The Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is rather small, its height usually being about 140 cm. It is sturdy and hardworking and has greater endurance than its foreign cousins. It has a characteristic varied colouring that breeders have attempted to preserve rather than eliminate. As a riding animal, the Icelandic horse is exceptional in that it has five gaits, called fet, skeið, tölt, brokk and stökk in Icelandic. It has become famous internationally for its various gaits and smooth movement.

Icelandic horses are considered energetic and ready to run, and they are also admired for their even and friendly disposition. Icelandic farmers have traditionally been interested in the strength and endurance of horses.

The Icelandic horse has been a trusted companion for Icelanders throughout history. Its origins can be traced back to the Vikings, who arrived in Iceland more than a thousand years ago, bringing their small Nordic horses with them. Due to isolation and strict rules, the breed has remained pure and has maintained its unique characteristics.

Despite its small size, the Icelandic horse is well known for being strong and hardy, with great stamina and speed. It is surefooted enough to handle the rough Icelandic terrain and is renowned for its five gaits, and the unique” tölt”, a four beat gait with light flowing movement, which is easy and comfortable to ride. The other gaits are walk, trot, gallop and flying pace. The Icelandic horse has a wide colour palette, varying from black to palomino, to silver dappled and a range of colours in between. It is intelligent, faithful and a friendly companion that is able to carry riders across grassy plains, up and down rocky slopes, through rivers and over fields of rough lava. This is the ideal way for travellers to enjoy the excellent Icelandic nature and therefore horse riding is highly recommended for visitors during their stay in Iceland. Horse rentals offer tours both for beginners and more experienced riders, ranging from 2 hours to full day tours. These are ideal for horse lovers and enthusiasts, as there is no better way to experience the magnificent nature of Iceland, than galloping through the countryside on the back of an Icelandic horse. Eldhestar tour around Hekla Eldhestar near Hveragerði, a company specializing in horseback riding tours. Offer various longer tours for 2-7 days, such as the Volcano Contrasts (2d), Þórsmörk (4d) and Around the Glaciers (7d). All transport and accommodation as well as safety gear is included in the price. Eldhestar has experienced guides who speak a variety of languages. www.eldhestar.is

Icelandic Horse. Photo by Olga

The horse rental, which is located in Reykjavík, is placed as the number one thing to do in Iceland on the travelling website TripAdvisor. The service is provided by Begga Rist and her staff and highly praised by the customers. Begga is an educated tour guide which speaks seven languages. Understandably they are very pleased to receive these fantastic comments. Begga says that it touches her to read that the visitors have written things like; “Memories for a lifetime“ -“A truly unique experience, highly recommended“ – “The highlight of my trip, an absolute must do“ – “Experienced riders loved this place“.

Icelandic Horses: Red skwebald, Black, Dark Bay, Grey mare with a foal, Red-dun, Light black, Bay-roan, Bay skewbald, Pale dun, Dun, Palamino, Buckskin, Blue dun, Silver dapple, Chestnut, Dapple grey, Black skewbald, Silver dapple, skewbald, Yellow dun, Dark roan stud mare with a foal, Chestnut with white socks, Buckskin, light.

ÍSLENSKI HESTURINN – THE ICELANDIC HORSE. islenskihesturinn.is · info@ islenskihesturinn.is · Surtlugata 3 · 110 Reykjavík · Tel. 434 7979

VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE · MOUNTAIN VIEW · 10 MIN FROM DOWNTOWN REYKJAVIK THE HORSE RENTAL IN REYKJAVIK. Nr 1 to do in Iceland RIDING TOURS EVERY DAY

Get to know the Icelandic horse in the spectacular wild and volcanic landscape surrounding Reykjavík. Begga Rist licensed guide PICK UP from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík.

VIKING HORSES is a family run business which focuses on small groups and personalized experience. Viking Horses strives to make our guests wishes come true and create the experience of a lifetime. Located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, surrounded by green nature, mountains, lakes and lava. One of our favorite treks goes through the spectacular volcanic landscape of the Red Hills, which are 5,200 years old red lava formations. We have a great selection of well tamed quality horses for kids, beginners and more experienced riders.

“Bathing in a natural hot spring after horse riding is one of those feeling no words can describe – you just have to experience it !” Included All our tours start with a riding lesson and end with a Icelandic meal. Meal can include #latbread with smoked lamb, or as we call it, “#latkaka með hangikjöti”, deep fried sweetbread „kleinas“, Skyr with fresh berries, beverages and traditional Icelandic vegetable- or meatsoup. The company provides riding gear, warm outerwear and helmets..

Tel. (+354) 537 9590 or (+354) 660 9590 // Almannadalur 19, Reykjavik www.vikinghorses.is

Iceland Tourist board Private tours, picnics, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Icelandic food, natural baths, unique experience and much more. SMALL GROUPS – BIG ADVENTURES