PURE

Sauðárkrókur, Iceland 2017         

Before the first vikings settled Iceland over a millennia ago, the stark volcanic island of rubble and ice had but a single land mammal, the arctic fox. In order for these early Icelanders to survive, domesticated animals such as sheep, horses and dogs crossed the Atlantic via longboat.  As such, the vast majority of wildlife you see on the island are domestic. Sheep reign supreme, and are undoubtedly the lifeblood of the island nation, but it's the Icelandic horse that's most captivating. 

At first glance, the Icelandic horse is noticeably smaller than your standard countryside variety. Their more humble stature is due to the size of the Viking boat, which only allowed room for the smallest of the Nordic the horses.  They're also physically stunning - with sun-bleached, wind-swept manes and glowing bright blue eyes.  Their beauty is no mistake either. Since Iceland's early settlers were most often wealthy chieftains, only the very best of their stock were selected to make the journey.  When equine sport grew in popularity, Icelandic horses became popular for their unique five-step trot, know as the 'skeið', noted for it stability and aesthetics. As such, dressage interests abroad spread the species around the world to the point where the population of Icelandic horses on Iceland is exceeded by the population globally.  However, once the Icelandic horse leaves the island, it is illegal for it to return. As such, bloodlines have remained pure for over 1000 years.

• AVAILABLE SIZES
• LARGE:  60" X 84"
• STANDARD: 30" X 42"

• AVAILABLE EDITIONS
• LARGE:  Edition of 14
• STANDARD: Edition of 14