Horse breed guide

Icelandic Horse

Origin: Iceland (settled by Norse 9th–10th century)

Quick facts

Origin

Iceland (settled by Norse 9th–10th century)

Height

12.3–14.0 hh

Weight

330–380 kg

Lifespan

30–40 yrs

Colors

Over 40 recognized colors and 100+ variations

Primary uses

Trail, gaited riding, endurance, sheep herding, leisure

About the Icelandic Horse

Friendly, hardy, and self-assured. Icelandics are unique for their five gaits (walk, trot, canter, tölt, flying pace). They are independent thinkers with strong personalities — never call one a pony.

Feeding & nutrition

Restricted forage on a slow feeder. Soaked or low-NSC hay is ideal. Avoid grain entirely for most adults.

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Health watch-outs

High predisposition to insulin dysregulation, EMS, and laminitis. Sweet itch (Culicoides hypersensitivity) is common in horses exported from Iceland.

Care tips

Iceland's strict biosecurity means horses exported never return — manage exposure carefully.

Built for cold; they overheat in mild summers. Body-clip working horses and provide shade.

Extremely easy keepers — unlimited pasture causes laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome.

Mature slowly; do not start under saddle before age 4.

Related breeds

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