WarhorseUSA Showcasing Icelandic Horses

"There is no more sagacious animal than the Icelandic horse. He is stopped by neither snow, nor storm, nor impassable roads, nor rocks, glaciers, or anything. He is courageous, sober, and surefooted". ~ Jules Verne.  

The horses of Iceland truly are incredible creatures. WarhorseUSA is excited to team up with Guadalupe Laiz and Herdís Reynisdóttir to discuss these majestic horses. The horses of Iceland are unique in many ways and continue to grow in popularity around the world. This hardy breed was brought to Iceland by the Vikings when they settled in the rugged, tough island in the North-Atlantic over 1000 years ago.  After arriving in Iceland, Mother Nature basically took over the breeding program. With short summers and limited hay, the horses seldom got fed during the winter and had to survive mainly on what they could dig up from the snow. Not only the harsh winters took their tolls. The Icelandic horse has often been called "man´s most indispensable servant". Life in a vast country with glaciers, volcanoes, harsh weather, and unforgiving waters, certainly was easier with the help of these versatile horses. The horses of Iceland carried heavy loads of goods and hay, pulled rocks and earth, and still were mainly used as means of transportation. Until only about 100 years ago there were very few roads in Iceland and traveling on horseback was the best option available. Even horse carts were out of question as the uneven rugged landscape is unforgiving to wheels of any kind. To get between places, whether it was to church or to herd the sheep down from the mountains, nothing compared to a powerful, smooth ride, smart and courageous with an amazing stamina and will to never give up. 

In modern age, the horses of Iceland might seem small and pony-like with their cuddly appearance and sweet disposition. However, they also carry the fierce strength of survivors and all the wisdom that comes with it.  One thing is sure, the horses are Iceland´s best ambassadors.  

Visit @horsesoficeland for more information. Article by Herdís Reynisdóttir for WarhorseUSA. Photography by @guadalupelaiz.