Description of the Icelandic horse
The Icelandic horse is one of the noblest horse breeds, which stands out among its fellow tribesmen for its unique qualities, and most of all for its relatively small size.
Characteristics of the Icelandic horse
Icelandic horses are considered the cleanest in origin. These small furry animals are attractive by their external features and are the symbol of Iceland.
History of the origin of the breed
The Icelandic breed of wondrous horses first appeared in Iceland in the 9th-11th centuries.
According to historical data, the Vikings brought these animals to the country. Due to the fact that there was not so much space on their wooden ships, the Scandinavian sailors brought only small animals. At that time in Iceland, this horse was revered, as the breed was considered an assistant to the supreme god Odin.
On the island, Icelandic horses were the only means of transportation besides boats and ships. They were also irreplaceable helpers in agriculture. When their owners died, animals were burned on funeral pyres with humans. It was believed that in this way the filly and her owner could go together to the afterlife. The Vikings often fought to the death between the stallions.
History of the origin of the Icelandic breed
At the end of the 10th century, the Icelandic parliament passed a law that prohibited the import of horses into the country. During this period, plague and other serious diseases that could be transmitted through animals spread around the world. This law was intended to prevent the spread of disease in Iceland. Another reason for the ban on the import of horses was their inability to adapt to local conditions, as well as the fact that the imported horses spoiled the look of local horses. That is why Icelandic horses are considered the most thoroughbred. Centuries have passed, and it is still not allowed to bring horses to Iceland, even those that were taken out of the country for a short time for any reason, for example, to participate in an equestrian championship.
In the 18th century, many Icelandic horses died as a result of a volcanic eruption. At the beginning of the 20th century, the first organization engaged in breeding Icelandic horses was created in Iceland. Today this community operates in 19 countries, as these small furry horses are very popular, especially in European countries and in North America. They are used as a labor force in agriculture, hunting, and equestrian sports. Only these Icelandic short horses can easily gallop on the ice, and also, despite their small stature, participate in obstacle course and speed races. They are often used in hippotherapy. It is on Icelandic horses that children are taught to ride, as they are small and very kind.
Description of the breed
The Icelandic horse differs from other horse breeds with its large, heavy head with small ears, shaggy bangs, a long, thick mane and a high-set tail. Its profile is straight, the face is slightly shortened, and the neck is short, but the body of the horse is elongated, the back is powerful, the legs, although short, are strong, and the hooves are strong, which allows the animal to gallop even in mountainous areas.
Features of the Icelandic breed
The parameters of a horse from Iceland are characteristic only for this breed. The maximum height at the withers reaches 145 cm, the usual height is 130-140 cm. Often, due to their small stature, they are confused with ponies. The average weight of these animals is 320 kg, although they can weigh 380 kg or even 410 kg. The color of the hairline of the Icelandic horse is very diverse: from red to black. But you can find both gray and bay horses, and representatives of any other colors and shades. The most common is the dark brown Icelandic horse.
Icelandic horses are considered centenarians: they can live for 40 years. They reach maturity by the age of 8.
Pets are raised not by individuals, but by herds. Most of the year they are kept in the fresh air, and for the winter they are driven indoors. But this is not the most necessary rule for keeping horses of this breed, since because of the thick coat they are not afraid of the cold. And thanks to their strong immunity, animals practically do not get sick.
Where are Icelandic horses used
For many centuries, horses in Iceland have been used as pack and riding animals, since they are very hardy, immune to diseases and unpretentious to food and conditions of detention. They are the only horse breed that can feed on fish. Equestrian sports are very popular on the island, which is why these unusual animals often participate in horse races and horseback riding trips. They are easy to learn. There is a special demand for them also because Icelandic horses can move in five types of gaits:
- the usual step is the basis of all gaits, first in speed
- trot - the legs move in pairs diagonally, that is, the rear right and front left legs are rearranged simultaneously, then the other 2 legs;
- at a gallop - the rapid flight of a horse, threefold gait: first, one hind leg is rearranged forward, then the other along with the front;
- skade - first both legs move on one side, then on the other;
- teltom - a fourfold gait: the horse walks with its front legs, and moves far forward with its hind legs.
Another feature of Icelandic horses, because of which they are so loved, is their quick wits and the ability to quickly navigate in space. They can easily overcome lakes covered with ice, stone expanses and fast-flowing rivers. An interesting fact: if a horse is brought to an unknown area, it will be able to find its way home, as it remembers the road perfectly.
Food
Iceland is constantly cool and damp, the air temperature here is low in summer and not too low in winter. But in winter, all living vegetation is completely covered with snow, mosses and lichens disappear - almost the only food for horses in summer. But these clever animals have adapted to harsh conditions: they learned to fish in water bodies, accumulate subcutaneous fat by winter and become overgrown with long hairs.
At other times of the year, horses from Iceland eat oats, bran, hay and straw, they can eat vegetables, fruits, and even sugar and crackers. They rarely eat fresh herbs.
Character
Icelandic horses have a friendly, calm disposition. They are friendly to everyone and quickly get used to new people and riders, so they are easy to tame.
In the entire history of the existence of this breed, horses of this species have never met predators. And today there are practically no predatory animals on the island, so Icelandic horses are not at all shy.We can say that they have no feeling of fear at all. From this, animals are not at all afraid of people and trust them, showing humility.
Features of maintenance and care
Previously, these cute animals were raised in the wild in herds. This breeding method shaped their character. The main task was to accustom the little foal to its natural habitat. But more than 100 years later, the breeding methods of Icelandic horses have changed dramatically. Today the traditional methods practiced in old Iceland have been replaced by European ones.
Care and maintenance
The annual growth of young animals is several thousand. Foals are born mainly in spring and summer. This happens in wildlife. The first 4 years of life, young horses are in the herd, live in their natural environment. In summer, they graze in fields and meadows and feed on forbs. In winter, they are herded indoors and fed with hay.
Despite being immune to disease and strong immunity, Icelandic horses need regular veterinary examinations to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as sweet scabies. It is also important to keep an eye out for harmful insects that can cause inconvenience to the animal.
In winter, you can let the horses out of the stables so that they can walk in the fresh air. The warm, thick coat will keep them from freezing. But after a walk, it is necessary to examine the horses, wash them and be sure to dry them, since due to the presence of dirt and moisture, an inflammatory process can begin in the area of the nostrils and hooves.
Conclusion
Having a good relationship with the Icelandic horse will help you gain loyalty, and careful care and proper maintenance will enable the stallion to grow strong and healthy.