The first people to settle Iceland brought horses with them from
Norway, as well as other domestic animals. The horses, now called
Iceland horses, are small and sometimes referred to as
ponies. The
breed has been isolated in the country for over 1100 years and is
therefore considered a unique breed.
For
centuries the horse was the principal means of transportation and its
meat an important foodstuff. Now horseback riding has become a popular
sport and is commonly practiced in the country's urban as well as rural
areas.
The
Iceland horse is hardy and sure-footed and has a variety of five
natural gaits, which is more than most other horse breeds are capable
of. The five gaits are walk, trot, gallop, amble or pace, and a running
walk called tölt. The tölt and pace are sought after
qualities in the Iceland horse, since the gaits make for an
astonishingly smooth ride
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