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Tolt is the gait that Icelandic Horses are famous for. It is a lateral gait and extremely smooth. The photo shows the action of the legs. Footfall is as follows: left hind, left front, right hind, right front.
Pace is also a lateral gait--known as the racing gait or flying pace. The horses are known to go as fast as 35 mph for short distances in this gait. While watching them, the legs go so fast they are like a blur.
Temperament
The Icelandic Horse is known for its willingness, and gentleness. They are quite inquisitive horses and in general are people lovers. By the photo, you can see the soft eye. Icelandics are 4 and 5 gaited; they provide a smooth ride over rough terrain and are very sure footed.
Icelandics pack, jump, trail, dressage and compete in gait classes. I have won Trail Trials (competition where obstacles are placed along a trail and you are judged at each obstacle (horse and rider) for safety and competence navigating strange and difficult surprises...
We ride the same horse to trail trials, competitions and most often everyday trial rides. I offer the neighbor kids 2-10, free rides, the 4 yr old leads when the 2 yr old rides....
They are still horses, but the smartest, sweetest, most gentle creatures I've encountered.
They do not have predators in Iceland and have been selectively bred for over 1000 years. They are creative and clever because they have to forage for themselves in a harsh climate. They have dense bone and have had broken legs heal well enough to return to competition...
They are raised in a herd and not trained until they are 4...this allows them to mature and learn to always look to the leader for direction... what we want them to do is consider us their leader.
Icelandic horses are sturdy, reliable competent mounts. They are gaited, providing a smooth ride and great flexibility. They are used to herd sheep, race, pull carts, and compete in endurance, trail and gaited classes, a very versatile breed. They are friendly, curious and incredibly smart. They come in a variety of colors--Solids, Bays, Duns, Palominos, Pintos, etc.
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