Buyer question
Is an Icelandic Horse good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Icelandic Horse 4 out of 5 for beginners (friendly, sure-footed).
Source: the Icelandic Horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Icelandic Horse in the Animal Library
The detail
A small, tough horse bred in isolation in Iceland for over a thousand years, with the smooth tölt and, in many horses, a flying pace. Icelandics are pony-sized, carry adults easily and are famously friendly and brave.
- Temperament
- Friendly, brave, calm
- Best fit
- Trail, families, adults
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Willing and smart)
- Upkeep
- 2 out of 5 (Hardy; watch sweet itch)
- Energy
- 4 out of 5 (Forward and tough)
What to weigh
Horses born in Iceland and exported are very prone to insect bite hypersensitivity (sweet itch). Rich grass and warm climates can also bring weight gain and laminitis.