Icelandic horse owners/rider! Help answer my questions?

[wintersoldier]

Hey all!

So I’ve been searching for my horse to buy since last December-no dice.

Originally i was looking for a powerhouse-warmblood to compete with in jumpers but my past three lease horses while looking have completely torn down my confidence, so i don’t think a forward af warmblood is what i need atm.

Basically I’ve come to the conclusion that i just want a horse to have fun with, trail ride, have my lesson on, and perhaps the occasional jump.

I grew up riding icelandics in austria (nothing fancy just in lessons) and my heart aways draw me back to them.

SO my questions for you are as follows;
-Whats do you like about the breed; what dont you like?
-Taller riders! How do you manage? can you give me a picture idea? Post your heigh and your horses! (I’m 5’7 (all legs) and the ones I’m looking at are 13’3 and 14’1 i feel like ill still look massive)
-How would one go about asking for the Tolt?
-any other tips/tricks?

Thanks!

[csaper58]

Well, there was recently a thread about someone sorry they bought an Icelandic because it could not jump or do dressage.

Are all Icelandic ponies gated?

[IronwoodFarm]

I have am good friends with an Icelandic breeder. Most Icelandics are gaited, at least that is highly desireable, and that rules out dressage. I am sure that an Icelandic can jump something, as all horses have that ability, but they are not known as jumpers. Size wise the breed standard states 124 to 145 centimeters, which is about 12.1 to 14.1. I have seen Icelandics carry some pretty big people, but if you want a 15.2 Icelandic, that might be a difficult search. I have had limited exposure, but they seem to be nice horses. Just know that the demand is much higher than the supply, you’ll have a national search and the prices are at a premium.

Being completely self-serving (although I have zero horses for sale), I would look at Fjords and Halflingers as well. Both breeds are on the large pony side, but have big barrels so taking up the leg is not problem. Both do dressage and jumping quite handily. My Fjords are competitive in recognized dressage shows and horse trials. I can’t speak for Halflingers, but Fjords also have more demand than supply, may require a national search, and are somewhat premium but less than an Icelandic.

[LilyandBaron]

I guess I’m confused by being on the verge of buying a WB for jumpers to going back to childhood fun with Icelandics? I mean, there’s a lot in between, and a horse purchase is a big deal. Maybe lease a trail horse and see if that actually makes you happy? And there are other gaited options that are taller and easier to find, or other pony breeds more suited to dressage/jumping. I mean, your post may leave out a lot of information and time to process this big change, but just seems like maybe waiting a bit to figure out what you really want to do with horses would be smart, then buy the right horse for the long-term future, not just what you think you want in what sounds like a reaction to an over-aggressive trainer pushing you too hard on jumping.

[Trakehner]

Fjords…they don’t tolt like an Icelandic…but also cute, tough, grow an amazing coat and have lovely personalities. Also big people horses too! Course’, I have a Fjord mare so I’m biased.

[goodhors]

I am with the others, look at a different breed for what you wish to do. I do not think you will be happy with an Icelandic and all those uses. Gaited horses and ponies are made to do their best in straight lines, smoothly covering distances while ridden. Not made to go collected.

I have seen some really nice Fjords, Haflingers, capable of jumping, excellent dressage, able to jump AND be great trail, pleasure riding animals. You should shop physiqie, looking at body styles that are not over-muscled or heavy bodied like a draft horse. The more modern styled Austrian Haflingers are not as heavy, very athletic in all directions of horse uses. Fjords tend to be quite people oriented, easy to use in a variety of disciplines. Either breed will easily come in a size you will look proportionate riding. Easy to mount from the ground! Ha ha

If you insist in an Icelandic, talk to your vet, ask breeders about body issues the breed can have. I have heard of heat problems in summer, even body clipped, in light use. They are genetically adapted to cool and cold climates. You don’t want to learn about breed body issues AFTER you buy.

[Glyphica]

I agree with a others here who are a little uneasy about your 180 change. I agree that many warmbloods are more than most people need/want, but there are a lot of in between choices before you get to an Icelandic. Maybe look for appendix-y quarter horses, etc.? Those can still easily do the English sports but be quiet enough for a relaxing trail ride. Even a warmblood cross can be nice. One of my friends has a hanoverian/QH cross (dam was the QH) who is just lovely. Smaller and more sensible than your typical warmblood, but certainly able to get the job done. I’d also like to point out that many warmblood breeders are focusing more now and breeding an AA friendly temperament, so it is very possible to find a warmblood who isn’t hell to ride.

[dotneko]

I have a six foot student who has two Icelandic horses (not ponies, please). He has shown dressage with scores up to 69% at training level. The horse also tolts, but does not pace. So it is gaited, but not with the added gait of flying pace.
He does have balance issues and will top out at training level - the smaller circles at first and above will be unfair to ask.
They generally have good character and have no problem with our summers in MA with no clipping.
I don’t know what the tolt aids are, we spend a lot of time looking for the aid that says ‘don’t tolt’.

[Ladylexie]

@wintersoldier

Hey all!

So I’ve been searching for my horse to buy since last December-no dice.

Originally i was looking for a powerhouse-warmblood to compete with in jumpers but my past three lease horses while looking have completely torn down my confidence, so i don’t think a forward af warmblood is what i need atm.

Basically I’ve come to the conclusion that i just want a horse to have fun with, trail ride, have my lesson on, and perhaps the occasional jump.

I grew up riding icelandics in austria (nothing fancy just in lessons) and my heart aways draw me back to them.

SO my questions for you are as follows;
-Whats do you like about the breed; what dont you like?
-Taller riders! How do you manage? can you give me a picture idea? Post your heigh and your horses! (I’m 5’7 (all legs) and the ones I’m looking at are 13’3 and 14’1 i feel like ill still look massive)
-How would one go about asking for the Tolt?
-any other tips/tricks?

Thanks!

I have ridden them in the past and they are a blast! The owner is quite tall but it seems like people all just look to big for there horses and everyone is fine with it.

[sophie]

I’ve ridden a few icelandics, and they are a blast for trail riding. Sooo comfortable, and very short so easy to get off and back on etc. Plus the tölt and flying pace are a blast. I am 5’3 , 120-125 lbs and felt just fine on them. They were my sister’s horses, and she is 5’7 and heavier than I am and was fine on them. She chose the breed because at the time she had lots of problems with her back and knees and the Icey’s smooth gaits were ideal for her.

It’s not the breed I would choose for lessons / jumping etc, though. There are plenty of horses that would be fine for what you want to do. You just have to find the right one and not be “hung” on a specific breed or size.

[MrPerfection]

I own a Missouri Fox Trotter, they are wonderful and do it all. Also, just got back from a week in Iceland riding the Icelandics and fell in love with them. I would own one of each if I had my own place. I live in MA there are several groups here and people that own both. Go to an Icelandic horse farm and ride them for a weekend. There is one upstate NY and one in Vermont and a clinic coming up in MA in October. I am not sure where you are located.

[Malda]

@wintersoldier

Hey all!

So I’ve been searching for my horse to buy since last December-no dice.

Originally i was looking for a powerhouse-warmblood to compete with in jumpers but my past three lease horses while looking have completely torn down my confidence, so i don’t think a forward af warmblood is what i need atm.

Basically I’ve come to the conclusion that i just want a horse to have fun with, trail ride, have my lesson on, and perhaps the occasional jump.

Grüß dich! A friend went through the same thing, very hung up on warmbloods, tried a few for jumping/showing but they just didn’t work for her, and none of them were good on the trail. She just bought a Quarter horse cross, dead broke, jumps and moves cute, and great on trails. There are lots of horses that can do both, just start trying some.

Forgot to mention I’m doing the same thing. I was finding trail horses that just weren’t working out, now I’m back to QH’s and finding better prospects.

[Bogey2]

I was willed one and had him for a couple of years. Training level dressage was fun with him, he did tolt if you used your collection seat but don’t ask me how to train it…LOL.I gave him to a friend who trail rides mostly, he was happier doing that. My only complaint is the allergy to bugs. He rubbed himself raw every summer. He was imported.

[fjordmom]

As Bogey2 brings up, be informed and realistic about the known high propensity for Icelandics to have sweet itch. It is a severe allergy to cullicoides gnats. It is seasonal, but recurs every year. It can take intense management and in most cases the horse needs to be stabled at certain times of day. This may restrict your own schedule or cause challenges in finding a workable boarding situation. It may be worth talking to the vets in your area to see if they encounter horse with sweet itch. Location of then plays a part in the severity of the fly pressure it that brings it on.

That said, I have a leased Fjord who has sweet itch. (It is not a common problem for Fjords in general. He is an outlier.) He came to me partially looking to see if a change of venue would help relieve his symptoms. The first summer was an extreme challenge, while I learned what factors I had to keep ahead of. It was heart breaking to see how badly this guy itched and rubbed at times inspite of all efforts to relieve him. This season has been a vast (I’d say 90%) improvement but it has required a LOT of attention to detail and care. His lesions have been limited to mainly his lower legs and he has not had the overall body itch, persistent open sores, and rubbing that went on last year.

It’s interesting and not surprising to see several other Fjord owners chime in to say that you should consider a Fjord. Add me to the list. Our family has had 3. They have jumped, done dressage, won trail obstacle classes in 4-H at the state level, been trial ridden and are generally game for anything and unflappable. I am 5’9 and long -legged as were both my children by the time they moved on to adulthood and handed their pony over to me. Fjords are sturdy horses that are a ton of fun. They certainly can do the kinds of activities that you seem interested in. They are by no means pushovers and can have a mind of their own at times, but I have also found their sweet and willing nature makes them great confidence builders as well.

[Malda]

@Bogey2

I was willed one and had him for a couple of years. Training level dressage was fun with him, he did tolt if you used your collection seat but don’t ask me how to train it…LOL.I gave him to a friend who trail rides mostly, he was happier doing that. My only complaint is the allergy to bugs. He rubbed himself raw every summer. He was imported.

I believe that it’s the imported horses that have problems with sweet itch, not the locally bred ones. I had an Icelandic and he never had any problems, but he was bred in California.

[Ceylon_Star]

a friend of mine is over 6’ tall and has a 13.1hh icelandic mare who she fits better than the 16.2hh clydesdale she was leasing previously. the mare is short coupled, WIDE, and has zero problems carrying her owner on long trail rides. Freind bought the mare because she needed a smoother ride due to some major back problems, and the shorter height makes it easier to get off after a long ride.

[lorilu]

Not to start anything here, but western dressage permits gaited horses…

[RPM]

@IronwoodFarm

I have am good friends with an Icelandic breeder. Most Icelandics are gaited, at least that is highly desireable, and that rules out dressage. I am sure that an Icelandic can jump something, as all horses have that ability, but they are not known as jumpers. Size wise the breed standard states 124 to 145 centimeters, which is about 12.1 to 14.1. I have seen Icelandics carry some pretty big people, but if you want a 15.2 Icelandic, that might be a difficult search. I have had limited exposure, but they seem to be nice horses. Just know that the demand is much higher than the supply, you’ll have a national search and the prices are at a premium.

Being completely self-serving (although I have zero horses for sale), I would look at Fjords and Halflingers as well. Both breeds are on the large pony side, but have big barrels so taking up the leg is not problem. Both do dressage and jumping quite handily. My Fjords are competitive in recognized dressage shows and horse trials. I can’t speak for HHalflingers, but Fjords also have more demand than supply, may require a national search, and are somewhat premium but less than an Icelandic.

Haflingers aren’t gaited.

Most Icelandics have at least 4 gaits – walk, trot, tolt, canter. Some have a fifth gait, the flying pace.

Would it depend on what region you live in, OP, about Icelandics? Do they do well in warmer areas? I used to know one barn in the Deep South that bred them but that was a long time ago; don’t know if they’re still in business.

[chai]

I have taught Therapeutic Riding on Haflingers, Icelandics and Norwegian Fjords and I love all of those breeds. They are generally strong, hardy and versatile. However, for real versatility and the ability to take up a long leg, I highly recommend the Highland pony. We had one and I loved her. She was fearless, sweet natured and beautiful inside and out. They are very easy keepers and are a lot of fun. We drove and rode our Highland.

[sophie]

If we’re talking ponies, I’ve ridden some from a few breeds (Fjords, Haflingers, Dartmoors, Shetlands, Welsh) but my favorite for its versatility is the Welsh Cob “D”. Tough pony that can do it all. The D section is the tallest but they have smaller B and C ones too. The ones I rode went with us on a 15 day trek through all kind of terrain, no problem, and in their other life they were school horses who competed in jumping and dressage.
Second fave in this category (all around, versatile smaller equine) is the Morgan.