While these animals certainly appear untamed in their vast, unfenced environments, the reality is more nuanced. The horses in Iceland are not wild in the traditional sense, meaning they are not undomesticated animals that have never had human interaction. Instead, they exist in a unique state of semi-feral management, a practice deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture.
Understanding “Wild” in Iceland
In contrast, every Icelandic horse is owned, even when they roam large tracts of land without visible fences. Their ancestors were brought to Iceland by Viking settlers between 860 and 935 AD, making them a domesticated breed with a history spanning over a thousand years. The horses’ seemingly wild appearance stems from their traditional management practices rather than a lack of human connection. Though they are smaller than many other horse breeds, often appearing pony-sized, they are consistently referred to as horses due to their spirited temperament and ability to carry adult riders.
The Icelandic Horse’s Distinctive Life
Adaptability and Grazing
Icelandic horses are known for their hardy nature and adaptability to the island’s often challenging climate, which can see winter temperatures drop significantly. They possess a thick, double-layered coat that provides exceptional insulation against cold temperatures, and their muscular build allows them to navigate rugged terrain efficiently. For much of the year, particularly during summer, many horses are released into large, often remote pastures in the highlands to graze freely.
The Annual Réttir
This practice culminates in the annual réttir, a traditional event typically held in September, where horses and sheep that have spent the summer grazing are rounded up from the mountains. Farmers gather their herds and guide them into communal pens for sorting and care, a tradition that dates back to the Viking era. This annual gathering ensures the animals are accounted for and prepared for the winter months.
Unique Gaits
Beyond their hardiness, Icelandic horses are also recognized for their unique five gaits: walk, trot, canter, tölt, and skeið (flying pace). The tölt is a smooth, four-beat ambling gait that provides a comfortable ride, while the skeið is a fast, two-beat lateral gait, sometimes used in racing.
Safeguarding a National Treasure
The purity of the Icelandic horse breed is maintained through strict regulations that have been in place for centuries. Since 982 AD, a long-standing ban has prohibited the importation of any other horse breeds into Iceland. This isolation has preserved the breed’s genetic integrity for over a millennium, resulting in a unique and pure lineage.
A significant aspect of this safeguarding policy is the rule that once an Icelandic horse leaves the island, it is never permitted to return. This measure is primarily to prevent the introduction of foreign diseases, as Icelandic horses, due to their long isolation, have not developed natural immunity to many common equine illnesses found elsewhere in the world. This dedication to maintaining a disease-free environment underscores the deep cultural significance of these horses, which are considered a national symbol and an integral part of Iceland’s heritage.