Icelandic equitation

[1]: 10 [2]: 13 The basis of Icelandic equitation lies in the long traditions of riding horse transport.

Thus horses had to be ridden for long distances, and the style of equitation formed to accommodate comfort and endurance.

[citation needed] A large proportion of the population of Iceland rides; the seat is normally relaxed and long-legged.

Overall, the style is meant to be comfortable due to the animal's smooth gait as well as pleasurable.

[5][page needed] As the Icelandic is a fairly small horse and many riders are adults, the ratio of the body weight of the rider to that of the horse may be considerably higher than in some other styles of riding.