
Best Buddies 0643

by Kristina Rinell
Title
Best Buddies 0643
Artist
Kristina Rinell
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
Two Icelandic horses in a pasture on Iceland. The Icelandic horse is a unique breed of smallish horses that came to Iceland with the first settlers from Norway 1100 years ago. Archeological digs in Europe have revealed that it is descendent from an ancient breed of horses that is now extinct outside of Iceland, where it has been preserved in isolation. Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country and exported animals are not allowed to return.
The Icelandic, as it is commonly referred to, is known for being sure-footed and able to cross rough terrain. It displays two gaits in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. The first additional gait is a four-beat lateral ambling gait called tölt. They also perform a pace called skeið, or 'flying pace'. Skeið is used in pacing races, and is fast and smooth, with some horses able to reach up to 50 km/h (30 mph). It is not a gait for long-distance travel.
The Icelandic horse comes in many different colors, and the Icelandic language includes more than 100 names for the various colors and color patterns. It is small, weighing between 330 and 380 kilograms (730 and 840 lb) and standing an average of 132 to 142 cm (52 to 56 inches) high. It has a spirited temperament and a large personality.
Honored to be featured
in these FAA Galleries:
- Animal Photographs, September 2017
- Animals PHOTOS ONLY, September 2017
- KINGDOM Animalia, September 2017
- Our 4-Legged Friends, September 2017
- 500 Views - 1 Image a Day, October 2017
- 500 And Beyond Fine Art, October 2017
- Pet Art, December 2017
- USA Photographers, September 2019
* First Place in Logo Contest for 'Our 4-Legged Friends', December 2017
A heartfelt Thank You to the administrators of these galleries :-)
©Kristina Rinell
Uploaded
September 11th, 2017
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Comments (80)

Carol Lynn Coronios
Awwwww!!!! Kristina, thank you for the detailed info about the Icelandics. I have videoed and photographed them and knew a bit, but you have increased my education. L

Lori Moon
Congratulations on your feature in Pet Art
Kristina Rinell replied:
Thanks, Lori, for featuring 'Best Buddies' in 'Pet Art' ... greatly appreciated :-)