|
|
Gaited Horse Book and Gift Catalog
Whispering Pine Press, Inc.
|
|
|
Navigation Bar
Gaited Horse Book and Gift Catalog
C/O Whispering Pine Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 1469 Spokane Valley, WA 99037-1469 USA
Phone: (509) 927-0404 Publisher’s website – flash: www.whisperingpinepress.com Publisher’s website - html: www.bookcatalog.info Publisher’s e-mail: info@whisperingpinepress.com Publisher’s e-mail: info@bookcatalog.info
Gaited Horse E-mail:
|
The Icelandic Horse is about 800 pounds of energetic body power, and above all, possessed of an excellent temperament. It has boundless kindness and gentleness, as well as a thousand years of tradition and survival in the harsh, yet beautiful terrain of it's home turf, Iceland. The Icelandic Horse is a loyal and trusted friend, unique within the horse world. Description: The Icelandic Horse is usually between 13 and 14.2 hands tall (between 52 and 58 inches), and this puts it within the pony standard technically, but usually it is classified as a horse. This is mainly traditional, because they are the only equine in Iceland but also applies because of their unusual strength and endurance. The Icelandic has an abundant mane and tail, and gets a very thick double coat in winter, although the summer coat is quite sleek and glossy. Icelandic Horses come in over 42 different color patterns, including pintos. The variety of colors and patterns make this horse not only beautiful, but also extremely interesting to look at. Strength & Endurance: The Icelandic Horse is very strong and can actually out-pull an ordinary horse by 1.6 times per pound of body weight. Being the only breed in Iceland, it is the mount for everyone, including men. Icelandic people are generally tall, many men exceed 6 feet in height. They are most often ridden by adults; a 300 pound rider on an adult Icelandic Horse is not asking too much. The Icelandic Horse is very powerful, has an unusually long stride, and a proud bearing that makes them look and feel much larger than they actually are. In August of 1995 Icelandic Horse Acres, Inc. sold four horses to a heavy-weight champion boxer. If these horses are strong enough for the Heavyweight Champion of the World, one could assume that they're plenty strong enough for almost anyone! History: The Icelandic Horse is the horse the Vikings rode. It was also a favored steed of knights in shining armor. They were used, among other things, for jousting (at the tolt, of course). When peaceful Vikings settled Iceland more than a thousand years ago they brought their horses with them in open Viking long boats, braving the cruel North Atlantic. To prevent plagues, the Icelandic Chieftains issued a decree at that time to ban further importation of live animals. The breed has remained completely purebred ever since. Even today this ban is still upheld. Distribution: There are estimated to be about 1500 Icelandic Horses in the United States at this time, but more are being bred and imported all the time. As recently as 40 years ago there were almost no Icelandic Horses in Continental Europe, the first imports from Iceland being used in England in the coal mines. Now the European population of Icelandic Horses nearly rivals the homeland, around 70,000! Icelandic Gaits: The Icelandic Horse has an incredibly smooth ride! Carrying a rider with a full beer mug at a fast speed without spilling a drop is a trademark of the breed. Almost all Icelandic Horses have the potential to learn to perform five basic gaits; walk, trot, canter, tölt (single foot) and flying pace, but some horses are more naturally talented than others. The lateral gaits of the Icelandic Horse are very spectacular to see, and comfortable to ride, yet the greatest asset of these gaits is the surefootedness afforded by the horse's ability to move it's feet in any order. Owning & Riding an Icelandic Horse: The Icelandic Horse is fun and exciting to ride, yet unpretentious, with a friendly nature. This horse can maneuver safely through all kinds of terrain, without faltering. This is a hardy individual which contributes to a general low-maintenance cost compared to ordinary horses. To top it off, you will enjoy the companionship of an Icelandic Horse for many years as they are a very long-lived breed. The oldest known Icelandic mare was 57 years old when she died! Links to other Horse Related Sites Breeders : Icelandic Horse Acres, Inc.
|
|
P.O. Box 1469 Spokane Valley, WA 99037-1469 USA Phone: (509) 927-0404 | Fax: (509) 927-1550 Publisher’s website – flash: www.whisperingpinepress.com Publisher’s website - html: www.bookcatalog.info Publisher’s e-mail: info@whisperingpinepress.com Publisher’s e-mail: info@bookcatalog.info
Gaited Horse E-mail:
Send mail to
webmaster@gaitedhorse.com
with questions or comments about this web site. Feel free to contact us with any questions/comments you
may have, we would love to hear from you!
|
