Photographing the Horses of Iceland

The daylight was just breaking. It was 0915 and the predawn hour would last at least another twenty minutes in this Icelandic winter season. We stepped on the mud and snow covered path carefully, making sure not to slip on the ice hiding below the surface layer. It was a cold, but windless morning, a perfect moment to say goodbye to the horses we had met the day before. Draka and Bruno, our two canine confidantes happily accompanied us on this short walk from the farm house to the pastures. Draka ran ahead and led the way while Bruno kept his pace next to us. Shortly after we noticed them – the four beautiful horses standing nobly on top of the hill, their silhouettes outlined by the rising sun. They turned towards us and after a brief pause, slowly made their way to where we were standing. All but one, whom Draka engaged in a joyful play of catch and run were taken over by their curiosity to see if we had brought anything for them this cold morning.

We had nothing edible to give, but we did welcome them with a warm embrace. They happily complied. All of Icelandic horses are domesticated and well taken care of. Everywhere we drove through, we saw herds of them grazing the vast pastures along the road. If you happened to stop, they’d likely come over to meet you, their friendly disposition being one of their greatest assets. The Icelandic horses are well adapted to the harsh environment they live in – their stature is shorter and stockier and their fur thicker and fuller to protect against the cold. I had always wanted to meet them and photograph them. I got my chance 🙂

That being said, if you’ve ever taken pictures of horses or any kind of animal for that matter, you know very well that it is darn difficult to photograph them! They don’t care for the camera much, not to mention the final product! They move around constantly, get too close, too far, don’t follow directions and refuse to pose appropriately 🙂 I had a hard time getting the images I had envisioned in my head prior to the trip and I think it’s almost miraculous I got anything decent at all. Photographing animals takes time and requires to build their trust with you, patience to wait around for the right moment and certain knowledge of their behavior, none of which I possessed. It would be preposterous to think I’d get some outstanding images just by standing next to a horse I barely know for approximately two minutes! And yet I felt compelled to try. My favorite images are the ones depicting their interaction with another human being. 

We’ve met many beautiful horses along the way, but I’d like to extend special thanks to the amazing horses of Ondolfsstadir Farm B&B where we stayed for a couple of days. The hosts of the farm are incredibly warm and kind and I’d like to thank them for such wonderful hospitality and for letting us meet and interact with their beautiful animals. If you are traveling through northern Iceland, please don’t hesitate to stop by at the Ondolfsstadir farm and consider staying the night. You will not be disappointed!