Iceland review - 2016, Page 126

The Icelandic
Horse
124 ICELAND REVIEW
SPECIAL PROMOTION
The Icelandic horse is present across all parts of Iceland, featuring
strongly in the Icelandic landscape. Made of hardy stock, horses
in Iceland number more than 80,000 today, and originate from a
controlled group first brought over by the settlers. Icelandic horses have
evolved over the last 1,000 years and have been bred expressly for
the land and climate of Iceland. Icelandic horses can cross the rugged
highlands, swim a glacial river and trot over vast lava fields. They are
known for their kind demeanor and affability, and are particularly stable
and balanced.
In the world of the Icelandic horse, Landsmót—The National
Icelandic Horse Festival, is a big deal: it’s where horse enthusiasts from
around the world flock every two years. Guests marvel at the breed’s
unique characteristics, such as strong, stocky frames, thick hair and
muscular necks. In the winter, horse coats grow long and shaggy,
and the coloring ranges from white to brown, and from blond to grey
and red. Landsmót, which started in 1950 at Þingvellir, celebrates the
breed’s beauty, grace and abilities. The event has been held at rotating
locations around Iceland since the beginning. The 22nd Landsmót will
be held June 27-July 3, 2016.
The 2016 National Icelandic Horse Festival takes place in Hólar,
North Iceland, June 27-July 3.
Celebrating Icelandic Horses