At Siamber Wen we breed and train Icelandic horses as an all-consuming hobby. We do this because we enjoy the horses and the daily challenge which they bring to our lives. We rarely have a day pass when we do not learn something from them.
We have kept horses for over twenty years and have tried many different breeds and disciplines until finally succumbing to the addiction of the horse of the Vikings. More of that addiction later.
Since leaving the Royal Navy in 1986 I have studied Equine Nutrition and Physiology in great depth. An in depth look at the mechanics of saddling and the problems associated with poor saddle design and fit, lead us to design our own saddle. This has stood the test of time and is so effective that many horses with severe muscle damage from previous saddles have been returned to comfort under rider. I have written more on that subject under Trapezius Saddles
Our training methods encompass many traditional methods, including lunging and long reining as well as newer techniques. These include the methods of TTEAM which I particularly like for training or re-training to lead using ground work and poles as well as the unique body work. I also employ the services of an Equine Sport Massage Therapist who works with me to ensure that our training regime is working for each individual horse.
In order to ensure a minimum base of fitness, we use a Horse Exerciser to walk the horses. This allows us to prepare the horses for work under saddle without taking hours of time riding out. Of course the horses all have an education which includes riding out, however we are firmly of the opinion that the exerciser 'primes' the horses so that they are physically better able to cope with training under saddle. Our Exerciser is made by Monarch and has a non slip rubber floor to protect unshod hooves and provide some cushioning to joints.
We are firm believers in the essentials of correct foot balance for joint stability and long term soundness and so we use a farrier who has a keen eye and who will not leave the toes too long. We do not believe in disturbing the correct biomechanics of the foot to try to influence the flight of the limb by leaving the toes long in relation to the heels. All of our horses are shod for the correct biomechanical use of the limb.
Our breeding horses are selected for temperament first. Our ideal is a biddable and human orientated mare who is confident and out going in her own personality. A bold but biddable horse is easy to train and safe to ride and that is our ideal riding horse. Of course the young horses have to be handled carefully and with a view to their future role as well-mannered riding horses. My philosophy is that it is not the amount of handling which spoils horses, it is the way they are handled. Too harsh is as bad as too soft. All handling should be fair as horses do all have a strong sense of fair play.
My latest studies are centred on the mechanics of riding and I am a student teacher of Mary Wanless. My own riding has improved immensely since studying the Ride With Your Mind Techniques and I am very enthusiastic about spreading the word and helping others to learn using Mary's teaching methods. We enjoy having courses here with Trisha Abrahamsen, Mary's first 'Master' RWYM instructor. Trisha is also a student of Pat Parreli and a successful dressage rider, so she brings a wealth of talent to her teaching courses. Trisha is also enthusiastic about Icelandic Horses so that is a big plus!
Our horses are our life and we enjoy what we do. Although this is not a business, we will sometimes have a horse for sale to the right home. Similarly, we may take on the occasional horse for training and I also take the occasional student. I have successfully trained students for BHS exams.
I always enjoy talking about horses and helping people to get over little hiccups in their horse relationships. We welcome visitors who want to know more about these plucky and talented horses. Please email me or telephone for a chat if you want to know more about the breed. You can also follow some of the links to other Icelandic Horse enthusiasts in the UK.
Janice and Tim Hutchinson
email: jan.siam@virginnet.co.uk
Tel: 01352 740111