A Beautiful Ride (an Icelandic Horse)

My first ride without the bridle on my Icelandic horse Vafi. We were not partners at first -- my fault, not his, and I had to learn to trust this fabulous horse.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• icelandic
• horse
• tolt
• bridleless
• Vafi
• icelandic horse
• kathy sierra

[Avonly365]

for riding with no bridle {i have an icelandic too} and do they have to know haw to neck reain?

[KathySierraVideos]

They do not need to know how to neck rein, but I would spend some time with a rope around the neck and practice using your seat first, then neck rope, then reins in that order until you feel you can do what you need to without the reins. It is a great exercise for helping you and your horse be more aware and responsive to seat aids only. Just be sure the neck string is fairly thick and that you do not pull tightly, as the underpart of their neck and throat area is sensitive.

[synnemoberg97]

Lovely! Where is this film filmed?

[KathySierraVideos]

Thanks! We live in the Santa Cruz mountains, two hours south of San Francisco.

[KathySierraVideos]

Update: the clips of our trouble last year were from a competition at Valhalla Icelandics in Los Angeles. Yesterday we returned to this track for the first time, riding in the 2010 show. Vafi and I took first place in both Novice Tolt and Novice Four Gait. We were not the flashiest, most talented, or most experienced in our classes. We were not the most competitive or dynamic. We won because we were the most *consistent*. We won because THIS time we went onto the track as... partners.

[desertduty]

Love the "Don't Give Up" comment at the end - it brought tears to my eyes as I continue my journey with Andi!

[KathySierraVideos]

I think about you a lot, Susan. And even though the video says, "I did not give up", the truth is... I came so close many times. I had to stop listening to the way everyone was telling me to do things ("get his respect!") and start listening to what HE was telling me ("respect ME!") and then faith and patience in the process. But with Vafi, it was always clear I was the problem. That's not so with your Andi.. but it does seem like the same approach (no pressure / focus on joy) is working!

[rustyhorse545]

are they gaited?? because it seems like they are both. wow didn't even know that was possible

[abeandluckyRRS]

BEAUTIFUL

[JuliaMira]

wow, he is so cute :)

[StinaaxBinaa]

congrats on building trust :) very cute horse

[AlichinaThePinkLady]

Wonderful to see where you and your horse came from, and where you are now, together :)

[Veruzw]

Aw, fab!

[mshorsesforlife14]

i just love icelandics- good job!!

[jasparhen]

good for you and Vafi! I love this

[SuperPitbulls10]

cool horse

[gjafar1]

Awesome and so inspiring! Your story is so common with first-time Icelandic owners, me included. After 3 years I did give up with my first one. Now I know it was totally my fault. Wish I could ride him now! I do have another one (Gjafar) and I absolutely love him! I also love Steinar and would love to attend one of his clinics. Missed my chance earlier this year - drat! Thank you for posting this video. I also love the "Don't Give Up" comment. Good for you!