The Icelandic Horse – Breed, History & Tölt Tradition
The Icelandic horse is more than just a breed — it is a symbol of Iceland itself. Known worldwide for its strength, spirit, and unique gaits, this horse has carried people across the island’s rugged landscapes for over a thousand years.
Small in size but mighty in endurance, the Icelandic horse is beloved for its kind temperament, intelligence, and versatility. Whether referred to as the Icelandic horse or simply the Icelandic, it is one of the purest horse breeds in the world, shaped by centuries of isolation on this North Atlantic island.
A Viking Legacy – Over 1,000 Years of History
The story of the Icelandic horse begins with the Viking settlers who arrived in Iceland in the 9th and 10th centuries. They brought sturdy horses from Scandinavia and the British Isles, chosen for their strength and resilience. Over time, these horses adapted to Iceland’s harsh climate — long, dark winters, volcanic terrain, and limited pasture. Only the strongest survived, creating a breed that is tough, sure-footed, and remarkably intelligent.
To protect this unique lineage, Iceland passed laws in the 10th century banning the import of horses. For more than 1,000 years, no other breed has entered the country, making the Icelandic horse one of the purest in the world. Once a horse leaves Iceland, it can never return, ensuring that the bloodline remains untouched.
For centuries, the Icelandic horse was a lifeline. It carried people across rivers, mountains, lava fields, and glaciers. It pulled carts, helped with farm work, and connected isolated farms to distant villages. Without these horses, survival in Iceland’s unforgiving landscape would have been nearly impossible.
Size, Build, and Coat
At first glance, many visitors mistake the Icelandic horse for a pony because of its size. Standing between 132 and 142 cm at the withers, it is smaller than most riding horses. But make no mistake — Icelandics are always considered horses. Their strength and stamina allow them to easily carry adults long distances over challenging terrain.
Key physical traits include:
Strong, muscular build with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters.
Short, sturdy legs that give excellent stability on rough ground.
Sure-footed hooves, adapted to rocky trails and volcanic soil.
Thick mane and double winter coat, which protect them against freezing winds and snow.
One of the most remarkable features of the Icelandic horse is its variety of coat colours. Almost every equine colour and pattern can be found — chestnut, bay, black, grey, palomino, dun, skewbald, pinto, silver dapple, and more. This diversity gives each horse a unique look, adding to their charm and individuality.
Breeding Characteristics
Selective breeding has played an important role in maintaining the quality of the Icelandic horse. For centuries, Icelanders bred horses for:
Endurance and stamina – able to travel long distances.
Strength and resilience – surviving on limited pasture in extreme conditions.
Gentle temperament – friendly, curious, and easy to handle.
Unique gaits – tölt and flying pace, making them exceptional riding horses.
Today, breeding goals remain focused on preserving these qualities. Icelandic horses are known as strong, intelligent, and versatile animals that excel in a wide range of disciplines.
The Five Gaits
The Icelandic horse is famous for having five natural gaits, while most other breeds have only three.
Walk – a steady, four-beat gait.
Trot – a two-beat diagonal gait.
Canter/Gallop – the classic three-beat gait.
Tölt – the signature gait of the Icelandic. Smooth and comfortable, tölt is a four-beat gait that allows riders to cover long distances with ease, even over rough terrain. It feels almost like gliding and is a favorite among riders worldwide.
Flying Pace (Skeið) – a thrilling two-beat lateral gait used at great speed. It is often seen in competitions and is highly prized for its power and elegance.
These extra gaits make the Icelandic horse unique and are a key reason why horseback riding in Iceland is such an unforgettable experience.
Isolation in the North Atlantic
Few breeds in the world have developed in such isolation. For over a thousand years, the Icelandic horse has lived on an island in the North Atlantic with no genetic input from outside. This has shaped the breed into one of the purest and most distinctive in the world.
The harsh environment demanded only the strongest survive. Over centuries, the breed became tough, adaptable, and perfectly suited for the landscape. Their compact bodies withstand strong winds, snow, and volcanic terrain, while their intelligence and curiosity helped them thrive alongside humans.
The Icelandic Horse in Culture and Folklore
Horses hold a sacred place in Icelandic culture. In the sagas and mythology, they were symbols of power, freedom, and loyalty.
In Norse mythology, Odin’s legendary horse Sleipnir had eight legs and could outrun anything. Icelanders sometimes say their horses carry a trace of Sleipnir’s magic, especially when tölt and flying pace make them feel like they’re gliding over the ground.
Horses were essential in medieval Icelandic sagas, often depicted as brave companions in journeys and battles.
Today, the Icelandic horse continues to inspire pride and cultural identity. Festivals and competitions across the country celebrate the breed, with riders demonstrating tölt and flying pace.
Uses of the Icelandic Horse
While once vital for survival, today the Icelandic horse thrives in many modern disciplines. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of activities:
Endurance riding – thanks to their stamina and tölt, they perform exceptionally in long-distance events.
Carriage pulling and driving – their strength and sure-footedness make them reliable carriage horses.
Therapeutic riding – their calm, gentle temperament and smooth gait make them excellent partners for therapy.
Equestrian competitions – from tölt contests to flying pace races, Icelandics excel in sport both in Iceland and abroad.
Leisure and trekking – they remain one of the best breeds in the world for exploring nature on horseback.
The Icelandic Horse Around the World
Although the breed is deeply tied to Iceland, Icelandic horses can be found on almost every continent today. Exported horses are highly sought after, and Icelandic horse associations exist in many countries.
However, the strict rule remains: once an Icelandic horse leaves the island, it can never return. This protects the health and purity of the breed, ensuring its survival for generations to come.
Why the Icelandic Horse Is Unique
To summarize, the Icelandic horse is unlike any other breed in the world because of:
Pure bloodline – untouched for over 1,000 years.
Unique gaits – tölt and flying pace set them apart.
Small but strong – pony-sized, yet powerful enough to carry adults long distances.
Resilience – adapted to extreme conditions in the North Atlantic.
Friendly temperament – curious, loyal, and safe for riders of all levels.
Diversity of colours – an endless variety of coats, from classic bays to striking silver dapples.
This rare combination of qualities makes them one of the most beloved horse breeds in the world.
Common Questions About the Icelandic Horse
Is the Icelandic horse a pony?
No. While small, they are always considered horses due to their strength and build.
Why are Icelandic horses so smooth to ride?
Because of tölt, their special four-beat gait, which allows riders to travel in comfort over any terrain.
Why can’t horses return to Iceland after leaving?
To protect the breed from diseases and preserve its purity.
How long do Icelandic horses live?
They are hardy and often live well into their 30s.
What colours do they come in?
Almost every equine colour and pattern exists among Icelandics — one of the most diverse of any horse breed.
A Living Heritage
The Icelandic horse is more than just an animal; it is a living piece of history. Brought by Viking settlers, shaped by nature, and preserved through centuries of isolation, it embodies the spirit of Iceland.
Strong, intelligent, and gentle, the Icelandic horse continues to inspire riders around the world. Whether admired for its tölt, its beauty, or its cultural importance, this horse is — and always will be — one of Iceland’s greatest treasures.
Ride the Icelandic Horse with Hestar og Fjöll
At Hestar og Fjöll, we are proud to care for our own herd of pure Icelandic horses here at Mid-Grund, our family farm in South Iceland. These horses have been part of our lives for generations, and we love sharing their spirit with riders from all over the world.
We offer both day tours and multi-day horseback riding adventures, giving you the chance to experience Iceland’s most famous highlights on horseback — from black sand beaches and Seljalandsfoss waterfall to the valleys beneath Eyjafjallajökull and the colourful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar.
Our tours are small-scale and personal. Whether you are a beginner experiencing the tölt for the first time or an experienced rider looking for adventure across glaciers, valleys, and highlands, we carefully match you with the right horse to ensure a safe and unforgettable journey.
Riding an Icelandic horse through Iceland’s landscapes is more than a tour — it is stepping into history, nature, and tradition. With Hestar og Fjöll, you become part of that story.
Contact Hestar og Fjöll today for mer details about our tours.