On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 12:06:08PM +0300, Skise wrote: > > Just a comment on the above: Don't dismiss the importance of the trot in > > and to this breed. I personally wouldn't want an Icelandic with little > > or no trot. In my observations / experience, such horses are often too > > far to the pacy side of things. > > I agree. They also tend to become quite stiff (they pace because they are > stiff or become stiff because they pace) and it's a lot more difficult to > work a horse "loose" and keep him that way if he doesn't trot.
stjarni has always trotted in the field, but came to me with a beautiful but somewhat reluctant trot under saddle. i've found lateral work has made that much, much better, indubitably by helping with his flexibility. not to mention that he REALLY LIKES lateral work and will now do it at the least excuse, so i think it's a good idea unto itself ;) it's also some of the most useful trail training -- makes it infinitely easier to open gates, for instance. --vicka
