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The Icelandic pony is not native to Iceland
but rather is believed to have descended from the North European Forest Pony and
the Celtic Pony. The original settlers of Iceland were Norwegian chiefs who move
there with their horses in A.D. 871. Other settlers from Norway and the British
Isles eventually took livestock with them, and produced the Icelandic Pony.
This pony is actually a small horse and is often referred to
as "the horse in the pony sized suit". It possesses horselike characteristics
and they represent a unique position in modern breeds in that the Icelandic has
remained uninfluenced by outside blood for more than 800 years. Because of this
it is one of the purest breeds in existence today. Almost a thousand years ago
oriental blood was infused into the breed, with such disastrous results that a
law was passed banning the importation of foreign horses. This law remains in
effect today and any exported Icelandic horse is not allowed back into Iceland.
The Icelandic horse occupies a central part of Icelandic life
and for centuries has been heralded by the local people. For many years these
ponies were the only means of transport and are still widely used today to
travel through areas inaccessible to motor vehicles. They have been used for
working the land, transporting goods, riding, sporting events, and many other
functions. The Icelandic horse has been developed into a number of different
types to fulfill different needs, such as that there are heavier types
used for draft work and lighter types for riding. There are horse shows held
often on the island and races are a weekly occurrence.
The Icelandic has five natural gaits - the walk, trot, fast
gallop, pace, and tolt. The tolt is a four beat, very fast running
walk and the pace is a two beat lateral gait carried flat-out. The pace can only
be maintained over short distances. Typically the Icelandic horse is strong,
sturdy, and stocky. They have large heads, intelligent eyes, short, thick necks,
strong legs, and a heavy, thick mane. They have excellent eyesight and an
uncanny homing instinct. They usually stand between 12.3 and 13.2 hh, and
although they can be found in any color, they are predominantly grey, dun, or
chestnut. Check out these web
pages for more information on the Icelandic Horse!
http://www.equinepost.com/resources/breeds/showBreed.asp?ID=129
http://www.thesilversage.com/breeddescription/
http://www.icehorse.com/
http://www.gaitedhorses.net/IcelandicArticles.htm
http://www.imh.org/imh/bw/iceland.html
http://www.icelandichorse.ca/mli/about/
http://www.equiworld.net/en/breeds/icelandic/
http://www.the-horse-site.com/horsebreeds/icelandic-horses.htm
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