GeeGeeboy
Well-Known Member
Just stolen the idea from other similar threads. As an Icy owner im obviously biased so would be interested seeing other peoples opinions on them and i'll put my twopence in later!
What do you like/dislike about Icelandics?
- Thread starter GeeGeeboy
- Start date
GeeGeeboy
Well-Known Member
Anyone?
Walrus
Well-Known Member
I love them! They are awesome because they are super strong for their size, tolt is the most awesome gait and feels phenomenal especially when racing other Icelandic ponies down a road in Iceland. They are the ultimate 4x4 and are so sure footed. They come from the most beautiful country and it is very hard to find a nicer day than tolting round Northern Iceland followed by an evening in a hot tub! They are so comfortable I have previously described them as very fast armchairs - not a bad way to view the beautiful scenary.
What do I dislike? That it is very hard to find one to ride in the UK unless you own one (which I dont) and it is very very expensive to go to Iceland!
What do I dislike? That it is very hard to find one to ride in the UK unless you own one (which I dont) and it is very very expensive to go to Iceland!
Cedars
Well-Known Member
Could you put up a picture? Not sure what they look like!
Ella19
Well-Known Member
Ditto "Walrus" very well put!
I also don't like how as an experienced english rider I have to ride the safest icelandic as leg round and on means go go go!
I also don't like how as an experienced english rider I have to ride the safest icelandic as leg round and on means go go go!
Mistletoe-Kiss
Well-Known Member
I'm not fussed either way, I've never ridden one or even met one.
However, have you heard about the 62 icelandics reportedly dumped on a kill lot in the USA, I read it on Fugly?
However, have you heard about the 62 icelandics reportedly dumped on a kill lot in the USA, I read it on Fugly?
christi
Well-Known Member
ive ridden Icelandics 3 times , i think they are fantastic , there is a breeder not to far from me .
GeeGeeboy
Well-Known Member
sueeltringham
Well-Known Member
I love them!
I've ridden them in Iceland, and yes the tolt is an amazing pace -so comfortable but wow you really cover the ground. The whole experience was incredible -the type of ground they cover my present welsh x tb would be lame after a few steps! Lovely temperements and incredibly hardy.
I would love an Icelandic, but sadly have never seen them advertised here.
I've ridden them in Iceland, and yes the tolt is an amazing pace -so comfortable but wow you really cover the ground. The whole experience was incredible -the type of ground they cover my present welsh x tb would be lame after a few steps! Lovely temperements and incredibly hardy.
I would love an Icelandic, but sadly have never seen them advertised here.
nativetyponies
Well-Known Member
Icelandics?...ummm..have to say that Bjork and Magnus Magnusson do NOTHING for me 
Daisy2
Well-Known Member
I will tell you next year as I have just TODAY booked a holiday for the 2011 Sept round up of herds from the summer to winter pastures, cant wait
Kallibear
Well-Known Member
We have quite a few round this way.
Amazing tempements but apart from that I'd not a fan.
They're too small to interest me and I don't agree that they should be carrying large weights - I just think they're very tolerant and stoic and put up with it.
Just because they can don't mean they should.
They are very prone to sweetitch
And I think they look so odd
Tiny spinly little legs, not much body then this mass of mane
I also don't think they're very versitile, esp the true gaited ones - they're no good for dressage or particulalrly good for jumping and they can't be shown. Fab horses if all you want to do is hack but not much use otherwise.
And mostly I can't be doing with their owners, some of who genuniely and truely beleive that icelands are 'special' and far superior to other horses because of their breeding. I know everyone secretely thinks their own horses/breed is the best but some icelandic owners take it a step too far
Amazing tempements
but apart from that I'd not a fan.They're too small to interest me and I don't agree that they should be carrying large weights - I just think they're very tolerant and stoic and put up with it.
Just because they can don't mean they should. They are very prone to sweetitch
And I think they look so odd
Tiny spinly little legs, not much body then this mass of mane I also don't think they're very versitile, esp the true gaited ones - they're no good for dressage or particulalrly good for jumping and they can't be shown. Fab horses if all you want to do is hack but not much use otherwise.
And mostly I can't be doing with their owners, some of who genuniely and truely beleive that icelands are 'special' and far superior to other horses because of their breeding. I know everyone secretely thinks their own horses/breed is the best but some icelandic owners take it a step too far
Enfys
Well-Known Member
I know absolutely zilch about them so it would be unfair to make a decison based on total ignorance, I may learn something from this thread then.
EstherYoung
Well-Known Member
There are a few knocking around on the endurance scene in Lincs. They're great Solid, tough, game little horses, and not always as small as you might think either.
My shetland mare used to swap e-mail correspondence with an icelandic friend she met on a ride (don't ask....). It was a meeting of minds - they had a lot in common with each other.
Solid, tough, game little horses, and not always as small as you might think either.My shetland mare used to swap e-mail correspondence with an icelandic friend she met on a ride (don't ask....). It was a meeting of minds - they had a lot in common with each other.
Depp_by_Chocolate
Well-Known Member
We have quite a few round this way.
Amazing tempements
They're too small to interest me and I don't agree that they should be carrying large weights - I just think they're very tolerant and stoic and put up with it.
They are very prone to sweetitch
And I think they look so odd
I also don't think they're very versitile, esp the true gaited ones - they're no good for dressage or particulalrly good for jumping and they can't be shown. Fab horses if all you want to do is hack but not much use otherwise.
And mostly I can't be doing with their owners, some of who genuniely and truely beleive that icelands are 'special' and far superior to other horses because of their breeding. I know everyone secretely thinks their own horses/breed is the best but some icelandic owners take it a step too far
I agree with all that, can't say I'm a fan of them myself.
I personally find them a boring breed, too small, not versatile and not particularly good looking either. I've ridden a few and I genuinely find the tolt uncomfortable they are not a horse for me. I also hate the way their owners go on about them being so different and special compared to every other equine on the planet.
Elska
New User
Hi
Having owned an Icelandic mare for 6 years, and previously had a Highland, 5 Welsh ponies, A New Forest cross, a HackneyXArabXWelsh pony, and ridden many other breeds and types of horses and ponies. I hope my opinion is of interest?
I cannot speak for all Icelandics, as with any other breed, there will be exceptions, but I can for my mare, and my general observations of other Icelandics I have ridden and met.
I like the height range, 12hh upto 14.3hh (there one 15hh somewhere!) is nice and similar to Connemaras height range.
I like the temperaments, mine is just such an easy going, but still cheeky on occasion.
I like that my mare loves jumping and currently does upto 2' 9".(she is 13.1hh)
I like that my mare does nicely at dressage and has been placed at both Prelim and Novice unaffiliated at our yard. She was placed at her very first ever test (walk & trot test) at a local Riding club show.
I like the range of colours available, mine is a lovely chestnut flaxen. But check out Silver Dapple if your interested in nice colours.
I like that they are generally willing forward going rides, but calm to handle on the ground.
I like that they do have extra gaits, tolt and pace. And that it has allowed some people who cannot ride trot due to back injury, a way to keep riding if they have a natural tolter.
I like the way they look, but then there aren't many horses I don't like.
And a few things I don't like...
I don't like that she gets too hot in the spring if I haven't clipped her in the winter, but other people with Icelandics don't seems to have this.
I don't like the price, but then for a well bred Connemara you would pay comparable prices. Imported horses will always be more expensive, but there are some lovely Icelandics now bred in the UK. Mine was from Scotland.
I don't like Sweet itch, but there is no evidence to prove they are any more prone than other breeds. If they are imported, yes the risk is higher as Iceland does not have the type of midges that cause it. My Highland had far worse sweet itch than I have ever seen on an Icelandic.
I don't like people being dismissive because I ride a pony, but then I have mostly ridden ponies all my life. So this isn't specific to riding Icelandics.
I don't like that there are so few of them in the UK, it makes shows, training clinics etc hard to get to, particularly if you don't have your own lorry.
I don't like that I can't currently afford to have another one
HTH
Having owned an Icelandic mare for 6 years, and previously had a Highland, 5 Welsh ponies, A New Forest cross, a HackneyXArabXWelsh pony, and ridden many other breeds and types of horses and ponies. I hope my opinion is of interest?
I cannot speak for all Icelandics, as with any other breed, there will be exceptions, but I can for my mare, and my general observations of other Icelandics I have ridden and met.
I like the height range, 12hh upto 14.3hh (there one 15hh somewhere!) is nice and similar to Connemaras height range.
I like the temperaments, mine is just such an easy going, but still cheeky on occasion.
I like that my mare loves jumping and currently does upto 2' 9".(she is 13.1hh)
I like that my mare does nicely at dressage and has been placed at both Prelim and Novice unaffiliated at our yard. She was placed at her very first ever test (walk & trot test) at a local Riding club show.
I like the range of colours available, mine is a lovely chestnut flaxen. But check out Silver Dapple if your interested in nice colours.
I like that they are generally willing forward going rides, but calm to handle on the ground.
I like that they do have extra gaits, tolt and pace. And that it has allowed some people who cannot ride trot due to back injury, a way to keep riding if they have a natural tolter.
I like the way they look, but then there aren't many horses I don't like.
And a few things I don't like...
I don't like that she gets too hot in the spring if I haven't clipped her in the winter, but other people with Icelandics don't seems to have this.
I don't like the price, but then for a well bred Connemara you would pay comparable prices. Imported horses will always be more expensive, but there are some lovely Icelandics now bred in the UK. Mine was from Scotland.
I don't like Sweet itch, but there is no evidence to prove they are any more prone than other breeds. If they are imported, yes the risk is higher as Iceland does not have the type of midges that cause it. My Highland had far worse sweet itch than I have ever seen on an Icelandic.
I don't like people being dismissive because I ride a pony, but then I have mostly ridden ponies all my life. So this isn't specific to riding Icelandics.
I don't like that there are so few of them in the UK, it makes shows, training clinics etc hard to get to, particularly if you don't have your own lorry.
I don't like that I can't currently afford to have another one
HTH
kalsi4654
Member
I think they are incredible, but then I'm a tad biased, having about 45 of them here at the moment! I love their looks, their temperament, their strength (although not tall, they have the same done density as Shetlands so they are very strong), their gaits (a true tolt it really comfortable - if the horse is doing pacey tolt, it usually won't be. And flying pace is a blast!), their long history and the wide variety of colours they come in:
I love the way that they are really easy to ride - and that they take a lifetime to learn to ride well.
Horses bred outside Iceland are no more prone to sweet itch than any other breed.
They are pretty versatile too - the grey mare below is 5-gaited with really good tolt and pace, and she's fantastic cross country.
They do well in Le Trec, long distance riding, and contrary to popular opinion, some are really good at dressage:
Although they are not cheap, they are no more expensive than any other good-quality horse or pony that can be ridden by adults.
If you want to find out more, have a look at the website of the Icelandic Horse Society of Great Britain: http://www.ihsgb.co.uk/
I love their looks, their temperament, their strength (although not tall, they have the same done density as Shetlands so they are very strong), their gaits (a true tolt it really comfortable - if the horse is doing pacey tolt, it usually won't be. And flying pace is a blast!), their long history and the wide variety of colours they come in:
I love the way that they are really easy to ride - and that they take a lifetime to learn to ride well.
Horses bred outside Iceland are no more prone to sweet itch than any other breed.
They are pretty versatile too - the grey mare below is 5-gaited with really good tolt and pace, and she's fantastic cross country.
They do well in Le Trec, long distance riding, and contrary to popular opinion, some are really good at dressage:
Although they are not cheap, they are no more expensive than any other good-quality horse or pony that can be ridden by adults.
If you want to find out more, have a look at the website of the Icelandic Horse Society of Great Britain: http://www.ihsgb.co.uk/
Kokopelli
Well-Known Member
I must admit didn't like the look of them but then I saw a picture of that beautiful one who went missing but now been found!
He was absoltutly stunning!
He was absoltutly stunning!
smellsofhorse
Well-Known Member
I dont know much about them.
I bet they are great when doing what they are built for, ie in iceland, throught ice, snow etc.
There is one stabled at the yard and her owner is nutty about them!
I bet they are great when doing what they are built for, ie in iceland, throught ice, snow etc.
There is one stabled at the yard and her owner is nutty about them!
Jaffa
Well-Known Member
Some points in there I agree with.We have quite a few round this way.
Amazing tempements
They're too small to interest me and I don't agree that they should be carrying large weights - I just think they're very tolerant and stoic and put up with it.
They are very prone to sweetitch
And I think they look so odd
I also don't think they're very versitile, esp the true gaited ones - they're no good for dressage or particulalrly good for jumping and they can't be shown. Fab horses if all you want to do is hack but not much use otherwise.
And mostly I can't be doing with their owners, some of who genuniely and truely beleive that icelands are 'special' and far superior to other horses because of their breeding. I know everyone secretely thinks their own horses/breed is the best but some icelandic owners take it a step too far
I've heard from icey owners themselves they will put 18stone them. I'm sorry but no way would I ever put an 18stone person on a horse/pony that height. It isn't fair on them.
As a breed themselves, I think they are quite sweet and their paces are ok to watch when going, but I don't fancy them any more than any other breed. Each to their own really.
Andalusianlover
Well-Known Member
I've see them on TV a few times and they look fabulous to me. I'm not a fan of great big "soft" horses, I currently own a 15.2 Andalusian who is as hard as nails. I would love an Icelandic.
For you experts out there, how much does it cost to get one from Iceland and how much would it cost to get one bred over here (foal or adult). I really do fancy having one.
For you experts out there, how much does it cost to get one from Iceland and how much would it cost to get one bred over here (foal or adult). I really do fancy having one.
Elska
New User
GeeGeeboy
Well-Known Member
Really interesting to hear other peoples views on my favourite breed!
Ok , i'll introduce my boy. This is Glennur, an 8yo Icelandic, 5 gaited gelding...
He is a great fun boy . We do a bit of everything together such as : Endurance , XC , showjumping, lessons, Icelandic competitions and hope to have a go at Trec this Winter
I think it is a common mis-conception that Icys can do nothing but tolt everywhere. I have friends who compete their Icys in dressage and showjumping (up to 3ft) and do very well with them, beating "big horses"! I do however agree that some Icy owners are very precious and belive their horses are extra special!
Im not one of them though and dont insist that people call Glennur a "horse" as some do. He is a pony, a hairy , tiny pony but i love him to bits!
Ok , i'll introduce my boy. This is Glennur, an 8yo Icelandic, 5 gaited gelding...
He is a great fun boy . We do a bit of everything together such as : Endurance , XC , showjumping, lessons, Icelandic competitions and hope to have a go at Trec this Winter
I think it is a common mis-conception that Icys can do nothing but tolt everywhere. I have friends who compete their Icys in dressage and showjumping (up to 3ft) and do very well with them, beating "big horses"!
I do however agree that some Icy owners are very precious and belive their horses are extra special! Im not one of them though and dont insist that people call Glennur a "horse" as some do. He is a pony, a hairy , tiny pony but i love him to bits!
GeeGeeboy
Well-Known Member
Anyone else? x
EddaHestar
New User
Hi guys,
I am new here and this posting interested me, as I have got a few Icelandics ... hmm quite a few.
Myself and my hubby breed, train and sell them all to fund our own 'horsey' habbit. We are absolutely addicted to horses and Icelandics are our breed of choice. My hubby is from Iceland and so it is natural for him, he has ridden other breeds but they just don't have the x factor for him.
I used to ride all sorts, eventing was my 'thing', but I saw a display in Hungerford in 1998 of these 'little' crazy horses and was hooked ever since.
They are not for every one, but they are my breed of choice and I am mad about them.
I like that they are powerful, they are exciting, they are forward thinking.
I like that they are so clever and quick to learn new things
I like that they are easy and no fuss, hardy and easy to keep
I like the gaits
I like that they are so challenging to ride, i have never had a bored moment with an Icelandic horse
I like that adults can ride them
I like that they can jump
I like that they like to go fast
... oh well the list goes on.
I don't like... um .... ummm..... ??? seriously I can't think of anything.
We used to let people come and ride our own horses, but for one thing and another we had to stop, however, we never stop people coming if they are looking to try a horse to buy. We always encourage people to try as many as they have to as they are all so incredibly different. Some ride like ponies, some like horses, some like arabians, some like cobs .... there are almost breeds within the breed.
I have done cross country and show jumping with mine as well as the Icelandic shows. I have competed for GB in Holland on the little mare in the picture too which was the most amazingly exciting time !!
Tolt can be uncomfortable if it is not clean. Clean tolt with high action can be bumpy too, but come on... what is trot if not quite uncomfortable on most horses When you are flying around an oval track on an exceptionally well trained horse, going close to 25 mph it certainly takes your breath away.
Did anyone see them on Ice at Basingstoke a few years back?
Anyway I will stop going on now.
Cheers to you little Icelandics, thanks for being my friends
Mandy
I am new here and this posting interested me, as I have got a few Icelandics ... hmm quite a few.
Myself and my hubby breed, train and sell them all to fund our own 'horsey' habbit. We are absolutely addicted to horses and Icelandics are our breed of choice. My hubby is from Iceland and so it is natural for him, he has ridden other breeds but they just don't have the x factor for him.
I used to ride all sorts, eventing was my 'thing', but I saw a display in Hungerford in 1998 of these 'little' crazy horses and was hooked ever since.
They are not for every one, but they are my breed of choice and I am mad about them.
I like that they are powerful, they are exciting, they are forward thinking.
I like that they are so clever and quick to learn new things
I like that they are easy and no fuss, hardy and easy to keep
I like the gaits
I like that they are so challenging to ride, i have never had a bored moment with an Icelandic horse
I like that adults can ride them
I like that they can jump
I like that they like to go fast
... oh well the list goes on.
I don't like... um .... ummm..... ??? seriously I can't think of anything.
We used to let people come and ride our own horses, but for one thing and another we had to stop, however, we never stop people coming if they are looking to try a horse to buy. We always encourage people to try as many as they have to as they are all so incredibly different. Some ride like ponies, some like horses, some like arabians, some like cobs .... there are almost breeds within the breed.
I have done cross country and show jumping with mine as well as the Icelandic shows. I have competed for GB in Holland on the little mare in the picture too which was the most amazingly exciting time !!
Tolt can be uncomfortable if it is not clean. Clean tolt with high action can be bumpy too, but come on... what is trot if not quite uncomfortable on most horses
When you are flying around an oval track on an exceptionally well trained horse, going close to 25 mph it certainly takes your breath away.Did anyone see them on Ice at Basingstoke a few years back?
Anyway I will stop going on now.
Cheers to you little Icelandics, thanks for being my friends
Mandy
MagicMelon
Well-Known Member
Love them. I'm not a massive fan of "fuzzies" (ie. most natives, except Welshies!), but having ridden Icelandincs twice they're so much fun. Love the weird extra paces they do. Would love one to bomb about hacking on.
flintmeg
Well-Known Member
ever since i went on holiday to iceland and got to ride one, i have totally in love with them, hopefully i will own one one day!
stimpy
Well-Known Member
For me this is the key to their magic. You can generally ride an icelandic as technically or as un-technically as you want. So if you want to blob along for a hack with all your gaits mixed up and just aiming to keep your horse between you and the ground whilst getting from A to B they are easy and forgiving and safe. If you want to ride with clear separation between the gaits and all the differences in each gait that you strive for in dressage then you can do that too. And often on the same horse. But riding them well is hard.
I love the fact that my Icelandics are sensitive yet sensible and if I am in the mood where I want to ride on the buckle I can with no worries about my mount being daft. This is in stark contrast to my TB who has to be ridden up together all the time as otherwise he'll be a plonker and will hurt either me or himself.
kalsi4654
Member
On the IHSGB website http://www.ihsgb.co.uk/ there are registered Icelandics for sale from £1150 (a rising 3 year old filly) upwards.
kalsi4654
Member
One thing I completely forgot to add - something I love about Icelandics is the huge, friendly and completely obsessed worldwide community of Icelandic horse addicts. Since first getting involved with them I've made really close friends in all sorts of places, from Holland to Hawaii.
