Skagafjordur (Skagafjörður) Horses
Skagafjordur (Skagafjörður) Horses
The broad flat valley of Skagafjordur is a prime farming area renowned for horse breeding and horsemanship. Landsmot, Iceland’s best-known annual equestrian event is often held there.
The Icelandic horse is a pure breed and no horses have been imported into Iceland for over 1000 years. Icelandic horses have a unique gait called the ‘tölt’, which allows both horse and rider to cover long distances at ease.
With their long, thick manes Icelandic horses are most attractive and come in many different colour variations. They are also sure-footed and very hardy and you will see them outdoors in all weather, year round.
Those used for riding are kept indoors and as you travel around Iceland you may see the extensive stables that are a feature of most towns and villages on the island.
There are around 80,000 horses in Iceland and horse riding is equally popular among both men and women. Horse breeding is a lucrative business and the best breeding stock commands high prices. Varmilækur and Flugumyri are two specialist horse breeding farms in Skagafjordur offer riding tours and horse shows.
Many of the key events in Iceland’s early history took place in Skagafjorður and several battle sites bear testimony to the violent power struggles between the 13th-century chieftains.
In the Skagafjorður area, you can find many handicrafts for sale including 'lopapeysa' knitted Icelandic wool sweaters and items made out of sheep/ram/cow horn.