Icelandic Horses — Small but Mighty, Shaped by the Windy Island

As I listened to our guide talk about Icelandic horses, I couldn’t help wondering what a horse that had survived such a harsh, freezing land would look like. But when I finally met them, they were so small that I genuinely hesitated—“Is this really a horse?” I stepped closer and stroked one gently, and was surprised all over again by the firm, sturdy feel beneath its coat. The more I thought about how they have endured fierce winds and bitter cold, evolving alongside Iceland’s nature, the more I found myself admiring them. I offered some feed, watched for a long while, and reached out with a quiet tenderness.

Icelandic Horses — Small but Mighty, Shaped by the Windy Island

Icelandic Horses — Small but mighty

I heard that Icelandic horses are managed under very strict rules, and that once a horse leaves Iceland, it cannot be brought back to the island. Somehow, that made my heart ache a little. At first, they looked so small that I wondered, “Can you really ride a horse like this?” But as it turns out, although their bodies are compact, their frames are strong and their stamina is remarkable—well suited to travelling long distances across rugged ground. It made me think of a Korean saying: “Small chillies are the hottest”—meaning that something small can still be surprisingly strong. And that feels exactly true here.

Icelandic Horses — Small but mighty

Key Characteristics of Icelandic Horses

What makes these little horses special isn’t simply their size. Here are a few defining traits—how they have been protected, and what makes them so distinctive.

 

1. A breed protected by strict controls on outside entry
For a long time, the introduction of horses from outside Iceland—and crossbreeding—has been tightly restricted, which has helped preserve the breed’s unique characteristics. There is also a well-known principle that a horse that has left Iceland cannot be brought back in. This is largely a safeguard to prevent diseases from being introduced from abroad.

Icelandic Horses — A breed protected by strict controls on outside entry

2. Small, but built for strength
Icelandic horses are shorter than many other breeds, yet they have solid bone structure and excellent endurance. They are built to keep going—especially across rough, uneven terrain.

Icelandic Horses — Small, but built for strength

3. Distinctive gaits: tölt and flying pace
One of the reasons Icelandic horses are so well known is their unusual gaits. Two in particular are often mentioned.

• Tölt: a smooth, steady gait that is said to feel comfortable for riding, with relatively little bounce
• Flying pace: a very fast gait, most often seen in racing
  These two gaits are frequently described as signature traits of the Icelandic horse.

The distinctive gaits that define the Icelandic horse.

4. Winter coats, varied colours, and striking eyes
In colder seasons their coats become much thicker, sometimes giving them a cosy, bear-like look. Their coat colours are also wonderfully varied, and when you photograph them, their eyes and expressions often come through with surprising clarity.

Icelandic Horses — Winter coats, varied colours, and striking eyes

Icelandic Horse Experience Tips

I approached one carefully and placed the feed on my open palm. I was startled when it licked it up with its long tongue—but that little shock only made the experience more fun and memorable.

• Don’t rush in too close: approach slowly from the side, and keep your hand low
• Feed and pet only when you’re told it’s allowed: rules vary from one farm to another
• On very windy days, safety matters more than filming: both horses and people can be startled
• Check the difficulty level of riding tours: beginner and intermediate routes are often separated

People experiencing Icelandic horses.

 

Photo Tips

I’ll add a small photo tip too. I stood a bit too close, and the horse ended up looking tense in my photo. To be honest, I was slightly afraid of horses as well, and my body had stiffened. Perhaps that tension carried over—because the horse seemed a little more sensitive, too.

• Photograph from a distance where the horse’s side profile shows well: step back a pace or two so the expression looks more relaxed
• Avoid using flash: it can startle the horse—natural light is best

A moment of offering feed to an Icelandic horse from the palm of my hand.

Icelandic Horses — A Being Shaped by Time and Climate

When I look at Icelandic horses, they feel like a result of the land itself—shaped by time and climate. Against black volcanic landscapes, cold winds, and the low winter sun, a horse standing quietly in that light brings a deep sense of respect for a life that has endured for so long. Perhaps that’s why my heart felt quietly heavy as I watched.

 

Memory walks through landscapes, and becomes a story.
– Nomadia83, at the end of a journey somewhere

 

 

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