The Icelandic Horse is said to be one of the oldest pure breeds in the world, with no cross breeding for over 1,000 years. Once a horse goes outside of Iceland it is not allowed to return, so preserving the pureness of the breed.
It is also claimed that they are the strongest breed, pound per pound and have five gaits instead of the conventional three. There are many more interesting ‘facts’ to be found on the Icelandic Horse, the above all coming form the page of Wild Rose Icelandic Horse Farm.
Well I am not a big horse person, but the breed certainly had the air of being full of character and yet pretty docile – the kind a complete novice like myself could take to. There was even one that looked like Limahl of Kajagoogoo fame.
Alas time got the better of us on our recent trip, but should we return we might just have to jump on the back of one of these fine animals.
Have a great weekend one and all, MM
Meticulous Mick 
Superb creatures, superb pictures – they almost talk to you, don’t they?
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Cheers Frederick, they seemed to be quite social and friendly…..
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The horses look sturdy to match the area; they have a primitive air about them..
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They remind me a little of large shetland ponies. That same sturdiness….Thanks Jackie
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Icelandic horses definitely have character. Here’s an old post with some that’s been exported from Iceland, never to return.
(I didn’t have the same photographic skills & equipment back then, so the photos aren’t that good):
http://cardinalguzman.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/wild-horses/
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Beautiful captures! 🙂
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Lovely post and very informative too. I had absolutely no idea about these Icelandic horses!
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Well I had no idea myself….until I went to Iceland. Travel and learn (or is that any excuse to go off travelling to broaden the mind?). I’ll let you make your own mind up Beverly. Have a great day, MM 🍀
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Dear Mick,
Travel and learn, it most definitely is! You have an amazing day too!
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You are amazing, MM! They are just horses and yet every shot captures their colour and character.
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Very, very kind of you. they all seemed such characters it was difficult not to capture an element of it. 😃
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The photos are wonderful! The light on those beautiful horses is so lovely, and I love the facts about them, too!
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I think the facts on them are fascinating, such a tough little breed.
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beautiful animals, very majestic!
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Such beautiful animals! I do love seeing wild horses 🙂
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I particularly like Best of Buddies and Frizzy Mane..you capture their personality wonderfully !
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They do all seem to have personality and if I captured that, brilliant. MM 🍀
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Thanks Mick. The combination of movement, stillness and power is very captivating. Best regards Thom.
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Love the shaggy manes 🙂 Happy Weekend!
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Very interesting post and more wonderful photos; thank you!
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Great pictures! They definitely have a special look about them that you captured very well…
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Thank you Dale, a great assortment of colours. Have a great weekend, MM 🍀
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Wow, beautiful horses, beautiful shots.
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Cj=heers Noelle, great location too 😃
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Fascinating! Are they wild?
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No, though against the landscape it looks very much that way, 🍀
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