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CurrentNews
He's Here! Haukur fra Studlum is a beautiful, palamino, 5 gaited, first prize stallion imported from Iceland. He has finally arrived safe and sound in Yambuk on the 4th January 2010! Check out our news page for more info.
Events
TOLT CLINIC 20th - 21st February 2010. Come and experience the gait of the gods, TOLT. For more information and bookings see our News/Events/Clinics page.
Breed History and Characteristics
Breed History
Icelandic horses are one of the purest breeds of horses in the
world, descended from the horses brought to Iceland by the Vikings. It is
thought that the Vikings chose only their best horses to make the journey in the
long boats to the new colonies.
The Icelandic horse has adapted perfectly to Iceland’s harsh
environment. Its genetics have survived through volcanic eruptions, famine and
plagues that ravaged the human and equine populations. Natural selection has
played a huge part in shaping the horse as it is today.
The presence of horses in Iceland played an important role in the success of the settlement of the country. They remained the only form of land transport until the mid 1900’s, worked with farmers to cultivate land, delivered the post and
freighted goods.
Icelanders take great pride in their horsemanship and breeding. Selective breeding programs in Iceland started around 1879. Many breeding shows and competitions are held throughout the year both in Iceland and abroad. FEIF,
an international group of Icelandic horse enthusiasts governs the breeding
standards of the Icelandic horse among its associated members. Worldfengur is an
international database for Icelandic horses and only 100% purebred Icelandic
horses can be registered. Horse trekking in Iceland is an extremely popular draw card for
tourists.
Breed Characteristics
The Icelandic horse is usually 12 – 14 hh. They are
strong and capable of carrying a fully grown man - all day! They are very good
natured, and are bred as much for temperament as for their other attributes.
Stocky, compact bodies with short strong limbs together with a thick fuzzy
winter coat, makes them tough and weather resistant. They are sure footed,
willing, naturally curious and generally very sensible and easily taught.
Being slow to mature the Icelandic horse is rarely put
under saddle, or a mare bred until 4 years of age. However their lifespan and
working life are long… many working until they are 25 – 30 years old and horses
35 – 40 years old are apparently quite common.
The Icelandics have a saying that a good horse has no
colour. With breeding focus on other qualities natural colour variation of the
breed has been retained. They come in most shades and combinations like blue
dun, bay dun, palomino, skewbald, pinto, silver dapple, chestnut, bay etc. It is
truly stunning to see a mixture of these coloured
horses running as a herd.
The Icelandic horse has adapted perfectly to Iceland’s harsh
environment. Its genetics have survived through volcanic eruptions, famine and
plagues that ravaged the human and equine populations. Natural selection has
played a huge part in shaping the horse as it is today.
Icelanders take great pride in their horsemanship and breeding. Selective breeding programs in Iceland started around 1879. Many breeding shows and competitions are held throughout the year both in Iceland and abroad. FEIF,
an international group of Icelandic horse enthusiasts governs the breeding
standards of the Icelandic horse among its associated members. Worldfengur is an
international database for Icelandic horses and only 100% purebred Icelandic
horses can be registered. Horse trekking in Iceland is an extremely popular draw card for
tourists. 
The Icelandic horse is usually 12 – 14 hh. They are
strong and capable of carrying a fully grown man - all day! They are very good
natured, and are bred as much for temperament as for their other attributes.
Stocky, compact bodies with short strong limbs together with a thick fuzzy
winter coat, makes them tough and weather resistant. They are sure footed,
willing, naturally curious and generally very sensible and easily taught.
Being slow to mature the Icelandic horse is rarely put
under saddle, or a mare bred until 4 years of age. However their lifespan and
working life are long… many working until they are 25 – 30 years old and horses
35 – 40 years old are apparently quite common. 
