100 things challenge - 6: Icelandic horses

[birdienl]

Icelandic horses are one of the purest breeds of horses in the world. These animals, which should by their size actually be called a pony, are the only horse breed on the island, so no cross-breeding can take place. Laws also do not permit Icelandic horses who left the island to return. These little hardy horses (often between 1.30 and 1.40 m high) have two extra gaits (next to walk, trot and canter) compared to most other horse breeds: tölt and pace.

Comments

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

GAH. What gorgeous creatures!

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they're beautiful! There was a time, when I was a 'horse-girl' in my teenage years, I really dreamed of having an Icelandic horse! They were quite popular among horse-girls then, owing to some popular YA horse fiction.

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

I dreamed of getting my own horse in my pre-teen and early teen years as well. (I live in a neighborhood with a ton of quarter-horses, so that only fueled my obsession.) It wasn't until I read a book about how much time and effort go in to taking care of a horse that I realized that, even if I could afford a horse, I wouldn't be able to look after it properly. That really changed things. :)

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

I think a lot of girls growing up in country setting dream at one time of having their own horse. I've been so lucky to have my own Shetland pony for over 15 years now. She mostly takes care of herself, she eats only grass for most of the year (though I do give her some snacks ofcourse!) and is very hardy against all kinds of weather. But even then it's a responsibility to have a pony (or any pet acually)which I realized again when she got sick a few months ago.

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

A Shetland pony? How sweet! Sad to hear she hasn't been feeling well lately. Hope she perks up soon! :)

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid her condition is chronic... But it shouldn't bother her too much as long as we keep her on a diet. She was running around like a crazy young foal last weekend, which made me very glad!

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

Awww. Gotta love ponies running around playing. :)

[caffeinatedlife.livejournal.com]

I've been meaning to comment on your 100 things entries for some time now but your entries have been fantastic and very informative =) Love the photo you used for this entry =)

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Thanks, dear! Yes, that photo really shows of the unique hardiness of the horses combined with the Icelandic landscape, I thought!

[richyl88.livejournal.com]

Wow they are beautiful.

[florencia7.livejournal.com]

So beautiful! :]

[msantimacassar.livejournal.com]

What gorgeous horses! How interesting that they have extra gaits...

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's interesting to think why they developed this and other horses didn't (or maybe lost it)

[mystery-spell.livejournal.com]

Very interesting. I'm not really a fan of horses, so this is something that I did not know.