Blessi on the Race Track

When you go to a race track, this is what you expect to see.  Long-legged thoroughbreds bursting out of the starting gate.

You don't expect to see this--Icelandic horses on the race track.  In 2007 and 2008, my Icelandic instructor Svanny Stefánsdóttir rode Blessi in the Parade of Breeds at Emerald Down Racetrack in Auburn, WA.  In the photo above, Peter Townsend is riding his Icelandic gelding Thytur.  Below is Svanny and Peter warming up in the Emerald Downs parking lot.