When the first Vikings game to Iceland, they brought their horses with them. Icelandic horses are exceptionally sturdy and sure-footed.

They are also friendly, warm and cuddly. The cuddly part happens in winter when their coats become so soft and furry they look like teddy bears.

They’re a very hearty horse breed who have put up with freezing winters, volcanic eruption’s and other perils for centuries.

In Norse mythology, the Icelandic canyon of Asbyrgi is thought to have been made by the imprint of Odin‘s horse Sleipnir as he placed a foot on land mid flight.

One very unique trait of the Iceland horse is their two extra gaits. It is said that when the Icelandic horse is in the gait “tölt”, the ride is so smooth you can carry a glass of Brennivín and not spill a drop!

These horses like to get in close to you if they like you. They will persistently follow you if you have treats. When the first Icelandic horses were brought to our community by my friend Sylvia, they didn’t know what an apple was, because in Iceland apples are far too costly to feed to a horse. In fact, they like to eat seaweed.
So, I introduced Sylvia’s horses to apples and after that, whenever I had apples ALL the horses followed me!

Benni and Helgi are two Icelandic horses that live here and love to go to the beach to romp and play in the ocean. I hope to show videos of them.

The photo is of me and Kvika, Sylvia’s horse who now resides in Horse Heaven.