The horses carried a maximum of 35% of their own weight, or 128 kg on average. They were ridden at tölt at an average speed (5.4 m/s), for a short distance (2 × 300 m with each weight, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and repeated 20%) and for a short time. All of the horses were able to handle the increased weight.

Without exception all breeders and riders in Iceland believe that horses should not be trained at an earlier age. Icelandic horses usually live a long and healthy life and their natural life span is 25-30 years though some have lived to over 40. It is not unusual for them to be ridden and trained well into their 20s.

Bred to carry adults smoothly and willingly over difficult terrain, Icelandic Horses bring their cheerful outlook and sensible attitude to each ride. Always willing and energetic, they are forgiving and patient with beginners, yet offer the competition rider a challenging experience.

Finding the Right Horse Breed for Heavy Riders When horseback riding, the rule of thumb to follow is that a horse can safely carry 20% of its body weight. So, if you weigh 250 pounds, you should aim to ride a horse that weighs 1,250 pounds or more. This will help ensure the horse’s safety and ability to work.

Although the horses are small, at times pony-sized, most registries for the Icelandic refer to it as a horse. Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. In their native country they have few diseases; Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and exported animals are not allowed to return.

Known for their easy-going attitude, the Icelandic horse temperament has made them popular around the world. Typically friendly and curious, they can also be stubborn and relentless.

The Icelandic Horse is also unique as it is the only horse breed in the world that can perform five gaits (ways of walking), while other, horse breeds can only perform three or four. The common gaits are called walk, trot, and canter, but Icelandic horses can also pace and do what is called tölt.

Important parts of Icelandic cuisine are lamb, dairy, and fish, the latter due to the fact that Iceland has traditionally been inhabited only near its coastline. Popular foods in Iceland include skyr, hangikjöt (smoked lamb), kleinur, laufabrauð, and bollur.

Even today alcohol sales in Iceland are highly regulated and government run liquor stores (Vínbúðin) are the only places to buy alcohol in Iceland. The somewhat shaky logic behind the beer ban was that access to beer would tempt young people and workers into heavy drinking.

Eat like a Viking with these 7 traditional Icelandic foods

• Skyr. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Icelandic Provisions.
• Reykjavik’s hot dog (pylsur) Image Credit: Flickr / momo.
• Lamb. Lamb is the quintessential ingredient of Icelandic foods.
• Ice cream.
• Harðfiskur (dried fish)
• Rye bread from a hot spring.
• Seafood.

Brennivín or Black Death Brennivín or Black Death like some like to call it is definitely at the top of the chart for the most famous Iceland drink. It is the Icelandic aquavit but with an added Arctic cumin flavour that really leaves a trace. Goes perfectly with a bite of Hákarl!