Last updated: 3 July 2026

Horse breeds

Icelandic horse

A small, sturdy and hardy horse known for its additional gaits.

Origin
Iceland
Character
versatile and friendly
For beginners
Yes, suitable
Icelandic horse

Origin

The Icelandic horse originally comes from Iceland. A small, sturdy and hardy horse known for its additional gaits. Many Icelandic horses have the tölt and some also the flying pace. Loved for reliability, toughness and comfort.

Appearance and character

In-app indicators

Dressage
Jumping
Own mind
Sweet
People-oriented

These are simplified app indicators, not fixed breed laws. Every horse is different.

Good for beginners?

With a gentle, people-oriented character, the Icelandic horse is often a suitable choice for beginner riders, always with good guidance.

Did you know?

The tölt is the best known gait, but not every Icelandic horse shows the flying pace equally strongly.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Icelandic horse come from?

The Icelandic horse originally comes from Iceland. A small, sturdy and hardy horse known for its additional gaits.

What is the character of the Icelandic horse?

A small, sturdy and hardy horse known for its additional gaits. Many Icelandic horses have the tölt and some also the flying pace. Loved for reliability, toughness and comfort.

Is the Icelandic horse good for beginners?

With a gentle, people-oriented character, the Icelandic horse is often a suitable choice for beginner riders, always with good guidance.

Can I mix the Icelandic horse with another breed?

Yes. In the HorseJournal Breed Mixer you pick the Icelandic horse and a second breed, and the app creates your own dream breed with a name, a trilingual profile and an illustration.

Breed Mixer

Mix the Icelandic horse with another breed

Pick two real breeds and HorseJournal creates your own dream breed. Below are two examples of a cross with the Icelandic horse. In the app you name your dream breed yourself, get the full trilingual profile, save it to your horse and make your own share card.

Cross of the Icelandic horse with the Arabian
Icelandic horse × Arabian
Cross of the Icelandic horse with the Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob
Icelandic horse × Irish Cob / Gypsy Cob