Iceland review - 2016, Page 124

122 ICELAND REVIEW ICELAND REVIEW 123
The Icelandic horse is a unique and special breed which has been
with Icelanders since the first settlers arrived over a thousand years
ago. You will not find any other breed of horse anywhere in Iceland—
but you will find plenty of Icelandic horses all around the world.
SPECIAL HORSES
The Icelandic horse has a fanatical following at home and abroad—a
global community of people in 20 countries who are inspired by this
tough little horse’s character, strength, intelligence and good nature.
Just don’t call it a pony, whatever you do.
Physically, it is the agile, strong frame, the shaggy mane and the
thick, wooly coat which identify the Icelandic horse—but it is probably
most famous for its fourth and fifth gaits. Most horses can walk, trot,
and gallop, but the Icelandic horse also has a tölt and flying pace.
The tölt is an incredibly smooth, efficient gait whereby the horse keeps
one foot on the ground at all times; creating a fast forward motion that
makes it seem as though it might be possible for the rider to enjoy
a cup of tea, or write a postcard. Some Icelandic horses are true
masters at the tölt and are therefore sought after for competition and
breeding. The Icelandic horse’s fifth gait, the flying pace, is a two beat
lateral movement with suspension. This gait is ridden very fast, even
used for racing and only for short distances, usually 100-200 meters.
A GROWING COMMUNITY
Every Icelandic horse enthusiast should visit Landsmót at least once.
Landsmót is the Icelandic horse’s very own festival, horse show and
competition, held every two years in locations around Iceland. This
year, for the first time in 50 years, Landsmót will be held at Hólar in
Skagafjörður—the spiritual home of the Icelandic horse and location
of Hólar University, where people come from all over the world to
study and learn about the breed.
Despite its prowess, the Icelandic horse is deeply practical and a
rewarding beast to spend time with. For this reason, there is work
underway to promote the Icelandic horse globally, not only as a
competition and show horse, but also as a good-natured riding horse.
Nothing is more emblematic of the Icelandic countryside,
and of the nation as a whole, than the Icelandic horse.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
SUPPLEMENT COMPILED BY ALËX ELLIOTT, JENNA GOTTLIEB AND VALA HAFSTAÐ. COVER PHOTO BY PÁLL STEFÁNSSON.