Not all Icelandic Horses tolt. You will see them offer other gaits naturally, such as the fox trot, running walk, stepping pace, etc., as well as the saddle rack.

The gait of tolt can be *made* by mechanical means, some of which include:

[] Saddles, the tight narrow icelandic saddles, some of which have extended bars.

[] Bits, snaffles, icelandic, pessoas, anything that doesn't fit the horse and makes him high-headed or tense.

[] Tight nosebands

[] Icelandic shoes, or heavier than normal shoes, or unequally weighted shoes

[] Boots; double pairs of boots

[] Straps on the hoof

[] Whips

[] Heavy contact, leaning on the horse's mouth, obvious muscular strength pulling on reins

[] Sitting on the back of the saddle

[] Extreme ventroflexion

[] Extreme high-headedness

[] Long toes; contracted heels

[] Concussive practices

Some of these things are used in, or in training preparation for evaluations and competitions.

Using gaits made by mechanical means is not a good basis for evaluating breeding potential.