The Sheriffs in Iceland: Horse Encounter

One of the things I really wanted to do when in Iceland was to spend some time with Icelandic horses. They are fascinating because they are so study and tough. They aren't as big as "regular" horses, but they are bigger than ponies. They also have a lot of personality as we discovered.

The horses also do something called "tolt", which is a specific kind of gait. It is so cool to watch. Here is an example.

The Horse Encounter took place at a farm just outside Isafjordur. The young girl doing the tour is German. We started by filling large buckets with hay to feed the horses their breakfasts (we went out at 8am). They each get 2kg. We took the hay to the paddock where there are large open barrels from which the horses eat.

Once those were filled, we went out into the field to round the horses up. Some were very curious and came up to visit while others were more standoffish. We rounded them up and into the paddock. Most of them ate right away, and some were more interested in visiting than eating.

The horses are funny. They would come right up to our faces and demand pats. The one male (all but one horse were males) was very demanding! He didn't like it if we didn't pay attention to him. They were also quite stealthy. At times one would appear at your elbow for pats and you hadn't heard him coming. So much personality! One horse was shy and would back away if you went to touch him. The others were more outgoing. A couple were ambivalent about visiting and they didn't they want their fellow horses eating their food. They would block the tubs and snark if another horse came up.

I took a lot of photos so be prepared. I love photos of horses, and I want to print some out to put up in the dog room.

This is the farm cat. He also has a ton of personality, as you can probably tell.

Farm kitty

The farm

In the field

Curious

The pushy one!

Photobombed!

On the move!

They have to cross a muddy section that they don't like because their feet sink and it's a struggle for them. They get all frisky once they clear it and get onto the grass.

One thing we were happy to hear is that the horses get to go on vacation every year. They go to a relaxation farm, they don't have to wear shoes, and they get to run and play at will. We thought that sounded great.

They like to be scratched under their manes. They are so hot under all that thick hair.

Wrinkly mouths

I didn't know that horses like to slouch. When they got comfortable you would see them slouch to one side and put the tip of one foot on the ground like this. It was so fun to see. All of them did it. Apparently it indicates they are comfortable and relaxed.

Fuzzy ears. I guess all that hair keeps bugs out.

Still eating

Mr Pushy (not his real name) demanding attention from John.

Talking

Such round noses

Mr Pushy decided to have a good roll on the gravel. Again, not something I've seen a horse do! Apparently it feels good though.

The horses are good friends, though sometimes they fight and bite each other. One of them had a big bite on his neck. They all have little scars from the bites.