...Now I'm looking at Icelandic horses, not a Foxtrotter. One of the purest breeds in the world today, they are beautiful, rugged and anceint. The size of a pony, they have the temperment of a draft.
They stand an average of 13 to 14 hands high, which is often considered pony size, but breeders and breed registries always refer to Icelandics as horses. Several theories have been put forward as to why Icelandics are always called horses, among them the breed's large personality, and the lack of a word in Icelandic for "pony". Another theory suggests that the breed's weight, bone structure and weight-carrying abilities mean it can be classified as a horse, rather than a pony.
The Icelandic Horse is renowned for its five natural gaits. Icelandic horses have the three basic gaits that most other breeds have; walk, trot and canter. They also may have one or both of two other gaits; tolt and flying pace. The sensation the rider experiences in the tolt is that of floating often called "The Magic Carpet Ride". An Icelandic that can perform the walk, trot, canter and tolt is considered four gaited. The flying pace is a very fast thrilling gait that can only be maintained for a short period of time and is considered equal to a full gallop. A horse that can perform the walk, trot, canter, tolt AND flying pace is considered five gaited.
They are beautiful and simply amazing!
To see sure footed Icelandic horses performing both gaits on ice,
click here.
To see three different Icelandic horses using the Bitless Bridle for the first time
click here.
Will I change my mind again? I don't think so, but never say never!
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