Icelandic horses
The only livestock that we saw in Iceland still living outside in winter were hardy Icelandic horses. Although they appear rather pony size, they are always referred to as horses, perhaps because the breed's weight, bone structure and weight-carrying abilities. It is believed that the ancestors of the Icelandic horse were probably taken to Iceland by Vikings between 860 and 935 AD. It is now recognized as a distinct breed. Because of their isolation from other horses, disease in the breed within Iceland is mostly unknown, so they have little natural immunity. For this reason any horse exported cannot return.
Icelandic horses
The only livestock that we saw in Iceland still living outside in winter were hardy Icelandic horses. Although they appear rather pony size, they are always referred to as horses, perhaps because the breed's weight, bone structure and weight-carrying abilities. It is believed that the ancestors of the Icelandic horse were probably taken to Iceland by Vikings between 860 and 935 AD. It is now recognized as a distinct breed. Because of their isolation from other horses, disease in the breed within Iceland is mostly unknown, so they have little natural immunity. For this reason any horse exported cannot return.