For more than 1,000 years, the Icelandic horse has been purebred in Iceland. Considered a symbol of fertility, the horse played a central role in Norse culture and history.

When the first Norse Vikings arrived in Iceland, they brought their horses and beliefs with them, and so the Icelandic horse became entrenched in Icelandic culture.

The Icelandic horse has survived a lot. From volcanic eruptions to harsh icy winters, this stocky creature has adapted to, and shown its resilience against, the harsh Icelandic climate.