1.They mature late physically so are best trained at four years 

2. They are ready to foal at 3-4 years. Ideally they can begin training about three and a half years and then put into foal

3. Average height is 13hh-14hh.

4.They are stocky, but elegant with very attractive heads. 

5.They have short, flat shiny summer hair but keep their thick manes and tails all year. 

6. They have a particularly gentle nature because so many of them were culled if they were ill or misbehaved.

7. Their size and good nature means that they are suitable for both adults (including those who have performed demanding riding in the past) and children alike.

8. They are strong and obliging (i.e. willing). On a trail ride they do not need urging but keep up an enthusiastic, good pace.

9. Icelandic Horses have special gaits. They have the tolt and some have the pace. The tolt can be sustained over a long period of time, and is very comfortable and efficient. It is a lateral 4- beat tolt- with at least one foot on the ground.

10.The mares are very fertile and are known to foal well.

Treking in Iceland