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Icelandic Ponies were brought to the island by Viking settlers in the 9th century. They are strong and sturdy and can easily travel on the ragged terrain of Iceland. They are small in size but that does not affect their efficiency.
The ponies of Iceland are extremely intelligent and hard-working. They are stout and big-boned in appearance. Their coat is made of thick fur that keeps them warm even in the cold climate of Iceland. They mature very slowly but their lifespan is long. They can work for long hours without food or water.
Icelandic ponies have adapted themselves to the harsh cold conditions. They live on high altitudes where the green grass had been frozen by the first frost and remains suitable for consumption. They breathe in small amounts of air in short, shallow breaths so that they can work for long hours.
The ponies in Iceland are bred to serve mainly two purposes, for rides and for meat. They are perfectly suitable for riding over the frozen glaciers or through the lava fields. They are also used to pull heavy loads. Icelandic ponies are energetic and dependable and they are one of the most useful animals for the people of Iceland. Icelandic people have come to depend a lot on the services of their horses and ponies. Transportation becomes easy and cheap when horses are used to do these tasks. In return for their service, Icelandic horses are well-maintained and well-fed so that they get the energy to work hard.
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