A diffrent style of riding, whats your opinion?

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TheTrotter.

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So, just starting a discussion, looking at diffrent types of riding styles, we've had alot of talk about western, english.. etc.
But how about Icelandic?

Here is a video of Icelandic horses being put through their gaits at some sort of breeding assesment?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvO1JqDbAqk

Whats your opinion on the riding style? Do the horses look happy?
 
I have no argument to pick with the riding style, especially as I've never ridden Icelandic horses, only watched them on long distance rides. The horses are keen and forward going, and they look very relaxed in the tolt(e). The tall gangly man by English standards slouches, but when you bear in mind that none of those horses are going to be much over 13.2 I think they all look pretty happy with their riders....
 
It looks to me as if their hands are way too strong and they are using them for balance ..... imagine if you cut the reins in the middle with scissors, you suspect the rider would fall backwards. No wonder the poor things are fighting for their heads.

Love the ponies though, they are great.
 
Some look balanced and with the horse, others not so much, I just find the size of rider to be uncomfortable to watch.
Not that I'm saying the riders are too heavy for the horses, I know Icelandics are proper weight-carriers, its just different to what we are used to seeing, legs dangling around the horses knees etc!
 
I am off to Iceland in January, so I really hope I am able to have a ride on one....ever so interesting and I just love all that forelock :)
It does look a bit odd that the riders can be so tall, but it doesn't seem to stop the horses thats for sure
 
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