On Sun, 9 Dec 2007 08:03:19 -0500, you wrote: > What on earth is wrong with being >darned proud of the great things the breed has to offer, as opposed to >trying to portray the horses as possessing traits they simply don't have.
Part of the problem, I believe, is that for centuries the Icelandic horse has been expected to fulfill every need of the people of Iceland. That worked, as they needed a travelling horse, a work horse, a meat animal and so on. But now, as the Icelanders (and the horses) learn about a much wider equine world, some people still expect the horses to be able to do everything. So, just because "all Icelandic horses are versatile" they should be able to do dressage like a Lippizaner, reining like a QH, gaits like a big lick TWH and also be safe for little kids and nervous novices and old ladies.... Poor horses. Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
