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Icelandic Horse
Equus ferus caballus
Iceland's hardy five-gaited horse — small, thick-coated and the only breed on its island for a thousand years.
How to spot it
A small, stocky, deep-bodied horse of about 13 to 14 hands (132 to 142 cm) with a heavy double coat and full mane and tail. It comes in a wide range of colours.
Temperament
Friendly, confident and sure-footed, with little of the flightiness of larger breeds — Icelanders are not exposed to many predators or threats.
What it's bred for
A riding and former farm horse famous for two extra gaits beyond walk, trot and canter: the smooth four-beat tölt and the fast flying pace. Icelanders call it simply 'the horse'.
Care & upkeep
Supremely cold-hardy and thrifty. Once a horse leaves Iceland it may never return, to keep the island's isolated population disease-free. In warm climates the thick coat and risk of sweet-itch allergy need managing.
Health & lifespan
A long-lived, robust breed, often 25 to 30 years or more. Watch weight, and the summer eczema ('sweet itch') that many develop once exported to midge-heavy regions.
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