Vt Icelandic Horse Farm
- Tel: (802) 496-7141
Come to the Mad River Valley for a most unusual vacation. Tour the
mountains, meadows, and forests on one of the oldest horse breeds in
the world. The tireless and efficient movement of the Icelandic Horse
makes it the ideal saddle horse, seeming to dance effortlessly over the
earth with lightness and power.
Versatility:
One of the keys to enjoying Icelandic Horses is their well-rounded
versatility. They are superb, natural jumpers, enthusiastic driving
horses, and competent, talented partners in dressage. Endowed with
tremendous stamina, Icelandic Horses stay healthy, fit and mentally
well balanced with minimal stress and training.
Pleasure Riding:
Bred to carry adults smoothly and willingly over difficult terrain,
Icelandic Horses bring their cheerful outlook and sensible attitude to
each ride. Always willing and energetic, they are forgiving and patient
with beginners, yet offer the competition rider a challenging
experience.
A Thousand Years of Isolation:
Considered the world's purest breed, Icelandic Horses were brought by
Viking ships to serve as the sole source of transportation over
Iceland's rough terrain. Isolated by law, nature gifted these horses
with no natural predators, but in turn challenged them with sparse
forage and a harsh climate. Survivors of this natural selection
process, the calm, sure-footed Icelandic Horses learned to stop and
think rather than panic and flee.
A Special Look:
Strong, yet never intimidating, and capable of carrying large adults
due to their unique bone density, Icelandic Horses average 13 to 14
hands in height. Icelandic Horses are found in all colors and have
beautifully defined heads and abundant manes and tails.
The Only Naturally Five-Gaited Horse:
In addition to walk, trot, and canter, Icelandic Horses also tölt, a
four-beat running walk that produces fluid, rhythmic, forward movement.
The tölt, the most pleasurable gait, is free flowing and effortless,
allowing the horse to cover rough terrain swiftly. Many Icelandic
Horses also pace, an exhilarating racing gait which can be performed at
speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Whichever gait you choose, Icelandic
Horses perform naturally and smoothly—no bouncing, no posting!
Day rides,1/2 day rides, inn- to-inn treks. Skijoring day rides and 1/2 day rides in winter.
