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Icelandic Horses are a Pure Joy to Ride

  • Writer: Robin Black
    Robin Black
  • Nov 30, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 7

Iceland's only breed of horse is not a pony


A fun afternoon riding friendly Icelandic Horses. Of course, there is always a barn dog, too!
A fun afternoon riding friendly Icelandic Horses. Of course, there is always a barn dog, too!

Traveling to Iceland from Denver to Reykjavik took a mere 7 hours on Icelandair. The weather can be unpredictable even during the summer months. Nome, Alaska and Reykjavik, Iceland share the same latitude at 64 degrees north. We dressed in layers and were comfortable.


Our small group booked at two-hour riding tour from a local stable not far from the trout-fishing lodge where we were staying. Other tour companies will provide transportation, guidance in English, and warm overalls, rain gear, riding boots and helmets.


A photograph of riders onIcelandic horses walking along right before we moved through four gaits to the Tölt.
Sturdy and sure-footed Icelandic horses walking along right before we moved through four gaits to the Tölt.

Much has been written about Icelandic horses delivering a fast-paced, smooth and exhilarating ride. The riders on our trip definitely found these small and sturdy horses to be very sure-footed over the rocky, volcanic terrain. Icelandic horses have five gaits. We had fun experiencing all five gaits, including two unique gaits, the tölt and the flying-pace. It was amazing to ride at such a fast pace and not feel the ground beneath.





A rider is preparing to mount an Icelandic horse to ride to the sea.
Preparing to mount an Icelandic horse to ride to the sea.

An American rider was pleased to connect with his Viking heritage and thoroughly enjoyed our horseback riding tour. Should you decide to take an Icelandic adventure, there are many tour companies in Iceland that offer horseback riding by the hour, day or longer. The "Lava Horseback Ride" or an online only special "Laxnes Horseback Tour" through Icelandair both start at $138






Two Icelandic horses grazing on pastureland with volcanic mountains in the background and a large body of water.
Dramatic view of the volcanic mountains that surround many bodies of water and pastureland.

Icelandic horses developed as a breed during the 9th and 10th centuries when Norse settlers brought a breed of ponies to Iceland. Because no other breed of horses have been permitted to be imported into the country, Icelandic horses live long and healthy lives.









A brown and white uniquely marked Icelandic horse walks away from the camera.
One of many beautiful Icelandic horses with unique markings

Standing only an average of 13 to 14 hands and weighing between 730 to 840 pounds, breeders and registries refer to Icelandics as horses. Icelandic horses come in many colors have very unique and beautiful markings, along with fluffy-thick and gorgeous manes.


See more images of Icelandic horse by clicking the button below







All images Copyright EquuStyle Art & Travel Magazine -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from EquuStyle Art & Travel Magazine.



 
 

The Right Step, Inc. is a Small Nonprofit Making a Big Impact

  • Writer: Robin Black
    Robin Black
  • Nov 30, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 6, 2024

Improving the lives of People Through the Immeasurable Power of Horses.


A young girl enjoying in an equine-assisted riding program at The Right Step, Inc. in Littleton, Colorado
The Right Step, Inc. provides equine-assisted riding and adaptive horsemanship programs

The Right Step, Inc. in Littleton, Colorado provides "adaptive riding and horsemanship programs for clients of all ages with a range of physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities experience freedom they have never felt before."


Like many equine-assisted organizations, The Right Step, Inc. in Littleton relies on the generosity of its donors and volunteers to provide valuable therapeutic services for clients from 4-years-old and up.


The healing power of their horses is backed up by dedicated individuals who care for the horses and the clients who receive physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits from equine-assisted therapy.




The Veteran’s Program at The Right Step, Inc. is changing lives through the remarkable healing power of horses. Your donation, of any amount will enable The Right Step, Inc. to provide the necessary resources, staff and equine partners to facilitate the healing process for our veterans.



Amazing Horses at The Right Step, Inc.



These amazing equine partners are an integral part of The Right Step, Inc.'s programs and proper care for our herd is a top priority. Sponsoring a horse is a great way to help support The Right Step and make sure our herd is happy and healthy. Click on a photo above and you will be redirected to the page to learn more about what it means to sponsor that horse and how to give.


This short video shows The Right Step, Inc. in action with horses, clients, staff, and volunteers making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. The horses have been given new purpose and are loved and appreciated by every person.






Consider sponsoring one of the therapy horses at The Right Step, Inc. Help support their therapy horses that provide people with disabilities an opportunity to "experience freedoms they have never felt before."


All images Copyright The Right Step, Inc. -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from The Right Step, Inc.





 
 

Rescued Wild Mustangs Roam Freely at The Wild Horse Refuge

  • Writer: Pat Craig
    Pat Craig
  • Nov 30, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 4

Restoring the freedoms that Colorado’s horses have historically enjoyed for decades.


A small family of wild horses roaming freely at The Wild Horse Refuge.
Wild horses roam freely on more than 23,000 acres at The Wild Horse Refuge near Craig, Colorado

The origins of the Wild Horse Refuge began back in 2020 with the overpopulation of free-roaming mustangs within the Sand Wash Basin (SWB) near Craig, Colorado. The area is officially managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and with nearly 1,000 horses living at that location, a decision was made to round up and remove more than 700 hundred horses.


Once caught and transported to a holding facility near Canyon City, Colorado, the BLM planned to offer the horses for adoption through numerous public auctions. In response to this controversial program, several of the Sanctuary’s supporters began calling and donating toward an effort to save the mustangs.


With the Sanctuary having a 10,000-acre rescue facility located near the town of Springfield, Colorado, the organization was asked to rehome the captured mustangs at that location. In response, dozens of mustangs were immediately rescued, with many more being added in the following months.


A small family of wild mustangs freely roam 22,000 acres at The Wild Horse Refuge located near Craig, Colorado
A small family of wild mustangs enjoy their freedom

As the number of rescued mustangs began to approach 100, the Sanctuary began looking for additional land to increase its carrying capacity. A large historical ranch was located in northwest Colorado, which ironically, happened to be just 35 miles from the horses’ original home within the SWB.


Offering more than 23,000 acres of lush pastures and wide-open terrain, the Sanctuary purchased the property in January of 2023. As a result, many more rescued mustangs were rescued and now run freely across the same hills and valleys where their ancestors had once traveled. Renamed “The Wild Horse Refuge” additional horses are now able to run free and range naturally at this location.


The Sanctuary has full-time staff living on site to monitor the horses day and night and also sends veterinarians and behavior specialists regularly to ensure the horses’ needs are being met. The organization’s goal is to restore the freedoms that Colorado’s horses #wildhorses have historically enjoyed for decades.




Although The Wild Animal Sanctuary #thewildanimalsanctuary happens to be the world’s largest carnivore rescue organization, rescuing Lions, Tigers, Bears and other large exotics, the organization has also rescued horses for all 43 years of its operation. Being avid supporters and knowing the organization’s mission very well, Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman, Marlon Reis, reached out to the Sanctuary with a request to assist the horses. Their concerns were driven by compassion, but they also considered the mustangs #wildmustangs to be an important part of our Colorado’s history and what many Americans believe to be a strong symbol of the American West.


Two wild mustangs affectionately lean onto one another, appearing grateful for their freedom at The Wild Horse Refuge near Craig, Colorado
Two wild mustangs affectionately lean into one another, appearing grateful for their freedom

The Wild Horse Refuge #thewildhorserefuge is asking those who care about these majestic creatures, or happen to be interested in protecting an important part of Colorado history, to go to their website at https://www.WildHorseRefuge.org to learn more. Additionally, for those who would like to tour of the Refuge, the website offers a way for individuals and groups to schedule visits.





Watch this episode of 60 Minutes which aired January 28, 2024 about the monumental effort by The Wild Animal Sancturay team, including Mr. Pat Craig, Founder and Executive Director and Monica Craig, to rehabilitate and remove animals from the shuttered Puerto Rico Zoo.





Equustyle Art & Travel magazine appreciates Mr. Pat Craig, Founder and Executive Director of The Wild Animal Sanctuary, providing us with such a well-written article and beautiful photographs of the wild horses presently at The Wild Horse Refuge. Consider taking a tour of The Wild Horse Refuge to see wild mustangs in the wild. And please make a donation to help more wild horses return to the wild.


All images Copyright The Wild Horse Refuge -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from The Wild Horse Refuge.


 
 
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