>>> http://icyhorse.smugmug.com/photos/163286237-L.jpg ... No matter what, >>> when a trainer uses the tight saddles, the shoes, boots, nosebands, big >>> bits, concussive practices, bad trimming, sitting on the cantle, heavy >>> contact, whips, he should not be glorified or financially supported.
I saw this one of the same rider, probably the same horse: http://icyhorse.smugmug.com/gallery/3008612/1/163286598/Medium Draw a straight line from the rider's ear, through his hip and see where he is on the horse. He's centered over the horse's loins - above the horse's flank or "waist-line." Here's another: http://icyhorse.smugmug.com/gallery/3008612/1/163286129/Medium Sorry to show more back examples, Nancy, but this very young trainer/clinician is basically the "golden boy" of the "traditionalists" in the USA today. He's often the person tapped by the USIHC to represent the breed at demos and expos. Take a look at all of the "moments in time" posted in this set... Look at the flexed muscles in his arms... Karen Thomas, NC
