Hi Mic, >>>I think the horse in Iceland is highly romanticised, and Icelanders would certainly say they respect the horses, but often the way some people treat the horses does not show respect in any form. Please note I said *some* people.
I would agree with you Mic, I have seen people in all breeds and disciplines doing things I consider completely disrespectful of horses and people. I think so much of what we see as 'respectful - disrespectful'; 'kind or unkind' is based on our own personal experience and most importantly what we have been taught - both intentionally and just by watching. My parents have always instilled in me that we should treat others (humans and animals) in a way that we would like to be treated and they demonstrated that in life. I think that because Iceland is such a rugged country and actually quite harsh and that it is so much based on farming that there is a different idea of what is respectful and what is not. I have actually seen some of the same attitude, and sometimes rougher, in Australia which is also a farm based country. Like everything 'it depends - on the context and on your point of view'. We have to remember that we are the voices for our animals and I know that is why Judy does so much work with her lists. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
