The Magic of Icelandic Horses
In this blog series I want to go back to the basics of why I love to travel, and I know many of you do too: because you’re curious. Curious to learn more about a new culture, curious to learn more about different ways of living life, curious to try new foods, learn about new customs and broaden your worldview. In this blog series we’ll be sharing and learning about different corners of the world, highlighting some of our favorite storytellers who can bring these stories to life on a future trip, and helping you, albeit virtually, indulge your love and curiosity to travel.
Today we’re learning about a special breed of horses found in Iceland.
When you arrive in Iceland you’ll hear all about glaciers, geothermal waters, elves, northern lights, and puffins. And if you’re a keen traveler you might have heard, or quickly find out about Icelandic horses. These horses are stunning - smart, beautiful, and so gentle with riders with a wide range of experience. But they also have a unique background (some of it rooted in folklore!) attributes and traditions.
When I visit Iceland, riding and interacting with Icelandic horses has become one of my favorite things to do, and something we always recommend to our clients. But we’re not visiting the mega horse-riding operations; goodness no. I always visit Nupshestar Farm, a small family-run operation in southern Iceland.
Elwira and Svenni run the farm, take care of the horses, and host the riding lessons and multi-day riding tours. They’re supported by a team of students and Icelandic-horse enthusiasts who come for the season to assist. Their property is a stunning place to ride, and they’re some of the warmest people you’ll meet in your Icelandic adventure. On more than a few occasions I’ve been invited into their home for a post-ride lunch, where they openly share stories, information and always laughter!
I reached out to Elwira to learn more about Icelandic horses, and help introduce you to this special part of Iceland.
Q: Are Icelandic horses the only breed of horses you can find in Iceland? If so, why?
Yes, in Iceland we keep only one breed of horse - the Icelandic horse (and it’s not a pony!) The horse has been isolated on the island (today we call this island Iceland) for more than 1,000 years, and contact with other horse breeds could be dangerous for them. Unlike other breeds of horses, Icelandic horses do not get any vaccinations, and we want to keep them as pure as possible.
Q: What makes an Icelandic horse unique from other horse breeds?
Icelandic horses are very friendly, and enjoy being close to humans. They have gaits (patterns of leg movement) that are unique to the breed, such as one gate called a tölt. A tölt gait is a natural gait that is very smooth to ride, faster than a gallop, and at certain points all four legs are off the ground. As a rider, it’s very comfortable and enjoyable to ride when a horse is moving this way, as there is very little bouncing!
Q: I’ve heard that there are strict naming rules for Icelandic horses. Is that true? If so, what are the rules, and how do you decide what name to give each horse?
There are a few rules that govern what names are given to Icelandic horses. A few include not giving a horse a foreign name, no names that have bad meanings, and names that are typically considered female are given to female horses (called mares) and names that are typically considered male names are given to male horses (called stallions.) We usually choose names when the horse is born or soon after, because the name must fit the horse. Sometimes it describes its color, unique marks, nature or situation that surrounds the horse, or also our feelings or hopes for the horse. The name we give means a lot to us.
Q: Can you tell us about your favorite horse? I know it’s hard to pick just one!
We are so lucky to have so many great horses! It’s hard to choose just one favorite; that wouldn’t be fair to all the horses that have done so much for me! But I’ll mention a few:
Fálki is a horse that was a Christmas gift from Svenni. I took Fálki with me to school and we both learned a lot at this school, including a lot about each other! I always pick Fálki for long tours, as he is hard working, has a lot of energy, good gaits and a funny spirit. He’s always there for me, and happy to go!
Aska is a beautiful black mare with the softest gaits, and one of the nicest horses I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding. She is one of the reasons I came back to Iceland many years ago, and has since birthed three beautiful foals (AKA baby horses.) One of her foals - Gnýr, a gelding that comes from one of the greatest Icelandic stallions, is just five years old, but I have so much hope that I’ll be able to ride him next year!
And I have to acknowledge my older riding horse - Snepill, who I have traveled all over the Icelandic highlands with. Sometimes he knows the way better than me, and I can trust him every step he takes!
Iceland is really a magical place, and not just because of its horses. It’s full of natural beauty from black sand beaches, geothermal waters, epic hikes, glaciers, folklore and legends, beautiful and unique food and kind and generous people who have so much pride for their home.
You can click here to view photos from past travels to Iceland, and here, here, here and here to see photos from past group trips we’ve hosted in Iceland. So be sure to include Iceland on your list of future travel destinations. And before you go, and certainly while you’re there, take a moment to research and appreciate the cultural customs that exist, as it will help you get more out of your travel experience, and give you greater insight into the practices that guide how Icelandic people live their lives.
Here’s to staying curious, and continuing to use travel as a vehicle to learn and expand our world view!
Mary + the Living Big Travel team
