The Majestic Icelandic Horse
When one thinks about Iceland, horses often come to mind. The majestic creatures are well-respected in the rugged-landscaped country and, as the native breed, the only allowed horse in the whole state.
The Icelandic breed is a proud ambassador for Iceland's beautiful countryside and is considered the horse of the Vikings. In addition, they are famous for being the only breed globally that can perform all five gaits: the tölt being unique to this breed.
Heavy Manes and Short Legs – Icelandic Horse Characteristics
The famous Icelandic horses have heavy manes and thick tails. They are rather short-legged and sturdy. The Icelandics appear as robust and elegant horses that defy the harsh weather of Iceland with their stocky yet beautiful bodies.
The Icelandic Horse is one of the purest breeds in the whole world. They often appear to be wild horses as they are frequently allowed to roam through Iceland's landscapes independently.
It's not all about the (Icelandic) Size
The Icelandic breeding goal is a robust, fertile, and healthy horse durable for riding. Yet, they are versatile and elegant horses with five gaits (1). The first Icelandic Horses came to Iceland with Viking settlers, and they have been isolated for over 1000 years, which is considered one of the reasons for their relative height.
The Icelandic horse size can vary considerably, but as shown in the breeding evaluation, the average Icelandic height is 142 cm. The average height for the Icelandic horse mare is 136 cm and for an Icelandic horse gelding 4ft 8 (56 inches).
The Sturdy and Strong Icelandic
The Iceland mini horses weigh between 730 and 840 lbs. There is no significant difference in the weight between the two sexes of this breed. Icelandic mares and geldings weigh roughly about the same.
The Icelandic Horse is often mistaken for a pony due to its relative height. Still, these precious horses are in no way inferior to light horse breeds. On the contrary, due to their unique bone density, they can carry tall adults safely and do everything a horse can. Therefore, even though Equestrians can sometimes consider the height of the Icelandic horse as pony-sized, they are not ponies.
Most Colourful Breed in the World
The Icelandic Horses are thought to be the most diverse breed globally regarding colors. As one of the most colorful breeds on our planet, these horses have over 40 colors with up to 100 variants. The Icelanders encourage variation in the Icelandic horse colors within the breed, and all colors are allowed in the studbook. The true roan, a color-changing coat, is the rarest color found in Icelandic horses. The most common ones you will see are chestnut (red) and black (brown).
Interestingly, all horses have three primary colors: brown, chestnut, and bay. Variations like dun, palomino, silver dapple, skewbald, grey, roan, and splash-skewbald would refine the base colors. Further marking variations like the star, snip, blaze, white leg, and much more can come on top of those.
You Better Not Call them Ponies
The Icelandic Horse temperament is one of the reasons why they won't be considered a pony. Icelandic Horses are appraised as a perfect mixture of great spirit and power while still being gentle and easy-going horses.
Those horses are determined and adventurous, as they are used to traveling long distances and withstanding the elements of their harsh environment. There are numerous reports about Icelandic Horses saving their riders during snowstorms since they will sometimes refuse to ride a certain way as they can sense a storm before a human rider can. This breed is a true treasure for the whole family and will make a great and safe companion for the young and old.
Icelandic Horses are Tough – Horse Care
A purebred Icelandic Horse is most likely used to harsh weather and adapted well to the circumstances of the weather. In Iceland, they are the only domesticated animal kept outdoors all year round, and they tend to their nutrition by themselves. They will frequently graze everything by themselves that they need to be healthy and fat horses.
The Self-Catering Icelandic – Diet, and Nutrition
The Icelandic horse is thrifty when it comes to its diet and nutrition. Many Icelandics will get along fine with their grass and hay, which is ideal nutrition. You will probably need no additional grain or very little at all.
As they are genetically used to the rich soils of Iceland, one may add some vitamin-mineral supplements to their diet if needed or advised by their vet. It is recommendable not to overfeed them with starch, grain, or calorie-rich hay to prevent problems with obesity and their joints as they are relatively small equines. (3)
Watch those Calories – Health Problems
The Icelandic horse breed is considered chiefly healthy and sturdy. They are said to have no genetic problems. Even though some studies have indicated that regular and balanced training throughout the year is essential for their health, it is common in Iceland for the horses to rest throughout the winter season and have their training and exercise mostly in spring and summer – this might have an unfavorable effect on their heart rate and concentrations of lactic acid in their muscle tissue.
Another point to factor in would be the weight of the rider. Even though the bone density of the Icelandic horse is strong, the rider should not be too heavy or tall so as not to strain the back of those small equines too much. (4)
No Shoes for me, says the Icelandic – Grooming
Icelandics have a strong hoof wall and a thick sole inherent to their breed. This evolutionary advantage evolved due to the hard floors and Iceland's diverse and challenging footing. Therefore, many riders state that their Icelandics do well without shoes.
People should make this decision considering their environment and what they are used for. Kept in a cold climate, most Icelandics will do just fine without coats and will be happy to have a barn in winter. The owner should make regular appointments with the dentist and veterinarians to ensure your Icelandic stays as sturdy as it is. (5)
The Horse of the Gods – History
In approximately the ninth century, the first Icelandic horses came to shore in Iceland with Viking settlers. The first roads were built in the 1870s, so Icelandic horses were Iceland's most important transportation and infrastructure for many centuries.
The horses of Iceland are one of the purest breeds, and the Icelandic Horse Head is sometimes portrayed in historical artifacts.
German and Norwegian Roots
The Icelandic horse's history is one of the richest in equine documentation. The Icelandic horse origin lies with the Viking settlers, who imported the first horses to Iceland about eleven centuries ago. They came from Norway and the British Isles on their well-known boats.
Therefore, the Icelandic Horse most likely genetically originated from German and Norwegian horses – at least, this was determined when comparing the bone structures of those three breeds. Since about 1100, the import of any other horse breed has been forbidden to Iceland, which is why the pureness of Iceland’s wild horses.
The One and Only – Historical Development
Since the government in Iceland prohibited the import of any other horse breed, the Icelandic Horse became a desirable breed, well-known for its pure genes. In addition, the weather and circumstances of the rough exposure to the elements in Iceland are why the Icelandic Horse breed has a thick mane and tail and can grow expansive double-coats.
Their hoof walls are very thick, and this breed is almost unknown to diseases. Icelandics are a loved breed in many countries and are exported regularly from Iceland. Did you know that a horse that leaves Iceland is never allowed to return?
Icelandics as Ambassadors and Mythical Creatures
Since Icelandic Horses are THE symbol for Iceland right next to the volcanoes, the breed has become a symbol for this wild and beautiful country. You will see them in every documentation about Iceland and often hear about them in the news regarding Iceland. They even play a massive role in Norse Mythology.
Sleipnir – Odin's Horse
Sleipnir is a famous horse in Norse Mythology. He is called the eight-footed pacer, and – as the name indicates – he had eight feet. He was the steed of the Norse God Odin. Sleipnir is supposed to be grey and can ride in the sky, the water, and the land.
Andre Samplawski – TikTok Horses
You probably think this is a weird name for a horse – and you are right. Andre Samplawski became famous with his TikTok video, where he pours water onto a toy horse, magically transforming into a real Icelandic horse. He lives on a farm in Germany with 40 Icelandic Horses.
Kopar frá Sunnuhvoli – The Champion
Kopar frá Sunnuhvoli is a beautiful Icelandic Horse that won the YR World Championship with her rider Elsa Teverud. They won the C5 five gait combination. Kopar frá Sunnuhvoli and Elsa were a favorite team in Swedish Tournaments and won several national titles. Unfortunately, Kopar was sold to a new owner recently.
Icelandic Horses – Mythical Creatures
There are a lot of Myths and Legends about the famous Icelandic Horses. Almost every Norse God owned a precious steed. The favorite combination of Sleipnir and Odin is just one example of many. As told in Norse Mythology, the horse Sleipnir could only be tamed by Odin.
Horses of the Æsir
The Horses of the Æsir is a poem that lists the horses of the Norse Gods, called Æsir. The verse says the Norse Gods ride each day on their steeds and go to council with them, located at Yggdrasil’s ash. The poem lists eleven horses, and we do not know much about them.
Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi
Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi are the horses of Dagr, who represents the day, and Nótt, who is the Night. The names mean “shining mane” and “rime mane,” which could also be translated as “frost mane.” The Norse Mythology says that Skinfaxi pulls Dagr's chariot across the sky daily. His mane is said to light up the sky and earth.
GrantA Scandinavian heroic legend tells us that Grani is the horse owned by the Norse hero Sigurd. Sigurd receives Grani, the descendant of Sleipnir, Odin's horse, through advice from the Norse God Odin. He meets an older man and asks him to help him choose a horse without knowing the older man is Odin himself.
The Modern Love for Icelandics
Nowadays, Icelandic Horses are an internationally loved and popular breed. Equestrians love the Icelandic horse behavior. They are famous for being friendly and firm horses that the whole family can use. They are easy to care for and considered to be a healthy breed. They do not spook easily and can be used for almost every equine aspect.
Breeding Icelandic Horses – All Around the World
Even though many more farms than just Icelandic breeders breed Icelandic Horses, the locally-bred horses of Iceland are considered the purest of them all. You can purchase an Icelandic Horse in most countries nowadays and decide between many different Icelandic colors.
The rare roan is a popular wish among some riders, but as many more factors are essential for purchasing a horse, the more commonly chestnut color is also a popular choice. The colorful variations of the Icelandic horse make every horse unique. Some well-known bloodlines of this breed are Kjarri, Gröf, Hóli, and Kjarnholtum. To breed an Icelandic with all five gaits – which is unique to this breed – is a big plus for any breeder.
Icelanders and Germans Love their Icelandics
The Icelandic horse population of Iceland has just about 350,000 people living on this relatively small island. Yet, Iceland is home to around 80,000 Icelandic Horses. This gives us an indication of how vital the Icelandic Horse is for the Icelanders.
There is about one horse for four people. Internationally there are 180,000 total registered Icelandic Horses around the world. Many of those international Icelandic Horses live in Germany, which is a “Hot Spot” for Icelandics as many riding clubs and breed societies have developed there. Only about 4500 Icelandic Horses are living in the United States.
The All-Rounder – Icelandic Horse Uses
The Use of the Icelandic Horse has been very versatile throughout history. In Iceland, horses are still used for agriculture and economic purposes. At the same time, their use for dressage and tournaments also became quite popular in international countries like Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
The ordinary Icelandic Horse is mainly used for riding and as a family horse. However, as the Icelandic Horse is the only horse that can perform five gaits, the famous Icelandic Horse tolt is why many horse enthusiasts get an Icelandic. The ability to perform five gaits makes the Icelandic a very comfortable horse to ride.
Buying an Icelandic Horse
As you've probably read in the beginning, there are not too many Icelandic Horses roaming the world compared to more common breeds. However, the limitation of horses and Icelandic-versatile trainers makes the initial purchase a little more expensive than purchasing more common horse breeds. Therefore, if you plan to buy an Icelandic, you should expect to pay about 10,000 Dollars.
The Long Run Counts – Icelandic Horse Price
Several factors determine the Icelandic price of your precious steed. The age of the horse and its training level are two major factors as you are paying for time – time the horse has been trained and time the horse has been cared for. Even though an Icelandic Horse is not necessarily considered a super luxurious horse, the prices can vary from 5000 Dollars for a two-year-old mare up to 20.000 Dollars for a four-year-old, trained Icelandic stallion.
The physical features of a horse – the Icelandic horse height and Icelandic horse weight, for example – are another major factor in the price. You can expect to pay significantly more if you want to purchase a horse from a renowned bloodline within the breed.
Money, Money, Money – Horsemanship Costs
When it comes to costs, there are a lot of different prices to factor in. For example, is your horse already trained for the intended use, or will you have to pay for training? Despite the initial cost of purchasing the horse (10,000-$15,000), you can add on the monthly fees of hay, care and feeding, assuming that you don't have a smallholding, which will be around 400-$800 in most countries.
Boarding – Home is Where the Horse is
At least when it comes to boarding costs. Boarding is a significant factor when it comes to the price of horsemanship. Do you have a property or smallholding where the horse can live and graze, or will you have to pay monthly fees for stability and care? Keeping a horse near a big city will probably be pricier than in areas with many equestrians already.
Icelandics – Easy Gourmets
Since Icelandics are happy and healthy with grazing their grass and having a few hay snacks, depending on hay prices in your region – which can vary from 2€ to 15€ a bale – you might have to pay for supplements if your horse is competing or racing in tournaments.
A Healthy Horse is a Happy Horse – Vet Care
The annual cost of the vet caring for your horse will be approximately 200-300€ if you have set up a yearly care plan. These costs will cover the annual vaccinations, the deworming for 12 months, and teeth floating once or twice per year. These costs do not hide anything unexpected like injuries, inflammations, or colics – all of them alone can easily cost you 500-€1200 depending on the severity of the problem.
Women Know the Problem – Shoes and Hoof Care
Luckily, many Icelandic Horses do not need shoes, which can be a relief for your pockets. As horses need to get new shoes or trim about every 6–8 weeks, the costs of hoof care can be considered a regular expense. Trimming your horses' hooves will likely cost around 20-€35 every few weeks. Shoeing your horse will cost you more than twice as much – around €80. This brings the costs to anything from €150 to over €1000 annually, depending on the hoof care.
Buying an Icelandic Horse – A Great Excuse for a Trip
It can be frightening at first, and you should be sure you can tend to the horse. Always meet your Icelandic before buying. The horse should come with all documentation and health certificates.
The Friendly Family Horse
If you want a loving relationship with your horse and are a caring person who adores fluffy manes and regular exercise, the Icelandic horse might be the breed for you. There is not much bad to say about this breed, as they are known for their friendly personality and good work ethic.
They are strong-willed and determined and still calm and steady. Icelandic Horses are great for all levels of riders and can even be excellent horses for beginners – those short legs might come in handy if we fall off. The breed is especially significant if you love to ride long treks through the landscape.
One Icelandic Horse, please.
If you've decided to buy an Icelandic, you will first need to search for the Icelandic breeder of your trust. Some people like to import Icelandic Horses directly from Iceland, but this comes with more costs and stress for the horse itself as it has to travel by plane or ship – and remember, they can never return.
So instead, you will want to buy from a breeder that is open with you and lets you handle and ride the horse. Take a look at the horse farm and how the horses are treated. The horse seller should also ask several questions to ensure the horse is sold to a good home.
What a Cute Pony – It's an Icelandic Horse, Dear
The Icelandic Horse's relative height often makes it mistaken for a pony, which some proud Icelanders regularly frown upon. The thick coat and the full mane and tail of the Icelandic are also confused with a few other breeds, who have a similar look. So let's clear this up.
Faroe Pony of the Faeroe Islands
The height of the Faroe Pony and its thick coat and mane are this breed's most similar features as to why it is often mistaken for an Icelandic Horse. The species is smaller than the Icelandic Horse. It should be noted that the Faroe Pony is related to the Icelandic Pony, so there is no shame in mistaking them for each other.
Norwegian Fjord Horse
The Norwegian Fjord Horse is another small equine native to the coastal regions of Norway. The small height and the sturdy body are why this breed is sometimes mixed up with the Icelandic Horse. However, they can be easily separated from each other as all Fjord Horses are dun – a tan coat color – and their mane is often clipped short in a distinctive shape.
Northlands Horse
It is no big surprise that the Northlands Horse of Norway can be mistaken for an Icelandic Horse as they have a similar outer appearance and are most likely related. They are the smallest of all Norwegian horse breeds and were used by the Vikings for their traveling.
Icelandic Horse Information
Breed: Icelandic Horse
Adult Weight: 730 and 840 lbs
Adult Height: 12.2 – 13.2 hands (50–54 inches)
Origin: Iceland
Use: Companionship, Riding, Breeding
Colors: Bay, Black, Chestnut, White, Silver dapple black, Blue Dun, Grey, Buckskin, Silver dapple blue roan, Silver dapple buckskin dun, Silver dapple bay dun – and many more
Features: Small Size, Short Legs, Full Mane and Tail
Lifespan: 20–30 Years
Character: Calm, Gentle, Friendly, and Intelligent
Gait: Icelandic Tolt, Sure-Footed, Steady
Best for: All Levels of Riders