The 5 Gaits of Icelandic Horses Explained: Tölt, Pace and More

Curious why Icelanders won’t stop banging on about their horses?

It’s because these little dynamos have more gears than your average gearbox, a quirky set of moves refined over centuries of volcanic living, and each one is designed to make you fall a little bit in love (not romantically speaking, of course).

They aren’t just horses; they are cultural icons, furry time machines carrying the legacy of Vikings who valued comfort almost as much as conquest.

So before you book your ride with Viking Horses, here’s a crash course in the legendary gaits that make these creatures both national treasures and Instagram show-ponies (local tip: never call Icelandic Horses 'Ponies'…I have rarely seen such offence taken).

Why Icelandic Horses Have More Tricks Than Your Average Steed

Most horses trot, canter, and gallop, which is about as imaginative as beige wallpaper and twice as uninspiring after a while (and I'm equally not sure why these terms sound like Dr Seuss rhyme either).

Icelandic horses, however, decided three gaits were simply not enough and went full beast mode, developing extra moves when they need to. Or as I like to explain it, if there was a horse version of Bring it On, the Icelandic Horse goes full Kirsten Dunst.

They bring not just style, but comfort, charisma, resilience, and the smugness of knowing they’re special, with a gait for every mood, whether you want elegance, speed, or a leisurely glide past baffled tourists (of course the weird Tölt is the most known).

The Famous Tölt: Iceland’s National Party Trick

The tölt is smoother than silk pyjamas on a marble staircase, a glide so effortless it feels like levitating over the landscape.

It’s a four-beat gait so balanced you could sip hot coffee without scalding your thighs, check your emails, or even wave royally to passing sheep (and much better suspension than my old Audi A3 - true story).

Viking warriors adored it for long journeys, poets rhapsodised about it, and modern travellers can book their own tölt experience with our team of two-legged(ers) to understand why it’s considered Iceland’s national party trick on hooves.

The Flying Pace: Speed With Viking Swagger

The flying pace is like strapping a rocket to your horse while wearing a fur cloak, a burst of speed that would even give Lewis Hamilton a ride for his (vast amounts of) money.

It’s fast, elegant, dramatic, and only lasts a few seconds (much like some ill-advised Icelandic romances), but infinitely more thrilling.

This is the gait that Icelanders proudly race at breakneck speeds, hooves drumming like war drums on the earth.

Catch it in action when riding Iceland’s open stretches with guides who know their pace from their plod with our team of horse loving Avengers (if that made sense), and you’ll understand why it’s called the “fifth gear” of the Icelandic horse.

The Classics: Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop

Yes, Icelandic horses still cover the basics, because sometimes you don’t need a circus act, just a dependable companion who knows the classics (I promise I'm not projecting here).

But even their trot feels different, less clumsy and more like a polite shuffle than a bouncing disaster, with a rhythm that feels almost gentlemanly in its restraint.

The canter and gallop remind you they may be small, but they’re athletic enough to carry you across lava fields without complaint, tackling hills, streams, and open plains with the gusto of a much larger horse while still managing to look adorable doing it (let us take the videos though!)

Why These Extra Gaits Matter

They’re not just showy gimmicks; they were bred for survival on this volcanic rock in the North Atlantic, honed over centuries when comfort and stamina meant the difference between thriving and freezing (it still does for us humans if truth be told).

A tölt meant long journeys over rough terrain without bruising your innards, letting riders travel for hours with surprising ease while supplies and gossip were ferried from farm to farm. Also, if you know anything about the Icelandic fables of fight-love-revenge-repeat, you can see how this becomes more valuable back in the day.

The pace meant quick bursts of speed when crossing rivers, chasing sheep, escaping erupting volcanoes, or perhaps running away from your neighbour’s angry troll with just enough dramatic flair to make it memorable.

Experiencing the Magic Yourself

Reading about gaits is like reading about wine, however, you’ll never taste it from the page/screen, no matter how flowery the description (and I write like a proper florist).

You need to feel the tölt firsthand, laugh uncontrollably at the rocket-fuel pace, and grin like an idiot while gliding over mossy lava fields, past steaming hot springs, under dramatic skies, and all the while seeing if you can actually pronounce the name of your four-legged friend properly).

Book a tour with us soon and you’ll not only ride these legendary gaits but also do so with views that make postcards jealous, friends envious, and your future self eternally grateful (we'll keep you safe and leave you wanting more).

Final Word: More Than Just a Horse Ride

Icelandic horses are not ponies (say that in public and see what happens…I warned you above), and they deserve far more respect than their pint-sized frames might suggest.

They are five-gaited marvels, living history, Viking legacies on four legs, and surprisingly cheeky companions with a sense of humour to match their stamina.

Try the tölt, glimpse the pace, and enjoy the ride of your life with Viking Horses. Your spine, your smile, your photo album, and your inner-Viking will thank you for it (your shoes, not so much, but we got you covered!)