Mandala

Mandala is home to a herd of Icelandic Horses, that are participants in all the programs, and bring joy, smiles and giggles to many people.

Icelandic Horses, of Viking Origin, are still relatively rare in North America.
They are very robust, with a natural spirit and vigor.
Icelandics have a friendly personality and an affinity for people. They are wonderful communicators and willingly make a strong connection with those who spend time with them.

They are especially known for their smooth natural gaits and workshop participants will enjoy the wonderful experience of riding the tolt, a remarkably smooth four beat gait.

Tinni: Tinni is the “wise elder” of the Icelandic herd. He is the most grounded horse I have ever met. On the surface he seems to take life very seriously. Tinni is a very reliable ride for those with limited experience but he also loves to carry an experienced rider and will show all kinds of spirit. He is great for teaching people about intent and “inner energy”.
He seems to have a special affinity to men, perhaps from being Donald Sutherland’s special horse for several years.

Jarpstijarni: Jarpi, as he is known to his friends, is the boss of the herd (“Get off, it’s MY hay pile!”) but not really the leader. Jarpi has a wonderful tolt, his gait of choice, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on the face of every rider! He has incredible stamina and loves to go. He has strong intent, and in the ring, will leave his rider feeling that they have really learned something.

Dagur: Dagur is the real leader and my own personal horse. He exudes confidence and has a real “take charge” attitude out on the treks. He never gets lost and always gets to make the decisions about doubtful footing. He has great enthusiasm, always willing to explore new trails, and is one of the few horses I know that slows down on the homeward journey!

Nattfrari: Natt is our “coat of many colours”. In the winter he is black and in the summer a steel gray, but there is a lot of brown there too! He is the shyest of the herd and very emotionally sensitive. He has wonderful gaits, a flashy tolt, smooth trot and fast, smooth canter.

Baldur: Baldur arrived here in November 2005 and is now 11 years old. He has great character, and is a real people lover. He is a real a favourite with some of the regulars. Baldur is very enthusiastic, loves to explore and will try anything.

Fafnir: Fafnir is the eldest of the Icelandic herd, a beautiful chestnut with a flowing mane and tail. Fafnir was not happy being a “school horse”; he needs to get his confidence from his rider. He now has his own special chosen friend, Caroline, and with her enjoys joining in on many of the activities. In 2008 Fafnir moved with Caroline & Andy to their new home. His job now is to look after his girls!

The Icelandic herd really expanded in September 2006. The new arrivals, boarders and full time residents came from Maple Leaf Icelandics in Rexton NB.

Solon: Solon is the youngest and was just 6 months and just weaned when he arrived here. He is now 2.5 years old. He is dark, nearly black, with that wonderful red mane that so many Icelandics seem to have. He is friendly, and enjoys playing with his horse companions and shows lots of tolt. And growing so fast!

Galsi: Galsi is 4 and a striking piebald. His black/white/black make one think of an Oreo cookie. He has a calm, easygoing manner, strong build and has shown
a lot of tolt in the pasture. He is doing well with ground work and will be started under saddle in the spring.

Skotti: Skotti turned 5 in June. He is a handsome black gelding, with white leg markings, a swathe of cream in his tail and a patch of blue in his left eye. Very striking. He seems to prefer trot to tolt but carries himself in a very balanced frame. He is keen, bold and adventuresome. He started under saddle this fall and is enjoying carrying his rider through all the trails.

Osk: Osk is a 19-year-old mare. She is a lovely red dun. Osk loves to go, has wonderful gaits, including flying pace and has lots of spirit. She is Skotti’s mother.

Hordur: Hordur is an 18 year old black gelding, born in Iceland, but came from the Icelandic Horse farm in Vernon, BC. He is a big boned, solid fellow with smooth gaits and lots of personality.

Saevar: Saevar is a 10 year old chestnut gelding, by the well known Icelandic stallion, Segal Fra Stora-Hofi. He is very handsome, friendly and has a lovely tolt.
Saevar has taken over the position of leader of the herd.

Mosi: Mosi is a blue dun with a pronounced dorsal stripe and a bi-colored mane. Although he is only 22 he seems to have the role of “elder statesman” of the herd. Like Tinni, he takes his job very seriously, and his special person, Lorraine Parkin, knows that she is in good hands when out riding with him. He’s very keen and loves to go.

November 2008 brought 2 new Icelandics to the herd. Heather Spicer, a regular rider here, now has two to call her own! They came from the Icelandic Horse Farm in Vernon, BC and have settled in well to their new herd.

Sina: Sina is a lovely black mare, 7 years old. She has a great tolt and is full of energy. Sina already recognizes Heather as her “special person” and they are looking forward to many years of fun together.

Trissa: Trissa is a yearling filly. She is very outgoing and friendly and loves attention.

Freisting: Freisting is a very striking piebald mare, boarding here. She is 7 years old and has a wonderful tolt that makes her special person, Andy Sharpe very happy! In the summer of 2008 Freisting moved to her new home with Caroline, Andy, Salka and Fafnir.

Salka: Salka is a stunningly beautiful black mare, 8 years old, with a flowing mane and tail. She is a real people horse and shows lots of character. Her great beauty and easygoing, fun manner make her the perfect horse for Caroline Hancock. Salka is very happy with Caroline and Andy at their new house.

Duke: Duke is a sweet 20 year old Morgan gelding with lots of energy and a proud carriage. His special person is Cecelia MacLean and the only non Icelandic.

Any contributions will be welcome

These horses need and appreciate a little extra TLC. Do you have an hour a week, or even one a month, to spend time with one of these special elders, grooming, hand walking or just being a friend?

Contact: Olga at Mandala Riding & Awareness Center

902-665-2101 E-mail: olgacomeau@mandalariding.com