Photographing Icelandic Horses: Motion and Character

The Icelandic horse stands as one of the island's most photogenic subjects, offering photographers a unique opportunity to capture both the raw beauty of these ancient animals and the dramatic landscapes they inhabit. These compact, sturdy horses—brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries—possess distinctive gaits, remarkable character, and an intimate relationship with Iceland's harsh yet stunning environment.

Understanding the Icelandic Horse

Unlike their larger European cousins, Icelandic horses average 132-142 cm in height, making them technically ponies by international standards, though Icelanders insist they be called horses. Their thick double coat, flowing mane, and expressive eyes create compelling photographic subjects year-round. Most importantly for photographers, these horses display two additional gaits beyond the standard walk, trot, and canter: the tölt and the flying pace, both offering spectacular motion capture opportunities.

The tölt, a four-beat lateral gait, provides an incredibly smooth ride whilst creating a distinctive visual rhythm perfect for capturing motion blur or freeze-action shots. The flying pace, meanwhile, sees horses reach speeds of up to 48 km/h in a two-beat lateral gait where both legs on one side move simultaneously—a photographer's dream for dramatic action sequences.

Prime Locations for Horse Photography

South Coast Opportunities

The area around Hella and Selfoss, roughly 60 km east of Reykjavík along Route 1, offers excellent access to horse farms with dramatic mountain backdrops. The renowned Eldhestar farm near Hveragerði provides guided riding tours year-round and often allows photographers to capture horses in motion across the geothermal landscape. Contact farms directly—many charge 5,000-15,000 ISK (€35-105) for photography sessions.

Westfjords Wilderness

For photographers seeking more remote settings, the Westfjords provide stunning coastal backdrops. Near Ísafjörður, horses graze against dramatic cliff faces and black sand beaches. The isolation means fewer crowds but requires significant planning—the drive from Reykjavík spans approximately 450 km and takes 5.5 hours via Route 1 and Route 60.

Highland Access Points

During summer months (June-September), highland tracks like Kjölur (Route 35) and Sprengisandur (Route 26) offer opportunities to photograph horses in their most natural element—the barren, otherworldly interior landscapes that have shaped their hardy character for over a millennium.

Technical Approaches to Motion Photography

Capturing the Tölt

The tölt's distinctive rhythm requires shutter speeds of 1/500s or faster to freeze the action, though shooting at 1/60s to 1/125s whilst panning can create compelling motion blur in the background whilst keeping the horse relatively sharp. Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo/AF-C) and high-speed burst mode—modern cameras capturing 8-10 frames per second work ideally for the tölt's four-beat rhythm.

Flying Pace Techniques

The explosive flying pace demands different technical approaches. Shutter speeds of 1/1000s or higher freeze this dramatic gait, where all four hooves leave the ground simultaneously. Position yourself low to emphasise the sense of speed and power. A 70-200mm lens allows safe distance whilst compressing the background dramatically.

Weather Considerations

Iceland's changeable weather creates both challenges and opportunities. The dramatic light during storms—particularly common from October through March—can produce moody, atmospheric shots, but requires weather sealing and careful equipment protection. Winter photography demands particular attention to battery life; cold weather can reduce capacity by 50% or more.

Character and Portrait Work

Eyes and Expression

Icelandic horses possess remarkably expressive eyes, often framed by thick, wild manes. Use wide apertures (f/2.8-f/4) to isolate these features against Iceland's dramatic landscapes. Early morning and late evening light enhances the warmth in their eyes and creates attractive rim lighting on their thick coats.

Seasonal Coat Variations

Winter coats grow incredibly thick, creating different textural opportunities compared to sleek summer appearances. The moulting period in May and June might seem less photogenic but offers unique documentary possibilities showing the horses' remarkable adaptation to Iceland's climate.

Group Dynamics

Icelandic horses maintain strong herd bonds, providing excellent opportunities for capturing interaction and social behaviour. During winter feeding times—typically early morning and late afternoon—horses gather in tight groups, creating compelling compositions against snow-covered landscapes.

Practical Photography Considerations

Permissions and Ethics

Always seek permission before photographing on private land. Most horse farms welcome respectful photographers, particularly during off-peak tourism months (October-April). Never use flash photography around horses, and maintain safe distances—these animals, whilst generally gentle, remain powerful and unpredictable.

Equipment Recommendations

A versatile 24-70mm lens handles most situations, whilst a 70-200mm provides safety and compression for action shots. Wide-angle lenses (16-35mm) work excellently for environmental portraits placing horses within Iceland's dramatic landscapes. Bring lens cloths—sea spray, rain, and geothermal steam frequently impact equipment.

Timing Your Visit

Summer offers midnight sun and access to highland locations but also peak tourist crowds. Winter provides dramatic lighting and fewer visitors but limits accessibility and requires cold-weather preparation. Shoulder seasons—particularly September and April—often provide optimal conditions: accessible locations, dramatic lighting, and cooperative weather windows.

The key to successfully photographing Icelandic horses lies in understanding both their unique characteristics and Iceland's demanding environment. Patience, respect, and technical preparation combine to create opportunities for capturing these remarkable animals' motion and character against some of Earth's most dramatic landscapes.

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