Icelandic Horse Gains U.S. Traction as Membership and Domestic Breeding Rise

What Happened

The Icelandic horse is experiencing a notable surge in popularity within the United States, driven by a growing interest in smooth-gaited breeds and versatile equine partners. According to the United States Icelandic Horse Congress (USIHC), membership has climbed nearly 18 percent since 2022.

Currently, there are 6,986 registered Icelandic horses in the U.S. While the breed is a staple of Icelandic tourism, approximately half of the American population is now domestically bred, supplementing the traditional stream of imports. To support this growth, the USIHC has expanded its infrastructure, facilitating 16 national-ranking shows and six world-ranking shows in 2024, alongside new virtual education series and trainer certification programs.

Why It Matters

For the American rider, the Icelandic horse represents a shift toward "size-blind" versatility. Despite standing between 13 and 14 hands, these horses are bred to carry adults over rugged terrain, making them a viable option for riders who want a smaller mount without sacrificing performance or weight-carrying capacity.

The breed’s five natural gaits, walk, trot, canter, tölt, and pace, offer a physiological advantage for riders seeking comfort, particularly those with physical limitations or those participating in long-distance riding. Furthermore, the USIHC’s development of a U.S. Trainer Certification System signals a professionalization of the breed’s management in America, ensuring that as the population grows, there is a standardized level of expertise available to owners for gait training and specialized care.

Competition Context

The breed is moving far beyond the "novelty" category in the U.S. competition circuit. The USIHC now participates in the U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) All-Breeds Program, allowing Icelandic riders to compete for national recognition within the mainstream dressage community.

In terms of international standing, the U.S. sent five riders to the 2023 World Championships in the Netherlands. Domestically, the community has embraced hybrid competition models, such as "virtual shows" judged by international panels and the "Sea 2 Shining Sea" virtual ride, where participants log thousands of miles annually.

Discipline Context

The Icelandic horse’s impact is broad, touching multiple areas of the U.S. equestrian landscape:

• Gait-Specific Sport: Unique classes focusing on the "tölt" and "flying pace" remain the breed's hallmark.
• General English/Western: Icelandics are increasingly found in dressage, working equitation, and eventing.
• Distance Riding: The breed’s hardiness makes it a natural fit for endurance and competitive trail riding.
• Youth & Breeding: The breed’s temperament is fueling growth in youth programs, while domestic breeding awards (like the Anne Elwell Breeding Award) highlight a maturing U.S. production market.

Quick Facts

• Governing Body: United States Icelandic Horse Congress (USIHC) / International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations (FEIF).
• U.S. Population: 6,986 registered horses (approx. 50% domestic, 50% imported).
• Average Height: 13 to 14 hands.
• Key Unique Gaits: Tölt (a smooth four-beat gait) and Flying Pace (a high-speed lateral gait).
• New Initiatives: Trainer Level 1 and Level II Certification modules; Virtual Education Series.

Riders following where the sport is heading can weigh in on the TurnoutHQ community.