We all travel for a variety of reasons, and none of them are without their merit. For me, the act of visiting a location away from home is a blend of discovery, connection, and a general sense of curiosity that I have. Over the years, my reasons have evolved from checking off a list of sights that I can say I have seen; nowadays, I like to slow down my travel pace so that I can enjoy the people, the place, and the overall mood that envelops me.
One of the countries that I have come back to a number of times is Iceland. I’m drawn to its rugged landscape, its flora and fauna, and its wonderful people who embody a spirit of resilience and warmth. The uniqueness of this country’s geographic features, from its towering glaciers to its bubbling geothermal hot springs, fascinates me endlessly. Each visit feels like stepping into an entirely new world, where the elements shape the environment in ways that are both striking and serene.
Of course, one cannot mention Iceland without alluding to the many stunning waterfalls that dot its landscape, each cascading down rocky cliffs in a breathtaking display of nature’s power. From the magnificent Gullfoss to the delicate Seljalandsfoss, there are countless opportunities for photographers and nature lovers alike to capture the magic these sites hold. Today, I’m sharing part of Iceland’s fauna, highlighting an animal that thrives in this harsh yet beautiful environment…
The Icelandic horse is a truly unique breed, having evolved from the ponies brought by the island’s Norse settlers during the 9th and 10th centuries. Adapted to the harsh Icelandic environment, these horses exhibit remarkable resilience and strength, allowing them to thrive despite the island’s challenging climate. The breed has a unique characteristic in its gaits; in addition to the walk, trot, and canter/gallop, it has two additional gaits: a lateral ambling gait (tölt) and flying pace (flugskeið). The tölt is a natural gait for the Icelandic horse that is present from birth, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, which has endeared these horses to riders of all skill levels. The flying pace, on the other hand, is a specialized gait that is taught and used in races; not all the horses will learn this pace, as it requires specific training and talent. This diverse range of gaits not only showcases the physical capabilities of the Icelandic horse but also highlights the deep bond between rider and horse, as they navigate the stunning landscapes and rugged terrains of Iceland together.
This particular photo came about during a photography group trip under the guidance of Loren Fisher. Some of the participants had asked to get the opportunity to capture some shots of Icelandic horses, which led to our stopping by the side of the road next to this meadow filled with vibrant wildflowers and lush green grass. Trying to attract the horses’ attention with clumps of grass didn’t work, so I switched to simply talking to them in a soft, reassuring tone, which eventually brought them closer to the fence. As I spoke to them, I observed their curious nature and gentle demeanor, and it was heartwarming to see their large, expressive eyes focus on me. This gorgeous animal was definitely my favorite of the bunch, with its sleek mane flowing in the wind and a curious spark in its gaze. It seemed to sense the moment, and after a few moments of hesitation, he obliged with this amazing pose, making the photograph truly special and capturing the spirit of the wild Icelandic horses beautifully.
