Ginny Papas

The beautiful Icelandic Horse is the only horse breed in the world that can perform two extra gaits (ways of walking). Other horse breeds can perform three or four (walk, trot, canter and gallop). The extra gaits that set the Icelandic horse apart from other breeds are called Tölt and Flying Pace. Tölt is the unique four-beat lateral gait that the breed is best known for. The flying pace is the “fifth gear”, offering a two-beat lateral movement with suspension. Not all Icelandic horses can pace, but those that manage all five gaits well are considered the best of the breed.
The extra gaits are natural and new-born foals frequently show them right from the start. Most Icelandic horses are five-gaited, meaning they possess all five gaits, while some are considered four-gaited and lack the flying pace. There is a genetic variation that all gaited horse breeds have in common, which allows them to reach high speeds in a given gait without breaking into canter and gives them the smooth lateral movements. Five-gaited Icelandic horses always have this gene from both parents, as do some of the four-gaited horses. Some only have the gene from one parent, making them a pure four-gaiter which does not offer flying pace #femme_eyes #iceland #amateurphotography #landoffireandice #horsesofinstagram #icelandichorse #icelandichorses #horseportraits #ethereal_moods #soft_pastel_touches #icelandnature #icelandphotography #naturelovers #horsesoficeland