically to ask for flying pace, or prevent it? Laura Brantford, Ontario
