The Icelandic Horse

Iceland is a small island country lying just below the Arctic Circle in the North Atlantic, between Greenland and Norway. Called the “Land of Frost and Fire” because of its glaciers, hot springs and volcanoes, it is also the home of the spirited Icelandic horse.

Descended from Norse animals imported to Iceland around 900 A.D., these tough yet friendly horses evolved into extremely easy keepers with thick winter coats that can withstand the coldest temperatures. Despite their small size – 13 to 14 hands – they are classified as horses, not ponies.

Icelandic horses are sturdily built, yet very agile and athletic. They have long necks and very thick, full manes and tails. They come in many colors, including pinto, buckskin, blue dun, palomino, silver dapple, chestnut with flaxen mane and tail . . . lots of choices!

Icelandic horses have sleek, glossy coats in the warm months, but develop a furry, thick winter coat for cold weather. They are famous for their strength, smooth gaits, intelligence, friendly personality, endless energy, amazing power, and most of all, their gentleness.

It is not uncommon for Icelandic horses to live to be 35-40 years old. The world’s oldest living horse, Thulla, was an Icelandic who recently died at age 57 because she quit eating after her elderly owner passed away. Broodmares can usually have foals well into their late 20’s.

One of the things which really sets the Icelandic horse apart from other breeds are its five wonderful gaits. They include:

The Walk - an even four-beat rhythm, moving each foot one at a time.

The Trot - a two-beat gait, with the front and back legs on opposite sides moving together.

The Canter - a three-beat gait, also called the gallop.

The Tolt - a smooth four-beat travelling gait, where all four feet move in the same pattern as in the walk, with higher action and more speed. This gait is often performed in competition with the rider carrying a full mug of beer.

The Flying Pace - a two-beat gait where the front and hind legs on the same side move forward and back at the same time, much like a racing standardbred pacer.

At full tilt, the Icelandic can reach incredible speeds up to 35 mph! Flying pace racing is seen at horse shows in Iceland and can be found at Icelandic horse demonstrations and competitions in Canada and the U.S.

There are about 100,000 Icelandic horses in Iceland (where the human population is only 275,000), but only about 1,200 Icelandic horses in the U.S., and just 500 registered in Canada. This number is expected to grow rapidly, however, as people are catching on to the excitement and delight of owning this breed.

For more information about the Icelandic horse, contact:

(In Canada)

Canadian Icelandic Horse Federation

5435 Rochdell Rd., Vernon, BC V1B 3E8

(250) 545-2336

(In the U.S.)

Icelandic Horse Assoc. of America

507 North Sullivan Rd., Veradale, WA 99037-8531

(509) 928-5690