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Icelandic Horses are bred as 5-gaiters. They have the three basic gaits: walk, trot and gallop, and the two extra gaits: tölt and pace, of which the tölt is most popular. In tölt, the horse moves its legs in the same sequence as in walk. Tölt is a very comfortable and pleasant gait that can reach a high speed. Pace is a gait of speed and power in which both legs on each side move together. Pace provides a very spectacular sight and a magnificent experience in the saddle.
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Tolt
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Pace
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 Horses were brought to Iceland by the first Viking settlers, during the years 874 - 930. Their boats were small and only a few horses, the very best, were brought along. At a very early stage, import of farm animals was forbidden in the country, and the original Nordic horse was preserved purebred in Iceland through the centuries.
To the Icelanders the horse was indispensable. The country was rough and transport without Icelandic Horses was unthinkable. The Icelandic Horse carried the inhabitants over wide lavafields and rough mountain tracks, and acted as their bridge over powerful glacier rivers. Travellers counted on its sense of direction and stamina. The Icelandic Horse was a part of life, being a hard worker and a good friend. A good riding horse was a symbol of dignity and a studhorse could be a much appreciated gift. Young and old, rich and poor enjoyed the talents of the Icelandic riding horses and no other people depended on the feet of their horses as the Icelanders did.
 The Icelandic Horse has completed its task as the most needed servant, but has taken on another, no less important task. In our technological age, people turn to nature to relax from the speed and stress of city life. Man searches for his origins and the Icelandic Horse has proved to be man's best companion in this quest. Horsemanship combines healthy outdoor activity with the sport and art of riding and the number of people who enjoy life on horseback, in good company, increases steadily. The riders sense the nature of their Icelandic Horses: their temperament, power, suppleness and pleasant character, and they identify with those qualities.
The Icelandic Horse has lived and developed in Iceland for over a thousand years. Iceland's nature, sometimes harsh due to vulcanic eruptions and other natural disasters, often took its toll of the horse population. Only the fittest individuals survived. That is why the Icelandic Horse is very healthy and tough. It is strong and surefooted, has a great temperament and stamina and a very good character. The training usually starts at 4 or 5 years of age and the horse is fully adult at 7 years. Icelandic Horses reach a very high age and can usually be ridden until they are well over 20 years old.
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The Icelandic Horse in its summer coat
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The same Icelandic Horse in its winter coat
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Today there are some 73,000 horses in Iceland and they are bred towards a well described goal. Judges and breeding specialists judge the mares and stallions according to strict rules. Judgement is based on the riding qualities of the Icelandic Horses, as well as a healthy and beautiful built. The goal is to improve these qualities steadily. The great interest in organized horse breeding in Iceland is reflected in the presence of many breeding societies and studs, as well as a stallion depot run by the State. The Agricultural Society of Iceland supervises all horsebreeding matters and keeps a studbook of all studhorses accepted by the jury.
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Icelandic Names & Pronunciation
