I didn’t think I’d find a little piece of Iceland tucked away in Shelbyville, Kentucky, but that’s exactly what happened when I visited Lettléiki Icelandics at Swallowland Farm. It’s more than just a horse farm—it’s a living, breathing love letter to one of the oldest, toughest, and most lovable horse breeds in the world.
First Impressions: Fuzzy Coats, Friendly Faces
It was clear from the start that Lettléiki Icelandics is run by people who genuinely care about their horses. I was especially impressed by owner Maggie Brandt’s soft-spoken, calm demeanor—it set the tone for the entire visit. The whole place had a peaceful, relaxed feel, and it was obvious the barn was designed with that same mindset. Since Icelandic horses are highly social, the stalls are arranged so the horses can always see each other—and anyone who walks in.
Icelandics are smaller than the average horse and come with thick, fuzzy coats (they’re the only breed with a true double coat) and long, shaggy manes. To help them cope with Kentucky’s hot, humid summers, they’re partially clipped to stay cool. By fall, those heavy winter coats start growing back in—a clear sign their biology is still on Icelandic time.
Icelandic Horses and the Viking Connection
Over 1,000 years ago, when the Vikings set sail for Iceland, they packed light: some gear, some dreams, and their horses. Those horses had no idea they were headed to what basically amounts to the Star Wars ice planet, Hoth. No lightsabers, just sleet and volcanic rock—and somehow they thrived.
Iceland’s rugged, stormy isolation shaped them into one of the oldest and purest horse breeds in the world. (Fun fact: along with Shetland ponies, they’re one of only two breeds left without any Arabian blood. Translation: these horses are basically living fossils, but way cuter.)
To survive brutal winds, icy rain, and endless winters, Icelandic horses developed a serious set of adaptations: thick, double-layered coats that keep them warm and dry in even the worst weather, and a digestive system geared to store energy by consuming most of their yearly calories during the short, green summers.
Before Iceland had roads, which, surprisingly, wasn’t all that long ago, these sturdy little horses were essential for getting around. Born ready for Iceland’s rugged, frost-heaved terrain, they served as transportation, farmhand, companion, and… yes, occasionally dinner. Harsh, yes, but when you live on a volcanic island in the North Atlantic, practicality wins.
Built for Smooth Moves
One of the coolest things I learned at Lettléiki Icelandics? Icelandic horses have five gaits. In addition to the usual walk, trot, and canter, they can tölt—a four-beat gait so smooth you don’t need to post. In fact, you could probably sip a latte while riding—maybe even text your mom. (But don’t. Helmets, people.) They also have the flying pace, a fast gait that can reach up to 35 mph, where all four hooves leave the ground.
Natural Horsemanship: The Lettléiki Icelandics Philosophy
What stood out most was the farm’s natural, respectful approach to raising horses. Foals are born out in the pastures—not in stalls—and are mostly left alone at first. The staff keeps an eye on them from a distance, stepping in only if needed, just like it’s done in Iceland. Think of it as equine Montessori: minimal interference, maximum life skills.
Young horses aren’t rushed into training. They spend their early years in herds with other youngsters, learning manners from older horses and staying mostly away from people. Icelandic horses don’t have much of a flight response (they’re naturally curious and unafraid) which is exactly why they interact with them as little as possible, especially when they’re young. There’s no early breaking or pressure to perform. Around age three, they’re introduced to light handling, but real training doesn’t begin until they’re four or five, once they’re physically and mentally ready.
From Newbies to Competitors: Everyone’s Welcome Here
You don’t need to own a horse—or even have much experience—to get involved at Lettléiki Icelandics. They offer lessons, summer camps, and even Newbies Weekends twice a year. During those weekends, people learn all about Icelandic horses through lectures, hands-on time, riding, and demonstrations. It’s like Horse 101: Icelandic Edition—minus the midterms, plus a lot more mane.
Curious what horseback riding feels like in a completely different setting? Don’t miss my post on riding horses along the beach—it’s a totally different kind of magic.
The farm also runs a full lesson program with about 50 students, and the vibe is very egalitarian. Most students don’t own horses—instead, they work their way through different horses as their skills improve. Lessons are affordable too (around $60/hour or slightly less with a package), and they include learning to tack up and care for the horse. It’s not just about riding—it’s about harmony with the horses.
The farm also hosts world-ranking competitions, complete with internationally certified judges and a purpose-built track designed to properly showcase the tölt and flying pace. Riders travel from across the U.S. and Canada to compete, while spectators watch from a grassy bank—just like they do in Iceland.
In addition to the big spring show, there’s a regular fall show and several schooling shows throughout the year for students. The events are gait-focused, with judging based on tölt, pace, and the rider’s harmony with the horse.
Find out more about tours, classes and events at https://lettleikiicelandics.com/ and for more on Shelby County, Kentucky, the ‘American Saddlebred Capital of the World’, check out https://www.visitshelbyky.com/
Related: What to See, Do, and Love in Downtown Shelbyville, KY
🐴 Fast Facts About Icelandic Horses
- Height: 12–14 hands (compact, but built like tanks)
- Lifespan: Commonly live into their 30s; some reach their 40s and beyond. The oldest known Icelandic horse lived to 56.
- Colors: All coat colors except Appaloosa
- Global Population: ~300,000 worldwide (~250,000 in Iceland, ~5,000 in North America)
- Unique Gaits: Five total—walk, trot, canter, tölt (smooth and comfortable), and flying pace (up to 35 mph!)
- Pedigree Protection: Once an Icelandic horse leaves the island, it can never return—no exceptions. This keeps the breed pure and disease-free.
- Pop Culture Cred: These shaggy-coated legends starred in The Hobbit movies, portraying the sure-footed mountain ponies of the dwarves.
- Model Citizens: Lettléiki’s own stallions, Folly and Spöðull, are official Breyer horse models and appear annually at BreyerFest in Lexington, KY. Yes, these horses are literal plastic celebrities. Your childhood toy shelf called—it’s impressed.
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