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Horse Of The Month Club: This Month We Put The Spotlight On Icelandic Horses. By: http://ThingsForHorses.com
There are more types of horses than people realize. But, to the horse enthusiast, the differences are clear. These equestrians all seem to have a favorite breed. The Icelandic horse is definitely one of my favorites.
Where and when did this horse first appear?
The Icelandic horse breed was founded on Iceland more than 1000 years ago. At an early stage, the Icelandic authorities decided that no foreign horses would be allowed to enter Iceland. This law is still in force, and the Icelandic horse, therefore, has remained pretty much the same over hundreds of years.
What are the breed characteristics?
First and foremost, the Icelandic horse differs from most other horse breeds in that it has 4 or 5 gaits. Like other horses, the Icelandic horse walks, trots, and gallops. But, it also has the t�lt and, sometimes, the flying pace. The t�lt is an extremely smooth gait and, in fact, you're supposed to be able to ride holding a glass full of beer, without spilling a single drop! In addition, they are very surefooted, and can handle almost any terrain without stumbling.
The Icelandic horse is quite small, generally between 125 (49 inches) to 145 (57 inches) centimeters in height. Even though they are quite small, though, adult riders are not a problem. All colors are allowed, and Icelandic horses do come in a wide variety of colors!
They have lots of beautiful mane and tail. In the Winter, their coat becomes very thick and dense and most manage well without a blanket in even very cold temperatures. Their coat also withstands rain exceptionally well.
One of the greatest things about Icelandic horses is their wonderful temperament. They're brave, willing to work, kind and gentle. And, of course, lots of fun to ride!!
What are some ways to find out more about the Icelandic horse?
If you're interested in finding breeders, gathering more information about the breed, etc., there are quite a few interesting sources on the web:
http://www.eidfaxi.is
Here you'll find information about the Icelandic horse in Icelandic, German, and English.
www.icleandichorse.se
This is the website of the Swedish breed association. In Swedish only.
http://www.feif.org
This is the international Icelandic horse association.
http://www.gaitedhorse.com/icelandi.htm
Here you can find information about the Icelandic horse, but also many other gaited horses.
http://ThingsForHorses.com
Find out about all kinds of horses. Get tips, stories, and more. There's a free ezine that will keep you informed and entertained. Among other horses, you'll hear about the Icelandic horse, Haflinger, and more.
Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, as far as horses go. Warm wishes and happy horses!
This article may be copied, republished, and distributed provided the following web site url, name, and information is attached (and nothing is changed): Written by Anna Persson, editor of the "Horse and Pet Ezine". Anna has been involved with and owned horses for over 30 years. For information on horses (and pictures) please visit her site:
http://ThingsForHorses.com
There are more types of horses than people realize. But, to the horse enthusiast, the differences are clear. These equestrians all seem to have a favorite breed. The Icelandic horse is definitely one of my favorites.
Where and when did this horse first appear?
The Icelandic horse breed was founded on Iceland more than 1000 years ago. At an early stage, the Icelandic authorities decided that no foreign horses would be allowed to enter Iceland. This law is still in force, and the Icelandic horse, therefore, has remained pretty much the same over hundreds of years.
What are the breed characteristics?
First and foremost, the Icelandic horse differs from most other horse breeds in that it has 4 or 5 gaits. Like other horses, the Icelandic horse walks, trots, and gallops. But, it also has the t�lt and, sometimes, the flying pace. The t�lt is an extremely smooth gait and, in fact, you're supposed to be able to ride holding a glass full of beer, without spilling a single drop! In addition, they are very surefooted, and can handle almost any terrain without stumbling.
The Icelandic horse is quite small, generally between 125 (49 inches) to 145 (57 inches) centimeters in height. Even though they are quite small, though, adult riders are not a problem. All colors are allowed, and Icelandic horses do come in a wide variety of colors!
They have lots of beautiful mane and tail. In the Winter, their coat becomes very thick and dense and most manage well without a blanket in even very cold temperatures. Their coat also withstands rain exceptionally well.
One of the greatest things about Icelandic horses is their wonderful temperament. They're brave, willing to work, kind and gentle. And, of course, lots of fun to ride!!
What are some ways to find out more about the Icelandic horse?
If you're interested in finding breeders, gathering more information about the breed, etc., there are quite a few interesting sources on the web:
http://www.eidfaxi.is
Here you'll find information about the Icelandic horse in Icelandic, German, and English.
www.icleandichorse.se
This is the website of the Swedish breed association. In Swedish only.
http://www.feif.org
This is the international Icelandic horse association.
http://www.gaitedhorse.com/icelandi.htm
Here you can find information about the Icelandic horse, but also many other gaited horses.
http://ThingsForHorses.com
Find out about all kinds of horses. Get tips, stories, and more. There's a free ezine that will keep you informed and entertained. Among other horses, you'll hear about the Icelandic horse, Haflinger, and more.
Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, as far as horses go. Warm wishes and happy horses!
This article may be copied, republished, and distributed provided the following web site url, name, and information is attached (and nothing is changed): Written by Anna Persson, editor of the "Horse and Pet Ezine". Anna has been involved with and owned horses for over 30 years. For information on horses (and pictures) please visit her site:
http://ThingsForHorses.com
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