SCHMALZTOPF
a breeding farm for icelandics

 

schmalztopf@earthlink.net
(805)693-9876 
Arvid and I, searched for the very special dams and sires of our geldings in Europe in 1989 and imported them. All our geldings have been raised at Schmalztopf, slowly brought along using non-force training techniques. They splash in the river that runs on our 100 acre farm in Buellton. They load, offer their feet for the farrier, have always lived in herds, aren't afraid of darting dogs, cars, loud trucks & tractors, squirting water, bicycle riders, kites, flags, flapping tents et cetera and go calmly under viaducts with freeways sounds overhead & water beneath their feet. Their cost is around $8,500; young ones start at $2500. 

Schmalztopf is able to provide Icelandic breeding horses that produce gaited offspring of consistent ability, conformation, and size. The immediate ancestors of their imports include honor prize mares as well as stallions for parents and grandparents. This distinction, rare among mares, is not so difficult for a good stallion to achieve, if he is bred extensively. Odinn frá Søtofte, was purchased in Denmark before his birth, in 1989. Odinn's dam, Princessa frá Stikkisholmi, is the ONLY mare outside of Iceland, having earned an honor prize several years ago, because of her consistent and numerous first prize offspring. Both her dam and her sire, the honor stallion, Ofeigur 818 frá Hvanneyri, were honor prize individuals in Iceland. 

The tölting Icelandic horse is one the most fun of all horse breeds. The desire to have one's horse continually improve in his four or five gaits, is a constant impetus to improving one's horsemanship.

The training program for the Icelandic horses at Schmalztopf emphasizes modern non-force techniques which produce a focused, co-operative, and secure mount. The Icelandic youngsters learns to be respectful to their seniors, as well as their human counterparts. Being raised in herds, they learn to pay constant attention to their rank. Therefore training is more easily accepted. A well-trained Icelandic horse is one who knows how to concentrate.

Icelandic horses of all ages and stages of training are available to see at Schmalztopf. Yearling colts start at $3500, riding geldings are around $8500. Mares and mature stallions vary in price according to breeding potential and show quality. 

Schmalztopf is located in "Central Coast California" on the banks of the Santa Ynez river. One half hour north of the Santa Barbara airport, just before the town of Buellton, one exits US101 at Santa Rosa Road going west; the first farm on the right is Schmalztopf. Excellent local camping with all the facilities is available by the river, with horse-care offered at Schmalztopf. Small inns, and lovely hotels are also located from two to a few minutes from the farm. Three miles east of Schmalztopf, driving past Monty Roberts' farm, is the Danish town of Solvang, a favorite with tourists. Wine tasting is a major activity in the area; Sandford's winery is located just down Santa Rosa Road. You are cordially invited to visit Schmalztopf's 100 acres of over 100 Icelandic horses by calling Nancy or Arvid Schmalz, 805-693-9876.