Faeroe Island Horse
Origin
The Faeroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic between iceland and the Shetland Islands. They form a self-governing community within the kingdom of Denmark. The climate on the Faeroes is oceanic and mild, with little variation in temperature and frequent fog and rain.
The horses of the Faeroe Islands represent one of the oldest and purest horse breeds on earth today and one of the few that has not been altered through crossbreeding. They resemble horses which came to Europe from Asia about 200 B.C. The islands were first settled by Irish monks around 700 A.D. and were colonized by the Vikings about 800. The Scandinavians and Celts brought horses with them to the islands, where they readily adapted to the climate.
Description
The horses are small (11 to 12.1 h.h.). Most Faeroes horses are bay, some black, seldom brown, and never grey or skewbald. Occasionally a palomino or pale dun appears in the breed. The hair is thick and grows very heavy in the winter. The belly has the thinnest protective cover, but the horses keep it dry by standing up all winter, even in their sleep.
They are said to be clever, sure on their feet.
