Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is a compact ancient breed with a dense coat, high endurance and special gaits including tölt and flying pace.

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Breed information

Country: Iceland
Height: 125–145 cm
Weight: 330–380 kg
Coat: very dense seasonal coat in a wide range of accepted colours
Suitable for: tölt and pace competition, trail riding, trekking, tourism, instruction and therapy

Tags

horse pony gaited hardy Iceland

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 8/10

Trainability 8/10

Good with children 9/10

Shedding 7/10

Guarding 3/10

Care 5/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Icelandic horse is a compact, sturdy breed with a powerful chest, strong legs and a very dense winter coat. Petsi lists a height of 125–145 cm and a weight of 330–380 kg. Despite its size, it is traditionally regarded as a horse in Iceland.

History

Ancestors of the modern breed were brought to Iceland by Scandinavian settlers more than a thousand years ago. Long isolation and strict import restrictions helped preserve a distinctive type.

Features

In addition to walk, trot and canter, many Icelandic horses perform tölt and some perform flying pace. These smooth gaits are valued in specialised sport and long rides.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Icelandic horses are generally friendly, balanced and trainable. Sure-footedness on difficult ground makes them popular for tourism and leisure riding.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

The breed is adapted to an economical diet and can gain excess weight when overfed. Good forage and water should be the base, while the dense coat requires seasonal grooming.