The Icelandic horse arrived in Iceland at the same time as the first settlers over 1000 years ago. Its story is interwoven with the history of the Icelandic nation, and the Icelandic horse plays an important role in the country’s literature and history. Good riding horses were worth their weight in gold. Icelandic horses are purebred: foreign breeds have never been transported to Iceland, which over time has created a horse with distinctive characteristics. The most famous are its five gaits, including the unique tölt. Tölt is a subtle walk, with the horse virtually floating on air and very comfortable for the rider. A well-known foreign horseman commented that sitting on an Icelandic horse in tölt was almost like riding in a car.

Since the Icelandic horse came to Iceland with the first settlers, the Vikings, it was called the Viking horse. Although small, the Icelandic horse is hardy, determined and great on trips over difficult terrain – a true Viking.

Iceland has the largest wilderness area in Europe, and the country’s diverse nature includes mountains, glaciers, lava fields, grassy plains, fast-flowing rivers, lakes, rolling heaths, deserts and beaches. The Icelandic horse has adapted to this terrain, and in a way has become part of nature itself. Landscape colors are ever changing – just like the weather. Colors of the Icelandic horse are quite varied, in part reflecting nature’s appearance. The Icelandic horse is particularly good-natured, and very surefooted. It is unique to experience Iceland on horseback, and most travelers to Iceland visit for the specific purpose of seeing for themselves the pristine landscapes. Travelling around Iceland on horseback is most surely a wellness activity.