Horseback Riding in Iceland & Some History

Icelandic horses are often said to be the smoothest and easiest to ride. The truth is that due to their gentle and sweet nature and smooth gaits, horseback riding in Iceland is very easy.

History of the Icelandic Horse

There are over 80.000 horses in Iceland. The Icelandic horses were brought to Iceland by the first Viking settlers around the year 900. The precariousness of the boats pushed them only to bring a few strong horses per trip. The Icelandic horses have adapted very well to nature and weather on this small island in the North Atlantic Ocean. They became significantly smaller than the average horses. A smaller body with more muscles is proven to recover better from the cold. They could also navigate better through mountain roads and be more endurant. 

Horses in Mythology

Horses have played an important role in Icelandic history. They were a symbol of Viking power and were very respected. Graves have been found where a horse with a saddle was buried with its owner. Icelanders would call them „the most useful servants.”  

The Icelandic horse is also a big part of mythology, as it symbolizes fertility and a protector of literature. The most famous horse is, without a doubt, the eight-legged horse of Odin, Sleipnir. In ancient stories, Sleipnir has created Ásbyrgi (a glacial canyon in the north of Iceland) due to its horseshoe shape. Many horses are named after those stories in Iceland. 

The Importance of Icelandic Horses

In earlier times, they brought midwives for birth and dragged coffins, carrying humans from the cradle to the grave. But in 1904, the Icelandic government bought the first car second-hand to check if the roads were suitable for vehicles. Since then, the popularity of horses as a way of transportation has decreased on the island. Today, horses are used almost exclusively for fun riding, but 200 years ago, they were vital to the survival of the Icelandic people.  

In the 1780s, the population of horses on the island was nearly wiped out by a volcanic explosion that killed more than 80% of Iceland’s livestock.  Later, European horses have been introduced to the mix, carrying new diseases. A lack of immunity killed nearly 50% of the Icelandic horse population. Due to that little immunity issue, no new horses can ever enter Iceland. Even leather riding gear from abroad can’t make it past immigration, while non-leather gear has to go through a crazy sanitation process. Therefore, you should look into renting your gear instead of bringing it with you.

Characteristics of the Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is unique among horse breeds because it masters five gaits: walk, trot, tölt, canter/gallop, and flying pace. The breed is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt,” which is very comfortable for the rider and elegantly displayed by the horse.

The Icelandic horse is intelligent, good-tempered, and versatile. One of its unique features is its variety of colors. It is the most colorful breed in the world, with over 40 different colors and over 100 variations. Colors are not as crucial for breeders as in many other countries. Breeders are more concerned about breeding the best stallion at each time than focusing on color. 

Over time, the Icelandic horse has adapted to cold climates. Their windpipe is narrower than other horses to protect their lungs from freezing in wintertime. We recommend you try horse riding during wintertime. The saddle used for Icelandic horses is slightly flatter than the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. When horseback riding, the riders should consider the horse’s personality, ask for advice before the tour. If you need more specific information about horseback riding in Iceland, check this out!

Day Tours

Here are some recommendations with a selection of horseback riding tours you can directly include in your Easy Guide!