The Icelandic Horse
Health Warning
The following is a quote from a member of the Icelandic Horse Society of
Great Britain and epitomises the attraction of the Icelandic Horse:
“Before reading more about Icelandic horses, beware! They´re like Belgian chocolates - you can't stop with only one. Countless innocents have bought "just one" Icelandic and then, a couple of years later, find themselves with ten (and increasing...). The trouble is, they´re just so good to be around”
The Horse
The Icelandic horse is rarely more than 14.2hh, or less than 12hh. Their small size belies their strength however, and they ‘ride’ like a much bigger horse and are perfectly capable of carrying an adult rider, male or female. When ridden, they should give an impression of courage and power, with a proud expression. The mane and tail are thick and plentiful. In the summer the coat is fine and shiny, but in winter the horse grows a long, thick coat with three distinct layers.
The Colours
Icelandic horses can be most colours - bay, brown,
chestnut, grey, skewbald, palomino or dun, with hundreds of variations of
the usual colours.
One much sought-after colour is silver dapple, in which the body of the horse
is chocolate brown and the mane and tail are silvery white.
The Gaits of the Icelandic Horse
Icelandic horses can be four of five gaited.The gaits are Walk, Tölt, Trot, Canter and Pace. Walk, trot and canter are the same as in most horses. The thing that makes the Icelandic special are the gaits Tölt and Flying Pace.
Tölt
The tölt is a four-beat lateral gait in which
there is always at least one foot on the gound. As there is no moment of
suspension this gait is very smooth and comfortable for the rider.
Flying Pace
The
pace is
a two-beat lateral gait in which the pairs of legs on the same side move
together, and there is a clear moment of suspension. This is a fast gait
used for racing
over short distances, and the horses can reach 30mph.
The Icelandic Horse in Britain (for pleasure and competition)
Traditionally the Icelandic horse in Britain has been a pleasure and trekking horse and they have delighted young and old alike with their biddable, lively and cheerful disposition and their amazingly smooth gaits, which, as well as walk, trot, and canter, also include the Icelandic horse’s unique tölt and flying pace. There will always be a role for the pleasure Icelandic horse, but there is also a new mood in Britain. Highly influenced by our friends in Europe we are moving towards the Icelandic Horse as a competition horse.
The competition horse is
a very different animal to the cute shaggy little horse that most people
who have
experienced Icelandic horses on treks or at local agricultural shows and demonstrations
will know and love. The competition horse is proud and elegant and shows power,
spirit and beauty under saddle. The world’s best Icelandic competition
horses in action cannot fail to impress.
The competition itself is very different from ‘ordinary’ horse disciplines. It requires the technical skill of a dressage rider to show all the different gaits at their most beautiful, but also provides the thrill of riding at speed on a powerful and very willing horse.
Find out more via our website - there are details of local contacts who will be very happy to talk to you about Icelandic Horses.
Return to index of Horse & Pony Breeds