The Icelandic horse usually ranges from 12.2 to 14.1 hands. Its robust rectangular build means that most horses can easily carry adult riders. And the Icelandic horse comes in a glorious variety of colors—chestnut, black, bay, gray, silver dapple, dun, buckskin, cream, roan, pinto, and more. The Icelandic language has more than 100 names for the colors of the Icelandic horse.International Icelandic breeding standards call for a horse that is “willing, brave, happy, cheerful, confident, and offers its best with very little encouragement. The horse tries to please the rider, is sensible, easy to ride and handle.” Character is an important part of the breed’s attraction.When you first ride an Icelandic horse, you will be surprised at its smoothness and speed Because of its gaits and temperament, the Icelandic horse is wonderfully versatile. At today’s exciting sports competitions—judged by international standards—owners and breeders show off the fast, fluid gaits of their Icelandic horses. These same gaits make Icelandic horses superb trail horses: reliable, steady, and agile, yet with plenty of speed if requested. Tölting down a country lane with friends will put a smile on your face.

The Icelandic horse is unique in the gaited horse world in having up to five gaits: walk, trot, canter, tölt, and flying pace. Tölt is an even four-beat gait with no suspension. Ideally, the tölt is supple and fast, with high and ground-covering leg action. The horse should be able to tölt at multiple speeds. The flying pace is a two-beat lateral gait with clear suspension; it is fast, fluid, and suitable for racing. Not all Icelandic horses can perform the flying pace.

As Icelandic horses become increasingly popular, their owners are exploring the gamut of equestrian activities. Icelandic horses can trot their way to a ribbon at lower level dressage class and then tölt to a win a gaited dressage class. A few Icelandic horses have achieved 1000s of miles of long distance endurance. Other riders and their Icelandic horses are ranked nationally at trail obstacle competitions. Many Icelandics are outstanding driving horses—pulling both sleighs and carts or even a person on skis (skijoring). Icelandic owners are having a blast participating in cattle sorting, low level eventing, trick training, and other adventures. The Icelandic horse is a wonderful partner—fun, dependable, and comfortable to ride. Try riding one of these little “sports cars” of the equine world and discover the charm of the Icelandic horse for yourself.

Walk

Tölt

Trot

Canter

Pace

The Icelandic horse is a piece of living history. In the 800s, Vikings settled in Iceland and brought only the finest stock on their ships. After the initial settlement of Iceland, there has been no known import of horses for 1000 years. The Icelandic horse has been shaped by the extremes of its environment. Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice for its volcanic activity and its extensive glaciers. Only the hardiest and smartest Icelandic horses survived due to natural selection in this challenging environment.

The Icelandic Horse

REGIONAL CLUBS:

Alaska Icelandic Horse Association (AIHA)

California Icelandic Horse Association (CIA)

Cascade Icelandic Horse Club, Western Washington

Central Washington Icelandic Horse Club

Flugnir Icelandic Horse Club, Wisconsin & Minnesota

Frida Icelandic Riding Club (FIRC), Mid-Atlantic

Katla Icelandic Horse Club, Vermont

Klettafjalla Icelandic Horse Club, Rocky Mountains

Kraftur Icelandic Horse Club, Northern California

Maine Icelandic Horse Association

Northeast Icelandic Horse Club (NEIHC)

Saint Skutla Icelandic Horse Club

Southern California Icelandic Riders

Westcoast Can Am Icelandic Horse Club

Check our website, http://www.icelandics.org for more information about regional clubs, farms offering horses for sale, regional and national events, training services, and other information about the Icelandic horse.

US Icelandic Horse Congresswww.icelandics.org(866) 929-0009 (Extension 1)

Brochure Credits:Copywriter: Pamela Nolf Designer: Christine VowlesPhotography: Andrea Barber Photography, Chris Bancel Photography, Kathy Matthews Photography, Martina Gates Fotographie