>Wish we had the choice of an
> alternative group like FOSH is to the TWHBEA.
>
> Kat
Hi Kat,
I think we'd be (are?) welcomed at FOSH events with our naturally-gaited
Icelandic horses. FOSH may have gotten started to protect
the TWH from abuse in the industry and offer an alternative showing venue
for those that reject the padded up, soring TWH show world, but I think they
are supportive and welcoming of ALL gaited breeds. That's the impression
I've gotten. The natural Icelandic horse community could certainly make
FOSH
their alternative group as well. By the way, does FOSH offer an
alternative registry for TWH???
What bothers me more is the way Icelandic horse evaluations are conducted. .
. You have these professional riders riding on the loins (see caption on
Gudmar picture) which beyond the poor equitation, ventroflexes the back
making the horse more apt to travel laterally (i.e. rack/tolt),
strong-arming the horses' heads up so as to keep them in gait, and previous
to the event, while the horse is in "training" for evaluations, you have
people using weighted quarterboots and bellboots to get the horse lifting
his front legs up higher, the snapping action of the front legs and
structure-stressing, above 90 degree angle knees telling the story.
How can NATURAL gait be judged at all under these kinds of circumstances?
What IS actually be scored at these things?
-- Renee M. in Michigan
