The Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is intelligent, good tempered, versatile and beautiful. It can be found in over 40 different colours, with about 100 variations. Its average height is between 12.3 and 13.3 hands. It masters five gaits, among them the Magical Tolt. They are strong (able to carry grown men without tiring), enthusiastic, forward-going and yet docile.

In Iceland, there is only one breed of horse: the Icelandic. Laws have been passed to prevent the spread of disease and because of this, the Icelandic horse is the purest bred horse in the world. They are not considered mature until they are seven years old, and Icelanders do not back them or begin showing them until they are at least four or five years old. They are very versatile, and a very special feature of the Icelandic horse is that it has two extra gaits.

Icelandic horses are small, but extremely muscular and compact. Icelandics have a very thick mane and tail, and in the winter, their coat is long, thick and made up of three layes, enabling them to survive the harsh weather. Their legs are short and strong, and they generally tend to stay sound. They are economical, easy to keep and usually live a long and healthy life. Icelandic horses have a long life span, often being ridden well into their 20s and some living to over 40!