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The horse has been isolated in Iceland since the 11th century. start learning
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The horse came to Iceland with settlers from Norway and Britain. start learning
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There are about 76,000 horses in Iceland today. start learning
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The average height of the Icelandic horse is about 137 cm at the withers. start learning
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The best results come from approaching the horse on its natural terms. start learning
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Horses feel best when alone sometimes start learning
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❌they are herd animals and prefer company.
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Body position and language are important when interacting with a horse. start learning
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The voice is the best way to connect with a horse start learning
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❌body language matters more.
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1. Pressure → 2. Response → 3. Release (Reward) start learning
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Horses react instinctively to stimuli. start learning
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Horses usually choose the easiest way to respond. start learning
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Training should not always be the same start learning
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❌variation keeps horses engaged.
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Horses may stop reacting if the trainer is inconsistent with aids. start learning
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Sensitivity increases if inexperienced riders confuse the horse start learning
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❌Inconsistent riding reduces sensitivity and causes resistance.
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A slightly tense horse concentrates better start learning
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❌Tension blocks learning; calmness improves focus.
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Calm horses move their ears evenly start learning
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❌Calm horses have relaxed ears that move independently, not in a fixed rhythm.
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All horses should be approached the same way start learning
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❌Every horse has a different temperament and requires a different approach.
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Temperament strongly influences training success. start learning
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Horses have excellent memory. start learning
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Horses use logical reasoning start learning
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❌They learn by association and repetition, not logic.
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Concentration decreases after 7 start learning
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❌10 years – Focus improves with age until about 10–12 years, then slowly declines later.
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The horse must learn to wait for aids. start learning
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It’s a sign of good connection if the horse anticipates without being asked start learning
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❌Anticipation means the horse acts before being cued, showing tension or confusion.
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Training fat horses is best start learning
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❌Overweight horses tire quickly; moderate condition is healthiest.
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Using reward and punishment equally is best start learning
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❌Reward works far better; punishment should be minimal and clear.
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Correct use of reward shapes desired behavior. start learning
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If a horse refuses, it’s usually because it did not understand the aid. start learning
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If things go wrong, first check for physical discomfort or pain. start learning
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Best to give a long break and restart later start learning
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❌It’s better to analyze and correct what went wrong immediately and rebuild confidence.
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❌Horses don’t understand guilt or shame, only consequences.
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Aids are given with: Seat (weight), Voice, Legs, Hands (reins), Crop/whip start learning
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The horse must know the aids to be controlled. start learning
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Aids can be uncomfortable so the horse learns start learning
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❌Pressure should be mild and released immediately when the horse responds.
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Timing is key to correct use of aids. start learning
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Aids can be driving (encouraging) or restraining (slowing/stopping). start learning
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If the horse tenses to leg aids, keep legs far away start learning
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❌Keep legs lightly close until the horse relaxes, to build trust.
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When using leg aids, lift the heel slightly and apply light pressure. start learning
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Usually best to start with rein aids start learning
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❌The rider should start with seat and legs, reins come last.
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The voice can assist with aids. start learning
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A good seat is essential for correct aids. start learning
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Avoid the whip if it makes the horse tense. start learning
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Start with big and strong aids so the horse understands start learning
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❌It’s best to start small, increasing pressure only if needed.
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The best reward is to leave the horse alone and relax pressure. start learning
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A–B means: A = go / B = stop. start learning
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It may help to lighten the seat when asking to move off. start learning
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The rider should sit upright, calm and balanced when asking to go. start learning
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A–B exercises are the foundation for many others. start learning
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❌B training – All horses benefit; it improves communication and trust.
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When stopping, start with a clear rein aid followed by other aids. start learning
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Maintain steady, soft contact when the horse stops. start learning
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The rider must stay still and calm to help the horse stand quietly. start learning
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A–B exercises show the connection between horse and rider. start learning
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❌B exercises only indoors – They can be safely practiced outside to improve focus in different environments.
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A standard riding arena is 20 × 40 m. start learning
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The arena surface should be springy and slightly firm. start learning
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Horse length is about 2.5 meters. start learning
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The track along the wall is called the outer track (veggleiðin). start learning
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The short side = stutta hliðin, outer side = ytri hliðin. start learning
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You are on right rein when your right side faces the wall (left faces center). start learning
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A small circle (baugur) is 6–10 meters in diameter. start learning
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Reins are used differently depending on what you ask. start learning
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Rein aids should always be equal on both reins start learning
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❌They should be independent, each used for a specific purpose.
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The leading rein asks the horse to bend or turn. start learning
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Moving both reins sideways = sideways rein aid (samhliða taumábending). start learning
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On a long rein, the horse should not lower its head start learning
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❌The correct version: allow the horse to stretch its neck forward and down to relax.
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On a long rein, there is no rein contact. start learning
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The rider can still influence the horse with seat and voice. start learning
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On a loose rein, the horse may chew the reins out of the rider’s hands start learning
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❌It should carry the bit quietly and stay soft in contact.
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Riding on a long rein is a good test of relaxation. start learning
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Best to ride with as much contact as possible start learning
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❌The best contact is soft, elastic, and steady, not strong.
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In-hand work is good for preparing later exercises. start learning
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Too much in-hand work can make the horse dull or unresponsive. start learning
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Avoid the whip in early in-hand work if it causes confusion. start learning
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The horse must understand one side before switching to the other. start learning
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Always start on the left side start learning
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❌Start on the horse’s easier side, which varies.
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Advantage: you can divide tasks into smaller parts and link them gradually. start learning
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The horse should “kiss the stirrup” toward the rider (not away). start learning
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The handler’s position at the horse’s side is key. start learning
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The handler should stand at the head start learning
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❌It’s safer and clearer to stand beside the shoulder.
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Stand pressed close to the horse start learning
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❌The correct way is to keep a safe distance with control, not tight contact.
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The horse must straighten itself — never be held fixed. start learning
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If the horse spins or backs, release immediately and start again. start learning
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Knowing how to “kiss the stirrup” is key for bend-stop training. start learning
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Maintain soft contact on the outside rein when asking for bend-stop. start learning
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The bend-stop can serve as an emergency stop. start learning
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A gait transition = switching from one gait to another. start learning
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Transitions improve balance and focus. start learning
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They work best when clear and decisive. start learning
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Train each gait in balance before combining. start learning
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On the trail, the horse must be forward and willing. start learning
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Outdoor riding adds variety and builds endurance. start learning
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❌6 km – Distance depends on horse’s condition and training goal.
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In free riding, the horse should decide everything start learning
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❌The rider stays in control, allowing some freedom only when safe.
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Use different seats depending on terrain and gait. start learning
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The vertical seat is safest outdoors. start learning
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Group speed should follow the best horse start learning
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❌It should follow the least experienced pair to stay safe.
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It’s good for horses to stay behind alone to build confidence. start learning
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Consideration and responsibility are key in group rides. start learning
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