A relatively new breed, Aegidienberger horses are a cross between the smooth-gaits of Peruvian Pasos with the tölt of hardy little Icelandic Horses. The resulting cross is a stout-but-handsome, gaited animal which is hardy in almost any climate.
A Little Backstory
Interestingly there are not many Icelandic mixes that we have found. Iceland does export their animals, but perhaps in such a limited quantity it is difficult to use them as a foundation. Whatever the reason, this combination of genetics is truly an interesting one. Paso animals are appreciated throughout the Americas for their handsome bearing and dancing step. They are descendants of Iberian animals and found generally in warm climates. Icelandic ponies are native to the extreme climate of Iceland, known worldwide for their tölt gait and friendly attitude.
Peruvian Paso
Icelandic Horse
Aegidienbergers were first bred in Germany by family breeders who wanted a type that was smooth to ride but robust enough to withstand harsh winter weather. Despite their successful results, the breed has not grown considerably in popularity and not many have ever registered.
What Makes Them Special
They are very, very rare. An interesting and unlikely mix, but one that perseveres despite their lack of uptake. This is a combination of two well-loved types of horse and an interesting experiment in genetics. Clearly the people who love them, love them and the registry reliably provides yearly population data to the DAD-IS. To learn more about the breed, be sure to visit the Aegidienberger breed page.
Quick Facts
Native to Germany.
Studbook established in 1994.
Listed in the DAD-IS as critical and as of 2023 there were only 48 registered.