Overview
About The Icelandic horse
A breed shaped by riding
Centuries of breeding in Iceland preserved a distinctive population valued for strength, stamina and willing movement. Long journeys rewarded comfortable riding qualities as well as speed. The breed now exists in many countries and is used for leisure riding, travel and specialised competitions. FEIF, the international federation of Icelandic horse associations, describes its breeding goal in terms of a healthy, durable riding horse with clear, expressive gaits. Individual horses differ in their abilities, temperament and training.
Tölt and flying pace
Alongside walk, trot and canter, Icelandic horses are known for tölt and, in some individuals, flying pace. Tölt has four beats and no suspension phase: at least one hoof remains on the ground, producing a smooth ride. Flying pace is a fast two-beat lateral gait with a moment of suspension, used over short distances. Four-gaited horses lack flying pace, while five-gaited horses possess it; the familiar phrase 'five gaits' therefore describes the breed's range rather than every animal.
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