Initially, the horses were almost solely used for transportation and sometimes battles between clans. Icelandic horses are not particularly concerned by Iceland's winter weather. That meant that, as the settlement period ended, Iceland had a healthy population of the sturdiest, strongest, and most intelligent horses from Norway. Since many of the early settlers were wealthy chieftains, they would only take the very best of their stock with them. Only one horse could fit within a longboat when Iceland was first settled. The reason for their unique charm is due to their descendants. These character traits have made them a central part of Icelandic identity. At first sight, it appears that they only differ in terms of height, as they rarely reach 59 inches (150 centimeters) tall.Īfter a few minutes in their company, however, it becomes apparent that Icelandic horses are more friendly, curious, and intelligent than other horses. Icelandic horses are not at all like other breeds. The vast majority of individuals live out in the country, where they can utilize their high energy and natural herding instincts to help their owners. The sheepdogs are highly energetic, resilient, agile, and friendly, making them great companions for those with the time and space to let them exercise. Other than their size, Icelandic sheepdogs share the same fluffy coat and curled tails as other sheepdog breeds. They’re also much more susceptible to disease due to Iceland’s isolation, to the extent that they faced extinction from the late 19th century.Īfter a ban of other dog breeds entering the country and later pet vaccines and modern veterinary care that made this first step redundant, the population has recovered. Like most animals brought to Iceland, they’re smaller than their relatives abroad. Since then, they have been essential in aiding farmers, herding, and guarding property. Like the livestock of Iceland, Icelandic sheepdogs developed from their Nordic cousins when brought to Iceland by early settlers hundreds of years ago. The sheep are free-roaming throughout summer, and they graze on Icelandic thyme, unwittingly flavoring their meat while they’re still alive. The reason Icelandic lamb tastes as delicious as it does is rather morbid. Perhaps the nation’s most classic dish is lamb soup, which is world-renowned. Their wool is used to create unique handicrafts, such as the Icelandic sweater, otherwise called a “Lopapeysa.” Their meat features in almost all traditional dishes that do not have fish. There are approximately 800,000 sheep in Iceland, more than double the number of people. The wealth that came from sheep products during these four years helped propel Iceland into becoming the modern nation it is today. With the European countryside ravaged by war, Icelandic wool was in high demand. On the other hand, Iceland’s significant growth and industrialization during World War One were also due to these creatures. Up to 25 percent of the population died, primarily because of famine caused by the 80 percent of the nation’s sheep lost to the ash’s poisons. Whenever the nation has gone through terrible struggles or a surge in growth, it has always returned to sheep.įor example, the 1783 eruption of the volcano Laki was the most fatal in the country’s history. While not being the most exciting animals in Iceland, their role in the country’s history has been incredibly significant. They’re the central conversation topic between most of the country folk. To understand Icelanders’ reverence for these creatures, one only needs to read Nobel Prize winner Halldor Laxness’s novel. The first settlers from Norway brought them to the island, and their wool and meat helped humans survive Iceland’s harsh conditions. Sheep were the lifeblood of Iceland for centuries. While farm animals may not seem to be fascinating creatures, the way they have adapted to the country's climate, and their roles throughout Icelandic history, have been essential for human survival. After all, this is a nation that relies heavily on agriculture. The vast majority of animals in Iceland that you’ll see are domestic.
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