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What is TöLting?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Tölting is a gait unique to the Icelandic Horse, a small breed of horse which was developed in Iceland to cope with the harsh winters and rugged terrain of this Northern nation. Because this gait is distinct from the walk, trot, canter, and gallop, Icelandics are known as “gaited horses,” reflecting their extra skills. In addition to tölting, Icelandics are also capable of exhibiting the flugskeið or “flying pace.” Almost all Icelandics are capable of tölting naturally, although some horses prefer trotting, and this gait can also be refined through additional training.

This gait is a lateral four beat gait, which means that both legs on one side move forward together. It is very similar to racking, a gait found in some American gaited horses, but tölting is slightly different from the classic rack. Owners of Icelandics tend to be particularly defensive about the difference between the rack and the tolt, but there actually are differences between the two gaits which are often visible even to people who are not experienced with gaited horses.

The flag of Iceland, where the Icelandic horse was developed.
The flag of Iceland, where the Icelandic horse was developed.

When a horse tölts, it keeps its back level, its head up, the neck arched, and it lifts both front and rear legs high. At least one foot is on the ground at all times in the tölt, and the gait is extremely smooth. Icelandics can also move very quickly; speed at a tölt can approach that of a gallop, unless the horse is also capable of the flying pace, in which case it tends to tölt a bit more slowly.

The best Icelandics tölt so smoothly that the rider barely moves in the saddle. Some riders like to show off with an cup filled with liquid, demonstrating how no liquid is spilled during an especially smooth tölting session. This gait is also very fluid and showy to look at, especially in a well-groomed horse, and like other ambling horse gaits, it is highly energy-efficient, which means that the horse can maintain the gait for an extended period of time.

Many Icelandic horses start tölting at a very young age; colts and fillies at play, for example, may tölt in the field before they've ever been ridden. The gait may require no additional development from a rider or trainer, although some riders teach their horses to step especially high for the show ring. In other instances, an Icelandic may need to be taught to tölt, because it prefers trotting or pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tölt, and how does it differ from other horse gaits?

Tölt is a smooth, four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses. Unlike the trot, which has a moment of suspension and can be bouncy, tölt is known for its steadiness and lack of suspension, providing a comfortable ride. The horse's feet follow a sequence of near lateral movement, which differs from the diagonal movement in trotting, making tölt exceptionally smooth.

Can all horses perform the tölt?

No, not all horses can perform the tölt. This gait is specific to certain breeds, most notably the Icelandic horse. Tölting is a natural gait for this breed, and they are born with the ability to perform it without human training. Other breeds may have similar gaits, but true tölt is unique to Icelandic horses.

Is tölt faster than a walk but slower than a canter?

Yes, tölt is generally faster than a walk but slower than a canter. It is a highly versatile gait that can vary in speed, ranging from a pace just above a walk to nearly as fast as a gallop. Riders often favor tölt for long-distance travel because it combines speed with comfort.

How do riders control the tölt, and is it difficult to learn?

Riders control the tölt through a combination of balance, leg pressure, and rein cues, similar to other gaits. Learning to ride the tölt can be easier than other gaits because of its smoothness. However, it requires practice to master the subtle cues and maintain the correct rhythm, especially at varying speeds.

What are the benefits of riding a horse that can tölt?

Riding a horse that can tölt offers several benefits, including a comfortable and smooth ride that reduces rider fatigue, making it ideal for long treks. The gait's stability allows riders to maintain better control and balance, which is particularly advantageous for those with back problems or other physical limitations.

Are there any competitions or sports that specifically involve tölt?

Yes, there are competitions that specifically showcase the tölt, particularly within Icelandic horse communities. These events test the horse's speed, style, and smoothness in the gait. The International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations (FEIF) organizes World Championships for Icelandic horses, where tölt is one of the featured competition gaits.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

iceryder

What do owners say are the differences between tolt and rack?

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    • The flag of Iceland, where the Icelandic horse was developed.
      By: Miroslaw Dziadkowiec
      The flag of Iceland, where the Icelandic horse was developed.