How Much Does an Icelandic Horse Cost? [2026 Price Guide]

The Icelandic horse is one of the purest and most unique breeds in the world. Isolated on Iceland for over 1,000 years, these small but mighty horses are famous for their extra gaits, incredible temperament, and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. But how much does an Icelandic horse cost?

Quick Answer: Icelandic Horse Prices

Type	Price Range
Unregistered/Grade	$3,000 – $7,000
Trail/Pleasure Horse	$7,000 – $15,000
Quality Riding Horse	$12,000 – $25,000
Five-Gaited Show Horse	$20,000 – $50,000
Competition Quality	$35,000 – $100,000+
Imported from Iceland	$15,000 – $75,000+

What Makes Icelandics Special

The Extra Gaits

Icelandic horses have up to five gaits:

Walk: Standard four-beat walk
Trot: Two-beat diagonal gait
Canter/Gallop: Three-beat gait
Tölt: Four-beat lateral gait—incredibly smooth, can be done at any speed
Flying Pace: Two-beat lateral gait—racing gait, very fast

Price impact: Five-gaited horses (with good flying pace) are most valuable. Four-gaited horses (without pace) are less expensive.

Unique Breed Rules

No horses can be imported INTO Iceland
Once a horse leaves Iceland, it can never return
This keeps the breed pure but limits supply

Factors Affecting Price

1. Gait Quality

The most important factor:

Clear, correct tölt: Essential—affects all pricing
Good flying pace: Adds significant value
Quality in all gaits: Premium horses
Gait issues: Lower prices

2. Four vs. Five Gaited

Five-gaited: $15,000 – $75,000+
Four-gaited (no pace): $8,000 – $30,000

3. Imported vs. US-Bred

Imported from Iceland: Often higher quality, higher prices
US-bred: Good horses available, often more affordable

4. Training Level

Untrained youngster: $5,000 – $12,000
Started in tölt: $10,000 – $20,000
Well-trained, all gaits: $18,000 – $40,000
Competition-ready: $35,000 – $100,000+

5. Color

Icelandics come in virtually every color:

Over 40 colors and patterns recognized
Unusual colors may command slight premiums
Quality matters more than color

Icelandic Prices by Purpose

Trail Riding

Icelandics are exceptional trail horses:

Basic trail horse: $7,000 – $15,000
Experienced, smooth gaited: $12,000 – $25,000

Sport Competition

Beginning competitor: $15,000 – $30,000
Regional shows: $25,000 – $50,000
National/international: $50,000 – $150,000+

Pleasure/Family

Family horse: $10,000 – $20,000
Beginner-suitable: $12,000 – $25,000

Breeding

Broodmare: $8,000 – $25,000
Breeding stallion: $20,000 – $75,000+
Foals: $5,000 – $15,000

Ongoing Costs

Icelandics are easy keepers:

Expense	Monthly Cost	Notes
Board	$300 – $1,500	Standard
Feed	$100 – $250	Easy keepers—need less
Farrier	$40 – $150	Good, hard feet
Veterinary	$40 – $100	Very hardy breed

Health and Care

Hardy: Bred for harsh conditions
Long-lived: Often work into their late 20s
Easy keepers: Watch for obesity
Thick coats: Rarely need blankets
Good feet: Often barefoot

Icelandic Horse Culture

Buying an Icelandic often means joining a community:

Strong breed associations
Regular clinics and events
International competitions
Dedicated enthusiasts

The Bottom Line

Icelandic horses range from $7,000 for basic riding horses to $100,000+ for elite competition horses. For a quality, well-trained trail or pleasure horse, expect $12,000-$25,000. Their unique gaits (especially the incredibly smooth tölt), wonderful temperament, and hardy constitution make them excellent partners. The higher initial cost is often offset by low maintenance requirements and exceptional longevity.

Sources: United States Icelandic Horse Congress, FEIF (International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations), Icelandic Horse Society