The Icelandic horse is the oldest pure breed in the world. Whereas Russia boasts twenty-seven breeds of horse, and Britain, France, Germany, and the United States are each home to sixteen or more, Iceland has only the Icelandic horse. In 900 AD, four hundred Viking settlers set sail from Scandinavia to colonize Iceland. Their small ships could carry only their most precious, essential possessions which included the best of their horses. In the early 1100s, Iceland’s forty-eight lawmaker chieftains passed a law banning the importation of more horses to their island and forbiding the return of any horse that left. That law is still in effect today. Every 21st century Icelandic horse is a pure descendant of the Viking horses of 900 AD.

For 1100 years, Icelandic horses have been the everyday transportation, helpmates, and companions to the people of Iceland. Because Iceland had few paved roads or bridges until about fifty years ago, horses were the only way to get around. Since long distances needed to be covered, a fourth gait called the tölt was emphasized in Icelandic horse breeding. Most breeds have only three gaits—the walk, trot, and canter. The tölt is a natural, smooth, four-beat gait which fit Icelandics can maintain for fifty minutes an hour with only ten minutes of rest. Even today, when riding is mainly for pleasure, horses in Iceland routinely cover thirty miles a day.

Icelandics are not trained to ride until they are five years old, when their bones and muscles are mature. Foals are born outdoors and run wild with the herd in Iceland for the first four years of their lives, learning how to be independent, how to manage their environment, and how earn their places in the herd. The Icelandic horse is not “broken” to ride. Because he is mature in body and mind before he is asked to work with a rider, gentle and patient training can develop a partnership in which the horse is a willing participant, cooperating with the rider instead of responding out of fear or to harsh training techniques. The horse’s “willingness,” his ability to fully trust the rider and gladly do whatever is asked of him, is the Icelandic’s most valued quality. Because of their natural training, Icelandics are routinely ridden into their twenties, far beyond the five or six years typical of a saddlebred.

For many horse lovers who have long experience with other breeds as well as those who are new to owning or riding a horse, the Icelandic offers the best of everything. Their gaits are smooth and easy to ride, regardless of the rider’s age or skill level. The unique combination of power and speed with a gentle and willing dispostion makes them a joy to own and ride. They welcome any challenge—trail riding, endurance, eventing, even jumping. Because they come from such a harsh climate, with cold winters and a short grass season, they have developed the ability to get 25% more nutrition from their food than other breeds which makes them “easy keepers.” They have exceptionally strong feet and legs which make them surefooted in most weather and on tricky trails. Do you have a favorite horse color? The Icelandic Horseman’s Handbook lists eighty-four—pinto, palomino, chestnut, dapple, black, cream, dun, grey, and more—and every Icelandic comes with an abundance of mane and tail.