Vt Icelandic Horse Farm

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.