Customer Reviews

Riding the Icelandic Horse

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This video is a wonderful advertisement for the Icelandic breed of horse. It is a little expensive for the amount of time offered, but I would recommend it for most equestrian video libraries.

I would also recommend it for people with an interest in touring Iceland. The explanation of the tolt and the pace are helpful, and the viewer can get a good sense of just how fast the horses can travel.

I've had some experience with riding these horses in both Iceland and in the U.S., so I was looking for more "technical" information. There is good information on how to sit in the saddle, what is considered good conformation, and a brief history. However, I would like to see more about rein contact. I ride both balance seat (dressage) and western, and am comfortable with the appropriate styles of holding the reins for those disciplines. However, I still do not understand correct rein contact for the "higher" gears of the Icelandic. Riders who have a saddle seat (park seat) background may be at the best advantage for the Icelandic style of riding.

As stated, this is a nice showcase for the breed. The film presentation is excellent.

Anyone who wants a fundamental understanding of The Icelandic Horse and its natural gaits should buy this video. It is chock full of "light bulb moments" for the novice Icelandic Horse owner. The captions showing the varying gaits on a typical trail ride are a terrific learning tool. Even Kristjan's accent is amusing. You won't be disappointed!

Good video, but too marketing-oriented at times to be helpful. However, there are great shots of the differentn gaits that I found helpful. A beautifully photographed video of a wonderful breed!

I really enjoyed this video. However, it's content is a little too feel-good, marketing oreiented at times. Still there are very good shots of the different gaits that I found extremely helpful.

I wish this DVD had been available before my trip to Iceland, which had included a few riding tours. For those use to the English or Western styles of riding it is a good introduction to the differences in the Icelandic riding style and the "extra" gaits. There is also a very information section showing the horse's conformation and explaining why certain traits are desirable.