Herding Sheep by Horseback in Iceland

Each year riders go into the highlands of Iceland and herd the sheep to their winter quarters on farms.  You can book excursions to this yearly event.   I believe Blessi was ridden in sheep herding.  He was very interested in the deer when he first encountered them on a trail ride.  He seemed to categorize them as odd-looking sheep, apt to spook and silly movements but something harmless we could herd.

Comparing Gaits of Walker, Paso Fino, and Icelandic

Stephenie og Gunnar has released a video comparing the gaits of a Tennessee Walker, Paso Fino, and Icelandic.   Although quality of gaits vary across individuals within breeds, I have found that Icelandics tend to be faster than other breeds, you can see the Paso Fino break into a canter to keep up at one point.  The Walker exhibits the typical long understride and head nod; rider seat motion tends to be back and forth rather than the side to side typical of a tolt.  The Paso Fino has  brio, fire, lots of leg action.

They are all beautiful representatives of their breeds.

Blessi and the Hen

My friend Judy took this picture of Blessi and his friend the hen.  There are several that follow him around and even try to steal oats when he is eating his supplements.  I love the effect of the shadows and low lighting.