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Thursday, 02 April 2009 |
If you're one of the rare individuals that believe a horse is just a horse has never been to Iceland and seen or ridden an Icelandic Horse. This unique breed of horse is native to Iceland as well as being direct descendant of the horse the original Norse and Viking settlers brought into Iceland over a thousand years ago. The journey was a tough one and it almost become a matter "only the fittest survive" and this is one of many reasons why the Icelandic horse is so loved and appreciated. From the time the first Iceland horses were brought into Iceland, laws were passed prohibiting any foreign horses to be brought into Iceland as way to prevent contaminating the breed and passing equine diseases. Today the law is still in effect. In fact, a horse that leaves the country of Iceland cannot return.
Icelandic Horses possess many excellent qualities that make them special including being versatile, highly intelligent, athletic, good tempered and very hardy. Although they are not as large as other horses, they are very easy to handle and extremely docile, making them perfect for young children and beginners. They have a life span that may go up to thirty years or more because they are so hardy.
Icelandic Horses are also raised differently than other horses. Because the Iceland horse is very slow to mature, their training doesn't actually begin until they're around four years old, unlike most breeds that begin their training at two years of age. It's not uncommon to see the Iceland horses freely roaming on the Highlands during the summer months. They do get shelter, however, in the wintertime. They have unique for humans as well as their own even tempered personality. They are truly a horse everyone loves, which is probably why horse riding in Iceland is so popular.
Horse riding in Iceland is very enjoyable also due to a special gait they possess called a tölt. While performing this gait that every other breed is incapable of performing, they move their legs identical to how they do when they're walking. The difference is that this gait may range from a slow walk to a fast gallop, making this the smoothest ride a rider can imagine. Iceland horses are used for competitions, leisure and riding tours. Riding tours are a large industry in Iceland.
Many horse riding tours are available to residents as well as tourists. It's an experience that you really don't want to miss while you're here. Some of these include:
• 6-day sheep round-up- You'll enjoy the beauty in South Iceland as you help the farmers gather their many sheep from the mountains. Never before will you appreciate the sure-footedness of the Ireland horses quite like you will in the mountains.
• 4-day riding tour-This takes place on the outskirts of Reykjavik and is the perfect tour if your time is limited but you're still looking for a great time.
• 5-day Countryside tour is perfect if you're looking for a quick adventure that won't last too long. You'll see some fabulous sites in Iceland including Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Hot Spring.
• 6-day Beach ride on the Löngufjörur Beach will allow you to enjoy the black and golden sand while just enjoying the sites all around you.
• 7-day Countryside Riding Special is the ultimate in pleasure, fun and excitement. This Golden Circle tour will take you to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, the hot springs region of Geysir along with a trip into Thingvellir National Park.
Click here to go to the front page of ReykjavikHotel.net...Reykjavik Hotels
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