• Icelandic Horses stand between 13 to 14 hands.
• The head is very expressive with lively big eyes.
• They have strong joints and hard hooves.
• The mane and tail is usually very full and thick
and so is their winter coat.
• The come in many different beautiful colors.

Because of its robustness, versatility and willingness to please the Icelandic Horse enjoyed rising popularity all over the world since it was first imported as a riding horse to continental Europe in the 1950's. With its special very comfortable gait, the toelt, it was much appreciated by pleasure riders. And due to its capability to carry heavy weights it possessed a characteristic, which many small horses missed: It was just as suitable for children as for adults: Despite its small size the Icelandic Horse is able to carry up to 250 lb on its back over large distances without any problem. So it is not amazing that such a horse is often ridden and enjoyed by the whole family.











The Icelandic Horse and its needs also had an impact on how to keep horses in a natural way with the social interaction they deserve. Originating from a country where the weather is rough and food is rare during most of the year, these horses are happy to be kept in the open, as long as some shelter and company is provided. Living within a herd and enjoying life out in the open is certainly the base for their so well balanced temper and their willingness to give their best for the rider.

Today Icelandic Horses are not only for pleasure riding anymore. There are competitions and even World Championships where the gaits are presented and rated by judges. The fifth gait a lot of Icelandic Horses have is called Flying Pace and is very important at horse shows because it is the most spectacular gait. This lateral gait that indeed gives you a flying sensation is shown in races over 150 or 250 meters, where not only speed counts, but also the performance of the racing horse. A horse can go as fast as 35 mph with this gait.

Icelandic Horses also show their skills in classical competitions like dressage and jumping, and they compete on distance races and mounted games.

Örvar fra Ulfstödum (owned by Margit Schausberger, ridden by Peter Schausberger) in Toelt at the Tyrolian Championships 1999. During the World Championship 1999 (ridden by Alexander Sgustav) Örvar particularly showed his versatility competing in many different disciplines. He became marvellously sixth in the pace race and did so well in the other disciplines, that he was finally ranked third place in the overall ranking - the bronze medal.

Breeds of Horses - The Icelandic Horse

Written by Daniela Schoebinger
(Many Thanks Daniela!)

The story of the Icelandic Horse began with celtic and germanic ponies,  which were brought to the Icelandic island in the middle of the 9th century. Since the 12th century there haven't been any horses imported to Iceland. This way the breed kept its original looks and qualities up to today.