Technically, there are four distinct types of Icelandic Horses, but for breeding purposes, they are grouped together. The most common is the Faxafloi Horse, it comes from the southwest of the island and is used most often in saddle. Though quite small, the Icelandic Horse is never referred to as a pony, especially not in its native Iceland where it's a highly prized treasure and the term is considered diminutive. It's a very strong and muscular horse capable of carrying an adult male for long periods over rocky terrain.

To deal with the climate changes, the Icelandic Horse has a summer coat and a very full and lengthy winter coat. It will even grow a beard when it comes time to face the harsh winters. There are over 40 different colors and the breed is judged on its conformation as well as its ability to master certain gaits.

There are five major gaits that are distinct to the Icelandic Horse. They are the fetganger - a walk for packing purposes, the brokk – a trot for rough terraing, the stökk – a gallop, the skeið – a steady pace, and the tölt – a smooth rack. There are also “four-gaited” horses, and these are those that do not possess the sometimes difficult to master skeið.

The breed is very respected, a respect that borders on reverence in its native Iceland. This can be evidenced by the breed's predominance in local folklore. Iceland is a very modern country, but horses are still very much a part of life. Whether it is used as a pleasure rider, in shows, or as a shepherd horse on steep terrain, the Icelandic Horse still has a firm place in the community. Not only are they agile, hardy, and confident, but they're also a trusting and gentle breed. This is perhaps another reason why they're so loved.

The breed has been pure for more than 800 years, an exceptional trait unlike any other equine breed in the world. They originally came to Iceland from Norway in the ninth century, and about 900 years ago there was an attempt to introduce an eastern bloodline, but it failed and degenerated the breed. Because of this, a law was passed that not only prohibited the importation of any foreign horses into Iceland, but also forbid exported Icelandic Horses from ever returning to the island.

Despite these strict rules, Icelandic Horses are bred all over the world. They are still rare outside of their native country, but they're a popular riding horse and the breed has spread enough to warrant bi-annual international championships. Today, there are over 80,000 Icelandic Horses in Iceland and abroad.

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Icelandic - Horses for Sale