Our Horses

Our Horses

The Icelandic horse is one of Iceland's greatest treasures and has been part of the country's history for over 1,000 years. Brought to Iceland by the first settlers, the breed has remained pure thanks to strict breeding laws. Once an Icelandic horse leaves Iceland, it is not allowed to return, helping preserve its unique heritage. Although small in size, Icelandic horses are strong, sure-footed, and friendly. They are best known for their smooth tölt, a unique gait that makes riding both comfortable and enjoyable.

Our horses are bred at Grafarkot that is located near the small town Hvammstangi, a family farm where Fanney's parents have been breeding Icelandic horses for many years. Every horse is carefully bred from selected mares and stallions with outstanding bloodlines, temperament, and natural riding ability. Our goal is simple: to raise beautiful, healthy horses with kind personalities and strong, natural gaits.

The young horses grow up freely in the Icelandic countryside, where they develop naturally in a herd environment. They are usually started under saddle and trained at the age of four or five, allowing them plenty of time to mature both physically and mentally.

Horses have always been a central part of our family's life. Fanney is a certified riding instructor, educated at Hólar University in Iceland, and together with her husband, Valur, and their two children, Herdís Erla and Ýmir Andri.

During the summer, one of our favourite traditions is riding through the countryside with friends alongside a large herd of Icelandic horses.

If you are staying with us, you'll often see our horses grazing peacefully in the fields around Valey. We kindly ask that you do not feed them anything other than grass, as many common treats can be harmful to them.