A-Good-Looking-Man's-Horse
by Jennifer Hamilton
In
Icelandics
are naturally gaited. They not only
walk, trot, and canter, but they also tolt (a very smooth, running walk) and
skeith a
flying pace). These two, tolt and flying
pace, are lateral gaits. In the tolt,
the Icelandic horse can reach speeds up to 25 mph and in the flying pace, 35
mph. "It's something akin to
overdrive," as a gentleman friend of mine describes it. Icelandic horses also have a low center of
gravity which makes them sure-footed and agile.
Combine
these '5-gear options', and maneuverability with a willing, friendly, sensible
temperament and you have a very sporty equine.
Bred to retain both the full range of gaits and an excellent character,
they are a truly versatile breed. The
same horse is capable of being a multi-talented riding mount, as well as a
driving horse or draft animal.
Icelandics
are a smaller breed of horse. They
average in height between 13-14.2 hands.
For some people, their 'user-friendly' size makes them non-threatening
and approachable. However, in our
country where the myth
"bigger is better" reigns, a
small
horse can be perceived as "not enough horse" for a man.
That is certainly not the experience for the following men
who own and enjoy their Icelandic horses.
Doug
Hamilton, a
is so level headed that she will
get us out of trouble."
Justin Vandergaag, a student in
For a
native Icelander living in here
In
During the summer of 1993 Stephan joined up with
a group of riders who came over
from
to demonstrate Icelandic horses at
the Hampton Classic in
and their willingness all combine
to make Icelandic horses an engaging ride for the serious horseman."
The
Icelandic horse is ideal for the casual rider as well. John Dey started
riding at 45 years of age. "My
father was in the mounted U.S. Calvary until the 1950's, so I have had a life long fascination
with horses. I must confess that my
experience with Icelandic horses has spoiled me completely." John works as a commodity broker. Riding his stylish gelding, Oddi, provides a much needed break for him from his
job. "I may not get to ride for
weeks, but with an Icelandic you don't have to spend
a
lot of time "tuning them up".
You just get on and"> go."
In
Competitive
trail riding is Ed Hilgaertner's favorite equine sport. Ed is over 6 feet tall and a dead ringer for
Clint Eastwood. He and his blue dun
mare, Grima, have done very well in
These men
come from all walks of life and from all over the
!a good looking man's horse!
About the author:
Jennifer Hamilton and her husband, Doug, import, raise,
train and breed Icelandic horses on their farm in