Icelandic Horse

I was shooting the sunset on a cloudy moody day when we saw a heard of Icelandic horses walking down the beach grazing on the golden hay. Needless to say, Sean ...
Read more

I was shooting the sunset on a cloudy moody day when we saw a heard of Icelandic horses walking down the beach grazing on the golden hay. Needless to say, Sean and I ran down the beach to get a closer look. They were incredibly friendly and let us get right in the middle of their herd. I was kneeling down shooting these beautiful animals when I felt a big nudge in the center of my back. It startled me so I looked behind me and all I saw was this giant horse head in my face. Turns out, one of the horses was trying to get my attention and all he wanted was to be petted. Such an honor to be so close to them and have them be so trusting, After a few minutes of stroking his back, he walked away so I knelt down and continued shooting. A minute later, I felt another big nudge in my back…..he was back for more! What a privilege, what an amazing experience to be so close to God’s creatures in such a pristine environment. A memory that will be etched in my mind forever.
________________________________________
The history of the Icelandic Horse can be traced right back to the settlement of the country in the late 9th century. The breed has remained pure for over a thousand years and thus today , there is only one breed of horse in Iceland – The Icelandic Horse. The Icelandic Horse has played a key role in the life of Icelanders from the beginning. In heathen times the horse was highly regarded and renowned in Norse mythology. For centuries, the horse was the only means of transportation in Iceland as well as being the most important working animal in the days before machinery. Today, there are close to 80,000 horses in Iceland which is an incredible number for a nation that counts 300,000 people.
Read less