Buy Icelandic Horse

Icelandic Horse for sale: Buying and selling Icelandic Horse

There’s something immediately disarming about an Icelandic Horse: solid, honest, and forward-going, with that distinctive tölt that makes you feel like you could ride all day. For many riders, the search for an Icelandic Horse for sale isn’t just about finding another riding horse; it’s about joining a very particular community and tradition. This is one of the oldest pure breeds in the world, carefully protected in Iceland for over a thousand years—no horses are imported into the country, and once a horse leaves, it can never go back. That strict isolation has preserved a breed that’s hardy, sound, and remarkably consistent in type and character.

Icelandic Horses are compact, usually 13–14.2hh, but with enough bone and substance to carry adults comfortably. Their hallmark is their extra gaits—most have tölt, a smooth four-beat gait, and many also have pace. You’ll find them in pleasure riding, trekking, sport competitions (gaited classes, tölt and pace races), and increasingly in riding schools that specialize in gaited horses. They tend to be intelligent, willing, and quite forward-thinking, which is a big part of their appeal for riders who enjoy an active, responsive partner rather than a push ride.

What makes them particularly sought-after on the buying and selling market is the combination of manageable size, strong feet, generally good health, and that special rideability when the gaits are correctly trained. In Europe and North America, serious buyers often look specifically for an Icelandic Horse with clear, easy tölt and a good work ethic, whether for sport or trail. Understanding these breed traits—and how they translate into training, pricing, and suitability for different riders—will help you navigate the Icelandic Horse marketplace more confidently, whether you’re buying your first one or selling a well-loved partner on to a new home.

Buying Icelandic Horse - what you need to know

When you’re looking at an Icelandic Horse for sale, the first things to evaluate are conformation and temperament, then gaits. You want a strong, well-set neck, a good shoulder, short back, and powerful hindquarters. Hooves should be strong and well-shaped; weak, flat feet are a concern in a breed known for hardiness. Temperament matters just as much: most good Icelandics are forward but sane, curious, and people-oriented. Spend time handling the horse on the ground before you get in the saddle—you’re buying a partner, not just a gait machine.

Under saddle, pay close attention to the tölt. Is it easy to access, or do you have to fight for it? Is the horse tense, pacing, or rushing? A good riding Icelandic should offer a reasonably balanced walk, clear trot, and canter as well, unless specifically bred and trained as a five-gaiter with more emphasis on tölt and pace. Ask the seller about bloodlines, competition results, and whether the horse is registered with an Icelandic Horse association (such as FEIF member registries). For a trained riding horse with basic tölt, you’re often looking at prices in the range of $6,000–$15,000 in North America and similar mid four- to low five-figure prices in Europe. Top competition horses, especially with high judged scores for gaits, can run $20,000–$50,000 or more. Young, unstarted horses or older companions might be in the $2,000–$5,000 range, depending on pedigree and quality.

Always invest in a pre-purchase exam with a vet who understands Icelandic Horses and their specific work. Ask for flexion tests, back evaluation, and a close look at the legs and hooves—these horses are often ridden on varied terrain and need solid structures. Clarify the horse’s training history: how long under saddle, who trained it, how often it’s been ridden, and in what context. Red flags include a horse that only tölts at high speed, is difficult to transition between gaits, or shows obvious tension in the back. Be wary of very cheap Icelandics being sold as “just a trail horse” without papers or history; sometimes that’s fine, but sometimes it masks training or soundness issues. Take your time, ride the horse more than once if possible, and bring along a knowledgeable Icelandic rider or trainer if you’re new to the breed.

Everything about selling Icelandic Horse

On the selling side, most Icelandic Horses on the market come from dedicated breeders, specialized Icelandic training yards, or private owners who are changing disciplines or reducing numbers. As a seller, you’ll get better prices and attract more serious buyers if you prepare your horse properly. Have registration papers in order, vaccination and deworming records up to date, and any competition or evaluation results ready to share. A basic riding horse with a clear, comfortable tölt, honest temperament, and good vet history will usually find a buyer more quickly and at a stronger price than an unproven youngster, unless that youngster has particularly desirable bloodlines.

Pricing your Icelandic Horse realistically is crucial. Look at comparable horses: age, level of training, quality of tölt and pace, show results, and temperament. A safe, schoolmaster-type Icelandic suitable for novice or returning adult riders often commands a premium, sometimes $12,000–$25,000 depending on region and demand. Well-bred youngsters with potential may sit in the $5,000–$10,000 bracket, while highly trained sport horses with top scores can go into the high five figures. If you’re selling through online platforms or breed-specific marketplaces, invest in good photos and clear videos that show walk, trot, canter, tölt, and, if applicable, pace. Many buyers search specifically by terms like “Icelandic Horse for sale with tölt,” so use honest, SEO-friendly descriptions that highlight exactly what your horse offers.

Timing and placement of your sale matter. Spring and early summer are often the busiest periods for buying Icelandic Horses, especially in areas with strong trail and competition scenes. Consider advertising in Icelandic Horse association channels, social media groups, and specialized websites, as well as broader horse-sale marketplaces. Buyers of this breed typically expect transparent communication: they want to know if the horse is forward or more laid-back, how it behaves in groups, what kind of rider it suits, and any quirks under saddle. Before you list your horse, spend a few weeks polishing the basics—mounting manners, standing tied, easy transitions into tölt—so that trial rides go smoothly. A well-presented, honestly described Icelandic Horse, priced in line with the current market, tends to move on to a new home without too much delay and keeps both buyer and seller satisfied with the deal.