When it comes to exceptional equine athletes, few breeds can match the raw power and versatility of the Icelandic Horse. These magnificent creatures are among the most remarkable horses in the world, and for good reason. With their distinctive long, flowing coats, thick luxurious manes, and powerful, athletic builds, Icelandic horses are built to thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
What makes Icelandic horses truly special is their pure, unmixed bloodline. For over a thousand years, Iceland’s geographic isolation has preserved this breed in its purest form—no outside genetic influences, just centuries of natural selection and adaptation. The result? An incredibly hardy, strong, and agile horse that conquers Iceland’s unforgiving terrain with ease.
The Five Gaits: Nature’s Perfect Innovation
Perhaps the most famous characteristic of Icelandic horses is their unique collection of five natural gaits, a trait that sets them apart from almost every other breed in the world. While most horses have three gaits (walk, trot, and canter), Icelandic horses possess two additional smooth, four-beat gaits that make riding them an utterly incomparable experience.
The most celebrated of these special gaits is the tölt—a smooth, flowing four-beat gait where at least one foot always touches the ground. Riders describe the sensation of töltting as riding a motorbike—smooth, effortless, and mesmerizing. Don’t let the breed’s stockier frame fool you; when an Icelandic horse enters the tölt, the speed and grace are absolutely breathtaking.
Watch the Magic Happen
In the video below, you’ll witness a skilled rider showcasing the incredible tölt in all its glory. Pay close attention to how smoothly the horse moves—there’s barely a ripple, yet the speed is undeniable. It’s this perfect blend of comfort and performance that has made the tölt legendary among long-distance riders worldwide.
Are These Gaits Natural or Forced?
A common misconception about the tölt and other Icelandic gaits is that they’re somehow forced or unnatural. Nothing could be further from the truth. All five gaits are completely natural to Icelandic horses and perfectly safe for their bodies. In fact, these gaits naturally emerge in wild horse populations and are instinctively performed when horses carry riders.
The tölt, in particular, developed as a practical solution for long-distance travel across Iceland’s challenging landscape. Riders would use this smooth, efficient gait to cover vast distances without exhausting their horses—or themselves. Even today, Icelandic horses naturally default to the tölt for extended rides because it’s genuinely less tiring than other gaits.
The Rider’s Perspective
Ask any rider who’s experienced the tölt firsthand, and you’ll hear the same message: it’s unforgettable. The suspension, the smoothness, the forward momentum—it all combines to create a riding experience that simply doesn’t exist with other breeds. For endurance riders, trail enthusiasts, and casual riders alike, the Icelandic horse’s unique gaits offer something truly special.
The video above perfectly captures why these Icelandic horses have captured the hearts of equestrians around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just discovering the breed for the first time, watching an Icelandic horse perform its natural gaits is nothing short of mesmerizing.
What do you think about the Icelandic horse tölt? Have you ever had the chance to ride one, or is this your first glimpse of this incredible gait? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow horse enthusiasts!