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Breed Standards and Stereotypes: Is an Icelandic Horse the horse for you?

Former USIHC President Bernie Wilis and I co-authored the following article, which appeared in the February, 2009 Alaska Icelandic Horse Association Newsletter.

It’s beginning to look as though with the downturn in the economy, that it’s soon to be a buyer’s market for all equines, and this includes our beloved Icelandic horses. The question then, that those with money are asking themselves is, is an Icelandic horse the horse for me? As with any purchase of this nature, one should do considerable research beforehand. Here’s a start. Two write ups, the first by Bernie Willis, the current United States Icelandic Horse Congress(USIHC) President, and Alys Culhane, Alaska Icelandic Horse Association (AIHA) Vice President, follow. Willis’s focus is on breed standards and Culhane’s focus is on breed stereotyping. The two are complementary, this is to say (as Willis asserts) that an awareness of the breed’s characteristics will (as Culhane contend) better enable you to avoid breed-related stereotypical pitfalls.

Says Bernie:
A breeding standard is often misconstrued as level of acceptance or stamp of approval. I will explain how breeding standards are used, how they apply to the Icelandic Horse and what our standard really means. Most of us drive cars or trucks. They periodically need maintenance so we take our vehicles to a dealer or other certified shop for work. In America we look for the sign that says ASEA Certified. This means that the Society of Automotive Engineers has certified the mechanic. If its an airplane that needs work like the airliner you just flew in across the country the certification to work on it comes from the Federal Aviation Administration. Both of these agencies provide tests to evaluate the knowledge and skills of the prospective mechanics. A passing grade is 70 %. The standard would be 100% but the certification indicates a minimum achievement level of at least 70%. The standard is the goal. Certification can mean something less.

Certified mechanics must be continually educated to be able to maintain ever more complicated vehicles. They are retested and achieve higher levels of certification as their careers progress. In aviation there are special mechanics that inspect the work of others. The knowledge of the entry level worker is below the standard but considered to be acceptable because it is reviewed and certified by a high level mechanic.

Let’s apply this concept of standards to the breeding standard of the Icelandic Horse. Our breeding standard is a goal, it represents the perfect horse. The system known as the “Best Unbiased Linear Projection or BLUP is designed to assist breeders in achieving this goal. It is an analysis of the test known as the breeding evaluation. Animals have two identities, a phenotype and genotype. The phenotype is what we see from the outside. It can be observed and measured with a ruler and caliper. The genotype is hidden in the DNA of the horse. It can be measured too but only by studying the phenotype of the ancestors and the descendants. If the horse meets the standard it would receive a 10 for each of the 15 characteristics for conformation and ridden abilities. It has never happened yet. But it is still the goal. Picture your favorite Icelandic Horse and see how it compares to the breeding standard. You have all read the basic standard on the USIHC website under breeding. Now take a look at www.feif.org and check out the FIZO and go to detailed breeding standard starting on page E-5. From my long association with International breeding judges I would like to share some of their comments about the practical side of these qualities.

HEAD – We don’t ride the head. It is mostly a matter of preference. Beauty depends upon your own subjective view; however it has some characteristics that affect the horse. The northern climate dictates that the horse have small ears that are not flared wide open. The wide open eye is pleasing to look at but the absence of puffy flesh surrounding it allows it to see especially well to the back. A seeing horse is less afraid of things and learns faster than one that has limited vision.

NECK, WITHERS AND SHOULDERS – The combination of these characteristics determine the ability to tolt well. While most any Icelandic Horse can tolt, it’s the ones who can change their balance easily, that can vary their speed, that seem to float effortlessly along. A neck that can be telescoped in and out, a throatlatch that allows for easy bending at the poll, combined with high withers and a sloping shoulder make it easy for a horse to flex and dance. A more vertical shoulder, low withers and thick neck make it easier to wear a collar for pulling a wagon. Certainly both types and combinations appear in the breed. But in modern times the Icelandic Horse is primarily a saddle horse.

When under saddle the characteristics that make it the most fun to ride are emphasized. When looking from the side a neck that appears to come from the chest at least half way up is considered to be high set. If it carries it in a near vertical form it is easier for it to shift its center of gravity back allowing it to carry more of its weight on the hind legs allowing for more power to be displayed. When viewed from the front the neck that shows a definite line of separation from the shoulder is thought to allow for more action in the shoulders and front legs. If you ever ride across Iceland’s rough fields you would appreciate the ability of your horse to lift its legs high. Its like good suspension in your luxury car compared to a stiff truck on a bumpy road.

BACK AND CROUP – There are many ways to train a horse concentrating on it natural abilities. But there is nothing natural about a horse carrying a load on its back. Selective breeding combined with physical conditioning provide the best chance of a good load bearing back. A broad, well muscled back are important but it is also important that the shape when viewed from the side be reasonable for saddle fitting. The dip or lowest point should be in the middle of the back. A horse with a croup higher than the wither or a back that slopes forward is difficult to fit. The saddle creeps forward no matter how tight the girth is. Croupers help for awhile but end up irritating the horse under the tail. Only a back with the lowest part in the middle works well all the time.

The croup is often misunderstood and under-appreciated. The length, depth and angle all contribute to its ability to push the horse forward. The length is the measurement of a horizontal line from the loins to the end of the horse. The depth indicates how far the muscles go down the back of the hind legs and the angle is determined by a line drawn from the hip bone to the ----- bone at the end of the pelvis. Ideally the length should be one-third of the total length of the horse. The closer the muscles get to the hock the more potential power they have. A steep angle allows the hind leg to stretch further under the horse to support the load of the rider. Ideally a hind hoof should be able to reach forward to a point under the seat of the rider. The flexibility of the lumbar sacral joint is the key to suppleness in tolt. It is also the weakest place in the back. A broad back at the hips indicates a large LS joint and is desirable. It is likely that sitting too far back may injure this joint. Often the injury is inaccurately attributed to the kidneys.

PROPORTIONS – In order for the horse to move efficiently it is important that it be in proportion both vertically and horizontally. Horizontally the ideal is for the body to be divided into thirds. The dividing lines are at the withers and loins. A back longer than one third is weaker than necessary. A croup less than a third is less powerful and a shoulder arrangement less than equal to each of the other main parts is less capable of absorbing the load of each stride.

Vertically the horse should be at least as tall at the withers as twice the length of the front leg measured from the ground to the bottom of the chest. The combination of length and height determined stride length and potential for interference between front and hind legs. There is no point in having legs so long that when fully extended they hit each other. If too short they can’t reach far enough to support the load. When measured from the point of the shoulder to the end of the buttocks the measurement should be about 5 cm longer that the height at the withers.

LEGS – The score sheets divide the legs into two parts but here they are combined. It stands to reason that large joints carry heavy loads better than small joints. The circumference of the cannon bone just below the carpal joint is another place where the measurement it taken. A trail rider magazine report says that this measurement must be at least 7 inches or just under 18 cm for a 1200 pound horse used for back county travel. Most Icelandics have no problem here. The tendons at the back of the cannon bone should be easy to identify and show no signs of their sheath swelling. The larger they are the stronger they probably are.

When viewed from the front and back with the horse walking and trotting or tolting the legs should be separated enough not to interfere with each other. Its even better when they move straight and are not swinging around to miss their opposite. Standing the legs may appear crooked but when moving the front legs should point forward while the back legs may turn out slightly so the knee misses the belly when fully extended forward. Toed in hooves have the greatest chance at interference whether in the front or back.

HOOVES – Larger hooves are preferable to smaller hooves for carrying weight. Thick hoof wall material allows for strength and wear ability. The angle of the hoof must parallel the angle of the pastern bone. The frog must be large and show no signs of shrinkage indicating poor circulation. The ideal sole is concave to reduce the injury from rocks.

The physical attributes of this breed are designed for power and athletic performance. As a medium-sized horse it is important that the elements that allow for carrying a person are developed enough to do their job well. The ideal is a horse that not only can carry its rider but can dance or race carrying rider. The scores for legs and hooves make up 15% of the evaluation, combined the highest amount for conformation.

Ridden abilities of the horse comprise 60% of the total score. Sometimes conformation scores for neck, withers and shoulders are adjusted when the horse is seen under saddle. A horse that shows a wide range of speed while staying in a particular gait will achieve the highest scores. The actual scores sheet can be down loaded from the FEIF website. The positive characteristics are listed under numbers on the left side of the sheet. The negative aspects are under letters on the right.

TOLT – Tolt equals the value of the legs and hooves, 15 %. Of all the gaits tolt shows the fitness of rider’s use of driving and restraining aids. The power potential of the horse is shown not only by speed but by leg action as well. Wide steps, stretching far ahead and far under the horse in perfect timing get the nod.

TROT – Speed and beat are important but the critical part of trot is really the suspension. Trot is an excellent rough terrain gait. Without suspension it role is compromised.

PACE – Icelandics without pace are still a lot of fun; however a good five gaiter is the ultimate. Racing pace is difficult to see in detail. The foot fall will be slightly four-beat but must have suspension. Power, speed and consistency receive the highest scores.

GALLOP – This is confusing to Americans. We usually think of canter when Icelanders think of gallop. An easy and slow, rocking horse three-beat canter followed by a high speed sprint in gallop will get the highest score. Easy increases and decreases in speed show the spirit of the horse. Cooperatively turning time-after-time at the end of the track is a good indication of the horse’s willingness to partner with the rider.

FORM UNDER RIDER – Picture your favorite stallion when he is approaching “his” mares. He holds his neck upright, his neck is bent at the poll with his face nearly vertical. His top line shows an arched neck, raised back and lowered croup. He’s prepared to carry a load and proud of himself while doing it. This would be the ideal form under rider.

WALK- Walk is usually given little attention. It total value is only 1.5 %. If walk is the basis of all the other gaits then it stands to reason that if the other gaits highly rated then the walk would be too. This is not always the case. Too often walk is rushed and accomplished with only short steps. For high scores the beat must be an even four-count and the strides should be long, the hind hoof stepping over or in front of the print left by the front. A slight hesitation between each energetic stride demonstrates the power of the horse.

Summarizing the standard or goal for the Icelandic Horse would be to compare it to an Olympic pentathlon athlete. The medal doesn’t go to the muscle man or the ballerina, but rather, to the one who does a variety of tasks equally well. It is power disciplined, tapped by the rider on demand, grace displayed through strength and coordination. The Icelandic horse is a very complicated animal when developed to its potential but a kind and faithful friend at whatever level the rider is at.

Says Alys:

When dealing with Icelandics, the myths abound. I’ve elaborated on a few, using my Icelandic horse experiences as a guide. If after reading this, you have reservations about purchasing an Icelandic, you should consider other horse-related options.

“Gosh, what a cute pony. He’d be perfect for my kid.”

Icelandics have pony-like characteristics some of which include thick manes and tails, and almond-shaped eyes. However, they’re not ponies. In Iceland, there’s no word for pony, just horse. And so, they expect these medium-sized equines to do the same things that their larger, more far-flung counterparts do; go long distances over uneven and often mountainous terrain, cross rivers, pull carts, and perform in competitions. They’re great kid-sitters, but They best thrive when asked to do a variety of activities.

I’m thinking about getting a young Icelandic and raising and training it myself. The older ones are out of my price-range, so this seems like the best way to go.

I’ve done this, and would not recommend that anyone else do it. Again, Icelandic horses are slow to mature both mentally and physically—and waiting five years for one to grow up takes the patience of a saint. They’re also herd animals, and as such, should be given the opportunity to learn from their elders, who will do an amazingly good job at teaching them to be horses as opposed to pocket ponies.

“I hear that Icelandics can carry heavy loads and never tire. My husband is a big guy, so maybe I should get him an Icelandic.”

Icelandics are strong; this is in part because of their above-mentioned wider-than average leg circumference and their incredibly solid loin muscles. However, like any other breed, they have their limits. It’s just not fair to the horse to put a 350 pound man on his or her back. So do take this into consideration when thinking about breed selection.

“They’re small. They must be easy to ride.”

There’s a saying among Icelandic horse people, that “Icelandics are easy to ride and hard to ride well.” Consider it this way: The Icelandic horse is like a 5-speed BMW. Their low center of gravity combined with a short turning radius, and an efficient engine, makes for one fast ride. There’s also the business about those two additional gaits, the tolt and the pace. Learning how to properly sit both requires a high degree of commitment on the part of the rider. If you want your riding life to be simple, go with a three gaited horse. There are plenty out there to choose from.

“Icelandics look like they’re easy to work with. I can get one, and teach it all the Parelli stuff it needs to know in a month.”

Some natural horsemanship methods work, but when training Icelandics, one has to be careful. The use of repetition, which is the mainstay of Clinton Anderson, Buck Branahan, John Lyons, Pat Parelli, and the like, is well-suited to other breeds, most of which tend to need this kind of reinforcement. However, this insistence on holding fast to outcomes has been proven to make Icelandics dull and mindless. In addition, many Icelandics take a dim view of round penning. I tried this with Raudi, and she stopped mid-stride and turned their butt to me. I quickly discovered that exploring other training alternatives works a lot better than doing the same old thing, over and over.

“I want an Icelandic because they’re easy keepers. So I can feed them substandard hay, let them paw at the cold ground for grass, and assume that they’ll eat snow when I forget to water them. Plus, I won’t have to blanket them in the winter.”

If you subscribe to this belief, you have another thing coming. Icelandics do eat less hay than so-called Big Horses. But in order for them to grow and thrive, they need nutritious feed. High quality, dust-free, non-moldy hay is always best. And they should always have an ample supply of water on hand.

Blankets usually aren’t necessary. BUT older Icelandics don’t generate heat the way the younger ones do, so if the temperature drops below -20 F, this is a good precautionary measure. That thick coat can also be a detriment in the winter because it retains moisture after a vigorous or lengthy ride. Many trace clip, and many blanket. This beats not riding at all.

“Icelandics have such sturdy looking hooves. Farrier costs are skyrocketing, so it will be to my advantage to own a horse that can go barefoot year round.”

This may hold true in some parts of the country, and particularly where the terrain is soft and giving, but not in all parts. Varied terrain will wear down an Icelandic’s hooves as quick as it will any other breed’s hooves. To add to this, finding competent a farrier who can readily trim and shoe five-gaited horses can be challenging. If you are fortunate enough to locate such an individual, and he or she does a good job, ply them with cookies and coffee, and tip generously at Christmas.

 

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