It was already in the ninety's when we loaded our horses into the trailers for the first ever Icelandic horse demonstration at the Utah State Fair. Cheryl Shelton, Jenny Tuthill and myself had spent the morning bathing and brushing our four horses and putting the finishing touches on our own outfits for the long awaited event. We were to meet the other Icelandic owners at the fair. There were to be seven of us in all, almost as many as in the whole state of Utah.

When we arrived, the grandstand was virtually empty with only a handful of horses (of other breeds) warming up in the arena but that was soon to change. When the announcement came over the speakers of the Icelandic demonstration, people began to gravitate to the stands.

My brother-in-law had narrated a tape for us explaining about the Icelandic breed and its gaits with music in the background. As the tape played, we entered the arena one at a time at a walk and continued around as the recording described how the Vikings had used their beloved horses in conquest and some of the attributes that makes the Icelandic breed so wonderful.

Then it was time to show the gaits. We lined up together at one end of the arena and came across as a group in each gait that was being described. Jenny and her horse, Breki, ended the event with the flying pace and everybody cheered!

The first ever Icelandic Horse Demonstration at the Utah State Fair was a huge success. Many folks came to see our Icelandics afterwards and asked lots of questions about the breed.

I think having Icelandics at our fair will be an annual event and who knows, maybe we will have even more than seven horses next time!

Over the years of showing horses, I have learned to HATE horse shows! Could it be because of the breed of horse that I showed? Last Friday, as we showed our Icelandic horses, the most interesting thing happened to me. I had never ridden Julli in such a large arena with so many people watching and so much going on. I had not had an opportunity of checking him out in the arena before the show so was more than a little apprehensive, based on my past horse show experiences, as to what he would do.

As we entered the arena, Julli sort of looked around and it was like he said "All right!! This is cool!!" I felt a wave of pure pleasure radiating from him. He gave me a really nice extended walk and when I asked him for the tolt, he not only got into it but stayed in it as we went around and around the arena. I was blown away at his enthusiasm because he tends to be a very quiet, laid-back horse. The loud speakers were blaring over his head and on one side of the arena, workers were loading cattle into pens...all totally new stuff for him. He was WONDERFUL!! Nothing bothered him. I have NEVER had so much fun showing a horse at a horse show!

My friend, who has shown Arabians all of her life, was really impressed with the Icelandics at the fair and especially with me and my horse because she KNOWS what a drag horse shows are for me. Well, not anymore! In fact, next year, bring on the parades...They have always been a drag too!

As Jenny mentioned, all of us "list members" placed in the "Icelandic Pleasure Class" but better than any ribbon to me was how much PURE FUN Julli and I had at the Utah State Fair horse show.

Sondra

It really was a great time at the Utah State Fair! Great horses, great people. What is it about Icelandics that draws such great people to them?!

Cheryl and Nanna in Viking Costumer

We had a great ride. In the mountains near Sundance Resort (Robert Redford's place where the annual film festival is held). It was absolutely gorgeous. I swear the trees changed to their brilliant fall colors right before our eyes! There were five of us all riding Icelandics. Jenny shared the magic of Icelandics by inviting another rider to experience their first ride on an Icelandic with Glod.

Sondra's tape was truly great! And very well done. The stands weren't packed, but there was probably well over 100 people watching. And they really got into it when Jenny and Breki demonstrated pace! How exciting!! A great lady, Jody, rode Jenny's mare Glod. Jody had never rode an Icelandic until 5 mins before the class. They went in and won second place! But the smile on her face said it all. I think she wanted to keep Glod!

I had a blast and again Nanna showed me how far she has come! I've attached a photo of Nanna and I from the class. I hope Jenny will post a photo of her and Breki demonstrating pace. Hopefully we'll get more from Sondra, thanks to her wonderful husband, Dave who is such a great photographer! Dave and Sondra are very gracious hosts.

Sondra has done so much to bring Icelandics to the attention of the residents of Utah. She is great at organizing and getting the word out! Thanks Sondra for all your hard work! I think a breeder or two will benefit from the great promotion of the breed Sondra is doing in Utah. People were coming over for more info on Icelandics after the demo, and Sondra had messages waiting on her answering machine when we arrived home. Sondra had taken it upon herself to buy the Icelandic brochures from the USIHC to pass out. Sondra has nothing to gain from all her effort and expenses, not being a breeder. And with no intention of ever parting with Julli! The one benefit she'll likely reap is more Icelandic owners to share the magical moments with!! Sondra is truly an embassador of our breed!!

Cheryl

We had a wonderful few days withIcelandic horses in the Salt Lake City these past few days. I met Cheryl and Nanna in Idaho Falls along with their other lovely horses, dogs and birds. Cheryl drove Breki, Glod and me along with her Nanna to Salt Lake City to meet and stay with Sondra and Julli (as well as Dave, dogs, cat, and two other beautiful horses). What fun we had!!!

A beautiful mountain ride with yet another Icelandic owner and horse. The next day, at the State Fair we were in the Icelandic Horse Demo, followed by the judged Icelandic class. The demonstration had seven of us, and although the stands were not packed we gave them a fine performance with a terrific narration to music recorded in a real recording studio by Sondras brother-in-law. We showed all five gaits, with Breki being the lone pacer that day. It was great! Cheryl had a terrific Viking costume, and all of us wore different types of riding attire so that the audience would not think we only were riding english, or western, or fancy, or casual. There was a little of everything. To make sure we presented our horses as both calm, and lively, we had a nice 3 minute walk-in while the narration began. As we went through the gaits there was plenty of speed and flair. We all lined up at the end prior to introductions and showed how nicely the horses stand.

All of the horses were lovely, and behaved very well. The crowd definitely clapped! At the actual judged class, representatives from the list did very well. List members got 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th. I will add that my Breki gave me the best birthday present he could, so you can guess what place he got!!(He was not wearing a noseband, and hadn't eaten flax :) ) It was delightful to share friendship and enthusiasm with people who we met through this list. Sondra will probably post photos her talented husband took of us all. I think you would have been proud of us and the horses. AND the weather set a record for being hot- it was 97 degrees while we were at the show, and set a new high temperature record for the city. We wish you all had been there. It was definitely a highlight for me. Next year come join us. We'll be back to defend our titles.

Jenny

Thanks for the photos and the email. I just wanted everyone to know what a great time I had at the fair. I have been "catch riding" riding for years and more times than not it was "one hell of a ride" the horses I rode were usually just a tad bit neurotic or need a few weeks to get use to them or to figure out how to ride them but not so with Glod...what a neat horse...she certainly made me look good . I wanted her to come home with me. I am really sold on the breed and we all know I have ridden most all of them at one time or another.It was also so wonderful to meet Jenny. She is great and it was so cool that she came all the way from Bozeman to show and promote the breed. it was good to see all the other gals again.

Wanted to thank you to for all that you do.

Jody