Discover the Icelandic Horse

Imported from Iceland over 1000 years ago the Icelandic horse is one of the purest breeds known to mankind. Once a horse leaves Iceland it is never again allowed back into the country. In Iceland , there are no natural predators and as a result the Icelandic is generally a very calm horse. HOWEVER ,do not confuse this with lazy!! Icelandics like to move out and have surprised many a taller breeds' owner by keeping the lead on long trail rides.

Originally marketed as the perfect family horse, people are finding that although, as in any breed, there are many Icelandics that are wonderful for beginners ,their greatest strength is probably in their versatility. Icelandics have been used in roping, jumping , dressage, trail riding, are phenomenal endurance horses, are frequently driven and have been even been known to be used as barrel racers!

Icelandics come in a full array of colours , from the beautiful silver dapple , to buckskins, palominos, blacks, pintos,etc,etc. They are also known for their longevity, having often been known to have been ridden well into their 30's. They are, however, not started until they are 4 or 5 to allow them to fully mature.

Icelandics may be 3,4,or 5 gaited , the majority having 4 gaits. The walk, trot and canter are common to every breed of horse. The Icelandics' fourth gait, the tolt, is part of what makes the Icelandic so special. The tolt is a natural 4 beat gait that is extremely smooth to ride, but very powerful. The footfall is the same as at the walk, but much faster. A good tolt is almost as fast as a gallop. The fifth gait is called the flying pace and is a two beat lateral gait where the horse moves the front and hind foot on the same side at the same time. Speeds of up to 45 km/hr have been recorded in the flying pace.

Icelandics have captivated many a person. It is our hope that as you become familiar with this wonderful breed,you too might one day have the joy of owning one,---or two,---or three---, or four---------.