The Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse, which has been prominent in the development of Iceland, is smal but a sturdy animal perfectly suited to the rough Icelandic terrain. The first horese were introduced by the early settlers and, since no other horses have been importet recently, the breeding stock remains pure for over 1000 years. To keep this unique race pure already the Althing has released a law that prohibited any import of other horses. This law still exists and even a horse that has been raised in Iceland and then transfered abroad will never be allowed back again. From the first years of Settlement to the early part of this century, these horses were the primary form of transporation in the country.
Horsefights were organised as a source of entertainment as the meat was consumed as a staple and used in pagan rituals. As a result, horsemeat was later banned by the Christian church. Although the horse's utilitarian value has diminished in recent years, it continues to play a role in the autumn sheep round-up and is still used recreationally.
If I ever manage to save up enough money I would love to buy a young Icelandic horse and train it. I've already found the perfect example for it. He's around 2 years old and stands on a farm in Snaefellsnes. This is when we met :o)