ICELANDIC HORSE DEMO CLINIC
Experience the legendary fourth gait
Masterclass & ridden demonstration with Marie Lichtenegger.
Join renowned Icelandic horse trainer on her debut Suffolk visit.
Saturday 17 October
1pm – 3pm
Suffolk Rural (Otley) College
Experience tölt the unique, smooth, four-beat riding gait native to the Icelandic horse
Part One
Unmounted introduction
Marie explains what makes the Icelandic horse unique.
Part Two
Ridden Demonstration
See, up close, what makes these horses so different to ride.
RIDER SPACE - TWO AVAILABLE
£50
per person
Your chance to feel tölt for yourself, as part of the Ridden demonstration
SPECTATOR SPACE
£15
per person
Watch, learn and ask questions from the gallery.
Book your space
What is tölt?
Tölt is the Icelandic horse's signature gait, and it's what riders and visitors ask about most. It's a natural four-beat gait, and unlike a trot, the horse always has at least one foot on the ground. That's what makes it so smooth. You don't get the bouncing motion you'd feel at a trot, even over rough terrain.
A correct tölt has:
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A clear, even four-beat rhythm
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Continuous ground contact for stability
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High, expressive leg action in many horses
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A relaxed, steady head and neck with good balance
It's a natural gait for most Icelandic horses, but it still takes training to get the balance, rhythm, and collection right. Riders use subtle aids to keep the horse moving correctly without rushing or tensing up.
Today, tölt competitions are a core part of Icelandic horse shows, with judges scoring rhythm, speed, balance, suppleness, and how well horse and rider work together.