I'm convinced that in addition to some of the most beautiful people on earth, Iceland also has the most beautiful horses. I had heard that we would see free-roaming horses on our visit, but I don't think I was prepared for how many we would actually spot. As we set off on our early morning travels, the sun was just starting to push through the 3am rain and fog, giving us glimpses of wild horse silhouettes in the rolling hills. While the girls napped in the back seat, I would get excited every time we'd spot some in the distance while praying the weather would clear up a bit as the day went on so we could really get a good look at these beauties. Thankfully, my prayers were answered and we spent a good part of our Icelandic travels stopping to marvel at these beautiful creatures.
Because of selective breeding, the natives are very proud of and protective of their horses. The horses are said to have arrived with the first Nordic settlers between 860 and 935 AD, and in order to keep the breed pure, no other horses are allowed to be imported to the land. Also, a horse may be exported, but once it leaves it is no longer allowed to return. This ensures that the breed stays pure, strong and thriving.
You should also know that it's considered an insult to refer to the horses as "ponies", so be sure not to make that faux pas while in Iceland.
Towards the end of our trip, we did see a pack of 5 wild horses along the side of the road. We found a safe shoulder to pull over to see if we could give them a little pet. I'm going to be honest here and state that I'm not entirely sure if this is legal to do. If you pull off the road, make sure it's in a safe, designated parking area. Also, touch the horses at your own risk. Some of the horses could bite or kick, even though the pack that we found were mostly friendly and almost demanded head scratches and pats.
If you love horses as much as I do, make sure you put Iceland on your travel bucket list. Seeing these horses run wild and free there is quite breathtaking and magical. It's something you'll remember for a lifetime.
Have you ever seen horses out in the wild?
Totally Agree And Thanx For The Info As Well - Fantastic Post - We Have Loads Of Wild Mustangs Out Here On The Western Slope Of Colorado - Its Been A Rather Big Deal Over The Years - Have A Wonderful Week Ahead
ReplyDeleteCheers
I'd love to see them out west. We didn't make it out to CO in January, but I'll be sure to visit and look for wild horses the next time we're able to get out that way!
DeleteOh yes, they are truly beautiful. I think wild horses are so fascinating, but I have never seen them myself. Stunning pictures!
ReplyDeleteWe don't have wild horses in my part of the country, but I believe you can find them along the coasts. I do hope you get to see them in their natural habitat some day, Natalia!
DeleteI am going to be completely honest here and say I had zero clue there were wild horses. I thought they were domesticated animals. Imagine not knowing and seeing that? You’d think someone’s farm got loose or there were midwestern vandals trying to collect some firewood. Lol!! Still, very pretty and super cool that they are friendly. I wonder if many people interact with them.
ReplyDeleteLearn something new every day, right? Can you imagine trying to do a good deed and wrangle up the horses for some poor farmer only to find they were wild? That would be a hoot!
DeleteThose dark brown ones with copper highlights in their manes are so gorgeous, but I think I like the timid last one best, love that shroom colour in everything. I also love when horses have dark hair and lighter manes. We had a mare called Persida when I was little.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you were to have a horse in your childhood. I still think I like white horses the best. I love that photo of the two in the frozen Icelandic waterfalls that you shared to my Facebook.
DeleteI remember that Persida, or Persy, wasn't really a happy horse. My grandparents used her to take veggies to the greenmarket from their fields and I remember that she was constantly kept in the stable as you need a really high and strong fence in order to let your horse frolick in the yard or a field. Not a happy story, sadly.
DeleteI've always wanted to visit Iceland. Hope I get to someday. From what I've heard, it feels like not a different country, but a different world entirely, away from a lot of things we people in Mexico (and Latin America, for that matter) usually deal with.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what we said. We felt like we were on a whole different planet. It's all of that mossy ground cover that gives it such an otherworldly feel.
DeleteHorses look clean, strong and yes, beautiful.....
ReplyDeleteGlad to read your story about horses in Iceland.
Have a great day
Thank you, Tanza! Have a great day, too :)
DeleteThose are beautiful horses. I haven't seen wild horses but I have seen wild donkeys.
ReplyDeleteYou have me beat there. I have never seen wild donkeys before!
DeleteThey are indeed beautiful! I have a friend who loves to visit the Chincoteague wild horses off the coast of Maryland.
ReplyDeleteI have always dreamed of visiting the Maryland coast to see the wild horses!
DeleteWow. They are sure quite the sight to see indeed. They must get human attention a bunch to be so forthcoming and letting you touch them. Look at you maybe breaking the law lol
ReplyDeleteWell, as Jason likes to say, you can get away with anything until you get caught LOL
DeleteAbsolutely love horses and these are amazing and especially love wild horses, really free, hugs !
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gloria. Hugs right back at you!
DeleteI was amazed by the act of maintaining the authenticity of this beautiful horse breed.
ReplyDeleteAnd the horses there have strong characteristics.
I have never seen firsthand the habitat of wild horses in the Wild. But my papa used to have a riding horse
How wonderful that you had a riding horse in your family. I bet that was a fun experience, though a lot of hard work to maintain.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Himawan. Have a great day :)
So pretty
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteI love horses. They are so pretty! My boys have never been horse back riding. Every time we go somewhere, it's too hot, and they won't let us go it seems. You got some great photos of them.
ReplyDeleteWe've only been riding once with the girls, and that was in the Smoky Mountains. Can't say I loved it, but you should experience it once in your life, I think.
DeleteI think it absolutely would be magical to see the horses roaming about freely. What a wonderful perk of visiting Iceland, and maybe even my most favorite if I were to go!
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