Icelandic Horse.

The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland. Although the horses are small, at times pony-sized, most registries for the Icelandic refer to it as a horse. Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. In their native country they have few diseases; Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and exported animals are not allowed to return. The Icelandic displays two gaits in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. The only breed of horse in Iceland, they are also popular internationally, and sizable populations exist in Europe and North America. The breed is still used for traditional farm work in its native country, as well as for leisure, showing, and racing.

Developed from ponies taken to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, the breed is mentioned in literature and historical records throughout Icelandic history; the first reference to a named horse appears in the 12th century. Horses were venerated in Norse mythology, a custom brought to Iceland by the country's earliest settlers. Selective breeding over the centuries has developed the breed into its current form. Natural selection has also played a role, as the harsh Icelandic climate eliminated many horses through cold and starvation. In the 1780s, much of the breed was wiped out in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. The first breed society for the Icelandic horse was created in Iceland in 1904, and today the breed is represented by organizations in 19 different nations, organized under a parent association, the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations.

[April]

Lovely composition. I like the windblown mane.

[Dixie Goode]

Beautiful. I love them and they kind of remind me of my childhood obsession with Misty of Chincoteague

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Very cute capture and I love your composition.

[Lynne Hart]

Your shot really shows off their thick fur, good shot.

[Sue Wilde]

This is such a beautiful shot and what a magical creature

[Gena Pegg]

This is really beautiful Darren! I love the wind blowing on his mane. The commentary is so interesting as well. So happy to "see" you! I know that we followed each other quite some time ago..and I have missed you. Hope that all is well with you, I have always enjoyed your photos.

[Tricia O'Donnell]

A lovely capture

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Great shot.

[Molly]

Really like the processing and the crop.

[Steve and Pam Winfield]

Beautiful close up there colours are so lovely and I love the way you have caught the eye in this photo as I am sure you know,focus on the eyes makes great photos fav:)