# The story of the Icelandic Horses - URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-icelandic-horse/ - Published: 2021-09-27 - Last updated: 2026-10-01 > Discover the Icelandic horse, a purebred breed known for its five gaits and gentle nature. Learn where to see and ride them in Iceland. Iceland is home to one of the world's oldest and purest horse breeds. Small in size but never called a pony, the Icelandic horse is known for its five natural gaits and gentle temperament. It also grows a thick double coat built for harsh winters.  Today, around 92,000 Icelandic horses live in Iceland, with roughly 215,000 registered worldwide. ### The Origins of the Icelandic Horse Norse settlers brought the first horses to Iceland between 860 and 935 AD. These horses came from Scandinavia, along with later arrivals from Norse colonies in Ireland and Scotland's Western Isles. In 982 AD, the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, banned the import of any new horses to the island. This law kept the Icelandic horse breed pure for more than a thousand years. No outside bloodlines have entered the population since. Volcanic eruptions have shaped the breed's history. The 1783 to 1784 eruption of Laki killed about 70% of Iceland's horses. The population dropped from 33,000 to 8,500 within two years. The breed slowly recovered in the following century.  Icelanders founded the first breeding society in 1904. The first official studbook followed in 1923, formalising efforts to preserve bloodlines and quality. *Image: Tölt is known for its explosive acceleration and speed; it is also comfortable and ground-covering. Rider: Helga Una Björnsdóttir /photographer Gígja Einarsdóttir* ### **How the Icelandic Horse Became Unique** The Icelandic horse stands out for its long genetic isolation and two additional natural gaits, traits found in very few other breeds.  Centuries of being kept apart from other horses made it one of a kind in Europe. Crossbreeding produces fertile offspring, but they are no longer considered purebred Icelandic horses and cannot be registered as such.  ### **Are Icelandic Horses Ponies?** No, Icelandic horses are horses, not ponies. The confusion comes from their height, since most breeds under 147 cm (14.2 hands) are classified as ponies elsewhere. Icelandic horses stand 132 to 142 cm (13 to 14 hands) tall, technically within pony range by that measure. But breed registries and the international equestrian community still classify them as horses. This is based on their build, bone structure, and temperament, not height alone. Icelanders themselves never use the term "Icelandic pony," even in casual conversation. ### **Characteristics of the Icelandic Horse**  The Icelandic horse has a distinct set of physical and behavioural traits, combining strength, hardiness, and a calm temperament.  - **Size and weight:** Icelandic horses weigh between 330 and 380 kg (730 to 840 lb). Despite their compact frame, they can carry full-grown adults over long distances. - **Coat:** They grow a thick double coat each winter, then shed it completely in summer. This seasonal change helps them survive temperatures well below freezing. - **Colours:** They come in more than 100 named colours and patterns, more variety than almost any other breed. Common colours include chestnut, bay, black, and pinto. - **Temperament:** These horses are typically calm, curious, and friendly toward people. Since Iceland has no natural predators, its wildlife rarely feels threatened. *Image: The Icelandic horse comes in many different colors, and the Icelandic language includes more than 100 names for the various colors and color patterns. Photo: Christiane Slawik* ### **The Gaits That Made the Icelandic Horse Famous** Most horse breeds have three gaits: walk, trot, and canter. The Icelandic horse adds two more, the tölt and the flying pace, giving it five gaits in total. The tölt is a four-beat gait that keeps one foot on the ground at all times. Riders describe it as smooth enough to hold a drink without spilling it. Speed can range from a slow walk to a fast run. The flying pace, or skeið, is a two-beat gait used mainly for racing. All four hooves leave the ground at once, and top horses reach speeds close to 48 km/h (30 mph). Not every horse in the breed can perform both extra gaits well. Breeders test and score young horses specifically for gait quality before registering them. ### **The Icelandic Horse's Role Today** Icelandic horses once served as the main form of transportation and farm labor across Iceland. Farmers used them to herd sheep, carry supplies, and travel across rough terrain. Today, they're widely used for guided riding tours, equestrian sports, and traditional autumn sheep roundups. Thanks to their calm temperament and smooth gaits, they're also well suited to therapeutic riding programs. Riders compete in gait competitions that judge tölt and flying pace quality, and show jumping, dressage, and endurance riding have also become popular.  Every autumn, farmers use Icelandic horses to gather sheep from the highlands during **réttir**. The roundup runs from early September into October and remains an important part of rural life. *Image: Small horse, big heart. The Icelandic horse's gentle temperament and compact size make it a natural choice for young riders — sure-footed, calm, and easy to handle. Photo: Christiane Slawik* ### **Where to See Icelandic Horses in Iceland** These horses live on farms throughout the countryside, often grazing in open fields visible from the roadside. A few regions offer the best chances to spot them. - [South Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/south-iceland) and [West Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/west-iceland) have the highest concentration of horse farms. - Borgarnes, about an hour north of [Reykjavik](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/reykjavik), is a popular area for horse farms that welcome visitors. Many offer short farm visits alongside guided tours. - The [Golden Circle](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-golden-circle) and [South Coast](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-south-coast) routes often pass grazing herds along the roadside. - Stopping safely at a pullout gives a good, respectful view without disturbing the animals. ### **Horseback Riding in Iceland** Horseback riding tours run year-round near Reykjavik, the South Coast, and West Iceland. Most tours match riders with a horse suited to their experience level, so beginners can join safely. Popular routes cross black sand beaches, lava fields, and open farmland. A short tour usually lasts one to two hours, while multi-day trips let riders stay overnight at working horse farms. No riding experience is required for most beginner tours. Guides typically spend 10 to 20 minutes on basic instruction before heading out. Most tour operators set a maximum rider weight of 100 to 110 kg (220 to 240 lb). Exact limits vary by company. Helmets and rain gear are usually provided, so riders mainly need closed-toe shoes and warm layers. *Image: Icelandic horses graze freely on farms across the countryside, with South and West Iceland home to the highest concentration. Keep an eye out along the Golden Circle and South Coast — herds are often visible right from the roadside. Photo: Christiane Slawik* ### **Protecting the Icelandic Horse** Iceland's strict biosecurity rules protect its horses from diseases common elsewhere. Visitors should never bring used riding gear, such as boots, gloves, or saddles, into the country. Any outdoor equipment brought from abroad, including hiking boots, should be cleaned and disinfected before contact with horses or farmland. This single rule protects a population with almost no natural immunity to foreign diseases. When visiting a farm or passing horses on the road, approach slowly and avoid sudden movements. They are generally calm, but they still deserve space and quiet handling like any animal. ### **Interesting Facts About the Icelandic Horse** The Icelandic horse carries centuries of history and culture beyond its physical traits. Here are a few lesser-known details about the breed.  - Norse mythology tells of Sleipnir, an eight-legged horse belonging to the god Odin. Icelandic folklore ties the legend to Ásbyrgi Canyon in [North Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/the-north). - Iceland has a naming committee that approves names for registered horses, keeping the tradition consistent across generations. - These horses shed their entire winter coat each spring, changing their appearance dramatically between seasons. - The breed has remained isolated for over a thousand years, leaving it with little natural immunity to many equine diseases found elsewhere.  - The Icelandic horse has appeared in Iceland's sagas for centuries, reflecting its role in the country's culture. ### **Why the Icelandic Horse Continues to Inspire** The Icelandic horse remains one of the purest and most distinct horse breeds in the world. Centuries of isolation have shaped its unique gaits, thick coat, and calm temperament. Whether you spot one grazing in a field or join a guided ride along the coast, the encounter is memorable. It's a fitting way to experience Iceland's landscape and culture together. *Image: Thick-coated, sure-gaited, and calm by nature, the Icelandic horse is one of the purest breeds in the world. Whether grazing in a field or carrying you along the coast, it's a memorable way to meet Iceland's landscape and culture at once. Photo: Christiane Slawik* ## FAQs ### Q: How much does an Icelandic horse cost? A: Prices vary widely by location. In Iceland, a standard riding horse typically costs $1,500 to $3,000, while imported horses abroad often exceed $10,000. ### Q: What is the average lifespan of an Icelandic horse? A: Icelandic horses typically live 25 to 30 years. Some have lived well past 40, with the oldest reported reaching 57. ### Q: Can an Icelandic horse ever return to Iceland once it leaves the country? A: No. Once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it cannot return. Iceland's strict biosecurity rules protect the isolated horse population from imported diseases. ### Q: Do Icelandic horses live all year outdoors, even in winter? A: Yes. Most Icelandic horses live outdoors year-round, protected by their thick double coat and natural hardiness. ### Q: Is it safe to approach or feed Icelandic horses along the road? A: It's best to view horses from a distance and avoid feeding them without permission. Farmers may have specific diets for their herds. ### Q: How old are Icelandic horses when they are first trained to ride? A: Icelandic horses mature slowly and are usually not trained until age four. Riders can often keep riding them well into their twenties.