Icelandic Horses in Winter, Some Pre-Armageddon Magic

Pensive Icelandic Horse at Day’s End

A little over a month ago, I was in Iceland traveling around the country to see ice caves, the northern lights, frozen waterfalls, and of course the Icelandic horses, some of the most magnificent and beautiful creatures on the planet. It all seems such a long time ago and another world away. To occupy myself during this period of heightened anxiety, I decided to start working on the horses first because watching them seemed so calming though they were incredibly curious and kept nuzzling the fake fur on my coat and snow boots and trying to put their muzzles in my pockets. Our guide knew several farm owners, either friends or relatives, and we were fortunate to be able to walk among them. The photo above was actually made during the last visit we had. When this horse climbed up onto a small hill and looked into the distance as the day was ending, she seemed to have a very pensive look. Of course the horse did not know, and neither did I, how much our world would change. I hope these images will bring you some joy in these challenging times.

Brown Horse with Golden Mane

When we first arrived it was quite cold. There was ice was under their nostrils and in their whiskers, from the moisture that was a byproduct of their breathing.

Trio of Icelandic Horses

You can see how curious they were. Sometimes they would approach me in groups and even attempt to encircle me completely. They would often get so close that it was difficult to photograph them, but I didn’t care. I loved communicating with them. And I couldn’t help but talk to them. I don’t have any idea if they understood what I was saying, but they did seem interested.

The gray ones were particularly unusual and striking, but the brown and gold combination was gorgeous too.

Horses in Wide Open Fields

Iceland is very underpopulated with a population of around 320,000, but despite the few number of inhabitants there are approximately 80,000 horses in the country.

Icelandic horses have been purebred for over 1000 years, so they are very sturdy and have very few diseases. Icelanders attempted to crossbreed the Icelandic horse with oriental breeds as far back as the 10th century, but after the attempt proved unsuccessful parliament banned horse imports to Iceland in 982 AD. If Icelanders take their horses to competitions in other countries, they are not allowed to bring them back and have to sell them.

Gray and Black Horse with Golden Mane

Though they are considered horses, they most closely resemble Shetland Ponies due to their size which is 5 feet tall or less. The Icelandic people call them horses and not ponies, despite their small size, because they say so. It doesn’t really matter what anyone is called. Labels often lead to problems. What is really wonderful is that their height makes them truly are on eye level when you are interacting with them.

Icelandic Horse in Stillness

The color of their coats and manes are so striking, which is even more evident in close ups that also evoke a sense of quietude and introspection. Or maybe, it’s just that horses don’t know to worry about the cataclysmic events that are happening now. When I was there, it was just at the start of the virus and we were all pretty oblivious as to what was to come, although we were aware that the coronavirus existed.

Icelandic Horse with White Marking

Their markings were beautiful and watching the peer out from under their manes reminded me of models under intentionally disheveled bangs.

This horse followed me around for quite some time. Suddenly I remembered the lesson Brendan Bannon taught me about photographing people and how it was important to give up the perspective of power sometimes and place yourself below your subject, not that I thought any of these horses believed I was attempting to dominate them. I believe in relating as equals to all humans and animals and working together. Dominance always seems to go awry. Yet, I had to say that the horse did offer up a completely different expression when I crouched down. This is one of my favorite portraits.

Horse Portrait

What this horse was thinking, I have no idea, but it seemed somehow regal, perhaps some sort of Viking Warrior. Icelandic horses were in fact the original horses of the Vikings. They were taken to Iceland by the Norse in the 9th and 10th centuries.

Icelandic Horses in Motion

Icelandic horses have five gaits, one more than any other horse: the walk, the trot, the canter, the flying pace and the tølt. In the latter gait, the horse takes most of the weight on its hind legs, allowing the front legs to move more freely.

Horses in Front of Striped Mountain

While we were there, an unusual (well maybe more usual these days with climate change) heat wave struck the island and temperatures climbed into the upper 40s. The snow melted at a rapid pace. On this one mountain with vertical striations, it made a very pronounced and interesting effect that was visible from miles around. After the rain and warmer temperatures that we’d experienced in the preceding days abated, the winds picked up and it became quite cold again. Periodically the horses moved briskly to stay warm.

Horses Walking into a Stiff Breeze

Suddenly really stiff breezes would happen and their manes became fiercely blown, even the skin around their eyes seemed affected. To lessen the effects, they would huddle together and walk in lines.

Nuzzling in the Wind

Sometimes they would nuzzle together in the breeze. That is what is so hard about right now. Those who are alone have no one to weather the storm with and have to find solace in virtual worlds or through other modes of communication. Direct touch is always so reassuring.

Facing the Elements Together

The wind was so strong that the horse’s tails seemed resembled pompoms.

Trio of Horses at Dusk

On one of our last days we visited another farm where our guide knew the owners. It was feeding time and after they’d had their fill of food, they remained in groups. At one time I was totally encircled. It was the only time I wondered for a split second if this was actually safe. But their heads were all facing me and I realized they were just very curious

Young Horse Walking in a Herd at Dusk

This young horse was so sweet but definitely stayed close to the rest of the herd, uncertain if it was okay to interact or not. The older horses had no worries at all. I hope seeing these photos reminds you of the continuity of life in these crazy times. Every time I go outside and hear birds chirp or see goats and other animals on the farms near where I live, it introduces a sense of normalcy that is so critical right now. Interacting with animals has such a calming affect too.