September 2025 -- Two animals are part of Iceland's national identify: sheep and horses. Like Icelandic sheep, the Icelandic horse is the only breed in Iceland and one of the purest breeds in the world. They are the original Viking horse, descending from the horses brought to the island by Viking settlers in the 9th century.
Compared to US horses, Icelandic horses are smaller, only 13 to 14 hands high and 730 to 840 pounds. Many would consider them a pony. But they are considered a horse and they are strongly built. It goes without saying that the Icelandic horse is hardy and rugged. While the sheep spend the winters inside being fed, the horses stay outside all year-long. They have a double-coat for insulation in the winter.
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