The Icelandic Horse – A Journey Through Iceland’s Unique Breed

The Icelandic Horse is legendary. Brought to Iceland by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries, this breed is one of the oldest horses in the world. Our goal was to see these magnificent animals while driving around the Ring Road, and we quickly spotted numerous horses gracefully traversing the volcanic terrain.

The Legacy of the Icelandic Horse

These stunning horses are more prevalent than we initially realized. With approximately 80,000 horses and a population of only 300,000 humans in Iceland, this breed thrives in its native land.

What You Need to Know about Icelandic Horses

Why so many horses in Iceland?

At first, we wondered about the purpose of having such a high number of horses in Iceland. Even though this country is a popular tourist destination, the horses are not primarily bred for consumption. While some Icelandic horses serve as a food source, it remains the least consumed meat, emphasizing the horses’ role as companions and recreational mounts.

These magnificent creatures play a significant part in Icelandic culture, used for companionship, riding, breeding, and global exports. The demand for Icelandic Horses is burgeoning worldwide, further attested by the International Federation of Iceland Horses, which includes 18 participating countries.

The Unique Tölt Gait

Riding an Icelandic Horse was a highlight of our journey through Iceland. As we ambled through the beautiful Icelandic countryside, retracing the steps of the Norsemen, I imagined the lifestyles of those ancient people.

One of the most remarkable features of the Icelandic Horse is its ability to tölta. Unlike other horses, which typically perform a walk, trot, canter, and gallop, Icelandic Horses excel in this unique fifth gait. The tölt is an ambling motion that allows for smooth travel, enabling the horse to cover great distances without fatigue.

This distinctive gait comes naturally to Icelandic Horses, requiring no training. The smoothness of the tölt provided us with a gliding sensation during our ride, ensuring a comfortable experience for both horse and rider.

Riding Experience in Northern Iceland

When planning our trail ride, we aimed for the Skagafjörður region in Northern Iceland, renowned as the cradle of the Icelandic horse. This area showcases beautiful herds of horses against breathtaking backdrops. Riding here offered us an unforgettable experience amidst stunning landscapes.

However, these Icelandic horses have strong personalities, which initially posed a challenge for us. We quickly learned that we needed to establish ourselves as the leaders during our ride.

The Strong Will of Icelandic Horses

Surviving in Iceland’s rugged terrain and harsh weather, the Icelandic horse has adapted beautifully. They are sturdy creatures, well-equipped to thrive in these challenging conditions. Observing how they coexist almost independently when out to pasture further highlighted their resilience.

Icelandic horses possess distinct traits, appearing almost wild in their behavior. To keep control, it’s crucial to assert yourself as the leader from the beginning of the ride. Otherwise, you may spend the entire experience battling your horse’s will.

The variety among Icelandic horses fascinated us. With unique appearances and striking manes, each horse seemed like an individual work of art, making us stop frequently for photographs.

Choose a Reputable Horse Riding Company

During our trail ride, we encountered well-cared-for horses. For instance, the company we rode with, “HestaSport,” waits until horses are at least two years old before saddling them. This practice ensures the young horses develop the strength necessary to support riders.

In Iceland, the well-being of these animals is paramount, and reputable riding companies maintain high standards. We were pleased to learn that our journey was managed by Iceland Travel, known for its careful selection of partners throughout the country.

Horse Corrals of Iceland

HestaSport is one of the premier companies in Iceland, hosting a national annual horse show that showcases the best breeds. They offer various riding programs, from multi-day excursions into the mountains and glaciers to shorter rides, allowing riders to connect deeply with Iceland’s landscapes and culture.

By choosing a horseback riding tour, visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Icelandic experiences. For more information about your own riding adventure, visit the HestaSport Website. Our wonderful tour through Iceland was facilitated by Iceland Travel, providing us the convenience of showing up and enjoying the ride.