The Icelandic Horse is considered to be of Mongolian origin, arriving in Iceland via Russia and Norway. The breed has been kept completely pure by a complete ban on the importation of horses of any kind for the last 1000 years.
It is small, strong, and reknowned for it's good temper and friendliness. It is unique in that it has five distinct gaits and is exceptionally smooth to ride.
This documentary tells how the Vikings survived with the help of the sturdy Icelandic horse and how it was used in agriculture and for transportation in Iceland up until the 1950's. From that point on horsemanship became very popular in Iceland, and those who have gone on a riding trip or sheep roundup never forget it.
Today, there are over 80 thousand Icelandic horses in Iceland and over 110 thousand found in 20 other countries around the world.
What is the nature of the Icelandic horse? How is it bred? Broken in? Trained? This film has all the answers.
