Discover the Magic: 12 Amazing Fun Facts About Icelandic Horses You Never Knew!

1. Mane Trendsetters

Taking a page from the fashion world, Icelandic horses are natural trendsetters with their eye-catching coats. But don't be fooled by their luscious locks, for they know no mane games: Icelandic horses boast a wide variety of coat colors, but they don't change the color of their mane naturally – any silver or red hues you might spot are due to dyeing or braiding by their human fans.
Source => icelandichorse.is

2. Chromatic Charms

Who needs 50 shades of grey when Icelandic horses flaunt hundreds of fabulous shades? From coal black and radiant red to a pinto's Picasso palette, these equine trendsetters inspire awe with their manifold chromatic charms: The real treasure, however, lies in their temper and their mastery of up to five distinct gaits – walk, trot, canter/gallop, tölt, and skeið. Hailed for their hardiness, Icelandic horses scoff at frosty forecasts, donning regal winter coats custom-tailored by Mother Nature herself.
Source => blogs.transparent.com

Did you know horses can gallop up to an impressive 89km per hour, making them one of the fastest land animals? Discover how their breed, fitness, and training factors into their incredible speed! 🐎💨

=> Fun Facts about Horses

3. Equine Rockstars

These equine rockstars laugh in the face of winter, sporting shaggy coats worthy of an '80s hair band: Icelandic horses boast double-layered coats and exceptional foraging abilities, allowing them to thrive in cold environments without needing additional shelter or food from humans, and resulting in remarkably intelligent, spirited, and adventurous personalities.
Source => mriceland.is

4. Beyoncé of Horses

Channeling their inner Beyoncé, Icelandic horses are truly the single ladies of the equine world, putting an extra step or two into their performance and fiercely protecting their purity: These majestic beasts not only possess the usual walk, trot, and canter/gallop gaits, but also flaunt two additional unique gaits called the tölt and the flying pace, making them one of the purest horse breeds around.
Source => cowgirlmagazine.com

5. Moonwalking Gliders

Buckle up for a smooth ride with Iceland's very own equine rock stars, as these hoofed wonders moonwalk their way across treacherous terrain without missing a beat: Thanks to their one-of-a-kind "toelt" gait, Icelandic horses can glide over rocky surfaces like champs, boasting impressive speeds of up to 17.8 km per hour over nearly 3 kilometers during breeding evaluations - just make sure they're prepped and ready, since skipping basic training might have them singing the heart-rate-and-lactic-acid blues when it's show time.
Source => sciencenordic.com

6. Limo Alternative

Feeling down in the dumps and desperately need a smooth ride? Consider hiring an Icelandic horse instead of a limousine. Trust us, you won't regret it: Icelandic horses boast a naturally occurring gait called the tölt, providing an unbelievably comfortable ride that eliminates the need for equestrian Uber!
Source => icelandics.org

7. Speed Demons

Move over, Usain Bolt: Icelandic horses are the true speed demons of the animal kingdom, with a unique way of moving that's got the Vikings' stamp of approval! Hilarious prelude: Equal parts graceful and turbo-charged, these equine wonders boast one-of-a-kind gaits called the tölt and the skeið, exclusively theirs thanks to centuries of Viking-brand selective breeding. Serious reveal: Sporting a gene mutation, Icelandic horses have mastered these gaits, adapted to Iceland's unforgiving climate and terrain, and can reach blistering speeds of up to 30 miles per hour in the skeið, making for an exhilarating equestrian experience.
Source => icelandair.com

8. Viking Warriors on Skates

If you're ever feeling down, take a few minutes to imagine a hairy little Icelandic horse, gleefully gliding across the snowy tundra like a Viking warrior on roller skates: these horses are famous for their unique gaits, the smooth tölt and fast-paced flying pace, being highly adapted to their environment with a thick winter coat, and boasting a breed purity unparalleled due to over a thousand years of isolation in Iceland, complete with a naming committee that ensures they receive names reflecting their personality or Norse mythology.
Source => guidetoiceland.is

9. Dance Instructors

Rumor has it that Icelandic horses moonlight as gifted dance instructors with their jaw-dropping, show-stopping dance moves that put even the most nimble Salsa dancer to shame: These equine wonders possess five unique gaits, including the walk, trot, and canter, the delightfully smooth tölt, and the electrifying flying pace, an extraordinary feat that only a select few Icelandic horses can achieve.
Source => grayline.is

10. Built-in Snuggie

What's an Icelandic horse's secret to staying warm and cozy in the frostiest of conditions? They've got their own built-in Snuggie, naturally! This little equine innovation keeps them toasty warm without ever having to flip a switch: Icelandic horses are experts at regulating their body temperature, thanks to their unique ability to adapt their Lower Critical Temperature, thick double coat, and compact build. They’re also blessed with durable hooves that enable them to brave Iceland's harsh terrain without always needing shoes. Truly, these hardy hoofed heroes are the masters of chill!
Source => harmonyicelandics.com

11. Rocking Chair Ride

Who says sitting on a rocking chair can't be a wild ride? Grab your favorite glass of water and saddle up, because it's time to take a smooth, spill-proof cruise on the Icelandic Horse Express: These fascinating equines possess a magical fifth gait called the tölt, which is so comfortable and steady that riders can sip and trot without drenching themselves in H2O, all while covering great distances without getting tired.
Source => worldhistory.org

12. Dalmatian Horse Situation

You might say Iceland's got a Dalmatian horse situation on its hands: A unique coat pattern called 'ýruskjóttur' or 'speckle' has emerged in a lone Icelandic horse named Ellert and his offspring, thanks to a one-of-a-kind gene mutation. This equine anomaly, present only in Ellert's family tree, has breeders racing to spread the gene to secure its future on both Icelandic and global horse stages.
Source => cnn.com