Icelandic horses stand out with five gaits, including tölt and the flying pace.

Gaited wonder: why the Icelandic horse steals the show

If you’ve ever watched a horse move and thought, “That looks somehow effortless,” you’re not alone. Some breeds carry their riders with a glide, almost skipping over the ground. Among them, one standout stands out for a reason: it has five distinct gaits, including a smooth tölt and a flying pace. The star here is the Icelandic horse.

Let me explain what sets a gaited horse apart and why the Icelandic is a crowd favorite among riders who want variety, texture, and a dash of history in every ride.

What makes a horse gaited?

The short version is this: gaited horses have unique ways of moving that go beyond the classic walk, trot, and canter. These gaits are special patterns—repetitions of footfalls that create distinctive rhythms and feels. For riders, that can mean a smoother ride, less jarring impact, or a pace that can cover ground quickly without sacrificing comfort.

Think of gaitedness as a tailor-made ride. Some horses use lateral gaits, where legs on the same side move together in a sequence. Others rely on diagonal patterns. Each gait has its own tempo and character. The Icelandic is famous not just for having one or two extra gaits, but for a full quartet of specialized movements that some other breeds simply don’t showcase.

The five-gait superstar: the Icelandic

The Icelandic horse is recognized worldwide for exhibiting five distinct gaits. You’ll hear people describe the usual three—the walk, the trot, and the canter—or even three-plus-two when you add the specialized gaits. The tölt and the flying pace are the two that grab most riders’ attention.

• Walk, trot, canter: These basics are familiar to most riders. The walk is steady and relaxed; the trot invites a bit more bounce; the canter brings a rising, smooth three-beat rhythm. For many riders, these three alone would be enough, but the Icelandic brings more.

• Tölt: This is the four-beat gait that makes the Icelandic feel so smooth, even at speed. Each foot has its own moment of contact with the ground, producing a steady, flowing ride with very little vertical bob. It’s the Goldilocks ride—neither too fast nor too choppy, just right for long trails and comfort on rough terrain.

• Flying pace: A two-beat lateral gait, the flying pace is fast and energetic. It’s not a substitute for a full gallop, but it carries a rider forward with impressive speed, supplied by a quick lateral sequence rather than a diagonal one. It’s a thrilling gait to watch and, with the right training, comfortable to ride for shorter stretches.

Here’s the thing: the tölt isn’t just a fancy word. It’s a practical tool when you’re crossing varied terrain. The Icelandic can handle gravel, hills, and wind like a well-built vehicle that hums along quietly. The flying pace, on the other hand, is a specialty—great for short bursts of speed in riding or racing contexts, but not something you’d use for a long trail through misty forests.

A quick note on technique and feel

Riders often describe the tölt as a “smoother ride” than a typical four-beat trot. It’s not a glide without effort; it’s a rhythm where the horse keeps momentum with a uniform, almost even footfall. The head stays relatively quiet, the back remains engaged, and the rider can sit with minimal jolt, which is a big relief on days when the trail feels longer than it actually is.

The flying pace requires a touch more discipline from the rider and a keen sense of timing. It’s a two-beat lateral motion—think of the horse hustling along with rapid side-to-side steps. It’s fast, yes, but not as abrupt as a gallop; if you’re not prepared, it can feel a little out of control. That’s why this gait tends to be used in short, controlled bursts rather than long legs of speed.

Beyond Iceland: other breeds and their gait profiles

When we compare the Icelandic to other popular breeds, the contrast helps you feel what makes it special. A few other breeds, such as the Norwegian Fjord, Haflinger, and Morab, have their own charm and gait quirks, but they don’t share the same five-gait repertoire that defines the Icelandic.

• Norwegian Fjord: This sturdy, compact horse is known for a smooth, rhythmic trot and a friendly, sturdy temperament. They’re incredibly versatile and loved for their calm demeanor, but they don’t typically showcase the tölt or the flying pace in the same way the Icelandic does.

• Haflinger: With a warm, chestnut coat and a compact build, the Haflinger is a reliable, all-around partner. They’re celebrated for good bone, good sense, and a comfortable ride, but the distinctive Icelandic gaits aren’t part of their standard repertoire.

• Morab: A cross between Morgan and Arabian lines, the Morab is adaptable and athletic, often excelling in endurance and versatility. They may pick up smoother gaits, but the specific five-gait package of the Icelandic isn’t their default feature.

A little history that adds texture

The Icelandic horse isn’t just a set of gait patterns. It’s a breed with a deep-rooted history tied to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and long winters. Farmers and riders in Iceland needed an all-terrain partner who could work on farms, pull carts, and carry riders safely across rugged terrain. Isolation, climate, and a careful breeding history helped preserve a distinctive gene pool. That combination produced a horse with sturdy conformation, sure footing, and—yes—the talent for five distinct gaits.

Breeders shaped these horses to cope with Iceland’s geothermal hills and winds. The result is a horse that feels perfectly suited to open landscapes, with a temperament that tends to be steady, trustworthy, and practical. If you’ve ever wondered how a horse could be both practical for daily work and capable of a remarkable gaited performance, the Icelandic is a vivid reminder that history can be a powerful partner in shaping modern riding experiences.

Why riders are drawn to them

There’s a certain romance in the idea of a horse that moves with a natural, comfortable rhythm. For many riders, the tölt feels like gliding across a long, smooth highway, even when the trail is bumpy. The tölt softens speed without sacrificing control, which makes long rides feel surprisingly effortless. The flying pace, when used responsibly, brings a spark of adrenaline—an exciting reminder that horses aren’t limited to a single mode of motion.

Then there’s the versatility. People ride Icelandics for trail adventures, dressage-inspired work, endurance-like conditioning on varied terrain, and even driving—since their steady nature translates well to cart work too. The breed’s compact size, sure feet, and patient, willing temperament make them approachable for a wide range of riders. It’s the kind of combination that earns trust quickly, which is exactly what you want when you’re exploring new trails or tackling a challenging course.

Caring for an Icelandic horse

A good ride starts with good care. Icelandics aren’t fragile, but they do appreciate routine checks that keep their famous gaits in sync. Hoof care matters—regular trimming, proper balance, and assessing hoof quality support their smooth tölt and steady pace. Coat care is another practical area. In cooler climates, their double coat helps them stay warm, but that can mean more seasonal shedding and a need for regular brushing to keep skin healthy.

Nutrition matters, too. Like any working horse, they need a balanced diet that fuels their energy without encouraging stomach upset or lameness. Good access to clean water, a mix of quality forage, and careful supplementation when needed all contribute to a sound, happy horse that’s ready to stride through a variety of terrain.

Riding culture and the Icelandic

What makes the Icelandic truly special isn’t just the gaiting repertoire. It’s the way riders connect with the horse. The tölt invites a patient, attentive seat; the flying pace rewards confident rhythm with a sense of speed that’s thrilling but controlled. It’s a partnership built on mutual trust, a willingness to listen, and a little shared stubbornness—because in any great ride, both horse and rider push to find that sweet spot where movement feels effortless.

If you’re curious about what it takes to ride an Icelandic well, you’ll hear consistent advice: learn the timing of the tölt, respect the horse’s comfort zone, and keep a calm, balanced seat. It’s less about brute force and more about feeling—listening to the horse’s tempo and responding with subtle shifts in weight and balance. The result is a ride that feels almost conversational—two partners in motion, moving as one.

A few practical tips for exploring gaited horses

• Start slow with a well-manned session on safe ground. Getting a sense of how the tölt feels before asking for longer stretches helps prevent tension.

• Use a proper saddle that promotes a balanced position. The right equipment makes a world of difference when you’re working with gaits that rely on precise timing.

• Pay attention to your horse’s signals. If the horse is leaning, pinning ears, or showing tension, it’s time to ease back and reassess.

• Embrace a mix of terrain. Fields, trails, and light road work help a gaited horse stay adaptable and confident.

• Keep sessions varied but focused. Short, purposeful rides often yield better long-term balance than long, unfocused ones.

Bringing it all together

The Icelandic horse isn’t just a curiosity for horse lovers. It’s a living reminder that history, terrain, and careful breeding can converge to create a remarkable riding partner. The five gaits—especially the tölt and the flying pace—offer a distinctive feel that many riders pursue for the sheer pleasure of movement. When you see one in action, you’ll notice the quiet confidence, the steady rhythm, and that almost lyrical push of speed that doesn’t jolt the rider.

If you’re drawn to the idea of a horse that can switch between a comfortable glide and a quick burst of speed, the Icelandic delivers that in spades. It’s the kind of breed that invites you to slow down, listen, and ride with a touch of awe—the way you might feel standing at the edge of a quiet lake, watching the surface mirror the sky, and knowing you’re part of something timeless.

And there you have it: five gaits, a storied lineage, and a partner that can turn a ride into a conversation with the landscape. The Icelandic horse remains a vivid testament to how a breed can carry tradition forward—quietly, confidently, and with a grin-ready canter at the ready. Whether you’re drawn to the smooth tempo of the tölt or the helium-like thrill of the flying pace, you’ll find a path to connection with an Icelandic that’s hard to resist.

If you’ve watched the way these horses move and felt that tug of curiosity, you’re not alone. The Icelandic is a doorway into a world where movement becomes an art, where a horse’s gait is a story told in footfalls. And in that story, the tölt and the flying pace are the chapters that tend to stay with you—the chapters that invite you to ride, listen, and remember why horses have fascinated people for centuries.