The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland. The breed develops late, but is long-lived and hardy. The Icelandic displays five gaits, rather than the typical three displayed by most other breeds. Horses living in their native Iceland have few diseases, and laws prevent animals from being imported to Iceland or returning to the country after they are exported. They are still used for traditional farm work in Iceland, as well as for leisure, showing and racing.
The breed was developed from ponies brought to Iceland by Viking settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. Horses were worshipped in Norse mythology, and these beliefs were brought to Iceland by the original settlers. The Icelandic breed is mentioned in both literature and historical records throughout Icelandic history, from the 9th century on, with the first historical reference to an individual horse appearing in the 12th century. Selective breeding and natural selection have developed the breed into its current form. The first Icelandic breed society was created in 1904, and today the breed is represented by organizations in 19 different nations.