I have fallen in love. Ever since I saw these cute little fiesty beasts at Equine Affaire, I have been fascinated with them. Iceland only has one breed of horse, as they do not allow importing of anything. They also don't have much in the way of predators to the horse, so what resulted over years and years is a very strong, brave little horse. They originally came over to Iceland with the Vikings, so they are strong enough to carry good sized adults. I was fascinated watching them at Equine Affaire, these little tiny things flying around the ring with rugged 6 foot plus guys on their backs. They looked so happy!

Since then I have been wanting to try out a trekking place in Vermont, about 3 hours away, that uses Icelandics. For our anniversary this summer, Sam took me to the farm for a trek. No, he didn't ride. He sat in the car for 2 hours reading and playing on his computer. :) Let me tell you that I have (almost) never had such a great time as I had on that trek. Icelandics are 4 or 5 gaited, which means they have the 3 gaits of the average horse (walk, trot, canter/gallop), as well as tolt, and some also do a flying pace. All of their gaits are very smooth, so wonderful for a person with a bad back like me. Oddly enough, this tolt thing came so easy to me. Also, Sam had told the trekking place that I was an intermediate rider, so I got one of the better horses. Man, he could fly. And it was so smooth! I had a grin from ear to ear for 2 hours straight. By then I had decided what my next horse would be.

Ever since July I have been doing as much research as I possibly could. I have joined a couple lists with Icelandic owners, and have discovered a wonderful community of people. I have recieved numerous emails of offers to come ride their ponies. These little horses have a heart of gold, in general do not spook much, and LOVE attention.

Last week I emailed one of the local owners that had introduced herself to me over the summer. I was curious if there was someone close enough to me to take lessons from, so I'd know a little something when I did buy one. I want to be prepared this time. :) Turns out that friday there was going to be a top trainer giving lessons (he holds the second most Icelandic show championships), and he was willing to give me a lesson. I was shocked, but also excited. Not only that, but someone was willing to lend me their horse for the lesson. What an amazing experience. It turns out the lady that lent me her horse for the lesson had just imported 3 more from Iceland, and is willing to part lease one to me. It is a 1 hour trip to her house, but well worth it to me. :) It will probably be a long while until I can afford one, but every penny is going into savings for it now. The link below has pics of me from my lesson, and from the VT trek.

-Leen