Horse Sense Double Maned Icelandics
Distinctive Looks and Vibrant Coat Colors
In both type and appearance, these breeds are unmistakably horse-like, with sturdy builds and striking presence. Their thick, often double manes and full, flowing tails add to their rugged beauty, perfectly suited to the wild landscapes of their homeland.
Although only one word in the country’ s language was necessary to describe the breed, the same can ' t be said of its colors.
According to the United States Icelandic Horse Congress, which maintains the breed registry in America, the Icelandic language includes names for more than 100 horse colors and patterns.
While familiar shades such as bay and chestnut are common, owners celebrate the Icelandic horse’ s remarkable genetic diversity and the wide array of hues it produces. Unlike many other lines limited to a narrow color range, this breed can appear in nearly any color— pinto patterns included.
Unique Gaits Make Smooth Riding Possible
Icelandic horses are a gaited breed, which means that in addition to the walk, trot and canter, Icelandics naturally possess two additional gaits: the pace and the tölt.
The tölt is a four-beat gait with a lack of suspension, which allows for speed and a smooth ride. The flying pace is known as flugskeið, and it ' s a lateral gait similar to that of a Standardbred( each pair of legs on a side move together).
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Some people may note the diminutive size of the breed and wonder about their suitability for adult riders, but these horses were developed with the intent of being a reliable, trustworthy, athletic mount for adults, and have the substance and strength necessary for this purpose.
Worldwide, there are around 300,000 Icelandic horses; over one-third of these are found in Iceland and about 5,000 in the United States.
These horses excel in a wide range of disciplines both under saddle and in harness. The breed ' s strength and stamina make it a popular choice for endurance rides. But some Icelandics do well in driving and still others are suitable for dressage. Many Icelandics enjoy a nice trail ride, too. Their companionable dispositions and trainability, coupled with their inherent Nordic charm, have impressed horse enthusiasts all over the world.
Versatile, Trainable and Nordic in Nature
Sturdy, gaited and endlessly charming, Icelandic horses continue to captivate riders, proving small stature never limits strength or adventure.
About the Author:
Samantha Johnson is a writer, farm girl and the author of more than a dozen books on rural living. She lives on a farm in northern Wisconsin with a colorful herd of Welsh Mountain Ponies. You can find her online at https:// www. authory. com / SamanthaJohnson
December 2025 AcreageLife 37