This page was last updated: 01/11/2018
It was in the late 1300's that the Icelandic horse was first brought to Jorvik by one of Iceland's great horse breeders, Jokul Tomasson. Jokul had, together with his daughter Brynhildur, spent many years in the Ottoman Empire, working for the wealthy trader Asil Birdal. When Ottoman Emperor Murad I died in the summer of 1389, Jokul and Brynhildur decide to leave.
Since the 10th century, it has been forbidden to return Icelandic horses to Iceland once they've already left, so Jokul and Brynhildur would have had to leave their beloved horses behind if they were to be able to return to their homeland. This could never be an option for them, and so they decided to take their horses to Jorvik one snowy, wintery day at the end of 1389.
The Icelandic horse quickly became very popular amongst the islanders and are used today for both leisure riding as well as competitive racing. OF all the wonderful qualities that make the Icelandic unique, the most famous has to be it's special gait. In addition to the usual walking styles, the Icelandic horse also has a unique gait called the "Tolt". Click for more in depth info for this breed.
****To be able to Tolt, hold down SHIFT at the same time as increasing your speed from the walking pace.****
Since the 10th century, it has been forbidden to return Icelandic horses to Iceland once they've already left, so Jokul and Brynhildur would have had to leave their beloved horses behind if they were to be able to return to their homeland. This could never be an option for them, and so they decided to take their horses to Jorvik one snowy, wintery day at the end of 1389.
The Icelandic horse quickly became very popular amongst the islanders and are used today for both leisure riding as well as competitive racing. OF all the wonderful qualities that make the Icelandic unique, the most famous has to be it's special gait. In addition to the usual walking styles, the Icelandic horse also has a unique gait called the "Tolt". Click for more in depth info for this breed.
****To be able to Tolt, hold down SHIFT at the same time as increasing your speed from the walking pace.****
You Must be Level 16+ to Ride the Icelandic
Base Stats: Strength +4 ~ Discipline +2 ~ Agility +1
Available at: New Hillcrest Village