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When the Vikings settled in Iceland, in the 9th century, they brought with them gaited horses from the British
Isles, Ireland and Norway. The strongest survived the harsh weather while the weak died off. For more than 800 years the Icelandic
breed has been kept pure. At that time laws were passed to prohibit the import of horses into Iceland, and once a horse is
exported, it may never return.
Iceland is located just south of the Arctic Circle and below zero temperatures
is quite common. As a result the horses have grown shorter legs and necks and longer winter coats. The Icelandic Horse is
also sure-footed from negotiating the rough volcanic terrain. This breed is slow in development and is generally not started
under saddle until they are at least 4 – 5 years of age. Although small in stature, they’re capable of carrying
up to 275 pounds. There are approximately 200,000 Icelandic Horses worldwide, with less than 3,200 in the
United States.
Icelandic Horses are 4 or 5 gaited (how the horse moves). These gaits are:
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