Judges Make Me Half-Blank, Breeder Says Amid Skeid Standard Concerns

The world of Icelandic horse breeding is facing a potential shake-up, with concerns mounting over new judging standards for the Skeid event. These changes, particularly regarding the skeið (pace) discipline, have breeders worried about the future performance and valuation of their horses.

One breeder, speaking to Morgunblaðið, voiced significant apprehension about the new criteria. "The judges make me half-blank," the breeder stated, using a colloquial expression to convey deep frustration. "They make me half-blank, these breeding judges, because now I have to spend an extra year training my Spörtu so she gets a 9.5 for her skeið again."

This sentiment underscores a broader anxiety within the community. The implication is that horses previously recognized for their excellence in the skeið might now fall short under the updated guidelines. This could necessitate costly and time-consuming additional training, impacting breeders' investments and potentially altering the perceived value of their stock. The situation reflects a common challenge in traditional sports and breeding communities: balancing the preservation of established practices with the drive for improvement and adaptation.

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The judges make me half-blank, these breeding judges, because now I have to spend an extra year training my Spörtu so she gets a 9.5 for her skeið again.