The Icelandic horse is most famous for its smooth four-beat gait called the tölt, which is incredibly comfortable for riders, especially on longer journeys, and is beautifully executed by the horse. Riding an Icelandic horse in its natural environment provides an authentic riding experience. The traditional way of traveling in Iceland involves herding free-running horses, with horses being changed at least once a day on longer trips, allowing riders to experience a variety of horses.
The equipment used for Icelandic horses differs slightly from what is typically used for other breeds. The saddle resembles a dressage saddle with a flat seat and can have either a plain or quilted seat. A crupper is often used on longer rides to secure the saddle. The riding style for Icelandic horses is similar to English riding, but stirrups are worn at a longer length. Simple snaffle bits are commonly used, and bridles feature a detachable noseband and clip-on reins.