>>> I've ridden a lot of my Icelandic's in public places, with lots of "other >>> breed" >>> horses. I have never, ever had one of my horses "spook" another horse >>> simply because >>> he's an Icelandic. I have heard people say that some horses spook when >>> first >>> approached by any gaiting horse. I guess those would be horses who have >>> led very >>> sheltered lives.
I could understand that reaction, at least for the very first reaction to the sound of gaiting. Of course, in NC, it's always been hard to find a horse that hasn't at some time encountered a gaiting horse. Now, though, gaited breeds are getting pretty commonBut, for those of us who follow generally-accepted trail ettiquette rules, we know we should be considerate and not trot, gait, or canter up on horses we don't know. >>> The other horse is always a gelding - but than the vast majority of horses >>> I ride with >>> are geldings - and I think they just appreciate the fact that she is one of >>> the only >>> mares they have met that is calm and kind. Yes, they are assessing her for what she is...not for what people see her as ... :) The surprising thing I heard most recently on this topic was where people actually said their Icelandic's spooked other horses when they were standing still...not even moving. In some other cases...well, there used to be a few people who used to joke on this list about galloping up behind other-breed horses on their Icelandic's and spooking the "big horses." Well, duh. Horses are programmed to think speed may mean stampede, which may mean imminent danger. That's just terribly rude, and violates trail ettiquette. It's also potentially dangerous. But the people who say their standing Icelandics spook other horses...? Are the owners imagining that? If they aren't then WHY? Why with some Icelandics, but not with others....? Karen Thomas, NC
