Horse Illustrated Magazine

Herd in Iceland is a documentary about the annual round-up of the Icelandic horse, isolated for centuries by the country’s oceanic borders.

Herd In Iceland began filming in the fall of 2010, when Lindsay Blatt and Paul Taggart traveled to Iceland to document the Icelandic herders as they collected their horses across the island’s remote terrain. During the summer months, the horses live a wild existence, grazing in the highlands and raising their young. Each fall, they are rounded up by local farmers and directed across the stunning landscape. This valued tradition is a social and cultural touchstone for both the farmers who own the horses and the city dwellers who travel to the countryside to participate.

The horse holds a precious place in Icelandic culture, art and tradition; for over 1,000 years Icelandic law has prohibited the importation of horses onto the island. By telling the story of this annual journey, Herd in Iceland captures the symbolism behind the horses and the nation they represent.

Lindsay and Paul spent time with the herders and others who ensure that this tradition continues. They filmed from land and air, foot and hoof across the vast Icelandic landscape, following and living with the herdsmen. Herd in Iceland takes you into a journey that is largely unknown but filled with meaning and beauty for those who sustain it. Winner of the Best Documentary Short at the 2013 Black Hills Film Festival, Festival Winner at Heartland Film Festival, Best Documentary Short at Bend Film Festival, Best Animal Rights film at L.A. Femme, and Best Documentary Short at Louisville International Festival of Film.

Find out more at HerdInIceland.com.

Further Reading
Video: Gaits of the Icelandic Horse