I don't know if you are aware but the Icelandic horse was already an old breed when they were first brought to Iceland over a thousand years ago. This was the only type of horse that existed in North / Western Europe a thousand years ago. But soon after the Vikings brought these horses to Iceland, the rest of Europe began to import foreign horses and as a result the old native European horse became extinct everywhere except Iceland. The Irish archeologists have measured the skeleton remains of horses in Viking Dublin and rural Ireland, here is the measurements, quote from "the horse in early Ireland by Finbar McCormick" "The average horse shoulder height from Viking Dublin is 129.6 cm compared with 130.7 cm in rural Ireland." So, what do you think of that ? This was the average height of a horse in Western and Northern Europe at that time. They were sturdy animals, just like all the Icelndic horses were upto a century ago. Sadly, the trend for larger horses has been creaping into Iceland during the last few decades. Breeding these horses for competition in the show ring is changing them into a different type. The purpose of this horse was a hardy, brave, intelligent, practical little trail horse that could travel long distances and was very comfortable in the saddle. The topography of Europe at that time was largely covered in forests and bogs. These horses were the all terrain vehicle of that time. Here is a quote from the French chronicler Jean Froissart that dates to the time of the Anglo Norman invasion of Ireland around the late 12th century: ..."Ireland is one of the worst countries to make war in, or to conquer; for there are such impenetrable and extensive forests, lakes, and bogs, there is no knowing how to pass them, and carry on war advantageously. It is so thinly inhabited that, whenever the Irish please, they desert the towns and take refuge in the forests, and live in huts made of boughs, like wild beasts; and whenever they perceive any parties advancing with hostile dispositions, and about to enter their country, they fly to such narrow passes, it is impossible to follow them. When they find a favorable opportunity to attack their enemies to advantage, which frequently happens, from their knowledge of the country, they fail not to seize it."
This is so useful , thank you so much ! I live in France and it's really difficult to find people with Icelandic Horse knowledge. I will definitely support you so you can keep going :)
I am in France too. I have islandics. I also know people (not French) whom train them too. In a kind way. Have friend whom has islandics too. I am in the 36.
I love your videos and your work with Kalsi. you are so friendly and kind to the horse and your explanations help me a lot. Thank you Disa, I will practice a few things I learnt here with my two icelandic horses. Kind regards from southern germany.
I don't know if you are aware but the Icelandic horse was already an old breed when they were first brought to Iceland over a thousand years ago. This was the only type of horse that existed in North / Western Europe a thousand years ago. But soon after the Vikings brought these horses to Iceland, the rest of Europe began to import foreign horses and as a result the old native European horse became extinct everywhere except Iceland.
The Irish archeologists have measured the skeleton remains of horses in Viking Dublin and rural Ireland, here is the measurements, quote from "the horse in early Ireland by Finbar McCormick" "The average horse shoulder height from Viking Dublin is 129.6 cm compared with 130.7 cm in rural Ireland." So, what do you think of that ? This was the average height of a horse in Western and Northern Europe at that time. They were sturdy animals, just like all the Icelndic horses were upto a century ago.
Sadly, the trend for larger horses has been creaping into Iceland during the last few decades. Breeding these horses for competition in the show ring is changing them into a different type. The purpose of this horse was a hardy, brave, intelligent, practical little trail horse that could travel long distances and was very comfortable in the saddle.
The topography of Europe at that time was largely covered in forests and bogs. These horses were the all terrain vehicle of that time. Here is a quote from the French chronicler Jean Froissart that dates to the time of the Anglo Norman invasion of Ireland around the late 12th century:
..."Ireland is one of the worst countries to make war in, or to conquer; for there are such impenetrable and extensive forests, lakes, and bogs, there is no knowing how to pass them, and carry on war advantageously. It is so thinly inhabited that, whenever the Irish please, they desert the towns and take refuge in the forests, and live in huts made of boughs, like wild beasts; and whenever they perceive any parties advancing with hostile dispositions, and about to enter their country, they fly to such narrow passes, it is impossible to follow them. When they find a favorable opportunity to attack their enemies to advantage, which frequently happens, from their knowledge of the country, they fail not to seize it."
This is so useful , thank you so much ! I live in France and it's really difficult to find people with Icelandic Horse knowledge. I will definitely support you so you can keep going :)
Thanks so much for your feedback and support! Great to hear you enjoy the videos! Where in France are you based?
I'm in the North
I am in France too. I have islandics. I also know people (not French) whom train them too. In a kind way. Have friend whom has islandics too. I am in the 36.
I love your videos and your work with Kalsi. you are so friendly and kind to the horse and your explanations help me a lot. Thank you Disa, I will practice a few things I learnt here with my two icelandic horses. Kind regards from southern germany.
thanks for the nice video. i have an icelandic horse too. :)
Thankyou Disa
Nice watch you working a horse that is not well trained, & how to work them.
Super 👍🏻🤩
Eyði ekki of miklum tíma á þessar með giftingarhringana.