Discover Icelanders: Interesting facts about Icelandic horses and their history

Origin and history of Icelandic horses

Origin of the Icelanders

Icelandic horses, also known as Icelanders or Icelandic ponies, originally come from the Nordic island of Iceland. The first horses arrived in Iceland with the Vikings in the 9th century when they fled from the Norwegian king. They brought both Germanic and Celtic ponies with them from their raids in England and Ireland. The crossing of these two pony types formed the basis for today's Icelandic horse breed.

As early as 930, the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, issued a ban on the import of horses. The purpose of this law was to preserve the purity of Icelanders and prevent the introduction of diseases. Once an Icelandic horse has been exported, it is no longer allowed to return to Iceland. These strict rules have made Icelandic horses one of the oldest known pure breeds in the world.

Development of the Icelandic pony over the centuries

Over more than a thousand years, Icelandic horses developed into a robust and hardy breed under the special conditions of the island. Their versatility made them indispensable workhorses for centuries. Until the 19th century, Icelanders were the main means of transportation in Iceland. Their special gait, the tölt, made it possible to cover long distances in comfort.

With the development of roads and the advent of motorized vehicles, the importance of Icelandic ponies as working animals declined. In the 1940s, the focus shifted to breeding riding horses. A great upswing began in the 1950s and 1960s, when Germany discovered leisure riding and the demand for Icelandic horses rose sharply. Their versatility and unique character quickly made them popular leisure partners.

Later, breeding increasingly focused on competition riding, especially gaited horses with five gaits such as tölt and race pass. This led to a strong price development: today, 15,000 to 20,000 euros are often asked for a high-quality, ridden Icelandic horse.

Conformation and appearance of Icelandic horses

Size and physique of Icelandic horses

Icelandic horses, often referred to as Icelanders or Icelandic ponies, are robust and compact horses. With a height of between 130 and 145 centimetres at the withers, they are officially classified as small horses, but due to their strength and resilience, they are often treated as large horses. Their strong physique with a short, muscular back and strong legs make Icelanders ideal partners for demanding cross-country trails and long rides.

Particularly characteristic of the Icelandic horse is the deeply developed chest, which offers excellent carrying capacity. In combination with a well-proportioned head and lively eyes, these horses radiate self-confidence and elegance. Their compact size and resilience make Icelandic ponies a popular companion for both leisure and sport riders.

Coat colors and special characteristics of Icelanders

The variety of coat colors in Icelandic horses is impressive. There are over 40 different color variations, including classic shades such as black, brown and chestnut, but also unusual colors such as Isabell, pinto and dun. Particularly rare are color nuances such as Silberdapple or black horses with light-colored ears. This genetic diversity is unique and is preserved by the strict breeding rules in Iceland.

Another striking feature of Icelandic ponies is their dense, weatherproof coat. The two-layer winter coat protects them from Iceland's extreme climatic conditions. In addition, their long, thick mane and bushy tail make them not only visually appealing, but also ideally adapted to the harsh island climate.

The characteristic facial features of the Icelanders, coupled with their versatile gait, make them a special breed. Their natural elegance and charisma are often complemented by their unmistakable personality, which makes them so popular with riders worldwide.

Uniqueness of the Icelandic horse

Icelanders are not only known for their versatility, but also for their adaptability. Due to the island's centuries-long isolation and the ban on importing foreign horses, they are considered the purest horse breed in the world. This purity is one reason why an Icelandic horse, once exported, is never allowed back into Iceland.

Icelandic horses impress with their special combination of robustness, beauty and uniqueness. Whether as a leisure partner, in breeding or in Icelandic horse sport - Icelandic horses remain a fascinating horse breed that impresses both visually and in terms of character.

Character and temperament

Nature of the Icelandic ponies

Icelandic ponies, also known as Icelandic horses or Icelanders, are characterized by their calm and even-tempered nature. They are known for their friendliness and curiosity, which makes them excellent partners for riders of all ages. These horses have a remarkable intelligence, coupled with a strong will that makes them confident and reliable companions.

Another characteristic aspect of Icelanders is their patience and adaptability. Due to the harsh living conditions in their native Iceland, they have learned to adapt to a wide variety of situations. At the same time, they have a pronounced social nature, which enables them to harmonize well with other horses and people. Despite their robustness and independence, Icelandic ponies always remain people-oriented and show a great willingness to cooperate.

Suitability of Icelanders for different riding styles

Thanks to their versatile character and special qualities, Icelandic horses are suitable for a variety of riding styles. They are particularly valued for their unique gaits, especially the tölt and the racing pass, which offer a comfortable and dynamic riding experience. These gaits are particularly popular in leisure riding, as they enable smooth riding even over longer distances.

In addition to recreational riding, Icelandic ponies are also used in Icelandic equestrian sport, where their precision and natural gaits are appreciated in competition. Due to their robust nature and friendly temperament, Icelandic horses are also ideal for beginners, children and those returning to riding. Their balanced character makes them ideal horses for cross-country and trail riding, while their versatility also makes them successful in competition or gaited dressage.

Whether as a family horse, sports partner or reliable leisure companion - Icelandic horses are suitable for many riding styles and impress with their combination of intelligence, robustness and elegance.

gaits of the Icelandic horse

The unique gaits of Icelandic horses - tölt and racing pass - are genetically determined and make the Icelanders one of the most versatile horse breeds in the world. These gaits not only offer comfort and elegance, but are also an expression of the special abilities for which Icelandic horses are valued worldwide.

Tölt - The special gait of the Icelanders

One of the most fascinating characteristics of Icelandic horses is their special gait, the tölt. This unique four-beat gait distinguishes Icelandic horses from many other breeds and makes them so popular with riders all over the world. The tölt offers the rider a particularly pleasant and vibration-free riding experience, as one leg of the Icelandic horse is always touching the ground. This means that the rider remains calm in the saddle, even at high speeds.

The tölt is ridden at different speeds, from a slow, relaxed walk to a brisk pace, which is ideal for long distances. This gait is not only comfortable for the rider, but also for the Icelandic pony itself, as it puts less strain on the animal's joints and muscles. Riders appreciate the tölt both in leisure riding and in Icelandic horse sport, where it is often judged in competitions.

Race pass - speed of the Icelandic ponies

In addition to the tölt, Icelandic ponies have another exceptional gait: the racing pass. This fast two-beat gait is only shown by selected Icelandic horses and is often referred to as "the supreme discipline". The racing pass is characterized by its speed and dynamics, as the legs are moved in pairs - one diagonal pair of legs lifts off while the other touches the ground.

The race pass is mainly used in Icelandic horse sport, especially in races where speed over short distances is assessed. Some Icelandic horses reach speeds of up to 50 km/h in the race pass. This impressive performance requires excellent balance and precise training of both the horse and the rider.

Keeping and care

The species-appropriate keeping and careful care of Icelandic horses is the key to their health and well-being. By keeping them close to nature, taking their special needs into account and providing consistent health care, Icelandic horses stay fit and happy - whether as leisure partners, in sport or in breeding.

Species-appropriate keeping of Icelandic horses

Icelandic horses, also known as Icelanders, are a robust and frugal breed that is adapted to the harsh conditions of their native Iceland. In order to ensure species-appropriate husbandry, the lifestyle of these horses should be taken into account. Icelanders feel most comfortable when kept in groups, as they are very social animals. Open stabling or grazing with sufficient space and shelters is ideal so that the horses can live out their natural behaviors such as exercise, social contact and rest periods.

It is important that the environment of the Icelandic ponies is adapted to their climatic needs. They are used to cold weather and do not need a warm stable. Instead, they should have access to shelter from wind and rain. Regular exercise on different surfaces is also crucial to promote their robust constitution and avoid boredom.

As Icelanders are known for their frugal diet, care must be taken when feeding them a balanced but economical ration. Feed that is too high in energy can lead to obesity and health problems. An adequate supply of hay, minerals and fresh water forms the basis for the species-appropriate keeping of Icelandic horses.

Care and health care for Icelanders

The care of Icelandic horses is comparatively uncomplicated, but there are still some important aspects to consider. The thick coat of Icelandic horses, especially their winter coat, protects them from extreme weather conditions. Regular brushing ensures that the coat remains clean and healthy and that parasites such as mites have no chance. During the coat change in spring and fall, Icelandic ponies often require more intensive grooming to facilitate the process.

The hooves of Icelandic horses should be checked regularly and trimmed by a farrier if necessary, as the robust constitution of the horses alone is not enough to prevent hoof diseases. A clean and dry environment also contributes to hoof health.

Regular deworming and vaccination are also part of preventive health care. As Icelandic horses never come into contact with certain diseases in their home country, imported Icelanders are particularly susceptible to foreign pathogens. A well-thought-out vaccination plan and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to protect their health.

Breed-typical disease of Icelandic horses

Although Icelandic horses are considered to be robust and extremely healthy animals due to their pure breed, many health problems are reported. At the top of the list is a sweet itch. The reason is simple, but also crucial: imported Icelandic horses are confronted with unfamiliar living conditions to which they find it difficult or impossible to adapt. In Iceland, horses are simply not familiar with viruses and pathogenic bacteria. The farmers there do not vaccinate their horses and the vet is a rare guest. For this reason, there may be an increased susceptibility to viral diseases in the country of import.

Only the most common diseases in Icelandic horses are listed below:

‍Summer eczema

Sweet itch is an allergic overreaction to the saliva of black flies (not present in Iceland). If there is a real attack by mosquitoes, i.e. if the horse is bitten in large numbers, the release of histamine is stimulated. In combination with a lack of exercise, an oversupply of energy, a lack of minerals, obesity, and a poor immune system, the histamine accumulates and is no longer broken down. What begins as an itchy mosquito bite quickly turns into unbearable, constant itching all over the body.

Imported Icelandic horses suffer relatively more frequently from sweet itch than those bred on the continent. The first generations of imported Icelandics in particular suffered from the allergic reaction. In the meantime, however, the situation has normalized.

To protect your Icelandic horse from sweet itch or alleviate its symptoms, you can do the following:

• Feeding/energy supply adapted to its range of movement
• Lots of movement through posture and work
• Combine fly spray with eczema rugs
• Dry pasture, away from standing water, with good ventilation
• Dark, cool shelters
• Use creams, shampoos and oils specially designed for horses with eczema regularly to relieve itching
• It may be advisable to add zinc, biotin, copper and selenium to the feed. Please check with a vet or professional feed consultant beforehand

‍Obesity and its consequences

Like many robust and pony breeds, Icelandic horses also tend to become overweight if fed and kept incorrectly. If the fat does not come off, this can lead to EMS or laminitis which are also common diseases in Icelandic horses.

During treatment, it is important to slowly switch from a high-energy to a low-energy roughage diet with a high-dose mineral feed to get the overweight under control. This is the only way to prevent laminitis or even prevent the first laminitis averted. However, bear in mind that laminitis can have many causes. Therefore, always consult your vet.

‍Spat- Osteoarthritis of the ankle joint

Spavin, one form of osteoarthrit is a common joint disease in ponies that leads to ossification of the hock joint with lameness and stiffness in the hindquarters. Experts have discovered a hereditary predisposition to spavin in Icelandic breeding. Not necessarily, but some Icelandic hoorses also develop osteoarthritis in the hindquarters due to a malposition of the hindquarters.

Due to their genetic predisposition, 5- and 6-year-old stallions have had to undergo a spar test at their first material test since 2006. This is stipulated in the FEIF Icelandic Horse Breeding Regulations (FIZO).

Breeding and distribution

Breeding standards for Icelandic ponies

The breeding of Icelandic horses, also known as Icelandic ponies or Icelanders, follows strict standards that are uniformly defined worldwide. The aim of breeding is to preserve and further develop the typical characteristics of the breed. In addition to their robust build and versatility, these include their unique gaits such as tölt and race pace.

In breeding, the horses are carefully tested for their characteristics. Conformation, character and temperament as well as the quality of gaits are assessed. It is particularly important to promote healthy, robust and powerful Icelandic horses that are suitable for both Icelandic horse sport and leisure riding.

In Iceland itself, there are strict rules to preserve the purity of the breed. Since the year 930, it has been forbidden to import foreign horses. Once an Icelandic horse has been exported, it may never return to the island. This measure prevents the introduction of diseases and safeguards the genetic stock of the Icelandic horse as one of the purest horse breeds in the world.

Distribution of Icelanders worldwide

Although they are native to Iceland, Icelandic horses are very popular all over the world. In Europe in particular, especially in Germany, Denmark and Sweden, the breeding of Icelandic horses is very important. In Germany, they are one of the most popular breeds, with several hundred breeders and thousands of registered horses.

The export of Icelandic horses began in the 1950s and 1960s, when leisure riding became increasingly important in Europe. The versatility and unique character of Icelandic ponies quickly made them sought-after leisure partners. Today, there are also enthusiasts and breeders of this special breed in North America and even in Australia and Asia.

The spread of Icelandic horses is supported by international breeding associations and organizations that monitor breeding standards worldwide and ensure compliance with the rules. These efforts help to ensure that the special characteristics of Icelandic horses are preserved and that riders worldwide can enjoy the pleasure of these exceptional horses.

Icelandic horse breeding in Germany

The IPZV, the German breeders' association for Icelandic horses, was finally founded in 1967. After all, Germany is the largest breeding area and export country for Icelandic horses after Iceland. The IPZV organizes breeding and competitions in the country, whereby it is oriented towards the European umbrella association FEIF (Federation of European Icelandic Horse Associations, now renamed the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations). The FEIF defines the international breeding criteria and regulates the performance tests.

Although the IPZV is the number one contact in the breeding of Icelandic horses, it is not allowed to issue equine passports or its branding. Horses bred in Iceland, however, are branded with a cold brand on the left side of the back, which consists of a five-digit number combination. This provides information about the year of birth, origin/region, breeder number, and number of horses. This brand identifies the horse in the Icelandic breeding register.

Icelandic horses in sport

The versatility of Icelandic horses is reflected in both Icelandic equestrian sport and leisure riding. Whether in demanding competitions or on relaxed rides - Icelandic horses impress with their willingness to perform, their composure and their unique gaits, which make them one of the most popular horse breeds worldwide.

Competitions and disciplines in Icelandic horse sport

Icelandic horses, also known as Icelanders, have a special place in equestrian sport, particularly due to their unique gaits such as tölt and race pass. These gaits are the basis for many competitions in Icelandic horse sport, where elegance, speed and precision are assessed.

The most important disciplines in Icelandic horse sport are:

• Tölt tests: In these competitions, the tölt is shown at various speeds and on a straight course. The focus is on harmony between rider and horse and the quality of the gait.
• Passing race: Here the race pass is judged on a short course. Speed and stability are crucial, as the Icelandic ponies reach speeds of up to 50 km/h.
• Four-gaited and five-gaited tests: These tests demand the presentation of all gaits (walk, trot, canter, tölt and race pace) and are often dominated by specially trained Icelandic horses.
• Obedience and dressage tests: Although the focus is on gaits, tasks such as turns and transitions are also integrated into these tests.

International events such as the Icelandic Horse World Championships (IPZV) attract participants and spectators from all over the world and showcase the versatility and elegance of Icelandic horses.

Importance of Icelanders in leisure riding

In addition to their outstanding performance in sport, Icelandic horses are extremely popular with leisure riders. Their even temperament, robustness and special versatility make them ideal partners for leisure activities. Their comfortable gaits, especially the tölt, make for pleasant and fatigue-free riding, even over long distances.

Icelandic horses are ideal for cross-country riding, as they are confident in their footing and work reliably even on challenging terrain. Their friendly nature and people-oriented nature also make them popular family horses that are appreciated by beginners and experienced riders alike.

The cultural significance of Icelanders also plays a role in leisure riding. Many riders feel connected to the history and traditions of this special breed of horse and enjoy the harmonious cooperation with an Icelandic pony.

Cultural significance of Icelandic horses

Icelandic horses are far more than just animals - they are a living symbol of Icelandic culture, history and mythology. Their role as loyal companions to the people, their representation in myths and their importance in art and tradition make them an indispensable part of Icelandic identity. Icelanders are not just horses, but a piece of living culture

The role of Icelanders in Icelandic culture

Icelandic horses, often affectionately referred to as Icelanders, play a central role in Icelandic culture and history. Since their arrival with the Vikings in the 9th century, they have been an indispensable part of life on the island. Whether as reliable workhorses, means of transportation or loyal companions, Icelanders have shaped the development of Icelandic society for centuries.

In Iceland, horses are a symbol of strength, freedom and connection to nature. To this day, they are an integral part of traditional festivals and events. The Gæðinga, a competition in which the country's best Icelandic horses show off their gaits and character, is particularly popular. Icelandic ponies are also often immortalized in songs, poems and works of art, which underlines their importance for national identity.

In addition, the strict rules on the purity of the breed and the ban on bringing back exported Icelandic horses have made the horses a unique cultural heritage. Each Icelandic pony represents not only the history of its homeland, but also the pride of the Icelandic people.

Myths and legends about the Icelandic pony

Icelandic horses are not only a practical but also a spiritual companion for people. They play an important role in Icelandic mythology and are often depicted as magical creatures. One of the best-known stories is that of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the god Odin, which is considered to be particularly fast and powerful. Some legends say that Icelanders are descended from such mythical creatures and therefore have their special gaits such as tölt and race pass.

Another well-known motif is the "ghost horse", which accompanies travelers in the lonely landscape of Iceland and warns them of danger. Such stories reflect the deep connection between people and their Icelandic ponies and show how closely the animals are linked to Icelandic nature and culture.

Even modern riders often report a special connection to their Icelandic horses, which can be intuitive and almost magical. These characteristics, coupled with their history and character, make Icelanders not only unique horses, but also bearers of cultural and mythological meanings.

Icelandic horse: Summarized

Icelandic horses, also known as Icelanders or Icelandic ponies, are far more than just a breed of horse. They embody a rich history that dates back to the 9th century, when they arrived in Iceland with the Vikings. Through centuries of isolation and strict breeding rules, Icelandic horses have developed into one of the purest and most versatile horse breeds in the world.

Their robustness, adaptability and unique gaits such as tölt and racing pass make them ideal partners for both leisure and sport. Whether as loyal companions in leisure riding, impressive participants in Icelandic equestrian sport or as cultural symbols of Iceland - Icelanders fascinate with their versatility and special character.

Their close connection to Icelandic culture, their representation in myths and legends and their importance in modern equestrian culture underline their status as a living heritage. From their extraordinary appearance to their unique personalities, Icelandic horses remain valued companions for riders and breeders worldwide. They are not just horses, but true ambassadors of Icelandic nature and tradition.

Icelandic horses : The most important questions and answers

How old do Icelandic horses get in Germany?

‍Icelandichorses in Germany often reach an age of 25 to 35 years; with good care and species-appropriate husbandry, they can even live longer.

What do wild Icelandic horses eat?

‍Inthe wild, Icelandic horses feed mainly on grass, herbs and shrubs that grow on the barren pastures of Iceland.

Why are Icelandic horses not allowed back to Iceland?

‍Onceexported, Icelandic horses are not allowed back into Iceland due to an import ban to ensure the purity of the breed and protection against imported diseases.

Can you ride Icelandic horses in Iceland?

‍Yes, many riding tours on Icelandic horses are offered in Iceland, where you can experience the landscape and the special gaits of the horses.

Which saddle for Icelandic horses?

‍Icelandichorses require special saddles that guarantee their freedom of movement in special gaits such as tölt and race pass. Icelandic horse saddles are lighter and shorter than conventional saddles.

What gaits can Icelandic horses do?

‍Inaddition to the three basic gaits (walk, trot and canter), Icelandic horses also master the special gaits tölt and race pace.