On Mon, 25 Feb 2008 1:18:34 -0800, you wrote: >Could it be because horses with less than stellar conformation are "fixed" up >to gait via mechanical means and that manufactured, showy gait is then graded >highly?
That's part of it, I'm sure. Saying that, my old Kalsi, with his long back, very heavy conformation and big head, is a previous 5-gait champion in Iceland. Mind you, these days he would not come anywhere against the high-steppers that are now popular. In his day, his gait was always perfectly clear with good action (but not HUGE action). Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes"
