Icelandic horses are an important feature in the landscape and in the daily life of this country. This is a lovely shy mare after her day's work on a riding-tour (in Landmannalaugar Highlands).

For those interested:

The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse that has lived in Iceland since the mid-800s, having been brought to the island by Viking settlers. The Icelandic Horse is a man-made breed as it is a mixture of breeds and cross-breeds which were taken from Scandinavian and European countries to Iceland during the original and subsequent settlements.
There are roughly 80,000 Icelandic horses in Icelandand relatively few abroad, owing in large part to centuries-old Icelandic legislation that prevents any Icelandic horse from returning to the island once it has been taken to another land.

They are considered small (average 12.2 to 14.1 hand in height averaging from 600 to 900lbs.) but very strong for their size. There is large variation in color in the Icelandic horses, with more than 40 different colors. The horse has been very important as a means of transport and a work animal throughout Iceland's history. Icelandic horses are bred in closed pedigrees because they must be traceable back to Icelandic ancestors. Icelandic horses have been bred only with horses from Iceland since the Middle Ages.

Probably the most beloved trait of the Icelandic horse is its unique character.

Iceland has never had any predators large enough to be any threat to a horse, but instead is a country with tremendous environmental dangers, such as harsh extremes in weather, volcanic activity, extremely varied and treacherous terrain, quicksand, rock slides, rivers with changing currents, etc. Therefore, the ability to assess a situation rather than the instinct to flee has been central in the survival of the horse. Even today Icelandics seem to lack the "spookiness" of most other breeds and are more inclined to think through a situation before making the decision to run. They also seem to have a much higher pain tolerance than other breeds and have a strong will to survive even the toughest conditions. There are many old Icelandic tales of horses that overcame tremendous obstacles to carry their riders safely to their destination.

Traditionally in Iceland, young horses and those not under saddle were allowed to run free in large herds in the highlands. Due to environmental concerns this practice only continues today in parts of Northern Iceland. However, even in other parts of Iceland the horses are often left in vast pastures largely on their own for long periods of time. All horses in Iceland are given an annual vacation in late fall of each year where they can be in herds left alone. The Icelanders feel that it is important that the horse grows up learning how to be an independent thinker, to take care of itself, and to not be too dependant on humans. The Icelanders want their horses to be thinking partners. They also believe that horses allowed to run free at least part of the year grow stronger, become more sure footed, and are more self-confident.

Icelandics tend to be extremely smart. As such they often learn new things very quickly. However, as they are bright they usually don't like to be drilled and they must constantly be challenged with new and different tasks to stay interested and willing. Although Icelandics are sometimes schooled in a ring or on an oval track, most like to be trained out on the trail enjoying nature.
Although some Icelandics are more friendly than others the majority enjoy the company of people and most Icelandics are known to form very close bonds with their owners.