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I Photograph Horses In Breathtaking Icelandic Landscapes (30 Pics)
89Kviews
My name is Liga Liepina and I spend all my free time doing equine photography. Born in Latvia, I moved to Iceland at the age of 14. I have been obsessed with horses since I can remember myself. It started with collecting all possible newspaper clippings, posters, and calendars of horses and once I had my first-ever riding lesson, I knew horses were going to be a huge part of my life.
A lot of work goes into creating images like these―from coming up with an idea to bringing horses to locations (these places must be accessible and safe for animals), not to mention the Icelandic weather, which is full of surprises. But it's all worth it when I get to spend time out in nature with my equine models and witness how horses and the landscape complement each other. You can follow my work on Instagram.
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I love the contrast. The horse is doing as much for the background as it is for him.
Liga, I wish I were there with you, I have always loved, and admired horses, this is stunning !!!
Excellent shot, the horses in Iceland are amazing, such beauty in each !!!
I can not chose one they are all breath taking. Incredible, beautiful work only one thing is missing: a pick of the of the photographer. Thank You! Have a Great Day!
Note: this post originally had 59 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
More fun Icelandic horse facts: Once Icelandic horses leave the island, they are not allowed to return. This helps protect the genetic pool of Icelandic horses. Unlike other horses that typically have 4 gaits, the Icelandic horse has a unique 5th gait called tölt. Beautiful animals.
Just curious... Do they grow traditional hay on Iceland? What do they eat?
they eat the good grass out there. these horses are very hardy.
When these horses leave...? What does it mean? Where do they go? I assumed they are wild horses. Is their territory being taken over by people and "developed" and horses slaughtered?
I thought it is because of the diseases... That's why no foreign horses are allowed in, either.
Icelandic horses are a super-cool breed! They're kind of all over the place in terms of use and conformation (some are for riding, some are for meat, and some are for draft use) but they have a lot of primitive characteristics that are typical of true wild horses (of which only Przewalski's is the only example left) and have been left feral for so long that natural selection is a huge factor. I'm so glad to see them getting some love because they're truly fascinating animals.
Interesting. I have been to Iceland, and my impression is that it must be one of the windiest places on the planet. I would have thought that their horses would be small with a dense coat to deal with the freezing wind, like the Shetland pony.
You've been to Iceland, but you haven't seen Icelandic horses? When I went to Iceland, they were all over the place, haha. They are kind of short, but you should not call them "ponies". Icelandic people don't like that. They see them as majestic horses, not chubby little ponies!
They often do have very thick winter coats, and a lot of them have shetland pony in their background. Super cool breed.
They are. These are NOT icelandic ponies.
Oh yes, they get a lots of "love" when they are slaughtered.
What about Fjords?
Fjord Mustangs
Hello how are you
More fun Icelandic horse facts: Once Icelandic horses leave the island, they are not allowed to return. This helps protect the genetic pool of Icelandic horses. Unlike other horses that typically have 4 gaits, the Icelandic horse has a unique 5th gait called tölt. Beautiful animals.
Just curious... Do they grow traditional hay on Iceland? What do they eat?
they eat the good grass out there. these horses are very hardy.
When these horses leave...? What does it mean? Where do they go? I assumed they are wild horses. Is their territory being taken over by people and "developed" and horses slaughtered?
I thought it is because of the diseases... That's why no foreign horses are allowed in, either.
Icelandic horses are a super-cool breed! They're kind of all over the place in terms of use and conformation (some are for riding, some are for meat, and some are for draft use) but they have a lot of primitive characteristics that are typical of true wild horses (of which only Przewalski's is the only example left) and have been left feral for so long that natural selection is a huge factor. I'm so glad to see them getting some love because they're truly fascinating animals.
Interesting. I have been to Iceland, and my impression is that it must be one of the windiest places on the planet. I would have thought that their horses would be small with a dense coat to deal with the freezing wind, like the Shetland pony.
You've been to Iceland, but you haven't seen Icelandic horses? When I went to Iceland, they were all over the place, haha. They are kind of short, but you should not call them "ponies". Icelandic people don't like that. They see them as majestic horses, not chubby little ponies!
They often do have very thick winter coats, and a lot of them have shetland pony in their background. Super cool breed.
They are. These are NOT icelandic ponies.
Oh yes, they get a lots of "love" when they are slaughtered.
What about Fjords?
Fjord Mustangs
Hello how are you