- Icelandic Horse -

The Icelandic pony is not native to Iceland but rather is believed to have descended from the North European Forest Pony and the Celtic Pony. The original settlers of Iceland were Norwegian chiefs who move there with their horses in A.D. 871. Other settlers from Norway and the British Isles eventually took livestock with them, and produced the Icelandic Pony.

This pony is actually a small horse and is often referred to as "the horse in the pony sized suit". It possesses horselike characteristics and they represent a unique position in modern breeds in that the Icelandic has remained uninfluenced by outside blood for more than 800 years. Because of this it is one of the purest breeds in existence today. Almost a thousand years ago oriental blood was infused into the breed, with such disastrous results that a law was passed banning the importation of foreign horses. This law remains in effect today and any exported Icelandic horse is not allowed back into Iceland.

The Icelandic horse occupies a central part of Icelandic life and for centuries has been heralded by the local people. For many years these ponies were the only means of transport and are still widely used today to travel through areas inaccessible to motor vehicles. They have been used for working the land, transporting goods, riding, sporting events, and many other functions. The Icelandic horse has been developed into a number of different types to fulfill different needs, such as  that there are heavier types used for draft work and lighter types for riding. There are horse shows held often on the island and races are a weekly occurrence.

The Icelandic has five natural gaits - the walk, trot, fast gallop, pace, and tolt. The tolt is a four beat, very fast running walk and the pace is a two beat lateral gait carried flat-out. The pace can only be maintained over short distances. Typically the Icelandic horse is strong, sturdy, and stocky. They have large heads, intelligent eyes, short, thick necks, strong legs, and a heavy, thick mane. They have excellent eyesight and an uncanny homing instinct. They usually stand between 12.3 and 13.2 hh, and although they can be found in any color, they are predominantly grey, dun, or chestnut.

Check out these web pages for more information on the Icelandic Horse!

http://www.equinepost.com/resources/breeds/showBreed.asp?ID=129

http://www.thesilversage.com/breeddescription/

http://www.icehorse.com/

http://www.gaitedhorses.net/IcelandicArticles.htm

http://betting.betfair.com/resources/all-about-icelandic-horses-130309.html

http://www.icelandichorse.ca/mli/about/

http://www.equiworld.net/en/breeds/icelandic/

http://www.the-horse-site.com/horsebreeds/icelandic-horses.htm

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