>>> Mic, keep track of the people that were in the Icetolt and let us know in a >>> year or so, how many of those horses are still sound. Next April, make a >>> few phone calls and then report back to us how many of them have any >>> lameness issues. I'm honestly curious about your findings... I've been >>> pondering over this, and if I were an owner and my horse was suddenly >>> mysteriously lame and I ACTUALLY was able to connect it to an Icetolt I >>> participated in...I think I'd be too embarrased to admit it..
And "admitting it" has been a huge deal in this breed, bigger than in any I'd ever encountered prior. Thankfully things are MUCH more open than when we got our first Icelandics, but most of us remember when the breed's party line was that Icelandic's don't get laminitis....Icelandic's don't colic...Icelandic mares never have trouble foaling... and I think we all know now that they do. And, probably with many thanks to Judy in particular (and the other long-term list members) these things are openly discussed now, at least in some circles. With all the denials I've heard in this breed in the past few years, it means absolutely nothing to me that no one has heard of a horse lamed by an ice tolt. Who that is dumb enough to do it would admit injury or unsoundness? As far as injuries from ice tolts being inevitable, I feel sure some horse DO manage to get through one, or two, or even several of them without injury. Think about it - most of us grew up in an era before seat belts and baby-seats were required in cars, and we're here, safe and of reasonably sound-minds. Did that keep me from being rigorous about using a car seat for Emily when she was small? No! Will I have a car seat in my car if/when I ever get a grandchild? You bet! She went into her car seat every time, just as I buckle my seatbelt for every ride. Karen Thomas, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.5/1398 - Release Date: 4/25/2008 2:31 PM
