Most of the Nordic countries were primarily agrarian until the beginning of this century. The farms were small, with a few exceptions, and the farmers often poor. And to work the farms, they needed horsepower, of sturdy and low maintenance type.

Even the cities were in need of horsepower to transport both people and goods. Often the economic situation in the city was even worse than in the countryside. Here too, was a need for horses that could do a lot of work without requiring too much expensive food.

Each of the Nordic countries, despite their close proximity to each other, developed their own unique horsebreeds, each adapted to the specific geographic conditions of its home country

ICELAND

The Icelandic pony dates back to the era when the Vikings settled on the north Atlantic island, between 870 and 930 AD. The Icelandic’s ancestry most likely includes the Norwegian fjordhorse, ponies from the Lofoten Islands, as well as stock later added by settlers from Scotland, the Orkneys and Shetland.

Though the Gulf Stream sweeps around Iceland and makes the conditions moderate despite its northern location, the conditions are still harsh and rugged, and isolated breeding of the stock on the island has produced a pony that can be classified as tough, agile, strong, surefooted and full of stamina.

The Icelandic pony’s most characteristic feature are its unique gaits, the amble (a running walk) and the "tölt" (an amble at the speed of canter). The tölt is valued for rapid travel across the steep and icy terrain, a description that fits much of Iceland

The Icelandic pony can be found in most colors, is 12-13 hands with a large head, short strong neck, deep compact body, strong clean legs, large feet, thick mane and tail. It is also very much appreciated for its docile, friendly and independent nature.