The Pleasure Riding Program

Issue three T H E 2008

Quarterly

Official Publication of the United States Icelandic Horse Congress Member Association of FEIF (International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations) 2 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 ICELANDIC HORSE Quarterly

THE ICELANDIC 5 NEWS HORSE 5 usIHC News QUARTERLY 9 FEIF News Issue three 2008 11 regional Club Updates Official Publication of the United States Icelandic Horse Congress (USIHC), a member 16 International News association of FEIF (Interna- tional Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations). 17 BEYOND THE OVAL TRACK ©2008 All rights reserved.

The Icelandic Horse Quarterly is Meet the 2007 PRP Winners compiled by Amy Goddard published in March, June, Sep- tember, and December by the USIHC as a benefit of membership. Membership fees of $45 per individual ($35 for youth 24 COLUMNS members) or $65 per family (2 adults and children) are due on January 1 each year. Renew 24 Education: Taking the Georgia Course by Dawn Shaw online at www.icelandics.org. teachers & Trainers: Who Is Brian Puntin? by Alex Pregitzer USIHC members are encour- 28 aged to submit articles and photos or illustrations for pub- 30 Spotlight: Website Improvements by Doug Smith lication. Deadlines are January 1 (for the March issue), April 1, August 1, and October 1. See 32 Versatility: Roundpenning as a Training Tool by Janice McDonald the instructions online at www. icelandics.org or email the editorial committee at quarterly@ 34 Horse Tales: Siggi’s Story by Alys Culhane icelandics.org. We reserve the right to edit submissions. 36 It Works for Me: Water, Water Everywhere by Alys Culhane Advertising rates and instructions are also online at www. icelandics.org. Deadlines are the same as above. 38 MARKETPLACE Back issues of The Icelandic Horse Quarterly may be purchased for $5.00 each as available.

Quarterly Committee: Heidi Benson, Andrea Brodie, Nancy Marie Brown, Denise Chyth- look, Alys Culhane, Anne Elwell. Amy Goddard, Doug Kane, Maike Liekweg, Janice On the cover: Nicki Esdorn and Fengur cross the finish line jump at the Bedford Pace. McDonald, Penny Miller, Alex Pregitzer, Chris Romano, Barb Photo by Kathy Mathew. Riva, Marci Stacy, Judy Strehler (chair), Bernie Willis, Nancy Wines-Dewan Graphic Design: James Collins

Contact the Editorial Commit- tee at [email protected] issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 3 FEIF AND THE USIHC BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES FEIF is the international association Bernie Willis, President USIHC programs are organized by the following committees. To join dedicated to the protection and promo- Anne Elwell, Vice President a committee, contact the following: tion of Icelandic horses. Comprised of the National Breed Associations of 17 Kari Pietsch-Wangard, Secretary/Treasurer Breeding Katrin Sheehan (706-347-0900) European countries (including Ice- Laura Benson land), Canada, and the United States, it [email protected] Ásta Covert governs competition activities and regu- Constitution Review lates the breeding and registration of Doug Smith Kari Pietsch-Wangard Icelandic horses throughout the world [email protected] outside of Iceland. See www.feif.org for Kathryn Love Education more information. Karen Olson-Fields The United States Icelandic Alex Pregitzer Horse Congress was formed in 1987 by [email protected] representatives of the U.S. Icelandic REGISTRY Pleasure Riding Horse Federation and the International The Congress maintains the Registry of Karen Olson-Fields Icelandic Horse Association to meet the Icelandic Horses in the United States in [email protected] FEIF rule that only one association from accordance with FEIF rules. The Registry each country is allowed to represent the Promotion Rules and all forms needed to register an breed. As a FEIF member organization, Kathryn Love Icelandic Horse in the United States are the Congress maintains the Registry of [email protected] available on the Congress website at Icelandic Horses in the United States, www.icelandics.org. Quarterly sponsors U.S. participation in inter- For more information, contact Asta Covert Judy Strehler (763-498-8432) national competition, and regulates P.O. Box 1724, Santa Ynez, CA 93450; [email protected] breeding and competition activities in 805-688-1393; [email protected] Regional Clubs the United States in accordance with FEIF rules. USIHC also sponsors activi- Andrea S. Barber ties, events, and educational programs WEBSITE [email protected] in the United States which are benefi- Sport Visit www.icelandics.org to update or cial to the overall interests of the breed. Heidi Kline (585-243-9301) renew your membership, download the Yearly membership is $45 ($35 for [email protected] electronic Quarterly, subscribe to RSS youth members); family membership, feeds for the Events Calendar or web Website $65. For more information, see the updates, register for WorldFengur, find Doug Smith Congress website at www.icelandics.org a Regional Club or USIHC registered [email protected] or email: [email protected]. horse, join a committee, download Youth USIHC guidelines and forms, submit a Laura Benson (321-278-0250) proposal, and learn more about FEIF and [email protected] the USIHC.

4 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 USIHC NEWS

FROM THE PRESIDENT ing policy for many years to keep our I hope your hay is in, that your Bernie Willis writes: It’s fall and I hope membership fees as low as possible horses are fit and that your summer your summer has been a real good and to use funds from the registry has been as wonderful as mine. one. I have seen things that I hoped account to foster other programs with GEORGIA EVALUATIONS the goal of making them self support- would never happen in America. The Northeast Icelandic Horse Club ing. The educational programs are a The price of petroleum energy has held a successful breeding evaluation good example of how this works. The affected everything we do. Just like at Creekside Farm in Georgia the costs are user-based but backed up in Switzerland, I’ve seen horse folk weekend of May 16. Katrin Sheehan with Congress funds. The Pleasure cutting the grass along the side of hosted the event; the judges were Riding Program is another success the road to get some fodder for their Silke Feuchthofen and Barbara financially. I know several of you per- horses. I know one man who now Frische; show manager was Martina sonally and realize how much you like rides his horse to work instead of Gates. Twelve horses were judged riding toward a goal. taking the family car. Many of us have for full evaluation, while 20 young Complaints are welcome. They shortened or cancelled auto road horses were also scored. Brian Puntin are like taking pulse and respiration trips. Spending more time at home reported for the NEIHC, “The young rates on a competitive trail ride. They with our horses really isn’t a bad deal horse assessment is somewhat new give us a measure of how we are do- after all. and I found it very interesting. A bet- ing. Recently we have received com- One thing I promised earlier this ter explanation of the young horse plaints about our registration fees year was to get a full understanding assessment will be given by Martina being too low. Basically we charge $25 of the USIHC’s financial condition. Gates at a later date. I would like to for what other registries are charging I must admit that while writing this personally thank Martina Gates, Nicki $100 to $260. I can’t predict what the in June, although progress is being Esdorn, Maike Liekweg, Dawn Shaw board will do with this information, made and the full board is being and Jana Meyer who all flew down at but since I have four horses that need very cooperative, the final result has their own expense to help work the to be registered I am not waiting not been accomplished. It has been show. Also thanks to Bernie Willis around any more to get it done. You determined that the membership fee for assisting in the conformation might join me in saving some money does cover the cost of the Quarterly measuring.” The highest score was re- right now before the costs of register- magazine; the income from the reg- ceived by the stallion Tyr fra Arbakka ing your horse goes up. But if you istry is marginal and, while it covers (riding: 8.62, total: 8.35). The high would rather wait till the costs go up, basic expenses, it is not the significant scoring mare was Gunnildur fra Kol- remember the extra you will pay will funding source it might be. As many laleiru (riding: 8.43, total: 8.18). of you know, it has been basic operat- go toward a good cause.

The Tunbridge Fairgrounds, in Tunbridge, VT, where the Judging Seminar will take place. Here Jessica Hainesworth rides Thor. Nancy Marie Brown

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 5 SPORT SEMINAR The USIHC Education Committee organized two seminars this summer. A Sport Competition Seminar was held in conjunction with a schooling show at Winterhorse Park Icelandic Horse Farm in Eagle, WI, July 24-25. Barb Riva was the organizer. The clinician was Andre Boehme, a very experienced International FEIF Sports Judge and the trainer of the German elite youth team, Hessen Kader. The classroom-style seminar covered a variety of topics to allow those interested in competing to educate themselves, gain a better understanding of FIPO and the judging guidelines, and to improve their own performance. Andre addressed details of FIPO such as: the welfare of Andrea Barber Andrea the horse, prohibited bits, tack and Stallion Kalman frá Lækjamóti, owned by Steven and Andrea Barber of Mendon, NY, other equipment, shoeing, the track, showing off for the mares. the different classes and how to ride them correctly, the preliminaries, JUDGING SEMINAR ered a variety of topics to allow those the finals, disqualifications, different A Judging Seminar was scheduled interested in competing and judging speeds, etc. for August 27-31, in conjunction to educate themselves, gain a better In addition, the seminar covered with a USIHC-sanctioned show in understanding of FIPO and judging some basics of judging so participants Tunbridge, VT. The Second Annual guidelines, and learn more about could gain a better understanding Tunbridge Icelandic Horse Show the judge’s point-of-view with regard of what the judges are looking for. was hosted by Sigrun Brynjarsdot- to competitions. On the first day of Participants discussed the scoring sys- tir and Jason Brickner of Solheimar the seminar, judging guidelines and tem and what aspects of their perfor- LLC, with classes for all levels of competition rules were explained mance were getting judged. Tools like riders. Susan Peters organized the and discussed. The next two days videos and watching ridden horses accompanying judging seminar. The were spent with videos, as well as helped to develop a better feeling for clinician, Marlise Grimm, was an ex- theory and riding performances, to performances. perienced International FEIF Sports give participants the opportunity to There was no exam for this Judge, German Master Trainer, FEIF discuss performances of horses and seminar. Participation of the seminar Breeding Judge, and former trainer riders and to develop a good feeling satisfies the prerequisite for joining of the German World Championship for how to judge their performances the USIHC Sport Committee. Partici- Team. The full seminar, which in- according to the guidelines. pants of the seminar also had the op- cluded an exam, was geared towards The final two days of the exam portunity to take riding lessons from participants interested in judging were optional. Students judged a Andre before or after the seminar and in becoming a sports judge. The show and their scores were compared and to compete and get judged in the three-day basic seminar, however, was to those of the International Sports schooling show. of interest to any competition rider. It Judges, followed by a personal inter- also satisfies the prerequisite for join- view and oral exam. Those passing ing the USIHC Sports Committee. the exam were certified as USIHC The classroom-style seminar cov- intern judges.

6 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 BOARD MEETINGS Sigrun Brynjarsdottir readies her The following report summarizes stallion Parker for the Open Four-Gait highlights of the topics discussed competition during a schooling show at meetings of the USIHC Board of in Tunbridge in May. Directors during April, May, and June 2008. Full minutes of the meetings are available online at www.icelandics.org. Members present were Laura Benson, Asta Covert, Anne Elwell, Ed Hilgaertner, Kathy Love, Karen Olson-Fields, Kari Pietsch-Wangard, Katrin Sheehan, Doug Smith, and Bernie Willis. Regional Club Observ- ers were Annette Coulon (Kraftur), Alys Culhane (Alaska Icelandic Horse Association), and Dawn Shaw (The Cascade Icelandic Horse Club). The Stallion Book Listing: The USIHC stallion book listing fee will be free for all USIHC members who currently pay for a Farm Listing. Nancy Marie Brown Other members will pay $10, and offspring in Iceland and therefore is brackets. non-members $100 per stallion. The often misleading here. Stallions un- Judge Housing: The pros and cons Board unanimously approved annual der age five with conformation judg- of allowing an organizer or a show updating of all stallion listings in the ment only are allowed; they will be participant to house the judge dur- Stallion Book to USIHC members eliminated from the book if not fully ing a sanctioned competition were only; members with Farm Listings evaluated during the year they turn carefully considered by the USIHC will not be charged, other members five. The board members feel that board. Reasons for: It is normal in will have to pay $10 per year. Fees itís important to provide additional other countries. We should be using shall be paid at the same time as information on the breeding evalu- our FEIF International Judge and their membership renewal. Anyone ation system and judging guidelines currently he is limited. If family is who previously paid the $100 fee will as an education tool. This can be ac- allowed to judge family, why should receive 10 years of free listing, as long complished by providing direct links the housing matter? Where the judge as they maintain a current USIHC to the FIZO sources on the Breeding sleeps does not make a difference. membership and update the stallion’s section of the USIHC website. Cons: Some competitors feel the information annually. By making Domestic Bred Icelandic Horse judge may feel obligated to those listings renewable, the information Names: All American-bred horses will housing him/her to judge in their on each stallion can be corrected and be entered into the World Fengur favor. Some feel that this gives unfair updated annually. with the correct Icelandic spelling of access to the judge for certain parties. All stallions listed in the Stallion their (first) names. Horse owners/ Promotion: Kathy Love asked the Book must be USIHC registered. All breeders have the choice of regis- members of the promotion commit- stallions listed in the Stallion Book tering their horses with the USIHC tee to think about the mission state- must also be evaluated, but there will registry in either Icelandic or English ment and goals for 2008. She plans to be no minimum score required in spellings. In both cases the correct establish what horse magazines have order to be listed. The Board voted Icelandic spelling of the name will the biggest circulation and contact unanimously to not include BLUP be the first to appear on the registry their sales people about submitting scores in the Stallion Book. A horse’s papers, the English spelling of the articles and placing small ads in their BLUP score is not the probability name will appear on the same line in publications as incentive. She’s also predictor for horses that do not have issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 7 asked Carrie Lyons-Brandt to write an which would be readily accessible to article on the Youth Cup for Young the new chair without having to rely Rider magazine, which has Icelandics on the old chair to forward via mail. on their list of featured breeds in Doug Smith will check into how easy their September issue. She’s also in this will be for the Board members to contact with Deb Putnam and Brian use. Puntin regarding the November Mas- NEW TECHOLOGY sachusetts Equine Affaire. Doug Kane and Doug Smith are FEIF Youth Cup: The board unani- working together to help the USIHC mously approved Jasmine Ho and Board take advantage of the new Susan Peters to be Team Leader and technology. Says Kane, “Gudmar Country Leader at the FEIF Youth Petursson has been utilizing this tech- Cup this summer. Laura Benson also nology successfully for nearly a year reported that a fundraiser held at now. The key to it is centralization. Doug Kane and his two costumed help- Flying C Ranch’s May competition ers drew attention to the Icelandic horse The technology centralizes Windows netted $951 for the kids going to the at Equine Affaire in Ohio. Doug (left) is Programs like Microsoft Office, docu- Youth Cup. In the future, she would the author of Ariel’s Journey, the teen ments, and files. The centralization like to see more Youth Cup fund- fantasy book that centers on Icelandic of these resources will allow users to horses. Sarah Fulkerson is dressed as raisers. share the resources and access them Laura in her warrior gear and Mark Fulk- Articles of Incorporation: Anne from anywhere in the world. Multi- erson as the evil chieftain Siklingur, both relayed a conversation she had with characters in the book. Their fanciful ple users can use Word or Excel from Beth Yingling regarding the USIHC approach brought a lot of traffic back to anywhere, even if they do not have Articles of Incorporation. These the USIHC booth. these products installed on their own Articles were drafted as required by computer. Gudmar uses the technol- the state of New Jersey and the club their Icelandic horses acted out a skit ogy to track horses and finances, yet maximum protection for New Jersey, based on the book series. They did a has no data or programs on his local but not necessarily for every state in fantastic job and drew applause at ev- computers. The data is backed up the country. There is nothing that ery event. Gudmar Petursson and his daily, secure and encrypted. These can keep someone from suing us show team also put on a great perfor- advances will improve efficiency and over the actions of a USIHC-certified mance at both the Fantasia and other accuracy and the users will find it trainer. Beth suggested that we events. The results of the costumes easy to use.” Doug Kane hosts the require USIHC-certified trainers to and various presentations drew many new technology and has offered his carry liability insurance, with the Con- people to the USIHC booth and services to the USIHC. gress listed as additional insured. In created a lot of interest in the Icelan- this case certification would have to dic horse. The booth was manned be renewed on an annual basis. Beth EQUINE AFFAIRE throughout the show, and the people remarked that it’s difficult to sue a The Ohio Equine Affaire for 2008 manning the booth provided the non-profit organization. Most states had an unusual Icelandic display. audience with a great deal of infor- have “charitable immunity” laws that Word of the Icelandic horse spread mation on the horses and Iceland. A would protect us. Bernie will research throughout the show because of the wonderful mare provided by Gudmar how other organizations handle certi- strange presentations put on by Doug stayed in the booth from early in the fication of trainers and instructors. Kane, Mark Fulkerson, and Sarah morning until late at night, attracting Web page updates & links / shar- Fulkerson. Promoting the USIHC many people. ing Congress documents: Doug Kane and the Ice Horse Adventure Series offered a way for the Board to have of books, Doug, Mark, and Sarah access to documents, forms, spread- dressed in ancient Icelandic war- sheets etc. from anywhere at any rior garb and walked through the time via our website (see next item). show with an Icelandic horse, do- An example would be to have all of ing presentations. In addition, two the Pleasure Rider Program’s forms, young women, Carrie and Lilly, on

8 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 FEIF NEWS

WELFARE OF THE HORSE welfare issues, and a certification pro- The welfare of the horse was one of gram for good horsemanship. Other the main items on the agenda at the areas included a re-visit of the FIPO FEIF Conference 2008. Horse welfare (breeding rules) to encourage an is paramount in the FEIF rules and emphasis on the overall impression in the general policy. During the of the horse and less emphasis on lift, conference, a “Welfare Café” was an analysis of the biomechanisms of held, where horse welfare questions the horses, and public encourage- were discussed. Each participant in ment for judges to use warning cards. the Café represented an aspect of the Publication of bad behavior was also whole system’s diversity and intel- discussed, as well as a request to ligence, and each person had the develop a better warning system in chance to connect in conversation. sports and breeding events. A request Bernie Willis, president of the USIHC for support from FEIF to request presented together with the chair- monetary grants from EU to finance man of Switzerland. “The experience welfare projects was also made. was rather fun,” Bernie says. “We were With participants from many differ- Icelandic horse pleasure riders. The divided into groups of five persons, ent countries—speaking different ethic of good horsemanship is re- of which only two could be from the languages—a request for translation quired in all aspects of competition, same country. Each group was asked of material and better communica- and negative response to any lapse, to discuss a particular topic. After a tion between the individual countries however minor, on the part of com- few minutes the groups were changed became paramount. petitors, judges, and spectators, has and a new topic or question was A strong focus on the welfare of always been strong and immediate. focused on. At the end, each person the competition and breeding horse FEIF is now expanding the was asked to write down what they is not new to FEIF. The earliest ver- concern for the welfare of the horse would do personally to improve the sions of FIPO (the competition rules) into areas other than competition welfare of their horses.” carried lists of requirements for and breeding. If the welfare of the Due to this international discus- preserving the psychological as well horse is the responsibility of all horse sion, several areas of support by FEIF as the physical welfare of the horses, owners, then surely it is the respon- were requested, mainly collateral and physical welfare has always been sibility of the breed associations to educational material for the aver- much more than simply not abusing provide information and education age Icelandic horse owner, such as the horse. FIPO requires, in fact, the on as many aspects of the horse’s educational articles, information on sanctioning of any behavior that is welfare as possible so that owners will saddle position, discussion of general “unfair to the horse.” A yellow and have more resources to understand red card warning and disqualification and meet that responsibility. With system has always been in place at the participants of the Welfare Café competitions for immediately sanc- returning to their home countries tioning any behavior that is seen as and individual clubs, the important inappropriate. Checks of shoeing, discussion about welfare of the horse tack, and health are rigorous. will continue. These rules and policies for competition and breeding horses have GÆDINGAKEPPNI been developed over the years by all The weekend of August 29-30, 2008, of the member associations of FEIF an International Gædingakeppni together. Like everything that is done Seminar was organized by FEIF in within FEIF, they reflect the values cooperation with the Danish mem- and concerns of the populations of ber association. The seminar, with Icelandic horse owners worldwide: teachers from Iceland, focused on competition riders of all levels, breed- judging. The Gædingakeppni is the most widespread form of competition Chris R omano(2) ers large and small, and thousands of

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 9 Chris R omano(3) on horseback in Iceland. There are YOUTHCUP FEIF SEMINAR many reasons for this: for one, it is in The FEIF YouthCup 2008 which took The annual FEIF International very much line with the old traditions place in Brunnadern, Switzerland, Instructor/Trainer Seminar will be about the Icelandic horse. In the July 12-20 showed 72 Youth from 12 held on January 9-11, 2009, at NHB Gædingakeppni, the special charac- countries who shared and learned Deurne in the Netherlands. Details teristics of the Icelandic horse can be together. Switzerland sent the most are available on the FEIF website expressed better than in other com- Youth, 10, followed by Iceland and (www.feif.org). This weekend is petitions. Traits like spirit and char- Germany with nine Youth partici- planned to be a full program of dis- acter, form under the rider, and the pating from these countries. Four cussions of interesting and important power that lies within, together with promising youth riders from the education issues for the Icelandic the free and simple form of the com- U.S. also participated: They are Lucy horse community. The seminar will petition, make it easy to approach the Nold, Carrie Lyons Brandt, Sophie be open to all instructors registered horse in a positive manner and thus Shalhoub, and Amber Parry. in the FEIF Matrix, all FEIF Interna- to show the horse at its best. tional Sport and Breeding Judges, NORDIC CHAMPIONSHIPS and, subject to availability of spaces, SPORT JUDGES The Nordic Championships is the other interested participants. A new FEIF Sport Judges Committee bi-annual FEIF sport event between has been established. The members Iceland, Denmark, Faroe Islands, REGISTRATIONS are Markus Karrer (Switzerland), Ni- Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Every From WorldFengur.com: As of Janu- colai Thye (Denmark), Rune Svend- country sends a team. This year the ary 2008, 294,711 Icelandic horses sen (Norway), Thorgeir Gudlaugsson event took place from August 6–10 in have been registered in the studbook (Netherlands) and Uschi Heller- Seljord, Norway. of origin. This is an 8% increase Voigt (Switzerland). This committee compared with the number of horses EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS operates under the umbrella of the that were registered in 2007. Last The preparations for the 2008 Mid- FEIF Sport Committee; the members year, 2,608 assessments held in FEIF European Championships are on are appointed by the Director of countries were registered for 2,270 their way. The Mid-European Cham- Sport. However, the members were horses. All in all, 9,177 horses born in pionships are the bi-annual FEIF proposed by the International Sport 2007 have been registered in World- sport competition between Austria, Judges, after an election among this Fengur so far, and 14,981 horse were Belgium, France, Germany, Great group of 74 persons. This is the result registered as microchipped last year. Britain, Italy, Luxemburg, the Nether- of proposals of a working group to lands, Slovenia and Switzerland. Each bring more structure to the organi- country involved is allowed to send zation and more support for FEIF up to 40 participants International Sport Judges.

10 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 REGIONAL CLUB UPDATES

To contact a Regional Club, or to find out if there is one in your area, see the complete directory on www.icelandics.org or ask the Regional Club committee chair, Andrea Barber. Regional Club members, please send your updates to the Quarterly c/o Doug Kane ([email protected]). Alaska Icelandic Horse Association Susan Tilly writes: We’ve been having relatively good riding weather here in Alaska, dry, cool, damp days, and plenty of sunshine. Another plus, in this, the land of the midnight sun, is that the daylight hours allow for lengthy evening rides. We all know this won’t last, so we’re taking advantage of it. In Fairbanks, weekly trail rides are the norm. In Palmer, there have been a handful of organized trail rides, the most notable of which was at Alys Culhane’s place. Alys rode Raudi, Bernie rode Undrun, and Ruth rode Curly Sue. (Curly has hon- Karleen Oosterwal pauses for a break with Skerpla during the NEIHC Bunny Hop ride. orary Icelandic status because Bernie got her to tolt). California Icelandic Horse Landsmót. Our member Anne-Marie It’s a rare, but wonderful time Association Martin owns and bred a four-year old when we can get Icelandic horse Asta Covert writes: The May show stallion, Villandi frá Feti, that went owners together, especially now that was very successful. About 35 horse- first prize and qualified to be shown gas prices are so high. But we did and-rider combinations signed up. again at Landsmót. He is a son of manage to do this in early June when The Friday Night BBQ was a great Anne-Marie’s mare Gola frá Höfda- Bernie hosted at two-day gait clinic at evening, and there were about 40 of brekku, who is also first prize with a his Big Lake-based Arctic Arrow farm. us enjoying the delicious food in the total of 8.25, and his sire is Lúdvík frá Amy Rogde brought Lysy up from the barn. The preliminary rounds were Feti. Kenai, and Susan Tilly and Theresa on Saturday, and we were most proud Another Sanctioned show will be Harmon brought Dukka and Prinz to have five youth riders, who all held at Flying C Ranch November 1 down from Fairbanks. There were five rode very well. Lucy and Sophie were and 2. For more info check out the other local participants. The clinic among them, and they are going to CIA website (www.ciaclub.net). was very well organized. Bernie gave compete in Switzerland this year at Cascade Club a lecture on gait training on Friday the FEIF Youth Cup. We had a Silent Lisa M. McKeen writes: Despite the evening, and on Saturday and Sun- Auction to raise money for them, and rising fuel costs, the first half of 2008 day, in groups of two, we put theory for Amber and Carrie, who will join has been a busy year for members of to practice. Most of us are trail riders. them in Switzerland. We raised a total the Cascade Club. We participated Bernie emphasized the importance of of $951 that we will split evenly be- in demos, clinics, poker runs, 4-H trot, and showed us ways in which we tween the four. At the end of the day events, BCH events, and many, many can use uneven terrain to our advan- on Saturday, we did the 100 meter regional trail rides. Icelandic horses tage. Between classes, the majority of speed pace, which is always a crowd are not such a surprise in the Pacific us went for informal rides, and put pleaser. Sunday we had all the finals. Northwest any more, but remain our hard-earned theory to practice. A group of us are going to great conversation openers with

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 11 Alex Pregitzer gave a clinic for the Cascade Club. Here are the clinic participants at the end of the day Sunday. horse enthusiasts wherever we go. Rancore and Karen Brotzman joined points are earned by wearing armor. Gwen Feero and Karen Brotzman us for lunch each day. We all learned Other games included simulated headed up the group that did dem- a great deal and enjoyed the skill of head-lobbing, a quintain, and spear/ onstrations at the NW Equine Expo a trainer that could read both horse javelin tossing. in Albany, Oregon, this year. Renee and rider. Alex helped each par- In May, Svanny Stefansdottir Phelps, Dawn Shaw, and Pam Nolf ticipant make steps toward being a gave a clinic at Red Feather Ranch in participated in the event. Next year better partner for each horse. She has Trout Lake, WA, at Dick and Linda will be the tenth anniversary for the been asked to do another clinic next Templeton’s place. Members learned club’s participation in the event and spring. a great deal, and the setting was spec- we are already planning for a special At the end of May, Dawn Shaw tacular. Dick and Linda have built demonstration for the crowd that and her gelding Floi participated a regulation track so that Icelandic always welcomes us so warmly. in the War Horse Challenge games at owner/riders can learn and practice Thanks to Rachel Knowlton, Bridle Trails near Redmond, Wash- for sports competitions or evaluations Alexandra Pregitzer, who currently ington. They placed third in the Ring in Washington. lives in Michigan, taught an Icelandic Joust. In the beginner’s version of the This year the club’s annual sum- Horse Riding Clinic on May 3-4 in ring joust, competitors jab a wooden mer meeting was held in The Dalles, Ridgefield, Washington. Participants sword through rings on several stan- Oregon at Lisa Roland’s new home. were Lori Birge, Carol Burckhardt, chions. Riders cannot take two rings We had a full agenda but made sure Linda Eddy, Missy Genova, Bonny off the same stand at one pass. More the weekend had time for what draws Houghton, Rachel Knowlton, Lisa advanced riders have to use metal us together: horses. We rode and McKeen, Renee Phelps, Janella swords, have many more stanchions, practiced on the trail course or in the Radetich. Diane Spear, Jean Waller, and the rings are different sizes with arena we rented for the day from a and Susan Yeager. Patti Moyer and the smaller rings being worth more local 4-H group. Lisa hosted beautiful Ron & Barb Pitney audited. Claudia points. Time counts, and bonus trail rides through the scrub oak for-

12 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 est and up into the high mesas which are the setting for Lisa’s new home. We have a full slate of nominees for our up-coming vote by mail ballot on its way to members through our summer newsletter. Club member Shari Nees has started a new blog on research information gathered about the early years in America of the Icelandic horse. She tells us it will take her a few months to really get it going, but we are all excited about finding it and sharing with people new to the breed. The address is http://naice- landichorse.blogspot.com/. Shari is an artist, and we are lucky to have her donating to horse events in the area to help promote Icelandics. She has donated two T-shirts to be raffled off, the Northwest Gaited Horse Club will a second clinic by Svanny Stefansdot- one for each of the July shows. All once again sponsor the Evergreen tir will be forthcoming in August; and funds will go directly to the Club. Gaited Classic in Puyallup, WA; the our club winery ride will again take Upcoming events are Celebrate second Trail Trials event held in place the second weekend in Sep- the Horse Event in Puyallup, WA, Ridgefield, WA, is drawing a large tember. We are all excited about the headed up by our membership chair, group of Icelandics; a beach ride with rising number of events that include Sandy Solberg; an All Icelandic Horse horse camping is planned by Gwen participation by Icelandics. Show to be held in Chilliwack, BC, Feero, one of our Members at Large; by the CanAm Icelandic Horse Club; R ich Moore Photos from the FIRC schooling show in Thurmont, MD, on May 17. Competi- tors Suzi McGraw (left) and Sally Thorpe (top). Judge Alex Pregitzer and Sally Thorpe (above).

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 13 Frida Icelandic Riding Club (FIRC) Rich Moore writes: The FIRC held schooling shows in April at Dave Goodman’s farm in Nokesville, VA, and in May at Sam Castleman’s farm in Thurmont, MD. Curt Pierce judged the first show. Susan Milloy was the scribe. Alex Pregitzer, with Curt’s and Susan’s assistance, judged the May show. Both shows were well attended. The FIRC hosted six classes for Icelandics at the end of June at the Virginia Gaited Jubilee at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia. Susan Peters was the judge. Curt and Susan Milloy assisted. The Center was a great place to ride. The organizers and other riders made us feel welcome. (See FIRC schooling show results on the USIHC website.) Gudmar Petursson ran clinics for the FIRC in May at Rich and Pat Moore’s farm in Virginia and in June at Lynne Alfonsi’s in Pennsylvania. Both events attracted lots of riders and auditors. Tony and Laura Colicchio hosted a trail ride in May in Upper Marl- boro, MD. The riders had a nice time Jana Meyer demonstrates proper mounting technique during the introduction to her during the ride and at the picnic that NEIHC clinic at Roberts Woods Farm in April for the NEIHC. followed. The FIRC drill team, under the provided. Everyone had a nice time. Icelandic Farm received a reverse 911 leadership of Curt Pierce, put on a The FIRC plans to hold schooling call declaring a mandatory evacua- demonstration in May at the Virginia shows in September and November tion due to a fire in the area. The was Horse Center. The ride went well, and conduct trail rides in September, fire started on a nearby highway by a and the audience enjoyed seeing October, and November. Club mem- car that was dragging its muffler and the horses. Don and Julie Roll, who bers will be riding in a holiday parade sending sparks flying into the very live near Lexington, were active in in Charles Town, WV, in early De- dry grass along the roadside. The fire arranging the show. Don was the nar- cember. For additional information started at about 1:30 in the afternoon rator during the drill team perfor- on club events, please see the FIRC and quickly spread to approximately mance. The Rolls hosted the riders events calendar at www.firc.us. 500 acres, burning about 15 homes and killing several animals. for pizza at their home after the show. Kraftur Club The farm manager at Mountain In June, members of the FIRC Doug Smith writes: The Kraftur Club, Icelandic Farm quickly called club were invited to attend an Icelandic which is located in the Southern San members Bert Bates and Doug Smith Independence Day reception in Francisco Bay Area, has been quite on their cellular phones asking them Washington, DC, at the residence of busy with evacuations due to the fires to quickly come and hook up their the ambassador of Iceland. A lot of here in California. June 20, Mountain good Icelandic food and drinks was trucks and trailers so they could haul

14 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 the 20 horses off of the property. until Sunday morning, when it was Bert Bates and his wife Kathy 90% contained. Thankfully no one Sierra promptly got to the farm and was hurt, and only a couple of the took the first load of horses to safety. horses came down with a cough from Meanwhile, Doug and Gayle Smith, the smoke inhalation. The Kraftur with fellow Kraftur members, Lucy members all banded together to Nold, Ayla Green, Laura Benson, and save our precious Icelandics. Sadly Heidi Benson were about five miles for Northern California, this was away trying to escape the triple-digit the third-fire related evacuation of heat with a trail ride through the Kraftur horses since June first. redwoods. Gayle, Lucy, and Ayla Northeast Icelandic Horse stayed behind to tend to the horses Club (NEIHC) while Doug, Laura, and Heidi raced Brian D. Puntin writes: The NEIHC back with empty trailers to help get had a successful spring and early the horses off of the farm. Heidi summer. Twenty-four different club hauled one trailer full of horses to members participated in three sepa- Paradise Valley Icelandics, located rate clinics at Roberts Woods Farm Barber Andrea in Moss Landing 20 minutes away. in Monterey, MA. One was taught by Sandra fra Hrafnholum, with Hera fra Doug took a load of six horses to the Gudmar Petursson, and two by Jana Raufarfelli 2 in the background, owned local Safeway parking lot and, with by Ron Bunce, Mohawk, NY. Meyer. All clinics were full to capacity the aid of Laura Benson, put them in with a waiting list. one of the shopping cart “corals” that bers still make these events hard for In April, 17 riders attended the are common in most grocery store some to participate in. One would first annual “Bunny Hop” group ride parking lots. While Laura and Pedro, think that a club that only encom- at Rockefeller State Park in North a farm hand, held the horses in the passes part of a state wouldn’t re- Tarrytown, NY. This is the spring Safeway parking lot, Doug drove ally have these issues. But we have equivalent to the “Turkey Tolt” ride, back to collect the last of the horses. members as far East as Mohawk, NY held in November. He met up with Steindor Thorisson, and as far West as Ellicottville, NY – a The NEIHC also hosted its fourth who was at the farm to do farrier distance of approximately four hours. breed evaluation, this time in Rut- work, and loaded up one mare and So that can be a real challenge when ledge, GA, at Creekside Farm, owned her baby and another filly from the trying to plan an event for all. The by Katrin Sheehan. The evaluation pasture and drove them to Paradise majority of our members live in the included a young horse breed evalu- Valley Icelandics. Bert Bates fought Rochester, New York area so often ation as well. See the report in this his way back through the increasing most of our events are held there. issue. We will host our fifth breed street traffic to collect the horses But in the future we want to try to evaluation this September 19-21 at from the Safeway parking lot. The make greater efforts to ride in as Mill Farm in Ancramdale, NY. final step in the saga was to spend many different places as possible, and two hours driving five miles to collect Saint Skutla Club include as many members as possible. the horses that had been left at the Andrea Barber writes: Spring came to In addition to riding the club has trailhead when the first call for help Western and Central New York and also been growing. New members came in. Gayle Smith likely had the club members in short order started, have joined from the Central NY hardest job of all, since she was left riding, riding, riding! Our club had area. New horses have been pur- standing with the last of the horses several trail rides in the usual places, chased and breedings are happening for four hours at the gate to Nisene Mendon Ponds Park in Mendon, with the promise of foals for next Marks State Park. NY, the Outlet Trail in Dresden, NY year. Our climate and conditions Everyone arrived safely at Doug’s etc. As usual the horses all seemed here in Western and Central New farm in the early evening and wan- to keep themselves pretty fit over the York couldn’t be more perfect for the dered around making sure that all winter and were happy to really move Icelandic horse and I think we will the horses were settling in to their out on the trails in the spring. continue to see growing interest in new surroundings. The fire persisted Sadly, distances between mem- the breed.

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 15 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

LANDSMOT HORSE DAYS a BLUP of 126 points with 54 fully Between 13,000 and 14,000 spectators From Eidfaxi.is: The International assessed offspring; second is Sær frá watched the finals at Landsmot 2008, Horse Days show held in the arena Bakkakoti with a BLUP of 125 points the Icelandair Horse Festival, held at Saudarkrokur, Iceland, in April with 53 fully approved offspring. in Hella, Iceland, June 30 to July 6. mixed riding, history, and humor. BIOSECURITY RULES Winner of the popular tolt competi- Instead of a traditional horse show, From WorldFengur.com: MAST, the tion was Vidar Ingólfsson and Tumi glamorous horses were used in fun Icelandic Food and Veterinarian Au- frá Stóra Hofi with a score of 8.83. settings to tell the hilarious story of thority, has issued a leaflet in English Rödull frá Kálfholti, ridden by Isleifur Thormódur from Skagafjordur. The called “Protect the Icelandic Horse!” Jonasson, won the B-class gædin- acting was supported by live music, in which people traveling to Iceland gar competition “with considerable lighting, and sounds from the sur- are asked to take measures to prevent supremacy,” according to Eidfaxi, roundings. All the actors, as well as bringing diseases to the horse popula- which called Rodull a “great and the horses, played their parts very tion on Iceland. A quote from this roomy gædingur”; he received 9.15. well. It is safe to say that Sæmundur leaflet: “As a result of its geographi- The winner in the A-class gædingar Sæmundsson, who played the fa- cal isolation and strict import policy, competition was Aris frá Akureyri ther, as well as Jakob Einarsson, who Iceland has remained free of seri- with a score of 8.86; the rider was acted as a ram, were outstanding. ous infectious diseases in animals… Árni Björn Pálsson. For other results, Spectators got tears in their eyes as Visitors are asked to adopt strict see en.eidfaxi.is/ Thormódur, acted by 20-month-old biosecurity measures!” It is pointed Earlier in the week, spectators Halldóra Sölvadóttir, ran into her out that it is absolutely prohibited to and participants suffered through a father’s arms and rode away with him bring used tack and/or riding gloves storm fierce enough to call out the at a fast speed around the arena. It into the country. Other riding gear local search and rescue squad, ac- was a surprise to see Thórarinn Ey- needs to be machine-washed and cording to a report on Icelandreview. mundsson dressed as a priest, riding tumble-dried before travel; if this isn’t com. “The situation was terrible for a the stallion Vilmundur frá Feti, on possible, it should be washed and while. We tried to save tents but they his way to Thormódur´s funeral. It dried carefully and then treated with blew away in all directions and were was no less surprising for the specta- 1% VirkonS. Another quote from the torn to pieces. Some tent trailers that tors to see the lid of the coffin lift leaflet: “Icelandic horses are not vac- were torn in two,” Árni Kristjánsson up and Thormódur rising up in the cinated and are therefore susceptible at the Hella Aviation Rescue Depart- coffin towards the end of the show. to infectious agents from abroad.” ment told the newspaper Frétta- Many different and well-implemented WorldFengur is very happy with the bladid. events took place between the main publication of these guidelines by “The weather is unbelievable. shows. Mette Mannseth caught great MAST and kindly asks everyone to Everything is upside down,” said attention as she rode the mare Hap- help by informing people who intend the editor of the website “IceHorse padís without a bridle, like nothing to come to Iceland about taking pre- News,” Daníel Ben Thorgeirsson. was more natural. It is safe to say that ventive measures. “Several people are leaving the area this very untraditional horse show was because they can hardly stand upright very professional and ambitious in HORSE EXPORTS because of the wind. I have been to every way. From WorldFengur.com: As of May 2008, 500 horses have been exported from horse festivals for 14 years and I’ve NEW BLUP never experienced anything like it,” Iceland. The highest number (133) From Worldfengur.com: A new BLUP he added, expressing his surprise that was exported to Denmark, just one has been calculated and is now avail- festival organizers did not postpone more than the amount that went to able through WorldFengur. A total of the tournament. “They are making Sweden (132), and 107 horses were 238 horses qualified for the breeding the riders continue in crazy weather exported to Germany. Horses have assessments at this year’s Landsmót on expensive horses in front of empty been exported to eleven countries in Hella, Iceland. Only two stallions stands.” One night the competition in total. A total of 1497 horses were qualified for the Sleipnir trophy, was in fact postponed because of the exported from Iceland in 2007. the honors prize for offspring: first weather. is Hródur frá Refstödum, who has

16 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 BEYOND THE OVAL TRACK The Pleasure Riding Program

Kevin Draeger of Morristown, Minnesota has won 1st place in the junior division of the Pleasure Rider Program in both 2006 and 2007. He’s also accrued over 500 riding hours. He’s pictured above on his gelding, Soti, who Kevin describes as “a bit of a chicken, but I love him anyway.”

Kevin says: “The Pleasure Rider Program is so fun and easy to participate in. If more people joined it would be even more fun!”

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 17 Meet the 2007 Winners

he USIHC Pleasure Riding Program is for everyone! Rid- Ters and their horses accrue points by clocking hours for riding, driving, and training (Freedom Ride) and through participating in riding- related activities such as parades, clinics, seminars, etc. (Special Events). What makes this program even more fun is that it offers friendly competition, as riders actually compete individually and regionally for prizes and medals. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to first, second, and third-place riders, determined by high-point scoring. Gold medal winners receive an awesome, embroidered riding jacket. A yearly award is also attainable for the Re- gional Clubs. The club with the highest PRP enrollment wins an award for each club member. Those who Bonnie Borgerson with Litla-Linda and Draupnir. achieved their 1,000 hours in 2007 were awarded an Ariat riding vest! FIRST PLACE horses, and so do my granddaughters, The PRP is growing and chang- Eastern Region ages 13, 11, eight, and six. It is great ing. So far this year a new prize for Adult Division (Tie) to have the extra horse when one of 2,500 hours was established, riders the girls wants to ride. Sometimes will now be able to log hours and Bonnie Borgerson, Sylvania, OH they all are at the barn at the same points accrued on foreign soil, and All I know is this: I am an active time, which means taking turns. Both a limit was set on winning a jacket to grandmother who was born to ride. horses are very patient and kind. twice. I hope it never ends. I love it! I love They know they will be receiving PRP rules and details can be my horses! I have two Icelandics. My extra treats. viewed on the Congress website (www. gelding, Draupnir fra Feti, is 14 years Nancy Wines-DeWan, icelandics.org). Enrolling is easy. old. I have owned him eight years. We Yarmouth, ME Application forms and log sheets can do mostly trail riding in Oak Open- While I may dream “globally,” when be accessed on the website as well. ings Metropark and other parks in it comes to trail riding on a day-to- Profiles of the 2007 PRP Winners fol- Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. We day basis without access to a trailer, I low. We hope you’ll join us. have also swum, done numerous clin- find myself riding “locally.” Though — Karen Olson-Fields, Pleasure Rid- ics, some shows, and some camping. Máni and I constantly search out new ing Committee Chair I am an active member of Fulton diversions in our riding circuits, we County Ohio Horseman’s Council often travel the same routes over and and Great Lakes Dressage Club. My over again. Thus the riding highlight mare’s name is Litla-Linda fra North- of 2007—for both Máni and me—was star. I purchased her at six weeks old. a three-day camping trip to Acadia She is now seven years old. We trail National Park with members of the ride, too, but I mostly show her in Maine Icelandic Horse Association. dressage. Presently, we are working For those of us “down south” (in on First Level. I have fun with both

18 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 Maine), Acadia is considered “up north,” but in reality, there are still hours to drive in a northerly direction before one runs out of Maine roads and ends up in Canada. Among equestrians in Maine, Acadia is famous for its 45 miles of beautiful carriage roads built between 1913 and 1940 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., an avid equestrian. The roads are open to horses, ridden or driven, bicyclists and walkers, but are closed to motor- ized vehicles (except for the mainte- nance vehicles which keep the road surface and surroundings pristine). Rockefeller laid out the roads with an eye toward scenic views and the con- tour of the land. Though there are plenty of hills, no grade is too steep or curved too sharply for horse-drawn carriages. Máni may have wondered about the truth of this last fact. He started out our first ride very enthusi- astic, and very determined to be out Caleigh Anderson relaxing with her precious pony, Prins. in front of our group of nine Icelan- dics. Unfortunately, even though we Our trip took place in early Eastern Region ride daily, there are few hills on our October, the last weekend before Junior Division trails, and he was unprepared for the the stables close for the season. We Caleigh Anderson, Saltsburg, PA never-ending inclines he encoun- encountered riders and drivers who Prins and I have been trail riding tered in Acadia. He soon learned that return year after year with their for many hours. We love to trail quicker is not necessarily better, and carriages and saddles (or both) to ride! So, one night we were riding that it’s okay not to be the leader all enjoy not only the beautiful scenery, in the woods in the dark when Prins of the time. but also the camaraderie around the stopped and wouldn’t go forward. nightly campfire. Other riders were I squeezed him, but he stood still. struck not only by the good-natured I urged him forward, and he slowly ease with which our group of riders went. Then something dashed out got along, but also how closely our in front of him. He stopped dead. It horses chose to travel, without inci- turns out that it was only a deer but I dent. Our group included teenagers was so thankful that he was protecting and adults, seasoned campers (who me from whatever it could have been. remembered to bring everything) That night he got an extra helping of and inexperienced campers (who treats. benefited from the seasoned camp- Now after telling you about a ers’ wisdom). Some of our horses story that happened to us while we were young (four and five-year-olds), were trail riding I will tell you about others were in their prime (10- to how I got my beloved pony Prins. My 15-year-olds); some were shod, some grandma, Mary Burns, bought him barefoot, some with boots, but all from a man named Gudmar, who handled the broken stone carriage brought him over from Iceland on a roads with ease. plane. My gram gave him to me and We all—horses and riders alike— my sister trained him to be a wonder- came away with wonderful memories Emily DeWan. ful, adoring pony. And even though and a determination to plan another Nancy Wines-DeWan aboard her gelding, we had some rough times and I fell Máni. trip like this next year.

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 19 past year’s focus has been on getting Kevin Draeger ready for a bareback ride on his horse, Soti. in “ground training road miles.” I routinely take him up to what we call The Ridge. (We live at the base of the Talkeetna Range). His gait of choice is the pace, so hill and on-trail obstacle work has been invaluable. He now canters when playing with Raudhetta and Tinni. Raudhetta’s training program differs from Siggi’s because she’s a year older and is more tempera- mental. I’ve been working on what she learned in ground training class under saddle, mainly– walk on, whoa, stand, stand, and stand. A local riding instructor has also helped Raudi to make the transition from Lawn Orna- ment to Riding Horse. Tinni, who just turned 19, is an experienced trail and show horse, so off, I always got through it somehow. and just follows the horse ahead of quite often, I’m the student and he’s That’s how Prins and I came to be him. If he has an experienced rider the teacher. Lately, we’ve been work- a wonderful pair. All he needed to riding him, on the other hand, he ing on flexibility exercises and walk, come out of his shell to be a great can be a very fun but controlled ride. trot, tolt transitions. We also spend saddle-seat pony that took me to the He has a very easy and smooth tolt. considerable time exploring area state 4-H competition two years in a He knows what he has to do even if trails and socializing with neighbors. row. That’s all he needed was some the rider doesn’t. The clichéd phrase, “a single care and love. I also have an eight-year-old Well that’s the true story on how gelding named Soti. He is a bit of a Prins and I came to be a couple. He chicken but I love him anyway. I have is the best pony ever and I love him! had him since he was three. He has taught me a lot about young horses Central/Mountain Region and their unpredictability. He is hard Junior Division not to like, with his big brown fluffy Kevin Draeger, Morristown, MN hair. He is a fun horse. Hello all! I do many different things Western Region with my horses. I trail ride, compete, Adult Division do demos, and ride in parades. In the winter I ski and sled behind them. In Alys Culhane, Palmer, AK the summer I take them swimming. We have, at best, five months of good Both of my horses love to jump. I like riding weather here in Alaska. This, to be teaching my horses new things plus the fact that two of my three all the time, like bending and stretch- Icelandics are young, has made ing, dressage exercises, or teaching participating in the Pleasure Rider my big chicken of a horse that the Program a fun challenge. There are giant rock in the field, as much as he times (particularly when it’s cold and thinks so, is not going to kill him! dark) when I’d rather be doing other I have two horses, although I things, like reading about Icelan- enjoy riding many others. I have a dics. But once I’m out the door, I’m 21-year-old gelding named Laufi. committed to the day’s horse home- Laufi is a horse that knows his rider schooling activities. and likes to please. If the rider is a be- Siggi, who is a pack horse-in- training, recently turned four. The Alys Culhane hits the Alaskan trail with ginner, he walks as slowly as possible her trusty steed, Raudhetta.

20 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 much fun. Usually we walk the entire parade, but this year we did tolt also and the crowd went wild for that. I can’t wait for next year’s Los Gatos Christmas Parade! SECOND PLACE Eastern Region Adult Division Nicki Esdorn, Bedford, NY My Icelandic gelding, Fengur, and I are lucky to live on the famous Bedford trail system in Westchester county in New York. Every spring and fall the trail associations around us put on hunter paces, and we always Alexandra Ven- participate. In a hunter pace, you able and Trissa ride in a team of two to four, and you stand by for the can choose a category: hunt is the start of the Los fastest; pleasure is, well, pleasure; the Gatos Christmas western category has to have at least Parade. one western rider; and the youth category is usually the slowest. journey begins with a single step,” dic horses, take pictures, and eat food The Bedford Pace will lead you is true in my case. I’m planning on and hot drinks that people who live on the most beautiful trails with riding from Mexico to Canada, begin- in Los Gatos bring to us. Families and woodlands, meadows, a stream, and ning in March 2010. Participating friends come to visit our horses while plenty of inviting jumps. Up to 120 in the Pleasure Riding Program has we wait. teams participate and enjoy the com- been central to this goal, since it bet- When we are in the parade, petition and a great lunch afterwards. ter enables me to keep my long-term everyone cheers for us! They all like The “pace” is set by an experienced riding goals in mind. us and our horses because they are rider and kept secret. The idea is Western Region so fluffy, cute, and energetic, and to match a perfect pace for a hunt Junior Division they say we look like we are having so horse: You canter where you can, you Alexandra Venable, Santa Cruz, CA Trail rides, riding on the beach, and playing games on horseback with my friends are some of my favorite things I like to do with my Icelandic horses. My favorite event every year is the Los Gatos Christmas Parade, which our regional club Kraftur rides in every year. I rode my horse Trissa, and my friend Zane rode my horse, Aegir. The parade is an all-day event. We get there at 8 a.m., tack up and are ready to go by 9, when we go to the staging area and wait for our turn in the parade. We all get decked out for Christmas, including the horses! This year there were about 16 of us. Nicki Esdorn and Fengur We have to wait a few hours at the all set for the Turkey Tölt at staging area on a side street. While we Rockefeller State Park. wait, we talk to people about Icelan- Amy Goddard.

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 21 canter accelerating into fast gallop down that bright white track is unforgettable. Even over the thunder of Sara’s hooves, I could hear the spectators cheer for the speed of that trip! Sara received an 8.0 for that gallop. Also an 8.0 for spirit, general impression, and for walk. She kept her second prize, and I experienced a great pleasure ride! Western Region Adult Division Ronelle Ingram, Santa Ana, CA As a sole owner of two Icelandic mares, I have learned the joy of being able to ride the trails with both of my mares simultaneously. It took a bit of trial and error to establish a correct

Martina Gates. protocol for ponying my two ladies. I Gloria Verrecchio riding Sara at the June 2007 Wisconsin breeding evaluations. usually ride Rán, my laid-back black mare. We pony my very willing pinto Icelandic trainers. I also traveled walk where you must, and trot (or mare, Sletta. This has helped Rán to long-distance twice in May for lessons tolt!) everywhere else. be more forward. Sletta has learned and practiced on the oval track by Fengur and I have gone with to relax and freely extend her reach riding in the WC Tryouts. friends on big thoroughbred-cross at the trot and round her back during In June, I took Sara to the Breed- hunters and won quite a few ribbons! a side by side relaxed canter. Riding ing Show at Winterhorse Park. The Lately we have enough Icelandic Rán and ponying Sletta also keeps me entire process of training, condition- horse riders nearby to form a few very engaged in the ride. There is no ing, and the preparations necessary teams. Fengur loves this event, I am time to get bored on a long trail ride. to show horses at a breeding show are sure he can tell when we have to fol- All three of us enjoy our time togeth- exhausting, nerve-racking, and at the low the arrows on the course, and he er on the trail. There is no separation same time exhilarating. Do you think also pricks his ears and loves to show anxiety. I am able to exercise and it stressful to ride in the company of off jumping! entertain all three of us at the same professional Icelandic trainers, and Central / Mountain Region time. My favorite pleasure rides are in front of world champion judges? Adult Division when all three of us can have fun It sure is, but the second time was together. Gloria Verrecchio, easier! And the thrill of riding slow Marine on St. Croix, MN THIRD PLACE Participating in the PRP helps me Eastern Region monitor the time I spend training to Adult Division the results achieved. Last year I rode Fonix (five-gaited second-prize Stal- Nina Beyer, Mantua, NJ lion), Sara (four-gaited second-prize When I purchased Skorri in Octo- mare), Aradis (five-year-old home- ber 2006, I was a recently widowed bred mare), and worked Kappi (our 45-year-old woman who hadn’t rid- homebred gelding) in hand. I also den in more than 25 years. He was a participated in a number of events: 13-year-old Icelandic gelding looking rode demos in the Minnesota Horse for a new home. By the beginning Expo; hosted an Icelandic Training of 2007, when I signed up for the Clinic; rode Fonix, Mosi ,and Sara in PRP, I had been riding him in lessons a three-day Classical French Dressage several times a week with my trainer. clinic (imagine an Icelandic next to a His excellent ground manners and Friesian!). I took lessons from natural Rán enjoys an interesting book with her his kind temperament made him easy horse trainers, dressage trainers, and owner, Ronelle Ingram. to love. I also discovered that he’s 22 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 with a white blaze, and Mom says I took very good care of him. My non- horsey parents gave up when I was five and bought me a horse … you guessed it, black with a white blaze, not a colt though, a wise mare who taught me lessons I am still using at age 53. As my life went along, I have had horses off and on ever since. I have had Icelandics since 2001, when I bought Tinna fra Hvammi II from Alfasaga and Karen Brotzman. What a journey Tinna has taken me on. We have done trail rides in all sorts of terrain, parades, horse shows, demon- strations, and even tried an endur- ance race once. She is still my best horse sister! I am a school district teacher mentor and that keeps me plenty busy, but the PRP keeps me aware of whether or not I am spending time with my little herd of four Icelandics. There is Tinna; her daughter, Eisa Nina Beyer and Skorri in costume following their “Kokomo” performance. fra Alfasaga, liver chestnut; Skuggi fra Heidurborg, my only gelding; practically bombproof, so I was able Western Region and Lukka from Coeur D Alene, a to get creative with costumes for my Adult Division black and white pinto youngster. We trainer’s twice-yearly musical perfor- Lisa McKeen, Moxee, WA all live in Moxee, Washington (close mances. In fact, we were so popular to Yakima), with my most wonder- in our Hawaiian costume, riding to I have been crazy about horses since ful husband, Van T. Herndon. I am the Beach Boys’ “Kokomo,” that we my earliest memories. Lots of chil- glad for the PRP and the support for were invited to ride at a fund-raising dren have imaginary friends; I had an pleasure riders like myself. event at ARCH, the Atlantic Riding imaginary horse. He was a colt, black Center for the Handicapped. There we were, only a few feet away from an open bar, catered food, loud music, and a huge crowd enjoying themselves. Skorri was very excited, but he behaved so well! We walked, trotted, and tolted to the music, and were ad- mired by the spectators. Our picture has been on their website since last September. My goals for the future with Skorri are to continue working on improving my riding skills. Our trainer works with him also to improve his balance and suppleness. We were part of a group of women riding to Eartha Kitt’s version of “Santa Baby” for the winter musical performance, and this summer we’ll be one of the Village People: “Y-M-C-A!” Lisa McKeen with friends, Tinna, Eisa and Skuggi. issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 23 EDUCATION

Taking the Georgia Course by Dawn Shaw

When Katrin Sheehan of Creekside Farm mentioned that she was hosting a FEIF Level One Trainer certification course at her farm in Georgia, I thought “what a great opportunity to get certified for something I already do anyway.” I was soon to learn that it wasn’t to be that simple. Katrin managed to line up Walter Feldmann Jr. as the instructor. Walter is a legend in the Icelandic horse community, following in the footsteps Alex Pregitzer (6) Alex Pregitzer of his famous father. He doesn’t teach Participants in the seminar, from left to right, Alisa Breedlove on Alur, Nicki Esdorn on these clinics often even in Europe, Fengur, Brian Puntin on Glitfaxi, and Katelyn Barnett on Vokull. but the novelty of this being the first I especially found him to be times expressing exactly what he of its kind in the United States as well a great instructor of people. His meant. However, we had two native as his long history with Katrin must presentation style was no-nonsense, Germans in our group, both of whom have made it attractive enough for firm and clear. He did his best to have been living in the US for many him to agree to do it. bring each of us along, and some of years and who spoke fluent English, There are many things said about us had a long way to go. I am left with so they were able to help him find Walter as a trainer, rider, and instruc- Walter’s words echoing in my brain: the correct words. We taught Walter tor. As with any instructor or clini- “It’s OK,” “Doesn’t matter,” “Good a few new English words, much to his cian, he did present some training so.” But you have to hear them in a amusement. Glad we could teach him options and techniques that I chose German accent to get the full effect. something in return. not to adopt. However, during our Language did pose a challenge. Taking the course was like being course I thought him firm but fair His English is very good, but he back in college, only with less free with the horses. found himself having trouble some- time. We were in class from 9-6 daily including weekends, with only two half-day breaks on Sundays. Class time consisted of being lectured on theory, watching videos of ourselves and each other riding so we could better see what we needed to correct, watching Walter give a demonstration of a training or riding technique, riding our horses, practicing teaching, or doing ground work. We also each had to give an oral report on one of a selection of topics. On the first day, each of us rode a horse so that Walter could assess our current riding status. He then rode each horse himself. We were to all From left to right, Katrin Sheehan on Rjód, Janet Muldur on Blökk, Dawn Shaw on take notes of our own observations, Thoka, and Jill Merkel on Sunna. and then each horse and rider was

24 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 reviewed on video. There is nothing horse, we had to switch horses. For theory we had to answer questions more educational, or perhaps hum- dressage, we had to ride with a cor- orally from lecture material and the bling, than to watch oneself on video. rect seat in walk, trot, and canter first oral reports. We had all the study We were informed that we would with stirrups, then without. Ground questions in advance but were graded have to pass ten tests: gait riding work included ground tying, leading on how thoroughly we could answer (walk, trot, tolt, canter), dressage, at walk and trot, turning, and back- them. ground work, ponying or longeing ing. I’ve already explained longeing. At one point early in the course I (which was to be determined by lot- For ponying, the rider had to keep asked Walter how our group com- tery), signal riding, a trail obstacle both horses under control at walk pared to the groups he taught in course, gait theory, teaching, teach- and trot/tolt, move the hand horse in Europe. It was a courageous question ing theory, and our oral report. This front then behind, and demonstrate and I wasn’t sure I really wanted an is when the anxiety attacks started stopping and backing up. Signal answer. Walter told me that people for me. This curriculum was more riding involves riding with one hand in Europe were required to have advanced than I’d imagined. on the reins which are loose, and achieved a certain level in the rider As an example of the complex- mostly in two-point seat at trot. We badge program. In fact, they had to ity of the course, take longeing. How had a course and had to memorize have obtained a silver badge level hard can it be? You move the horse in the pattern, which included changing before they were even eligible to take a circle around you on a line, right? reins, canter transitions, stopping at this course. We don’t yet have such We were using a round pen so the certain points, large circles, serpen- a program in place here in the US. circle was pre-defined and there’s tine around buckets, tight circles, and Some of our horses were not as well nowhere for the horse to go. But it’s backing up. It’s an exercise in bal- trained as what he would expect to not so simple after all. Everything ance and communication. The trail be ridden in the program, but he has to be just so. The way you carry course consisted of standard obstacles was very straight with us in that if he the whip on approach, how you lead including loading in a trailer, mount- didn’t think a horse would be suitable your horse, how you go through the ing from a block, a gate, a teeter tot- he told us so. Several of us ended up gate, how you hold the whip, how ter, and backing through an L. The using different horses than we started you stand, where you stand, how big practical teaching test involved giving with. the loops in the coiled rope can be, students a short lesson on one of the While the semi-tropical Georgia how much slack is in the line, the way things we had been working on in the rain pounded the red dirt into mud you use your body, how you use the course. For gait theory and teaching and ran in rivulets along the roads whip, when you use the whip, how you transfer the whip, how you ask the horse to go the other direction, how you stop the horse; plus you have to remember a pattern. Of course there are practical reasons things are done they way they are, mostly to do with communicating to the horse or avoiding unintentional communication. But this is a lot to coordinate all at once. And if your horse doesn’t cooperate, you have to fix things as well as keep your composure. I’ll try to give a brief synopsis of each test. For the gait riding test, we had to ride all four gaits each direction. Gaits should be clean and the speed was whatever was best for that particular horse, with tolt only ridden at one speed. After riding our regular Jill Merkel on the teeter totter with Alisa Breedlove standing by to assist.

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 25 Alex Pregitzer (6) Alex Pregitzer Katelyn Barnett and Brian Puntin practicing ponying; Walter Feldmann (below) demonstates. and pathways, we listened to hours reports gave us inside time for more instruction in classical riding (dres- of lecture on gaits, including footfall, of those blights of rain. Because sage), I strongly suggest that you do phases, variations of each gait and the Walter missed some of them, we were so. Balance, proper seat, and coordi- Icelandic horse ideal; mistakes in gait all given a passing score rather than nation of the riding aids are impera- and how to fix them; how to ask for, a grade. tive to success. Study up on the gaits: ride, and improve each gait; and the The tests are each scored on a learn the order of the footfall, how differences between the gaits. scale of 1-6, with 1 being perfect and the gaits compare to one another, When Walter caught a terrible 6 being poor. We needed a 4 to pass, how each gait should be ridden, cold and had to sit out a day, some and we had to achieve a 4 or better how it can be improved, and what of us gave our oral reports. Those on all 10 tests. If someone did not the ideal version is for the Icelandic achieve a passing grade on one or horse. more of the tests, rather than hav- The most suitable horses for ing to retake the course, that person this sort of course are ones that are need only retake those particular trained. Not just ridden a lot, but tests. Five of us passed all ten tests truly trained, as in rein response, and are eligible to be certified as self-carriage, clear gaits on cue, and FEIF Level One trainers/instructors. knowing basic dressage such as leg Two others fell short by only one test. yields. In addition, the horse should As of this writing, there remains the be mature, respectful, and have excel- unresolved issue of recognition by the lent ground manners. If you can take USIHC of these test results, meaning two horses with you, that is better, as that until the USIHC officially recog- you can use different horses for dif- nizes these results, those who pass the ferent tests. test cannot be considered certified. It is my opinion that someone My advice to anyone considering with hardly any background in riding, taking this course: if you haven’t had training, or giving instruction would

26 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 Clinician Walter Feldmann demonstrating loose rein in signal riding. have little chance of passing this references would be examined more will make you a more well-rounded course. And this course alone is not carefully by those seeking training rider as well as give you tools to going to qualify someone as a trainer and instruction, no matter what sort become a better trainer and instruc- of Icelandic horses and riders. It of certification a trainer or instructor tor. It will highlight areas that need might, however, enhance the knowl- may have. improvement so that, if you choose, edge of those who already have some Regardless of the intended out- you can pursue those educational op- experience in this field and allow come, the information in this course portunities on your own. And if you them to have some sort of creden- is extremely valuable and helpful for are really ambitious, pass Level One tial. I would hope that the broader anyone interest in improving their and have all the right skills, you can spectrum of experience, results, and knowledge of gaits and gait riding. It set your sights on Level Two.

Brian Puntin and Nicki Esdorn practicing in the round pen.

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 27 TEACHERS & TRAINERS

Who is Brian Puntin? by Alex Pregitzer

What is your background? My background is quite different than that of most Icelandic horse trainers. I am an American who grew up on a gentleman’s farm. Unfortu- nately, there were no horses on the farm; the only animals on the farm were our ducks, rabbits, and pigs. My life, however, was always about being outside. I was never good at, nor did I really like, video games and sitting around the house. I was always outside hunting, fishing, farming, or riding my motorcycle. Horses were not part of my early childhood. Why and when did you move to the United States?

See above, a better question would (4) Alex Pregitzer be, When am I going to move to Brian ponying a young horse. Iceland? Woods Farm and was immediately generosity of Marc and Kathryn How long have you been submerged into the Icelandic horse Roberts, I spent many, many, many riding? world. hours and days riding with Kristjan In the 1990s, I was made a terrific Kristjansson, who was at Mill Farm What is your horse “offer I couldn’t refuse.” I became at the time. He was and still is an experience? employed full time at Roberts amazing mentor and teacher. The The next several years, through the Roberts were very open-minded, and we traveled to or hosted clinics with natural horsemen (Bob Jeffries), dressage instructors (Dominique Barbier), clicker training instructors (Alexandra Kurland), and Centered Riding instructors (Suzanne Shep- pard), as well as The Great Icelandic Horse Fair with Reynir Adelsteinsson and Eyjolfur Isolfsson. We also did some foxhunting. So, as you can see, I have a little taste of many disci- plines. Of course I attended numerous clinics with various Icelandic trainers (Herdis Reynisdottir, Helga Thoroddssen, Gudmar Petursson, Sigrun Brynjarsdottir, Jana Meyer, and Walter Feldman). I started training young horses several years ago, Brian Puntin at ground work and trust building. which is my favorite part of my job,

28 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 and quite frankly I excel at it. I have a great track record of turning out very well “green broke” horses that the owners can take home and immediately trail ride safely. I start about 12 four- to five-year-olds a year, many of them for Kristjan Kristjansson, but for many other trainers as well. Of course, besides starting young horses, I do gait training, problem horses (retraining), and riding lessons and horse sales as well. I have even trained horses to drive. I see giving clinics and consulting in my future. I am always amazed at how quickly horses can transform from wild and unruly to calm and gentle and let you climb on their backs. I have the FEIF International Trainer Level 1 certification, as well as a Massachu- setts teaching license. I shoe all my own horses, as well as other clients’ Brian working in the round pen. horses. My plans are to continue my in the indoor arena. Once I am con- FEIF education with a “young horse vinced we can work safely outside, we certification” next. move to the outdoor arena and then What is your training philos- to the trails, where it is more fun for ophy—do you follow a par- everyone. We do “fall back” to the ticular way of training? indoor arena often to teach a new I’ve taken bits and pieces of different idea (for example, lateral work) and techniques and philosophies from then continue to practice the new many clinicians and trainers. I have skill on the trail or oval track. I don’t this “51%-49%” philosophy, meaning follow one specific person’s training that your horse should be a willing technique. “dance partner,” but as in dancing, What are your hopes for Ice- only one person can lead (the leader landic horses in the United has the 51%). You have to be the States? leader, but not a dictator. Horses Of course I would love to see the Ice- always have a leader in the herd; you landic horse grow in the U.S. I think assume that position the minute you the new trainer certificates and riding enter the stall or paddock. Every- Brian ready to go out trail riding. badge programs are great at giving thing is much safer and easier if this some of the Icelandic horse owners shows would encourage and excite philosophy is followed. It shouldn’t some much needed support. I have the horse owners, and they are a be heavy-handed though, more like a said in the articles I write for Tolt News great social event too. gentle but firm persuasion. that we own Ferraris, but usually ride What is your philosophy in them like Cadillacs. As more trainers Contact: teaching—do you follow a and instructors are available in the Brian Puntin particular way of teaching? U.S., owners won’t feel so left out in P.O. Box 550, Monterey, MA 01245 I don’t like to bore students (and the cold and can ride the horses to Phone 413-822-9550 horses) by spending too much time their full potential. Also more local [email protected]

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 29 SPOTLIGHT

Website Improvements Taking advantage of the online the community of upcoming events membership services pages benefits and important developments of inter- by Doug Smith both the membership and Congress est to Icelandic horse enthusiasts. A volunteers. Members have immediate new feature has been added to both The USIHC website (www.icelandics. access to membership benefits such of these pages to make that informa- org) has undergone a number of im- as the free World Fengur subscription tion more conveniently accessible. provements over the past six months and reduced entry fees at competi- Members and visitors can include in an effort to provide better service tions. The fully automated online updates from either or both pages to the membership. The first chang- process eliminates the need for vol- on their My Yahoo! or Google home es, released last fall, made navigation unteers to process applications and pages and keep abreast of events of the website easier and enabled payments. without having to remember to visit members to update their contact Over 40% of the new member ap- the Congress web site. information and renew online. The plications and renewals processed in To add updates to your home second site update, released in June, the last nine months have been fully page, simply visit the Bulletin Board includes a number of features to automated. or Calendar page and click on the improve communication with the RSS feed icon at the top of the page. membership. Calendar and Bulletin Board Announcements You will be asked how you want to re- Improved Navigation ceive the updates and to confirm your For the past several years, the Con- Members and visitors alike find it choice. From then on all updates to gress has maintained two pages on easier to find features on the site either page will be delivered directly the website dedicated to informing using the new menu bar on the left to you. side of each page. The new menu bar allows users to “hover” their mouse What Is PayPal? over a category and see the list of sub- Where moneygrams and wire transfers were the standard in the 20th century, categories available without having to today over 99 million Internet users prefer to use PayPal to send money to each change pages. other via email. PayPal has become such a convenient and trusted way to trans- A search box has been added to fer money online, 95% of eBay’s purchases go through PayPal. the left side of each page below the updated menu bar. Visitors can let Is it safe? Google do the work of finding spe- Although no system is 100% foolproof, PayPal has designed many checks and balances into its system to keep errors and fraud to a bare minimum. You won’t cific information on the site instead find another online financial institution that’s better at protecting its customers of having to browse the various pages than PayPal. By utilizing the very latest in secure technology and employing a and PDF files. The Google search in- large team of experts in all areas of online safety, PayPal continues to be a leader cludes all pages on the website as well in safe online payments around the world. as the PDF files of meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and show results. Do I need to worry about fraud or identity theft? PayPal guarantees 100% protection against unauthorized payments from your Online Membership Services account. Every transaction is confirmed by email to the PayPal account holder. An entire new section was added to Any transaction you wish to dispute will give you access to a support team of the website last fall to make it easier analysts who will sort out your problem for you. for new and existing members to What does it take to get started with PayPal? keep their membership information Your credit card company and bank have already done the initial credit check- current. New members can fill out ing... Now you just need to get PayPal to connect that information to your email an application, pay their first year’s address. You will need a valid and reliable email address and either a valid credit dues with PayPal, and have instant card and/or a valid bank account in one of Paypal’s 55 countries. PayPal will access to all the benefits of member- record this information in confidence. Your email address will become your unique ship. Existing members can update PayPal ID. Your email and your shipping address are the only two bits of personal their contact information and, using information that will be displayed to a vendor. During the enrollment process, you PayPal, renew their membership and will also choose a password to use together with your PayPal ID. Please make farm listing instantly. sure this password is not easy to guess, and that only you will know and use it!

30 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 Electronic Quarterly notification when new issues of the What is RSS? Beginning with the June issue of the Quarterly are posted to the website. RSS is a widely used method of Quarterly, a PDF version is available • Quarterly Delivery (electronic, U.S. broadcasting changes to frequently on the web site at the same time the Mail, or no delivery): Members may updated pages on the Internet. Sites issue goes to print. Members who are opt to not receive a copy of the away from home or have slow postal Quarterly in the U.S. Mail. At cur- with news, calendars, blogs, and delivery are able to read the current rent printing and postal rates, each other information which changes issue as soon as it becomes available. copy of the Quarterly costs approxi- rapidly use this protocol to make In addition to being available before mately $4.25 to print and mail. You information available to a “reader” the printed version is delivered, the can help reduce expenses and leave which aggregates the information online version is in full color. more funds available to support from many different sites for a user’s The online version comes with other USIHC activities by opting convenience. MyYahoo and iGoogle some basic restrictions. The two most for electronic delivery. Members are examples of “readers.” By adding recent issues cannot be printed. You who enjoy receiving a printed copy RSS content to your reader you can can download the issue, but print- of the magazine may still download peruse updates from your custom ing is disabled. Members will be able and read the full-color PDF version collection of sites along with head- to download a printable version six from the web site. months after the initial publication lines from major news outlets. You must login to the website date. Only active USIHC members to change your notification options. How do I add an RSS have access to issues for the first year Visit the “Edit/Renew Membership” feed to my My Yahoo or after the publication date. After one page on www.icelandics.org to update iGoogle? year has passed, any visitor to the web your contact information or change The easiest way to add content to a site will be able to read back issues of notification preferences. Your user “reader” is to start from the website the Quarterly. name on www.icelandics.org is the that will provide the content. Start by Customizable Notifications full email address you provided when clicking on the RSS icon or link on For the first time members may you applied for membership. If you the page. Your browser will display choose how they receive official have changed email addresses or are the currently available data along information from the Congress. In having any problems logging in or us- with a list of readers. If you want the past, all official notices have been ing the web site, contact us via email to subscribe to the “feed” simply sent to members via U.S. Mail. This to [email protected]. is a time-consuming, expensive, and When you update your informa- choose a reader from the list. Your slow process. Members with reliable tion on the website, your changes will browser will navigate to the selected email service may now opt to receive be immediately recorded in the mem- reader and confirm your subscription. notices electronically. You will con- bership database. You will receive an How do I unsubscribe tinue to receive information via U.S. email confirming your notification se- from an RSS feed? Mail unless you tell us to send it to lections any time you make a change Just delete the feed from your reader. you electronically. to these preferences. Members may In most cases, this takes a single Members may now choose how change each of the notification op- mouse click followed by a confirma- they receive three different types of tions independently and may update tion to prevent accidents. notices from the Congress: their selections at any time. Unless you login to the website Are there any privacy • Official Notices (electronic or U.S. and make a change, you will con- concerns with RSS feeds? Mail): This includes information tinue to receive information from the No. There is no information collected about the annual meeting, general Congress via U.S. Mail. Your official on the “broadcasting” side of the members meetings, and election notices and Quarterly magazines will RSS feed. Your reader needs to know information (except for ballots). be mailed to your address of record. which feeds you’ve subscribed to, • Electronic Quarterly Availability but no personal information is col- (electronic or no notification): lected or shared. Members may request an email

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 31 VERSATILITY

Roundpenning as a defeats the whole purpose, and you Training Tool will be back to the old cowboy days of simply running them until they are by Janice McDonald too lathered and overheated to fight any longer and will submit out of fear The use of the round pen as a train- and intimidation, learning nothing in ing tool has come a long way since the process. the days of the old cowboy training I have found that the younger methods, when a horse was simply the horse, the more susceptible they chased around and around in a small are to pressure. I would not recom- enclosure until exhausted enough mend a horse younger than age two to “behave.” Yes, a round pen can be roundpenned at all, except to use be used to take the “fresh” off a the pen as a small enclosure to work horse, used similarly to a longe line. on basic ground manners, such as But also like the longe line, it can preparing it to lead, desensitizing it be used as a means of containing a to spooky objects, or teaching it to horse in a smaller area to work on accept the farrier. training issues. The key, however, is Once a horse is accustomed to the application of pressure, and the roundpenning, it learns that the pen finesse is in how much, and when, to is a learning place, a place that isn’t apply pressure. Just as humans react distraction. Lead the horse in and im- frightening, a place that is horse school differently to degrees of pressure per- mediately remove the halter and lead and not a place to frolic and fool ceived, so do horses react individu- rope and hang them outside the rail, around. They begin to look to you for ally, often with no two reacting alike. leaving the horse completely free. direction, for the lesson of the day, One may, for instance, require only This is very important psychologi- and are ready to get down to business a stern warning glance from the boss cally. It is good that the horse knows as soon as they enter. mare in a herd, while others need a it is free and can decide whether it strong wollop with a well-aimed hoof wants to be caught or not. Walk to Is That All You Want? or constant reminders from the herd the middle of the roundpen and I usually begin by taking up the lead leader to behave. study your feet, the sky, the ground— rope and halter and walking over to Here are some basic general anything but the horse. Just let the put it back on the horse, which usu- guidelines for roundpenning success horse be a horse for a few minutes. ally provokes it to walk, or run, away. if you have a problem horse, a green Let it smell around the area, leave its Which is fine by me. I just stand in horse, or simply a horse that needs scent, explore a little. The horse will the middle with the lead and halter exercising and a tune-up. The round- be a little curious about what’s up, and study my fingernails, while the pen is a good place to work on mat- and most horses will be a little wary if horse races around like a nut and ters as simple as teaching a horse to they are completely untrained. finally slows down, realizing it’s use- lower its head for haltering, teaching When the horse seems comfort- less to expend energy running away. it to ground tie or stand quietly while able, send it around the ring with the I walk toward it again, and off it goes. being handled. Other roundpen ba- absolute least amount of pressure. I don’t even apply pressure unless sics are: listening to reining and seat/ This is vital. Horses have been known the horse offers disrespect by turning leg cues, transitioning gaits on com- to hurt themselves trying to jump the his back on me or grazing or starts mand, keeping to the rail, sidepassing railing or burst through the gates. It calling to his friends in the paddock. under saddle, lead changes, and even does no good whatsoever to frighten At that point I will lift an arm, and if trick training. or startle the horse. What we are that doesn’t send the horse off again, seeking here is to engage the think- Horse School I will either lazily swing the lead rope ing part of the horse’s brain and not in its direction or sling it more force- To begin, first walk your roundpen the reactive, flight part of the brain fully at its rump. and make sure there are no sharp or worse, the fight mentality. Send- Two basic rules are: 1) If the objects, rocks, debris, or enticing ing the horse bolting around in fear horse is looking at you and facing plant material that might lead to

32 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 you, immediately release all pres- horse walks off, just follow casually, it all over the horse, dropping it over sure. Turn away and don’t even look and when the horse stops, pet him, the back, lightly flapping it against at the horse. Just looking at a horse scratch its ears, talk to it in a friendly the legs, while the horse strolls away is perceived by it as pressure. 2) If tone. Lift the end of the lead rope from it, then stands quietly, perhaps the horse turns its back end to you, again and swing it against the horse’s flinching a little, then is practically immediately send the horse off and legs. When the horse stands, just napping. Then move to the other keep it moving until it lowers its keep on until you can swing that side. head, licks and chews, slows, or faces rope against its legs and it won’t even Once a horse is readily accepting you, all signs that it is willing to rene- flinch. spooky objects in the round pen, it gotiate and figure out what exactly It is critical to keep on until the is time to open the gate. Most horses you want. Each time the horse faces horse is practically taking a nap while become so accustomed to respond- you, just turn away (a release of pres- you gently whap him on the legs with ing to cues in the roundpen that it sure: remember horses learn from the rope, drop it over the back and becomes second nature outside the the release of all pressure, not from pull it back slowly, flip it under the roundpen, which is the ultimate goal. the application of pressure), circle belly and through the legs to rub and A roundpen should be a pleasant casually around, and again approach pull it gently in and out. When the training tool, and if it ever becomes with the lead. horse is completely relaxed with that, a place that a horse dreads to enter, I have not known this to take then it is time to move to the other then it might be a good time to look longer than a half hour even with the side and start over. at your roundpenning method and greenest horse. A horse with issues Once you can swing a lead rope ask, Is it the old cowboy way? Or is it may take longer, but it isn’t a step all over the horse, find a new object— a way which leads to a horse using the you should skip. Haltering a horse at a tarp or rolled-up feed sack. Proceed thinking part of the brain? liberty is the first step in any horse’s in the same manner, lightly rubbing training program. If a horse will not stand still and allow haltering, then training should not go any further until these steps are mastered. Tommy Turvey, the “Equine Extremist” and trick trainer who has studied at the Spanish Riding School and has trained horses at Bucking- ham Palace, as well as at Arabian Nights in Orlando, Florida, says that the first step to every trick you train a horse, no matter how elaborate, is to teach the horse to stand still on com- mand. This first step in the roundpen is teaching the horse just that—and as soon as the horse figures out what Janice McDonald you want, it will often be relieved you and Monasi (aka are asking for something so simple. Nasi) from Per- manent Vacation. Scarey Objects Says Janice, “I’m The round pen is an excellent tool dressed in my bo- for desensitizing a horse to scarey lero look because objects. Once the horse stands quietly this photo was and accepts the halter, gently swing taken for a regional magazine. I don’t the end of the lead up against its usually dress up to feet. Do not hold the horse in any work in the round- way. It is free to go at any time. If the pen!” May Lattanzio

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 33 HORSE TALES

SIGGI’S STORY stripe down his back, and a few white told me—that because he’s throwing by Alys Culhane hairs on his forehead. This was why, his legs outward as he moves, he’s in Pete’s mind, naming him Ziggy expending energy that would other- Today I backed Siggi Halastajarni. Stardust was a no-brainer. Pete ex- wise be used to propel him forwards. I did the same thing that I did with plained that rock star David Bowie’s Siggi’s conformation-related ungain- Raudhetta, a year-and-a-half ago. Ziggy Stardust was the man who fell liness, combined with his size (14 I placed a bucket of hay under his from earth, and ours was the horse hands), and his color (blue dun), nose, pulled the mounting block up who fell from earth. And, as it turns make most, when they see him, think next to him, and climbed up onto his out, like original Ziggy Stardust, ours that one or both of his parents must back. was also kind of spacey. I, of course, be a moose. As he ate, I sat on him and insisted that we follow tradition by In all fairness to his breeders reminisced. Like the lowly third making sure that his USIHC registra- (Virginia and Ben Crawford), they’ve child, Siggi’s attributes have been tion be the Icelandic translation of twice offered to buy him back from overshadowed by those of his half- the English version of Ziggy’s name. us. However, we’ve refused because sibling, Raudhetta, and his herdmate, And so Pete, who is a compulsive Siggi’s character-related strengths Tinni. Visitors have routinely focused researcher, first found the direct far outshine his confirmation-related on Raudi, who is good looking, and translation looked in an English/Ice- defects. Siggi, I long ago decided, is Tinni, who is dependable. Seldom landic dictionary, and then verified a very gentle soul whose job it is to have they ever noticed the lanky blue his finding by running it by Gudmar teach me some very important truths. dun who hovers in the background. Pétursson. When it was all said and On our near-daily walks around our I met Siggi on the day of his done, the little horse’s moniker was neighborhood loop (of which there birth, May 12, 2004. He was, from Siggi Halastarni fra Alaskastadir. have been many), he’s forced me to the start, inquisitive, but not overly Gudmar approved. “It’s a good stop and take in the view, which is energetic. During his first few months name,” he said, adding, “I might something that I can’t do with the of life he stood watching, as his half- even give it to a horse of mine.” more energetic Raudi. Once, after sister Elsa raced around the pasture. I bought Raudi when she was standing in the middle of the road I didn’t entertain thoughts of 11 months and Siggi when he was for fifteen minutes, he remarked, purchasing him until he was three 4 months. What I subsequently “Isn’t it great, just to be?” As I looked months old. Raudi had picked me learned is that buying a young horse into his calm brown eyes, I knew that out; however, Siggi had no say in the is a gamble—like Forrest Gump’s he was getting at an essential truth, matter. Instead, his dam, Roskova, proverbial box of chocolates, you which is that true peace comes about decided that Pete and I should own don’t know what you’re getting. A when one is living for the moment. him, case in point: Raudi now has above Siggi’s more gentle nature has I remember this day quite well. It average, and Siggi now has below also endeared him to his herdmates. was a cool August evening. I was rid- average looks and conformation. As Raudi and Tinni, who are constantly ing Ros, and Siggi was grazing at the one observer put it, “Raudi has taken at odds with one another, prefer to distance. When the usually taciturn full advantage of all she’s been given eat separately. Siggi, knowing this, will mare glanced over at her offspring genetically and environmentally; how- on one day eat with Tinni, and the and neighed, her message to me ever, Siggi has not. Now at three-and- next eat with Raudi. came through loud and clear—I then a-half, he stands under in the rear, is My hope, that Siggi’s conforma- knew that she wanted Pete and me to cowhocked, and stands with his left tion flaws would, as he grew, rectify buy him. rear hind leg at a 45 degree angle. themselves, did not come to be. If Pete agreed to this, since for He’s one-gaited, and that gait is pace. anything, they became worse. The some time we’d been looking for a I have now grown used to the look question that his physical state of companion for Raudi. Siggi’s name of horror on my veterinarian’s and being then raised was, is he in pain? was consistent with the Icelandic farrier’s faces when they watch Siggi I secretly thought that if this were practice of naming one’s horse after move. He flails at the air with both his so, the best thing to do would be to its physical and mental characteris- front and rear legs. My own research have him put him out of his misery. tics. At birth, Siggi had a a zig-zag has confirmed what my veterinarian There was only one way to find out, and that was to ask him. This was why,

34 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 last spring, I decided to consult with what she observed. It is as follows: be proud to carry you, and when you an animal communicator. My initial “In the physical, Siggi is solid, ride him you will be as one. Siggi reasoning was that animal-human balanced, and grounded. But Siggi is there most of the time, so if he telepathy worked for author Jane is much larger, in that he is very con- appears to be a bit spacey, he is very Smiley, who in A Day at the Races wrote nected with the universe. He feels at connected with the universe. Alys, I movingly about her experiences with one with the stars and the night sky cannot put to paper well enough the her thoroughbreds and clairvoyants. and he is so much more spiritually special being your Siggi is.” And my secondary reasoning was that connected with the universe than he Reading Nella’s response brought I’m a believer—my animals and I is here in the physical. He had the tears to my eyes. Here it was, verified, often have very interesting conversa- sense of just being and belonging. what I’d always known, that Siggi is a tions. However, I’m willing to con- “Physically, when Siggi runs he special horse. Although it might be cede that, because I’m very attached tries to stretch out the upper left leg. true, he did not make note of being to Siggi, I wouldn’t hear what he I do not know the proper name of in pain, so I presumed that it was not might be trying to tell me, which was that part of the horse. I am thinking having an adverse affect on his life. that he wanted to head on over to the left inner thigh just down from the This response, as well as my own Rainbow Bridge. This, then, was why I tail. It seems to have been strained at intuitive feelings about the matter, sought out an intermediary. one point. were what prompted me to continue This past summer, while taking a “He appreciates the neck work to work with Siggi. If, say, he appears clinic at the Icelandic Horse Farm, I you do for him and wants you to unable to handle the weight of a rid- met Nella Missnell. The grey haired, please continue. It relaxes him. He er and gear, I’ll attempt to train him soft-spoken woman didn’t, when we likes the connection with you, and to a cart. And if he appears unable first talked, tell me that she was an feels that if he could carry you and to handle that, he’ll be designated animal communicator. Instead, I through you, you and he would be Raudi and Tinni’s lifelong compan- discovered this a few days later, after even closer to the universe. He would ion. we had repeated conversations. I was not surprised to hear of this. I’d noticed that the horses she worked with responded well to the soft-spoken woman’s touch. A casual statement of Nella’s, that she waited until the animals invited her to speak before engaging in conversations with them, was what prompted me to ask her if she’d tune into Siggi. Siggi, I thought, would very much enjoy conversing with this respectful, low-key individual. Nella lives in Ontario, Canada, and so she would not be able to meet Siggi face- to-face. In the past, I would have re- garded this as an impediment. After all, much can be discerned by taking note of the flick of an ear or the stomping of a hoof. But I liked Nell so much that direct contact seemed to be immaterial. My intuitive feelings proved to be dead on. On September 19, 2007, Nella conversed with Siggi, and Sometimes you reach your breeding goals—and sometimes you don’t. Siggi didn’t live afterwards, via email, passed on to me up to expectations, but has a happy home with Alys Culhane nonetheless.

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 35 IT WORKS FOR ME

Water, Water, phrase “necessity is the mother of just ourselves to worry about? Here, Everywhere invention,” to mind. Pete and I are after some trial and error, is how we often asked, Why don’t you instead are now doing some horse-related by Alys Culhane put your time and energy into getting tasks. We have a water collection on-the-grid? Our response is that we system. The water runs off the sloped Off the grid. These words initially enjoy the challenges that comple- barn roof into gutters. The gutter conjured up images of pancakes ment this particular way of life. And, water is stored in a 300-gallon con- coming off the griddle. However, the as importantly, we feel good about tainer that we purchased from the subsequent images of living in a log the fact that we are reducing our now defunct Matanuska Maid Dairy. I cabin, with a wind generator and reliance on fossil fuels, which are a give this directly to the three horses, solar panels, sounded appealing. So non-renewable resource. pouring it into three water buckets I bought into what Pete and I now that are attached to the outside of the consider to be a sustainable lifestyle- Watering Horses barn. in-progress. Who would have thunk it, that hav- We have occasionally run dry. We Life here at Squalor Holler ing horses would force us to be even used to drive our truck to a nearby has repeatedly brought the clichéd more innovative than if, say, we had

Necessity—and horses—are the mother of invention. Off-grid, getting water to horses can be a challenge, especially when those horses require soaked hay.

36 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 There’s still time for riding. Here, members of the Alaska Regional Club get ready to set out on a trail ride from Alys Culhane’s place in Palmer. Alys rode Raudi, Bernie rode Undrun, and Ruth rode Curly Sue. (Curly has honorary Icelandic status because Bernie got her to tolt). creek, where we filled 25-or-so five 3-foot-deep pit. Come breakup (late buckets. I filled each with dusty hay, gallon buckets. To counter this, and April or early May), I don my Extra and put them in the trough. They our having to heat and haul pumped Tuff rubber boats and “harvest” the floated, so I anchored them with water to the horses, we put two Mat waste-water. The 60-or-so buckets will, rock-filled buckets. I let them soak for Maid tanks (the brethren and the in June, July, and August, be used six hours (long enough for the mold cistern) in our kitchen addition. We to wet down the garden plants and spores to swell up; they then go into still have to take water to the horses the compost. I also bucket the muck, the digestive tract, where they are in the winter; however, we’ve elimi- which also goes into the garden. Lest harmless, not into the lungs). Then nated creek-related fill-up. We also you think that this is gross, I do it well I lifted the hay-water filled buckets put gutters on our out-buildings, and before the temperatures climb. onto 2x4’s, which I laid lengthwise across the trough. This allowed for have recycled plastic garbage cans Soaking Hay under them. drainage. I am most pleased with my most re- My soaker system enabled me Cooling Down cent invention, the hay soaker. Tinni both to feed previously dusty hay to has heaves, which means that he must The answer to the question, How do all three horses, and to better moni- have dust-free hay. Up until recently, I cool down the horses after a ride if tor hay consumption. (I go by the we’ve fed him hay “imported” from I don’t have a garden hose?, came to formula 2.2 pounds of hay per 100 Washington, year-round. Seeing as me last week as I was out on a ride. I pounds of body weight.) Plus, the this was cost-prohibitive, and that we found an abandoned kid’s swimming dust water is good for the garden. I had half a barn full of dusty hay, I pool, brought it home, and filled it have since thought that one might sought an alternative. After looking at with water. I now have the horses step rig a similar soaker by using a 50-gal- several designs for hay soakers on the into it, and I sponge them down. lon barrel. And mesh hay nets would Internet, I devised one of my own. I The Lake Effect complement this particular system. was given a 70-gallon water trough, Our paddock has an intentional Mine is a seasonal solution. This which I filled with collection contain- slope, which has eliminated what winter I’ll go back to giving the ex- er water. I then drilled one-inch holes I call “the lake effect.” The runoff pensive stuff, and cut costs by giving in three 5-gallon feed supplement enters a spillway, a 20-foot-long by Tinni pelleted feed.

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 37 AD FORMATS: Upload only ads that are camera-ready and in Mac-format PDF, JPG, or TIFF. No PC formats accepted. Ads should be full-size, saved at 300 dpi.

DEADLINES: • January 1 (Issue 1 mailed in March) • April 1 (Issue 2 mailed in June) • July 1 (Issue 3 mailed in September) • October 1 (Issue 4 mailed in December) AD FORMATS: Upload only ads that are camera-ready and in Mac-format PDF, JPG, or TIFF. No PC formats accepted. Ads should be full-size, saved at 300 dpi. TheThe USIHC USIHC reserves reserves the the right right to to reject reject anyany advertising advertising at at any any time. time. Each Each adver adver-- PAYMENT: All advertising can be placed online at www.icelandics.org/quarterly. php. Simply click on the link that says “ad purchase and upload page” and you will tisementtisement is is accepted accepted with with the the understand understand-- be directed through the process of buying an ad. If you are unable to access the inging that that the the advertiser advertiser is is authorized authorized Internet or have questions regarding advertising, please contact Denise Chythlook to publish its con-tents and agrees to at 907-317-5141 or [email protected]. to publish its contents and agrees to indemnifyindemnify the the USIHC USIHC and and the the Icelandic Icelandic RATES AND SIZES: per issue HorseHorse Quarterly Quarterly against against any any loss loss or or Color Pages (7 3/8” x 9 3/4”) $200 Full page (7 3/8” x 9 3/4”) $150 expenseexpense resulting resulting from from claims claims arising arising out out Half page (7 3/8” x 4 3/4”) $ 75 ofof its its publication. publication. Quarter page (3 1/2” x 4 3/4”) $ 35 Classified (up to 40 words) $ 25 ! !"#$%&'(%)*(#+,-.#() )))) /*01)2#(-,3,#')4(%,&#()2) CLASSIFIEDS 56/72)/&-#(&)89'+#)

Berkshire Icelandics

Brian Puntin FEIF International Trainer level 1

Training • Sales • Consulting Shoeing • Transport • Lessons ) !"#$%&'(%:*(#+,-.#(;+<$:'#))=>?@ABC>DEFGE) P: 413.822.9550 • E: [email protected] HHH:%"#$%&'(%I(#+,-.#(:JK<) www.berkshireicelandics.com ) ! 38 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 ! ! Farm List The owners of the farms listed below have offered to have you visit in order to become acquainted with the Icelandic horse. Some are breeders, some importers and some are interested in breed promotion alone. Their listing here does not constitute an endorse- ment of any kind by the USIHC.

Alaska Sunland Ranch Icelandic Horses Hestar Ranch Lazy Mountain Icelandics, Inc Kimberly Hart - Monika Meier-Galliker - Virginia and Ben Crawford - 3675 Copper Crest P.O. Box 1744 / 30420 C.R. 500 P.o. Box 4646 Olivenhain, CA 92024 Arboles, CO 81121 Palmer, AK 99645 (858) 759-1626 (phone) (970) 883-2531 (phone) (907) 746-1149 (phone) (858) 759-8577 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.hestar-ranch.us www.Sunlandranch.com Prettyman Ranch California Valhalla Icelandic Horses Ted and Wende Pretttman A breeding farm for Icelandic Stina and Steinar Sigurbjornsson - 15572 So. Elk Creek Rd. Horses, Schmalztopf 10545 Woldrich St. Pine, CO 80470 Nancy and Arvid Schmalz - Sylmar, CA 91342 (303) 838-0777 (phone) 9499 Santa Rosa Road, (PO Box 67) (818) 808-8089 (phone) [email protected] Buellton, CA 93427 (818) 808-8087 (fax) (805) 693-9876 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] www.valhallaicelandic.com Georgia www.icelandichorsebreeder.com Creekside Farm Valkyrie Icelandic Katrin Sheehan - Flying C Ranch Laura Benson 411 Old Post Rd. Will or Asta Covert 1 Duane st. #33 Madison, GA 30650 3600 Roblar Ave. Redwood City, CA 94062 (706) 347-0900 (phone) Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (321) 278-0250 (phone) (706) 342-2026 (fax) (805) 688-1393 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.valkyrieicelandic.com www.tolt.net Kentucky Mountain Icelandic Farm Colorado Gudmar Peturssom Icelandic Horses Annette Coulon - Hanging Valley Ranch Gudmar Petursson - 620 Calabassas Rd. Garry and Sharon Snook 10100 Summit Park Place #201 Watsonville, CA 95076 Box 66 Louisville, KY 40241 (831) 722-8774 (phone) Carbondale, CO 81623 (502) 608-5804 (phone) [email protected] (970) 963-3517 (phone) [email protected] www.mountainicelandics.com (970) 963-3503 (fax) www.gudmar.com [email protected]

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 39 Maine Minnesota New Hampshire Ice Follies Crow River Icelandics Icelandic Creations, Inc. Deborah Plengey Plengey - Trudie Sharon and David Johnson Debbie Dur - Lee 2277 Colbert Ave. N.W. 16 French Pond. Rd. 159 Lyons Rd. Buffalo, MN 55313 Henniker, NH 03242 Manchester, ME 04351 (763) 682-3815 (phone) (603) 428-8785 (phone) (207) 621-2942 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.crowrivericelandics.com www.icelandic-creations.com MaineleeMorganHorses.com Little Bit Farm Leann M. Boyd - New York Massachusetts 4280 SW 81st. Street Icelandic Sports, LTD Four Winds Farm Owatonna, MN 55060 Daniel Slott Lori B. Leo (507) 444-4102 (phone) P.O. Box 113 - RT.3 703 Hanover Street [email protected] Ancramdale, NY 12503 Hanover, MA 02339 (518) 329-0185 (phone) (781) 829-9901 (phone) North Star Icelandics (518) 329-0186 (fax) [email protected] Deborah and Steve Cook [email protected] 1250 Waterville Rd www.icesport.com Roberts Woods Farm Waterville, MN 56096 Kathryn Roberts - Marc Roberts (507) 362-4538 (phone) Sand Meadow Farm P.O. Box 6549 (507) 362-8090 (fax) Steven T Barber - Andrea S. Barber Monterey, MA 01245 [email protected] 300 Taylor Road (413) 528-6188 (phone) www.frontiernet.net/~cookice Honeoye Falls, NY 14472 (413) 528-6193 (fax) (585) 624-4468 (phone) [email protected] Penridge Farm (585) 624-9361 (fax) Gloria Verrecchio DVM and Vince [email protected] Silver Maple Farm Verrecchio www.sandmeadow.com Susan Peters 14323 Ostrum Trail N. 5 Grassmere Avenue Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047 Winchester, MA 01890 (651) 433-4934 (phone) Ohio (781) 588-6435 (phone) (651) 433-2910 (fax) Cytraas Farm [email protected] [email protected] John R. Haaga - www.penridgeicelandics.com Call for appointment Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 Michigan (216) 464-7260 (phone) Afangi Icelandic Horses Montana www.cytraas.com Marcia Stacy Sun and the Wind 86 Meridian Court Dean and Leslie Skinner Northstar Farm Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 83 Deerfoot Trail Lanny L. Carroll - (989) 773-5807 (phone) Sun River, MT 59483 PO Box 63 [email protected] (406) 264-5549 (phone) Brookville, OH 45309 www.afangi.com [email protected] (937) 687-7103 (phone) (937) 687-1300 (fax) [email protected] www.Northstar-Farm.com

40 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 Pennsylvania Vermont Wisconsin Burns - Anderson Stable Solheimar Winterhorse Park Icelandics Horse Mary Burns - Caleigh Anderson- Sigrun Brynjarsdottir - Jason Farm Connie Anderson Brickner Barbara A. and Daniel Riva 1641 Wildlife Lodge Rd. 387 Strafford Road S75 W35621 Wilton Rd. Lower Burrell, PA 15068 Tunbridge, VT 05077 Eagle, WI 53119 (724) 337-4207 (phone) (802) 889-9472 (phone) (262) 594-5152 (phone) [email protected] [email protected] (262) 594-2720 (fax) www.usicelandics.com [email protected] www.winterhorse.com South Carolina Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm Black Creek Farms Karen Winhold Sarah C. Elkin - P.O. Box 577 Canada 449 Jewell Boone Rd. Waitsfield, VT 05673 Tolt Away Farm Pelion, SC 29123 (802) 496-7141 (phone) Erhard Marenbach - Iris Marenbach (803) 894-4514 (phone) (802) 496-5390 (fax) 401 Ashton Cooke Rd. [email protected] [email protected] Enderby, BC VOE1V5 Blackcreekfarms.us www.icelandichorses.com (250) 838-0234 (phone) [email protected] www.toltaway.com Tennessee Washington Clear Springs Hollow Farm evans farm-orcas island Marianne E. Filka & Ronnie D. Roark wanda and john evans 137 Hugh Garland Rd. po box 116 Jonesborough, TN 37659 ogla, WA 98279 (423) 753-6075 (phone) (360) 379-4961 (phone) (423) 753-6075 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] www.icelandichorsesnorthwest.com filka-roarkhorses.com Lone Cedar Icelandics Dawn Shaw - Texas P. O. Box 524 LoneStar Icelandics Grapeview, WA 98546 Chris E. Creighton - (360) 275-7542 (phone) 140 Way Cross Drive [email protected] Georgetown, TX 78628 www.LoneCedarIclandicHorses.com (512) 930-7070 (phone) icelandichorse.us/ WestVirginia Icelandic Thunder Utah Denise M. and James D. Taylor Shaggy Mtn Icelandic Horses RR 1. Box 219 Karen Olson-Fields and Eric Fields Philippi, WV 26416 56 Shaggy Mtn Rd. (304) 457-4238 (phone) Herriman, UT 84096 [email protected] (801) 523-5077 (phone) mysite.verizon.net/vze8yxx8/ [email protected] rockymountains/ www.omurfrabrun.com

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42 Icelandic HORSE Quarterly • issue three 2008 Sólheimar Training Center of New England

Sigrun & Baldur frá Bakki the World Champion in Five Gait Training both people & horses to have a healthy & a happy ride!

Sigrún Brynjarsdóttir rode the top 5 year old stallion at the World Championships in Germany, she is an Icelandic champion, Landsmót´s ﬁnalist, & a certiﬁed Icelandic trainer (FT member).

Training Youth Camps Showing Farrier Services Lessons Sales Horses Clinics A.I.

Ofﬁcial Hrimnir dealer Jason Brickner and Svartanótt fra Akureyri www.cramerphotography.com

Sólheimar is proud to introduce Parker one of the highest scored four gaited stallions in the world standing at stud at our farm in Tunbridge, Vermont starting spring 2007. Conformation OFFSPRING: Head 8 Neck - Withers - Shoulders 8.5 Parker’s offspring have already started Back & Croup 8.5 proving themselves to be beautiful, high Proportions 9 stepping, charismatic, good natured and Legs (quality) 7 Legs (joints) 8.5 elegant show/riding horses: Hooves 8.5 Mane & Tail 8 Kyrja fra Sólheimum is Parker’s first Conformation 8.31 shown offspring. He was only 8 years old when she was shown in 2006. Kyrja Ridden Abilities received 8.5 for Tolt, trot, gallop, spirit, Tölt 9 and general impressions at five. She also Trot 9.5 Pace 5 scored 8.5 for neck-withers-shoulders and Gallop 9 hooves, which shows that she inherited Spirit 9 her father’s beautiful well set neck and General Impression 9 strong solid hoofs. Walk 8 Blossi frá Sauðarkróki Slow Tðlt 9 Hervar frá Sauðarkróki Canter 9 Hervör frá Sauðarkróki Further, Parker’s daughter won the best Rideability 8.44 Parker Hersir frá Stóra-Hofi of show at Blönduós in 2006. He also has Penta frá Vatnsleysu some upcoming young stallions and mares Total 8.39 Fiðla frá Svarfhóli that will be shown in 2007.

Sigrún Brynjarsdóttir & Jason Brickner 802-889-9472 [email protected] www.usicelandics.com

issue three 2008 • Icelandic HORSE Quarterly 43 Gudmar Petursson Icelandic Horses

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