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On this small volcanic island just below the Arctic Circle,
the horse of the Vikings has been selectively bred. Because
resources are limited in such an environment, a horse that
did not meet the expectations of its owner would be slaughtered
and eaten. Usefulness was the criterion for survival; a
horse with a bad attitude, poor gaits or any conformational
or health problems is dispatched. This practice is still
widely in use today in Iceland. It is simple, pragmatic
and extremely effective in minimizing weakness in a closed
gene pool. This practice of culling foals and horses has
kept this in-bred breed of horse healthy and strong!
The Vikings and now the Icelanders value these horses for
their smooth, natural gaits. Icelandic horses possess all
five natural gaits: walk, trot, canter, tolt (or rack) and
flying pace (as seen in pacing Standardbreds). The tolt
is a smooth, four beat lateral gait that is a fine traveling
gait for horse and rider. The flying pace is a sprinting,
racing gait to be enjoyed by those with a taste for over
drive! A well bred Icelandic should have an even and clear
gait distribution that includes all five. A horse with four
gaits (a horse that does not show the flying pace) is also
acceptable. This wonderful range of gaits makes the Icelandic
a versatile breed for all kinds of equestrian and driving
sports. This is the primary reason the Icelandic horse is
rapidly expanding in popularity throughout the world. The
Icelandic horse can be engaged in all sorts of activities;
from simple trail riding to high level competitions, from
draft work to fox hunting.
Icelandic horses are also bred to preserve their excellent
temperament. A good Icelandic has a calm disposition with
a "good work ethic". This last quality is called "willingness"
and is specifically bred for in Icelandic horses. This 'will
to work' is what makes an Icelandic fun as a partner in
riding pleasure...they enjoy going out and are responsive
to the wishes of their riders. For many of us, this combination
of sensibility and cheerful working attitude about going
out, put the pleasure back into pleasure riding that we
had been missing with other breeds.
The Icelandic is a smaller breed of horse ranging in size
from 12.2 to 14.2h. However, for those who have only ridden
big horses, size is not the issue when given the opportunity
to ride an Icelandic. Their gaits are smooth and ground
covering; not jogging and small like many ponies. They can
carry 250 pound riders for long distances. They are, after
all, the working horse of Icelandic sheep farmers who use
these horses to trek into the mountains to round up their
sheep! They are affectionately known as a the "Bridges of
Iceland" and "Man's most useful servant " in their homeland.
Characteristically, Icelandics also come in all horse colors,
have a large mane and tail and a very dense winter coat
that they shed to a slick summer coat. With reasonable care,
they tolerate a wide range of climates and are a healthy,
long lived breed of horse. The oldest horse on record was
an Icelandic that lived to be 56 years of age. She died
one week after her owner for whom she had pulled an egg
wagon all her life.
Icelandics are friendly, affectionate horses that often
bond strongly with their owners. With their engaging personalities
and addicting gaits, you may find that it is hard to own
just one!
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