Icelandic horse is an integral part of the landscape and the history. Much like its people, this herd has been living in isolation since the settlement period (AD 874) when the Vikings brought them to the island. Even though considered pony-sized, they are hardy and high-spirited, and most importantly (at least for me who wants to get close to them) they are not easily spooked. During the summer they are free roaming in the highlands until September when farmers ride into the mountains to collect them before winter sets in. On this particular day, hundreds of horses were rounded up in a sorting pen in Laufskálarétt not too far from the Artic Sea. The temperature was just above freezing, the clouds were thick, but the mood was always festive when Icelandic beers disappeared with every horse finding its home...
