Our top pick training bridles in stock for your Icelandic horse lover who likes to keep it simple and clean! These bridles are made from super soft flexible leather. Made in Iceland at @astund.is where quality and craftsmanship always comes first. #fireandiceicelandics #icelandichorse #icelandichorsetack #bridles #tackshop #equestrian #equine #equestrainlife #equestrianlife #horselover
Christmas time 2024
We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas. This is the first time in a couple years that both Austin & Alicia are home to celebrate the holidays as a family. We are enjoying every moment together.
A few of our charming bridles in stock, for the bling loving Icelandic horse lover in your life 🤩🌟 want to see more options..? Check out Eques & Ástund’s website to see more stunning bridle options. We are happy to order in stock whatever catches your eye @astund.is @eques_equipment #fireandiceicelandichorses #icelandichorses #icelandichorseequipement #bridles #icelandichorsebridle #tack #bridleswithbling #leather #leatherwork #ástund #equestrian #equestrianstyle #equine #horselovers
Choosing the Right Saddle Finding the right saddle is essential for both you and your horse. But with so many options out there it can be overwhelming, so where to start? The first thing to think about is choosing a saddle that suits your body, ensuring it helps you sit with good posture, and balanced, and comfortable. Remember, everyone’s shape and seat needs are unique!Next, consider your horse’s back. Check the width of your horse (we cary a handy tool for this 😉) and factor in your horse’s conformation. Once you’ve chosen a saddle that works for both you and your horse, you can use saddle pads for minor adjustments to ensure it fits seamlessly on your horse’s back.If you’re searching for your ideal saddle or need expert advice, we’re here to help! Contact us for professional guidance on all your tack needs.#icelandichorses #icelandichorsesofinstagram #fireandiceicelandics #aliciaflanigan #ástund #saddles #tackshop #equine #equestrian #tackfitting #tipoftheday #horses #wakanda #Equesdk #saddlefitting
Do you wish your horse had a more uphill canter? Here’s how to improve their suspension and strength!The secret to a great canter lies in the transition. Often, the best and most uphill stride is the very first one—then they begin to flatten out. By practicing frequent, transitions, you can enhance the overall canter and develop a more uphill, powerful feeling.Start incorporating more transitions into your rides today! #fireandiceicelandichorses #icelandichorses #icelandichorsesofinstagram #equestrian #equine #equestrianmotivation #aliciaflanigan #horsesofinstagram #fireandiceicelandics #canter #horsetraining #usihc #usihcproud
Contact is a commonly used term in riding instruction, and it is often misunderstood. When you hear the term “contact,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably rein contact. But there is more than just one type of contact; we also have contact with the horse through our legs.The term contact means that there is a constant connection between the rider’s aid—whether it be the rein or leg—and the horse. Ideally, this is a light and steady pressure that remains consistent, following the movement of the horse.For a horse to be ridden with contact, it must first be taught to accept it. This means the horse must learn that the light, steady pressure of the rider’s leg and rein aids is a “neutral aid,” meaning the horse should not respond to it. The horse should only respond to an increase in pressure from the aids that goes beyond the “neutral amount.”Why contact? Having contact with the horse through the reins and legs allows for fine-tuned cues, which are beneficial for asking for advanced movements. It also enables riders to give cues that are subtle and, when well-executed, invisible to spectators, making for seamless and harmonious performances.To be clear, riding with contact is a part of the dressage discipline as well as Icelandic horse training. However, it is not a part of all disciplines, such as Western riding.#Icelandichorsesofinstagram #fireandiceicelandichorses #icelandichorse #tölt #contact #reincontact #horsetraining #horsetrainingtips #horsetrainer #horsebackriding #horsesofinstagram #equine #equestrian #equestriansofinstagram #equestrianmotivation #equestriantips #aliciaflanigan
Are you riding a horse that feels lazy or doesn’t move forward with enough energy during training? If you’re looking to improve their responsiveness, it’s essential to understand the purpose of your driving aids. These aids are meant to ask for something more—whether that’s more energy, speed, or a response to your leg. They’re not there to keep things the same or to merely keep the horse going as they are (even though it’s easy to fall into that habit!).When you’re riding, aim to keep your driving aids neutral. Let the horse carry on independently, and only correct them if they start to slow down on their own. This approach encourages the horse to stay attentive and engaged without needing constant reminders.#fireandiceicelandics #fireandiceicelandichorses #icelandichorse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestriantips #equestrianmotivation #horseriding #horserider #horsetraining #tölt #equinelove
Equestrian Tip of the Day #4: The Importance of Variety in TrainingVariety is key to keeping your horse engaged, focused, and positive. Horses have limited attention spans, so a diverse training routine is essential to maintain their engagement and positivity.Whether your horse is young, a trail companion, or a competition partner, avoid getting stuck in a repetitive routine. Consistently schooling or sticking to one type of training can easily become a habit, but variety is crucial for keeping your horse’s engagement and promotes balanced muscle development.Consider mixing in lunging, trail riding, dressage, liberty work, jumping, ponying, swimming, obstacle courses, and groundwork “just a few examples”. For competition horses in intensive training, variety helps prevent burnout, and for young horses it’s especially important for keeping the engagement with their even shorter attention spans. What are your favorite ways to add verity to your training🤔 we’d love to hear! :) Comment below #icelandichorses #icelandichorsesofinstagram #fireandiceicelandichorses #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #equestrianmotivation #equestrainlife #equine #equinemotivation #keepyourhorsemotivated #horsetrainer #horsetraining #riverriding #horseriding #iceland
Be confident about what you are asking your horse for, if you’re not confident in what you’re asking your horse to do, they’ll feel it too. Horses are incredibly intuitive—they mirror our energy. When the rider is unsure or hesitant, they’ll pick up on that and become insecure as well. So, the key is to sit tall, trust yourself, and ride with confidence! Every time you sit in the saddle, be the leader your horse needs. Remember, your confidence is their calm. 🐴✨ #icelandichorses #horsesoficeland #aliciaflanigan #fireandiceicelandics #iceland #equine #equinestyle #equestrianmotivation #beconfident #aliciaflanigan #horsesoficeland #horses #horsesofinstagram #usihcproud #horsebackriding #confidence
Glói’s first time back under saddle, as he’s been a pasture pet for the last 2 years. Glói is barefoot and needs muscling up but he’s a perfect gentleman and showing he’s still got it. Since Glói is currently looking for a forever home Alicia wanted to hop on and make sure all his buttons still worked. Glói showed her that they do. 😊