The Icelandic Horse
Iceland has never had any predators large enough to be any threat to a horse, but instead is a country with tremendous environmental dangers, such as harsh extremes in weather, volcanic activity, extremely varied and treacherous terrain, quicksand, rock slides, rivers with changing currents, etc. Therefore, the ability to assess a situation rather than the instinct to flee has been central in the survival of the horse. Even today Icelandics seem to lack the “spookiness” of most other breeds and are more inclined to think through a situation before making the decision to run. They also seem to have a much higher pain tolerance than other breeds and have a strong will to survive even the toughest conditions. There are many old Icelandic tales of horses that overcame tremendous obstacles to carry their riders safely to their destination.
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In the early days the rugged Icelandic climate meant that keeping only the best horses was worthwhile. Cramped quarters meant that often people, horses, and other animals would all share tight spaces. Therefore, any horses that showed faults in character were quickly culled and used for meat. This practice continues today in Iceland and horsemeat is exported regularly to mainland Europe and Japan. It may sound very harsh, but this is probably the strongest reason why today you will rarely find an Icelandic that would ever kick, bite, or even lay its ears back at a human for any reason. This sort of behavior is simply not tolerated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_horse In the harsh climate of Iceland the survival of all depended upon the horses being temperate, physically strong and intelligent. They also find it important that the horse gain a sense of independence and connectivity to their heritage: “All horses in Iceland are given an annual vacation in late fall of each year where they can be in herds left alone. The Icelanders feel that it is important that the horse grows up learning how to be an independent thinker, to take care of itself, and to not be too dependant on humans. The Icelanders want their horses to be thinking partners. They also believe that horses allowed to run free at least part of the year grow stronger, become more sure footed, and are more self-confident.”
Icelanders love their horses so much that they endure the harsh thing, a very active eugenic process, in order to produce an innately better breed. “Icelandics tend to be extremely smart. As such they often learn new things very quickly. However, as they are bright they usually don’t like to be drilled and they must constantly be challenged with new and different tasks to stay interested and willing. Although Icelandics are sometimes schooled in a ring or on an oval track, most like to be trained out on the trail enjoying nature.”
Can I say such a thing about my coworkers; that they reject drudgery and instead require challenge in their life to remain willing? No. In fact, most are trying to over-justify their tolerance of the Eternal Drill (job), saying good things about it one moment and cursing it the next, hating it always and becoming increasingly resentful in their inmost self until they eventually break under the pressure.
I would rather work with an Icelandic horse. I would rather an Icelandic horse were my community partners; friends; neighbors. They seem like a better kind of people.