Another day, another lesson but this time with a very critical audience watching.

Flossie can tack up Iacs on her own now.  I left her to it but checked it before she got on.  All was fine, though I tightened the drop noseband by one hole because I am mean like that.

First, she started off by walking Iacs on a long rein so he could stretch down and trundle along with his nose on the floor.

Then she gradually gathered up the reins and the work began.  Note the addition of the purple crop.  It is more of a visual aid for Iacs as he was about to go to nod-off   If Iacs knows his rider has it, then he wakes up.  It has never actually been used.

The Art of Steering was mastered.

Trot or Bimble, as it is known, went along nicely – this is a little known Icelandic gait.

Even canter on both reins.  Go Team Flossie!

Watching carefully and making notes were the Olympic Games Selection Committee.

They even checked one of the obstacles to make sure it was positioned correctly.

The final obligatory nose-wheel walk.

After the lesson, Flossie said her legs and bum ached.  I told her this meant she had used them to ride as opposed to being a passenger.  Iacs had his “no comment” face on.

After the tiniest carrot reward, Iacs was returned to his field while was Flossie was left to face a rigorous questioning from the Olympic Games Selection Committee who were both in agreement that she did very well at that weird riding thing!

If little Hjalti can be half as nice as Iacs, then he will be a very special Icelandic horse indeed.  The stuff of legends.

Iacs from Camster

A 20 year old “Strawberry roan” gelding (** cough **)
Sire : GB1983100052 – Indæll from Rickarton
Dam : GB1981200082 – Ingibjörg from Camster

Yes, strawberry roan!

Iacs is an amazing horse.  He is the best.  Ok, his tölt maybe non-existent but when asked, he will walk, trot and canter around the school with my younger daughter, Flossie, who wants to learn better control riding so she can enjoy going out on treks more.

Iacs was foot perfect, unscary and a gentle-horse.  He rose to the occasion and I was very proud of him (and so should Daisy who has done all the work).  A safer horse, you could not ask for.

Old unexciting horses have their place in any family.  They are the stalwarts of the herd for the more nervous or learner rider and they are the unsung heroes that folk often fail to acknowledge because they are not flashy.  You don’t see them placed in competitions but you do see them standing in the sidelines teaching folk how to ride, filtering out some of the unexperienced riding aids and being an all-round nice equines.

I feel strongly for these horses.  They are often just sold on as they are not considered exciting enough and moved out for a flashier horse.  What they are is safe and that counts for a great deal.

When folk get rid of an old horse because they are bored of him/her being unexciting or too reliable and want something more zazzy, just remember you might need him/her one day to plonk your 19yo daughter on, who suddenly has an urge to learn to ride.

Today, the sun was shining so Floss and I went a-visiting over to Sandness, 4 miles away, where the mares are.

Firstly was Esja frá Viðinesi IS2011225481.  She was exported from Iceland as a yearling filly and is now about to start her training.  All grown up now.

And then I wanted to see Little Himself, aka Hjalti (Man from Shetland).  He has grown like a weed.

He is still not very forward about coming over for a chat.

But Floss, BeAnne and I sat on a rock, and Hjalti was immediately braver because we were now his height.

He really is stunning and I am not just saying that because I am totally biased.

I looked at the ground, put my hand out, palm-side down and then there was a warm breath with a slight whiskery tickle.  I didn’t look up – just remained quietly investigated.

And then Hjalti was gone again, back to the safety of his friends and his Mum.

A magical moment.

To live here, a sense of humour is essential.

Similar hair helps too.  Team with the theme.

You must be able to give hugs when asked.

And be able to listen if needed..  All the Minions like to chat, hug and be kissed.  That is obligatory.

If someone needs to sit on your knee, they just want their bum scratched.

No one would ever kick you so just accept your fate gracefully (and laugh in the face of adversity.).

You are not allowed to miss anyone out.

So, to re-cap you must love animals.  It is mandatory, probably even The Law.

And you must give everyone kisses.

Yes, everyone.

Daisy is off to Norway again for the foreseeable. I do hope they send her home for Christmas.  That would be nice, though it is up to her if she wants to come home.  I never force, only suggest!

As this is Daisy’s last full day before she goes on the boat tomorrow, she got to call the shots.  After our flute lesson (read torment for our teacher), we had a lovely lunch at the Bonhoga Gallery.

Then a walk on the beach, for perspective and any potential home-sickness, was required so we went to Sandness with the dogs.

The dogs had a lovely time too.

Lastly, off to say goodbye to Lyra Lyra Pants-on-Fyra.

I think Daisy will miss us all.  I know we will her (slightly, ok, only a little, probably not very much, if at all really).