Horses: Icelandic

Horses: Icelandic


	An old breed tracing back 1,000 years, the Icelandic horse has been the primary horse used in The Land of Fire & Ice for many centuries.
The Icelandic is directly descended from Fjord horses imported into Iceland from Norway and Sweden in the late 1st century by the Vikings. As they were bred over the years, they developed a unique movement that consisted of 5 gaits, including a 4-beat run-walk called the "tolt." It is said that the Icelandic's tolt is one of the most comfortable rides in the world.		For many centuries the Icelandic horse was the sole means of transportation in Iceland. Due to the harsh climate and volcanic eruptions, only the toughest horses survived, and today the Icelandic is a very sturdy, sure-footed horse with a long lifespan.


	The Icelandic is a short horse, usually averaging between 13 and 14 hands. However, it's such a sturdy breed that it is capable of carrying most adults, but its tractable disposition makes it ideal for children. They also have an extremely thick, double-sided mane, and their coat colors are unusually rich and beautiful. The horses shown were representing the Icelandic Horse Congress.

Check out the links below for more information on the Icelandic Horse and for farms currently breeding Icelandics. Clicking on the link will open a new window:

U.S. Icelandic Horse Congress: Maintains the U.S. Icelandic horse registry. Site provides information on history, breeding standards, competetive shows in the States, and a list of member farms.	Icelandic Horse and Travel Magazine: A non-profit magazine dedicated to the Icelandic horse and travel vacations to Iceland including horseback rides on Icelandics.
Icelandic Horse World Resort: A resort in British Columbia, featuring trail rides and lessons on the resort's Icelandic Horses. Also has hiking, canoeing and other activities. Resort has Icelandic horses for sale and stud service. Great place to visit if you do not have Icelandics, but wish to try riding one!