THE ICELANDIC HORSE
First of all let me say that they are called an icelandic horse in Iceland. In America, however,
there are some who would argue that they are ponies, and not in the horse category. The truth
of the matter is, that regardless of who argues different, by American standards they are indeed
ponies. The Icelandics have a short neck, short legs, and thick manes and tails with a stocky body
build.
In essence this is a pony. But, they are more than just that. This breed of horse doesn't know
they are in the American catagory for ponies, and honestly the people that own them really
don't care. The Icelandics may be smaller than the average horse, but they don't know that
and most of the time they will hold their own against most bigger horses.
Icelandic
horses come from of course, Iceland. They have bred selectively for their five gaits, stamina
adaptability and friendly natures. They have five natural gaits...walk, trot, canter, tolt, and pace.
TOLT---the icelandic word for running walk, rack, or single foot. With this gait the hooves hit the
ground singly at even 4 beat intervals. It is a very rhythmic movement with the horse's head carried
high. It can be a very slow beat or it can reach up to 15-20 mph. The tolt is a very smooth, steady
beat that allows the horse to carry his rider long distances fast and in comfort.
PACE---a
2 beat lateral gait ridden at high speed. With this gait a horse can reach up to 25-30 mph.
The
flying pace gives the impression of great power, and it is amazing to experience and to see.
These are the two most sought after gaits in most gaited horses.
Ideal sizes range from 13 to 14 hands high measured at the withers. They have excellent bone
density
and joint size which enables them to carry up to a 250 pd. adult with little effort. They are
slow to mature and are not usually ridden until their fourth year in age. They have long life spans and
can
be ridden into their thirties.