One of my favorite horse breeds in the world is definitely the Icelandic one. If you look at them, you can call them Icelandic ponies as well, but most registries refer to them as Icelandic horses, however, a lot of locals and tourists as well call them Icelandic ponies. You can go either way. They are definitely one of the most unique breeds in the world and probably among the easiest recognizable.
A fun fact about Icelandic horses is that the ones exported outside of the country are not allowed to return. There is a significant population in a lot of other European countries and in North America as well. Icelandic horses weigh between 330 and 380 kilograms (730 and 840 lb) and stand an average of 13 and 14 hands (52 and 56 inches, 132 and 142 cm) high, which is often considered pony size, but breeders and breed registries always refer to Icelandics as horses.
The breed comes in many coat colors, including chestnut, dun, bay, black, gray, palomino, pinto and roan. There are over 100 names for various colors and color patterns in the Icelandic language. (Wikipedia). A lot of horse magazines and rankers worldwide classifies them among the most beautiful horses in the world. I think the tourists in the video below agree as well as they spend a significant time recording a video of these horses as the last ones get closer to them.
It is just a testimony of how friendly the Icelandic horses are and the main reason why is the fact that Iceland is among the top countries in the world when it comes to horse treatment, hence, these horses are used to the idea that no danger comes from humans. Free to wander around the fields, which are equally as stunning to behold, this group of charming horses was happy to walk right up to some tourists who came to say hello.
The amazing glimpse at the majesty of nature is something I’m sure the lucky guy filming won’t forget any time soon. It’s hard to say how many they’ve come across, but I count at least 20. It is really great how different horses from different countries, especially continents are from each other. It makes you forget that they are the same species. Talking about different breeds, we would like to know which ones are your favorites. Let us know in the comment section!