Icelandic horse Horses for sale in London, Greater London

We found 0 Icelandic horse Horses for sale in London, Greater London.

The Icelandic horse, often affectionately known as the "Icelandic pony" despite being a true horse, originates from Iceland, where it has been bred in isolation for over a thousand years. This breed is renowned for its distinctive physical traits, including a sturdy, compact build and a thick double coat that protects it against harsh Icelandic winters. One of the most notable characteristics of the Icelandic horse is its unique five natural gaits, including the smooth tölt and the rapid flying pace, which are prized by riders. Temperamentally, the Icelandic horse is friendly, hardy, and confident, making it well-suited for both experienced riders and beginners. It is popular in the UK, with searches frequently focusing on "Icelandic horse for sale UK" and "Icelandic pony for sale." This breed's versatility and gentle nature make it ideal for leisure riding and competitive gait events. Due to strict regulations, once an Icelandic horse leaves Iceland, it cannot return, emphasizing the breed's purity and uniqueness. Overall, the Icelandic horse offers an exceptional blend of endurance, temperament, and charm, appealing to equestrian enthusiasts across the United Kingdom.

We found 0 Icelandic horse Horses for sale in London, Greater London.If you want to see future results for this exact search, save your search and wait for perfect pets:

FAQs

What is special about Icelandic horses?

Icelandic horses are unique for their friendly temperament, strong build, and especially their ability to perform five distinct gaits rather than the usual three, including the smooth and comfortable tölt and the fast flying pace (skeid). They come in over 40 basic colours with more than 100 variations and possess a thick mane and coat adapted to Iceland's harsh climate, making them hardy, intelligent, and versatile horses.

Why can't Icelandic horses return to Iceland once they leave?

Icelandic horses cannot be brought back to Iceland once exported due to strict biosecurity laws designed to protect the island's pure bloodline and prevent the introduction of diseases and parasites. This ensures the preservation of the breed's genetic purity and maintains Iceland’s disease-free status for this unique horse population.

What kind of horses does Iceland have?

Iceland is home exclusively to Icelandic horses, a unique breed that has been preserved pure for over a thousand years. These horses are small but strong, often mistaken for ponies, and bred to endure Iceland’s rugged terrain and climate. They are used for riding, driving, racing, and farm work, valued for their endurance and friendly nature.

Why can only Icelandic horses perform the tölt gait?

The tölt is a distinctive four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses, believed to arise from a specific genetic mutation found only in this breed. It provides a smooth, bounce-free ride with at least one foot always in contact with the ground, evolved to allow the horses to travel comfortably and efficiently across Iceland’s rough terrain without special training.