A unique breed from the island of fire and ice, shaped by history
The Icelandic horse is one of the oldest and most original horse breeds in the world. Over the centuries, its development has been profoundly influenced by Iceland’s geographical isolation, its demanding climatic conditions, and the close partnership between horse and human. These unique circumstances have given rise to an exceptionally robust, resilient, and sure-footed horse, valued for its balanced temperament, intelligence, and strong personality.
The Icelandic horse is considered reliable, cooperative, and people-oriented. Behind its compact and friendly appearance lies a horse of great presence, energy, and remarkable willingness to work.
It is an extraordinarily versatile breed, suitable both as a leisure horse for the whole family and for ambitious sporting disciplines. These qualities make the Icelandic horse a valuable partner for riders of varying experience levels and across different fields of equestrian sport.
1. A breed legally protected since 1909
Since 1909, the importation of horses into Iceland has been prohibited by law. This measure was introduced to protect the native horse population from external diseases, as Iceland continues to maintain an exceptionally high health status. In addition, a strict rule applies: once an Icelandic horse leaves the island, it may never return. This regulation remains in force to this day.
2. Nordic origins and possible early crossbreeding
The Icelandic horse descends from Nordic and Celtic ponies originally from Ireland and Scotland, brought to Iceland by the Vikings between the 9th and 10th centuries. It is also considered likely that crossbreeding occurred with Nordic horse types similar to today’s Fjord horse. This could explain the frequent presence of the dun gene, the dorsal stripe, and other primitive characteristics of the breed.
From that point onward, the population developed in complete isolation for centuries, resulting in a genetically stable, uniform, and exceptionally pure breed.
3. “Small” in size, yet horses by conviction
Most Icelandic horses stand between 130 and 145 cm (approximately 13 to 14.1 hands) at the withers, although slightly smaller or larger individuals also exist. While the technical distinction between pony and horse is generally set at 148 cm (14.2 hands), this classification is of little relevance in the case of the Icelandic horse. In Iceland, these animals have always been regarded and referred to as horses—not because of their size, but out of tradition, cultural identity, and deep respect for a breed that played a central role in the country’s history and development.
4. A working horse that remains indispensable today
The Icelandic horse was not only historically significant but continues to play an active role in daily life in Iceland. It is still used for gathering and moving livestock, particularly in regions where rough terrain, rivers, or a lack of infrastructure make vehicle access difficult or impossible. Its exceptional sure-footedness, endurance, and ability to cover long distances over extended hours make it a dependable partner wherever modern technology reaches its limits.
5. Unique gaits and specialized competitions
In addition to the three basic gaits—walk, trot, and canter—many Icelandic horses possess the tölt, and some also perform the flying pace. Due to these distinctive qualities, there are specialized competitions exclusively for Icelandic horses, held on oval tracks. These include four-gait and five-gait classes, as well as dedicated tölt classes and pace races, where rhythm, balance, expression, and quality of movement are evaluated.
6. An exceptional variety of coat colors
The Icelandic horse is known for its impressive variety of coat colors and markings. Nearly all color variations are represented within the breed. The only exception is coat patterns associated with the Leopard gene (LP), commonly known as Appaloosa patterns, which do not occur in the Icelandic horse.
Author: Lynn Kirsch http://www.soleiftri.com
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