> Lee Z said when her father (Colonel Bradbury > I think is his name) visited Iceland and studied the horses (maybe in the > 1950's?) that he saw a good bit of running walk then - which tells me the > riding style was likely different then.
I think this is true. I don't think the style of riding, saddle placement, and tack (for example) that we see now is anything like what going on in Iceland 60 years ago. So in my mind, it's not really "traditional riding" in the sense it's how the Icelanders have long ridden. To me, what is being demonstrated in the Icelandic show ring is a relatively new development in the long history of the breed. And I'm afraid this influence the Icelanders have fallen under (for?) is NOT positive for the horses and the breed. Anyway, I think we need to come up with a different term other than "traditional riding" when talking about what is currently done. -- Renee M. in Michigan
