FAQ

Tips for Buying an Icelandic Horse

2008-10-24 11:00:00 - by tolt

[ ADVICE ] The growing popularity of the Icelandic Horse worldwide does not exclude North-America. But the expansion here takes a little longer because of the size of the countries involved. I am convinced that sooner or later the Icelandic Horse will be as popular here as it is in the rest of the world - providing that sellers and buyers take care to deal with good quality stock. If you are not familiar with Icelandics (or with horses in general), and don't know what to look for or expect from this unique breed, choosing a horse that is right for you may pose a problem.

Based on more than 30 years experience with Icelandic Horses, I would like to give you some tips!


In General

First of all, take your time. Look at different horses and gather as much information as possible about the particular horse you are interested in.

If the seller tells you about how well-known and successful the sire, dam or the horse itself is, as a breeding or show horse, ask for proof in the form of certificates.

You should also consider a health check by a veterinarian. This could include flex test, blood test and general health.


Pure-bred Icelandic Horses

An Icelandic Horse can only be called an "Icelandic Horse" if all its ancestors can be traced back to Iceland. In order to prove this, each horse must have a certificate of origin which gives the names and origins of the parents and grandparents. Every Icelandic Horse should be registered in the country where it is bought.


Character

Generally speaking, the Icelandic Horse is a perfect family, pleasure, show and trail horse - all in one. While each animal has its own personality and character, as is the case with all breeds, there are some things you should find in every Icelandic Horse: very good nature - friendly and trustful towards people - no biting, trampling or climbing - if correctly raised and trained; sensitivity, willingness to please while handling and riding, respectful behavior towards people, easy to approach, self-confident but not stubborn, able to tölt.


Choice Between Trained and Untrained Icelandics

First of all, try as many Icelandic Horses as possible. You will then be able to feel their different ways of moving and behaving. If you do not know how to ride Icelandic Horses you should consider buying a trained horse. While Icelandics tölt naturally, they should be trained by an experienced Icelandic handler.

Depending on your own riding experience, you might choose between an Icelandic Horse which has just begun training and knows the basics, especially the tölt, and a fully trained one, which can teach YOU how to ride and enjoy an Icelandic (especially that magical tölt) !

It is important to ride the horse in different surroundings (in the ring, on the trail, alone, in a group, etc.) to ensure that its behavior and willingness stay the same.

If you are buying a young horse which has not been ridden, it is always good to ride the dam and/or sire or a full brother or sister. This gives you an idea of what "your" horse might be like.

You can also watch the gaits in the pasture. Preferably you should see tölt and trot in combination with a good canter/gallop. Young horses, even if not started and just handled for trimming, worming, etc. - should be easy to approach. The young horse might be shy but should not be afraid of people. You should consider sending your young horse at about 5 years of age to someone experienced in training Icelandics.


Four-Gaiter / Five-Gaiter / Natural Tölter

A four-gaited horse usually prefers to trot if moving free, but should tölt easily if ridden. In addition to trot and tölt it shows walk and canter/gallop.

A five-gaited horse offers the pace in addition to walk, trot, tölt and canter/gallop. The horse must be able to do pace at racing speed. This is called "flying pace", and is as fast as or faster than a gallop. The slow form of pace called "piggy pace", which many horses show when they are not ridden correctly or if they are not able to tölt, is considered a mistake. Pace is only pace if it is flying pace and only then is it considered one of the five gaits.

A natural tölter is a horse which prefers to tölt when it is on the pasture or under the saddle. It is usually a very comfortable riding horse.

Not all Icelandic Horses are able to tölt - some will only trot or pace (often piggy pace). If you want to start with Icelandic Horses you should only purchase one which is able to tölt!


Paperwork

The registration papers should be officially transferred to the new owner after the horse is paid in full. Here, in Canada, the pedigree has to be sent by the seller to Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC).

Confirm all agreements between yourself and the seller in writing. Insist on a bill of sale or a purchasing agreement. Ask for the last vaccination certificate, worming date and last time the hooves were trimmed.


Last - but not Least!

A tradition says that every horse you buy comes with a halter and a lead rope. Be prepared for your Icelandic Horse. Do not stable it and do not keep it alone. The best company is other Icelandic Horses. So make your friend buy one too!

The price range of Icelandic Horses may be a little surprising. But keep in mind that this is a truly unique breed! Icelandics are robust and easy to keep, they have extra gaits, a long life expectancy, an amazing temperament, awesome versatility... They are unbelievable fun!

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