In a message dated 2/6/2008 10:54:04 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<<So, I'll ask the question again. How many strongly gaited Icelandic's are competing in endurance?>> OK, then I will answer again even though I think I have already answered in spades. But please read your doggone post again, because that isn't exactly the question you asked before, was it? You originally wrote: "Is there a strongly gaited Icelandic that is seriously competing in endurance? I don't remember hearing of one...." I'll bet other people besides me who have read all the articles about my horses, the internet messages about them and are aware of all of the awards they have received wondered why don't remember hearing of a strongly gaited Icelandic that is seriously competing in endurance. Sounds like you were presuming neither Skjoldur nor Remington are strongly gaited, even though you've never seen either of them. I would hope you wouldn't form your opinion from gossip from someone who might have ridden with them once or twice. But in answer to your current question, there are at least two and maybe more strongly gaited Icelandics competing in endurance. Since I know there are a half dozen or so which sporadically compete in endurance, my guess is that the ones I haven't personally seen like Lisa Leeper's horse are strongly gaited. From what Elisabeth Haug told me about the eight horses she competed in endurance, most of them like her palomino stallion Snaefaxi were strongly gaited as well. << To clarify, I remind you that someone initially referenced a couple of YouTube videos of "show-tolting" Icelandic's - high stepping, single-foot racking/tolting at speed. Does anyone compete in endurance doing most of their riding at gait? >> I probably am more careful and/or interested in watching what other gaited horses are doing at endurance rides. Most of us riding gaited endurance horses ride mostly in the trot, but fool around with the other gaits from time to time to show off to each other. I have observed a few horses staying mostly in their unique gait. <<If so, what gaits?>> I saw a TWH at my last endurance ride in December being ridden mostly at the running walk. I have also seen people with foxtrotters riding mostly in the foxtrot or rather that's what they told me they were doing. It seems like more of a distance riding gait that the rack. As I wrote in my discussion with Renee, I now suspect my horses are doing a lot of foxtrotting on the trail. But the really important point I want to make is that people with gaited horses should not feel discouraged to try endurance. It is the opposite; you should feel encouraged to give it a try. Your horse can do it. If you are the kind of person who can enjoy it, you will find it extremely fulfilling. John Parke Solvang CA **************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp003000000025 48)
