The Hornafjörður horse
Like the name describes, the Hornafjörður horses are originated in the fjord of Hornafjörður (district: Austur-Skaftafellssýsla), South-East Iceland. In this article I will recap the story of the old Hornafjörður bloodline, including important breeding horses, individuals and the status of the bloodline today.
Hornafjörður in south-east Iceland
The origin of the Hornafjörður bloodline:
Hornafjörður is surrounded by high mountains, glaciers and glacial rivers. In the beginning of the 20th century (before the time of roads and vehicles) Hornafjörður was not an easy place to get to. Besides that the distances were great, the landscape did not make it easier. The waters on the way were known for their sudden changes of volume and could quickly change from little brooks to dangerous rivers. On those hard times it was essential to own a good horse that could get you from A to B. It could be a question of life or death, for an example if someone had to see the doctor.
The people in Austur-Skaftafellssýsla (the district that Hornafjörður belongs to) did soon realize that good breeding of horses was important. They started to control the breeding by banning the freedom of stallions that did not have the qualities of a good horse. (on that time it was usual that young stallions were running free in the herds and the breeding was not under control).
Desireable qualities were:
Soft horses with great stamina (because of the long distances). They had to be strong and able to carry heavy weight (for example supplies from the town). Very importantly they had to be good "waterhorses" (vatnahestar); being able to stride trough the heavy flows of water that were often in the rivers, without loosing their steps. It was a big credential if the horse was big. Then it was easier for it to cross deep rivers without having to swim.
The isolation of Hornafjörður also made sure that there was not much of neew blood in the breeding. That led to the formation of an asseble breed with similar qualities, both regarding conformation and rideabilities. Adding to that, that there were not many horses on the area, inbreed was unavoidable. (Jódynur I)
"In Árananes the inbreeding was so intense that there was nothing that had not been done, except having the mothers from their daughters." (Páll Imsland)
"An important feature of the early breeding in A-Skaftafellssýsla was that most of the breedingmares had been trained and ridden. Therefore the breeding was built on more knowledge about each individual than was usual on that time. That led to more progress in the horse breeding than was known in other places." (Jódynur I)
"The Hornafjörður blood spread fast through the stallions that were moved from Hornafjörður and used in other parts of Iceland. They marked the beginning of organized breeding of riding horses and had a very big influence on the breeding history in Iceland." (Jódynur I)
The Hornafjörður-"Waterhorse"
Descriptions of the bloodline:
The first judgement about the Hornafjörður bloodline that was written by an horse expert, was written in 1924 by Theódór Arnbjörnsson. The year before, in 1923, Theódór went to Hornafjörður to observe the horses.
"In Austur-Skaftafellssýsla the horses are handsome, expecially in the region of Hornafjörður. The majurity of the horses that were shown had a very handsome face, fine and raised neck with a lightly built body. I noticed that most of the horses were not as mature as I wanted them to be, except those who had been fed well during the winter. The horses I liked the most were ancestors of Óða Rauðka frá Árnanesi. Her daughters daughter, Rauðka 134 frá Dilksnesi, that exceeded all the other horses. In my life I have never seen such a promising mare."
Gunnar Bjarnason described the features of the Hornafjörður horses in Búfjárfræði in 1961. He had then been a minister in horsebreeding for 22 years and knew the bloodline well:
The horses mature fast and are big. They are fully grown in 3-5 years of age, if well taken care of. Usual size of an fully grown individual is 142-148 cm (measured with string), which is significantly over the national average.
The most common colors are black, bay and chestnut.
The character is stable with strong nerves so the horses are hardly frightened. The temperament is confident and often with a high spirit. They can be very eager to work which can make them difficult to restrain, even for the most experienced riders. Those horses are wise and know their way. They have much character and sometimes can have a high, but honest temper, without evilness and bucking. They are not afraid of humans and easy to halter in the fields.
Usually they are fivegaited and the offsprings of Skuggi 201, Nökkvi 260 and Svipur 385 have clear gaites, but it was known that Blakkur 129 offsprings, that had both pace and trot, could cross between the gaits.
The main disadvantages of the bloodline were that some of the horses were not finely built, and they were in lack on charisma when standing still. Their feet are strong but their joints can be a little bent. The hooves are amazingly good and durable, but the sole of the hoof can be a little low. Low hoof soles are an hereditary weekness that, in the future breeding should be tried to reduce. This flaw is specially prominent in the offsprings of Skuggi 201 frá Bjarnanesi.
The croups are often wide but narrow. The necks are often thick with a convex lower neckline, but well raised and long.
The coat is often with coarse hairs, which does not protect the horses well enough in wet weathers.
The Hornafjörður horses also can not well handle beeing underfed when they are growing up, because of their fast growth and development.
Breeding horses and individuals
Óða-Rauðka 2 frá Árnanesi (born 1885) was a daughter of Rauður frá Árnanesi and Jörp frá Árnanesi.
She is usually refered to as the main ancestor of the Árnanes-bloodline/branch in Hornafjörður. That makes her one of the most important horses in the breeding history in all Iceland.
Óða-Rauðka meaning "Mad-Chestnut" got her name from her very high spirit and will which was not easy to contain.
"Óða-Rauðka had a strong facial expression and a big head. She had a medium raised neck with high withers and a strong and muscular croup. Her feet were strong, rough and well jointed.
She had a very high spirit and was hard to control in the beginning of a riding tour, but settled down when you had ridden her for some time. Her stamina was endless. She had all gaits, her tölt with high and wide movements, her trot with much suspension and she was one of the fastest of horses in flying pace and galopp." (Gunnar Bjarnason, Horsebreeding minister)
"Óða-Rauðka got her name (before she was called Rauðka) when a doctor who lived on the farm Borgir had to go and check on a sick patient in Árnanes. Rauðka was then saddled for him and he rode down the road on a field towards Árnanes. Then suddendly Rauðka started running as fast as she could and after a few kilometers the doctor was able to stop her and step off. He walked home to Árnanes with her and named her Óða-Rauðka, and that name got stuck to her ever since.
Rauðka was a high and long mare with a beautiful mane and tail. She was sure in her steps (never misstepped) and had strong legs. She was wise and hard-tempered. Her head was long, the eyes big and bright, and her ears always on the move. Her neck was long, thin and thin at the throat. Her withers were sharp and her back was a little hunched. Her croup was long and her thighs deep. When she was young she was so fast in pace and galopp that no horse could beat her in a speed race." (Vilmundur Jónsson, Árnanesi)
"Óða-Rauðka was one of the most famous high spirited horses in this country. She inherited her qualities to her offsprings and her heritage was very strong since there had been done a lot of inbreeding with her descendants."(Gunnar Bjarnason, Horsebreeding minister)
"All of Óða-Rauða's offsprings were good horses but only three of them had any influence in the Hornafjörður-bloodline breeding. They were the daughters: Villa-rauðka and Lúlla-Rauðka and the son, Brúnn, who was used as a stallion when he was two and three years old." (Egill Jónsson, Seljavöllum)
Hæra 342 frá Árnanesi (born 1910) Hæra's parents were: Brúnn frá Árnanesi (M: Óða-Rauðka 2) and Rauðka frá Maríubakka. Hæra is the ancestor of all the branches of the Árnanes horses and actually one of the greatest ancestors in Icelandic horsebreeding in the 20 century. Six of her offsprings had great influences in the breeding of the Icelandic horse in general and their blood is still running in the veins of very many Icelandic horses we know today.
Hæra was very high spirited and finely built. She inherited more lightness into her descendants, than was known before in the Árnanes horses.
Hæra was shown and got 1st price. Her judgement review said:
Finely built, very light spirited, raised neck, good legs and joints.
"Bay mare with white hairs spread on her coat. Trotty, medium sized, very high spirited." (Þorbergur Þorleifsson, Hólum)
Stjarna 36 frá Árnanesi (born 1909) was a daughter of Hóla-Sóti and Villa-Rauðka frá Árnanesi (Villa-Rauðka's mother was Óða-Rauðka 2)
With Stjarna the organized inbreed of the Árnanes branch began. She was a great riding horse. Always in front of the group and had great pace. When the herd in Árnanes was running you could usually see Stjarna in lead of the herd in flying pace, while the other horses were in gallop. It has been said that none of her offspring did ever fail.
Description of Stjarna written in 1923: Very finely built, high spirited, well raised neck, medium quality of back and croup, leg quality was above average.
"Chestnut with star, great riding horse, amazing pace." (Þorbergur Þorleifsson, Hólum)
Blakkur 129 frá Árnanesi (born 1926) was a son of Streitis-Blakkur and Stjarna 36 frá Árnanesi.
He was rather inbred and has Óða-Rauðka 2 four times in his pedigree, and his mother Stjarna 36 is also two times in his pedigree.
Blakkur got 1st price in 1930 and 2nd price for offsprings in 1933. He was used for breeding both in Hornafjörður and Hrunamannahreppur and mixed well there with the finely built and good charactered horses from Berghylur and Skarð.
Blakkur was big (146 cm) with a well raised neck. His willingness was hard and forward.
Blakkur died in the summer of 1939. He broke his leg when he was on the field with his mares and had to be put down.
His offsprings were usually very big, rather unattractive, with high temper but hard working. They had very strong nerves and were not afraid of anything. "Þetta voru ruddalegir skörungar".
"The man had never ridden such a flying pace. He believed that the horse had such a strong and highly spirited willingness that no more was needed, even not for the most demanding and experienced riders." (Sveinn Sveinsson, Hrafnkellsstöðum)
"The descendants of Blakkur frá Árnanesi have been spread widely in Iceland. Though mostly in the regions of Skaftafell (Skaftafellssýslur) and in south-east Iceland but also in Borgarfjörður. The spreading occured both directly through Blakkur and also through his sons. The most impact and spreading had his son, Skuggi frá Bjarnanesi.
Blakkur's offsprings were very big horses. Their building varied between being finely built and strongly built. More of them were finely built. Their ears were rather big and stood out from the head. The neck was long and well raised but often rather thick with a convex lower neckline.
The porportions were fine. They had strong and durable legs, but sometimes a little crooked and then mostly in the hind legs.
The nervous system of the horses is good. They are wise, daring, serious and not very interested in humans, but they do their work well and with obedience, courage and efficiency.
Many of the horses have very high spirit, sometimes even a little to much, and that quality comes from their ancestor, Óða-Rauðka 2.
Blakkur's offsprings were big, strong and brave quality horses that were very popular in Iceland and therefore his descendents spreaded fast over the country." (Gunnar Bjarnason, horse breeding minister)
This picture was taken of Blakkur when he was a youngster. Jón Sigurðsson in Skollagróf said that Blakkur looked much better in real life than on this picture.
Skuggi 201 frá Bjarnesi (born 1937) is a son of Víkingur frá Árnanesi and Litla-Jörp frá Sandfelli. He has Óða Rauðka 2 frá Árnanesi six times in his pedigree.
Skuggi was a big (146 cm) and handsome horse. He had clear gaits and good pace. He was soft to ride and fast, had strong nerves and was rather serious. Through Skuggi's mother came some new blood into the Árnanes breed.
Skuggi had very strong genes and it did not seem to matter what kind of mare you brought to him, the offsprings, in most cases, looked like him. They were big, roughly built, with great speed in pace and willingness forward.
Because of the strenght of Skuggi's genes there were many controversial discussions about Skuggi. Breeders feared that he would wipe out all the characteristics of the horse breeds in the area. That fear caused his use as a stallion to decrease and rise between the years.
Skuggi was evaluated as a 1st price stallion and was also the first one to have the honor to get the Sleipnisbikar (Top honorary price for offsprings) on the Landsmót in Þingvellir in 1950.
Description of Skuggi: Amazing, high spirited horse. He has all gaits and elastic movements but not so much lift and suspensions.
Skuggi was in lack of fine building and his temper could get in the way.
Description og Skuggi's offsprings: They are big and well built, but you don't notice them much when they are standing still. Their facial expression is plain, their necks raised about average, good porportions, the croup has good muscles but was often roofshaped. The legs are dry and good, but a little crooked on the hind legs. The horses are hard working and have good riding qualities. The movements are variable and clean gaits. Strong nerves, obedient character but not very friendly. Good willingness and some high spirited. Strong genes.
"This was a very handsome horse, and you noticed him wherever he was. He had clear gaits and great pace. The pace was incredibly beautiful to look at and he was soft to ride in all gaits.
I got to know many of his offsprings and they were very variable. Many of them versatile and noticeable riding horses. Some of his offsprings were cold and could even buck. I found it remarkable about Skuggi that it seemed not to depend at all how the mothers of the offsprings were, how they would turn out." (Guðmundur Pétursson, Borgarnesi)
"I know many of his offsprings in Hreppunum. I specially remember Gola frá Langholtskoti. She and her son, Blær, are the best horses I have ever ridden in my lifetime. I will never forget them, while I am alive. Unbelievable speed range in the gaits and willingness .. they were big horses and some rather roughly built. I remember many great horses such as; Gola frá Miðhúsum, Skuggi frá Steinsholti, Gustur frá Hæli, Trausti frá Hofsstöðum and Blakkur frá Gullberastöðum. Those were powerful horses with great speedrange." (Sigurður Sigmundsson, S-Langholti)
"Skuggis offsprings brought the horses of Árnesingar to a higher level in the 1950's. Then Bjarni Bjarnason and his son Þorkell in Laugarvatn owned many famous horses sired by Skuggi. They were winners both in speed races and at Landsmóts." (Gunnar Bjarnason, Ættbók og Saga)
"I knew Skuggi and broke in a few of his offsprings. One of the most willing mare I have tamed was his daughter. I did not like his offsprings in overall, some were naughty. But there were many good and handsome inbetween." (Marinó Jakobsson, Skáney)
"He was very obedient and soft to ride. His spirits might have been better and he struck his tail when I was riding him. But I am not sure if it was the horse or the fault of his trainers." (Bogi Eggertsson, Reykjavík)
"Skuggi was a very handsome horse with a high raised neck, but a little thick and with a convex lower neckline.
His porportions were rather good and the feet dry with strong joints, but a little crooked. His hoof sole was low on the front legs.
Skuggi had noticeably strong nerves with a high spirit. He had much power and was a serious character. Great speedrange in all gaits but not much suspensions and leg action." (Gunnar Bjarnason, ráðunautur)
"Skuggi had many noticeable descendants here and his offsprings mixed well in further breeding.
Skuggi himself was a great horse. "mikill gæðingur". Rhumors said that he could hardly be ridden because of his strong forward willingness, but I tried him myself in 1947 and I think that almost anybody could have ridden him like he was then." (Símon Teitsson, Borgarnesi)
"I remember him well in the 1950's. Ari Guðmundsson was riding him and they were a noticeable team. The horse had a long neck and charisma, but I though he was a bit impudent towards his rider. He had both willingness and power." (Einar E. Gíslason, Skörðugili)
"Skuggi was a big and healthy horse. He was easy in handling. Calm and easy to halter in the field. Hew was very willing and I did not suspect so much willingness from a stallion. I got to personally know Skuggi and in my opinion the horse is a great tölter and has no significant flaws." (Ari Guðmundsson, Borgarnesi)
"He was a great riding horse and big. I think that his strongest legacy was the great speed in flying pace. The biggest flaws in his structure were an unecessarily convex lower neckline, and a narrow croup.
I never found him very roughly built though he was big and strong. I noticed on the Landsmót in 1950 that Skuggi tried to take the control over his rider, Atli Guðmundsson." (Jón Sigurðsson, Skollagróf)
"Skuggi came raw and unhandled to me and I trained him for his first two winters. He was very easy to break in and I can not really imagine an easier and nicer horse.
His willingness was from the beginning rather strong and he had really good pace, but it was not very natural for him. It was a bit to low.
Skuggi had much influence on the horsebreeding here and many of his offsprings were good, and a few really good. Usually his offsprings had good willingness and were comfortable to ride and nice in many ways." (Steinþór Gestsson, Hæli)
"When Skuggi died, the people in Borgarfjörður had an gathering to honor his memory. He was put down near Faxaborg, the community center of Faxi. On his grave they put a big rock that weightet about five or six tons.
On the rock was written "Here lies one of the greatest horses in history, the stallion Skuggi frá Bjarnanesi, born 1937, died 1956. The descendants will carry on his good word." (Guðmundur Óli Ólafsson, Skálholti)
Skuggi 201 frá Bjarnanesi
In the north it was Nökkvi frá Hólmi and his sons who spread the bloodline through Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður.
Nökkvi 260 frá Hólmi (born 1941) is a son of Skuggi frá Bjarnanesi and Rauðka frá Hólmi. He is one of the horses that has had the most influence on icelandic horse breeding. You can find him in the pedigree of most of the Icelandic horses that are alive today.
Nökkvi was big and strong (148 cm), with great stamina and willingness. He had big steps, a nice temper and was serious and wise.
Nökkvi's offsprings were nice characters with courage, strong nerves and good health. They were big and had good stamina, were versatile with good speed range in their gaits. Not high leg action but soft to ride with a clean beated tölt.
Gunnar Bjarnason, horsebreeding minister, bought Nökkvi when he was 2 years old, of Svava Halldórsdóttir in Hólmur. He paid a very high amount of money for the young stallion and it took a whole night to "seal the deal".
Nökkvi served mares for a long time in Landeyjar and later on in Borgarfjörður. Through his "travel" he spreaded his genes around the country. He had the most influence in the west and north of Iceland. Less in the south and home in Hornafjörður. There was always a lot of discussion about Nökkvi and some parts of his life he almost got no use as a stallion.
Nökkvi frá Hólmi got 1st price in 1958, and the same year he also got 1st price for offsprings.
Description of Nökkvi: Nice facial expression, well raised neck, good porportions, strong legs, small hooves on hind legs.
Big and strong riding horse with good stamina, all gaits and good willingness.
Description of Nökkvi's offsprings: They had a nice facial expression, well raised and some times very highly raised necks, good porportions, dry and strong legs, but many have small hooves and some have crooked joints in the hind legs. The willingness is good and many high spirited. Their character is nice, they have strong nerves and are wise. Most of them have all gaits and clear separation between them. They might have been a little lighter in their movements, but can achieve great speed. They have power and are good riding horses with strong genes.
There is barely a horse in Iceland today that hasn't Nökkvi in his pedigree, except if it has been wrongly registered.
Nökkvi's kyn is still widely spread in the breeding of Icelandic horses today and many people try to have him as an ancestor behind their breeding.
"I once got to ride Nökkvi. It was after the famous Landsmót in Þveráreyrar in 1954. We had accepted to transport Nökkvi for Valdimar in Álfhólar. After the Landsmót was finished I was sent to herd together the horses in the field. Nökkvi was in the stable and I took him to gather the other horses with. He was big and strong with good willingness and he had a special charm under rider. He both tölted and trotted.
I will never forget this time when I went to herd those horses." (Abert Jóhannsson, Skógum)
"Nökkvi was young when he was broken in, and it was an easy thing to do. He was from the beginning well willing forward and the willingness increased with time. He was reliable and good in his being, a bit serious and wise. Nökkvi has always been used much for riding and has had a good durability.
In 1960, when Nökkvi was 20 years old, he was healty, looked great and did not look old at all.
...There I sensed something unusual. I looked into the eyes of this young horse and admired his reliable and trustworthy character...
...she left our meeting owning one less Nökkvi, but probably got the highest price for him, that had been paid ever for an 2 year old youngster in Iceland upon that time...
Nökkvi had a long life and was used a lot for breeding. Everyone who personally got to know Nökkvi, did favor him because of his good looks, charachter and ridingabilities ..
Because of his size Nökkvi's movements were very big and enchanting. Many oldschool horsemen did not like those movements and said that they were not light enough, most of them only liked small fluffy ponies." (Gunnar Bjarnason, ráðunautur)
"It was essential that Gunnar brought Nökkvi to Skagafjörður. The horsebreeding in Skagafjörður is still benefitting from that act. To take an example the horses in Flugumýri still wear his characteristics. Nökkvi blended well with unrelated horses and made impressive breeding improvements in Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður.
I really like the Hornafjörður horses, exspecially for their willingness and that they are always ready to work. They are big and strong and can better bear the cold weather. The Hornafjörður horses are in many ways great horses. They fit very well with horses of the Svaðastaðir and Kolkuós bloodlines, who tend to be a bit lazy." (Andrés Kristinsson, Kvíabekk)
"I got to know many of Nökkvi's offsprings. Some of them I owned myself and others were owned by Einar in Skörðugil. I found them to be a similar group. They were kindly spirited but not warm. They did not buck and were corageous. Nökkvi and Skuggi had strong nerves and inherited that to their descendants. Most of Nökkvi's offsprings which I got to know had all gaits, very good and fast flying pace, but some of them had not so much front leg action. Often when horses are soft and have a naturally good tölt, they tend to not having as much lift as the others.
Here we used him for inbreeding. His offsprings which had Skuggi daughters as mothers (Skuggi was Nökkvi's father), were exceptionally big and handsome and most of them great horses with much talent. We wanted to breed those horses with great gaits, strong characters, endless stamina and their joy for working.
I showed many good horses sired by Nökkvi. Many of them were very well trained by Einar in Skörðugil.
Nökkvi had outstanding pace like his father, Skuggi.
When I look back and think about my personal experience of famous stallions, Nökkvi is the first one that comes to my mind." (Guðmundur Pétursson, Borgarnesi)
"I had seen him a few times. He was a great breeding horse and good riding horse. He had an even and good willingness and great stamina, with a soft seat. My brother, Guðjón, worked for many winters with Einar E. Gíslason in Hesti and he spoke very highly of Nökkvi. " (Jón Sigurðsson, Skollagróf)
"He was a great horse, and had no lack of potential. He had much mane and tail, not so light body building and stepped rather heavily to the ground. His steps were big and high speedrange in all gaits. He had something special and noble about him that I will never forget." (Sigurður Sigmundsson, S-Langholti)
Nökkvi 260 frá Hólmi
Jarpur 474 frá Hólum (born 1944) was a son of Nökkvi frá Hólmi and Lárusar-Stjarna frá Hólum. He had a lot of influence on the Árnanes horses in Hornafjörður and also in the west and north of Iceland, though he was not that respected while he was alive.
Jarpur was a handsome and willing 4 gaited horse. His offsprings were beautiful with a kind temper and easier to ride than most of the Hornafjörður horses.
"Jarpur was broken in late, but turned out to be a willing fourgaited horse." (Gunnar Bjarnason, horse breeding minister)
"He is probably the best breeding horse that has been used in Hornafjörður. All the important breeding horses in Hornafjörður today have him in their pedigree.
Hóla-Jarpur was not famous while he was alive. In his case fate made a fool of the breeders in Hornafjörður, because his mother had no Hornafjörður blood and Nökkvi also was not pure.
Hóla-Jarpur's offsprings were beautiful and handsome and had an easier temper than most other Hornafjörður horses. Among his offsprings were Högni frá Brunnum, who won the Fjórðungsmót in Iðavellir in 1968 or 1969. Also Stjarna 2911 frá Árnanesi and Elding frá Jaðri." (Jens Einarsson)
Sleipnir 539 frá Miðfelli (born 1957) was a son of Sörli frá Borgum and Vala frá Miðfelli. He had good willingness and was fivegaited. He could mix his gaits together and under rider his neck was rather lowly raised.
Sleipnir was only used as a stallion for four years because he got a bad evaluation on a breeding show, like actually many of the greatest breeding horses of the century.
His offsprings were good riding horses and gæðingar who were durable. It has been said that none of his offsprings let anyone down. (They were all good)
Sleipnir was shown in Egilsstaðir in 1963 and got 7,88 as a total score. His assesment said; Good and willing fivegaited riding horse with good speedrange in all gaits, but not so clearly separated. His trot is excellent. His feet are good and building also, except that his neck is rather lowly raised.
"Sleipnir 539 frá Miðfelli was one of the best breeding horses in Hornafjörður. He was born in 1957 and used for 3-4 years, and then castrated. That must have been one of the worst accidents in the horse breeding history of Iceland, because there were remarkeably many great horses among his not so many offsprings. I can for an example mention the famous Skúmur and Léttir frá Stórulág, Svala frá Brunnum, Gletta frá Gerði and Vaka frá Borgum. Many other good horses could have been counted with those above, and I think it is okey to state that no horse sired by Sleipnir was a dissapointment." (Jens Einarsson)
"I once got to ride him. He had good willingness, was soft to ride, fivegaited, but did mix the gaits a little bit. I should have bought him. He was an exceptionally good breeding horse and probably his offsprings were even better than himself." (Einar E. Gíslason, Skörðugili)
"He was castrated way to soon, and people did not know what they were doing back then. When I look at his offsprings and descendants I always find that there might have been more of them." (Kristinn Guðnason, Skarði)
"The experience has shown us that Sleipnir frá Miðfelli was one of the best stallions in Hornafjörður.
I liked him in many ways. His neck was not highly raised but he had a long and thick mane, good willingness and was a great riding horse. The thing I did not like about him was that he could mix his gaits together. That was a rather big flaw in my opinion. But a great advantage was that many of his offsprings, like Svipur frá Jaðri and Sleipnir frá Miðfelli, were ridden every year almost till they were 30 years old. That is about three times longer durability than horses usually had on this time, and that is worth a lot." (Þorkell Bjarnason, horse-breeding minister)
Sleipnir frá Miðfelli, rider is Haraldur Torfason.
Skúmur frá Stórulág is probably the most famous offspring of Sleipnir 539. He won the A-flokkur on the Landsmót 1978 in Skógarhólar, and two times he won the A-flokkur on a Fjórðungsmót.
Stjarna 2911 frá Árnanesi (born 1950) was sired by Hóla-Jarpur and Palla-Stjarna frá Árnanesi. She is mostly known for being the mother of Hrafn frá Árnanesi.
Stjarna was a high spirited horse and a leader in the heard. She was fourgaited with a great tölt. She is very pure bred of the Árnanes bloodline.
Stjarna 2911's offsprings were beautiful with a well raised neck. 4 gaited with a lot of willingness.
Stjarna got 1st price for offsprings in Hornafjörður in 1977.
Her offsprings have a well raised neck and are handsome to look at, but they can have not so good feet. Almost all of them are fourgaited and had great tölt with good speedrange. Often the willingness was much forward.
"She was a well built gæðingur. Fourgaited with great tölt and wide movements with great speedrange.
The characteristics of her offsprings were described by judges in 1977:
This heavy inbreeding has shown that serious flaws and weaknesses are not to be found in those horses. The high spirited willingness is prominent in the bloodline. Trot and tölt is good and the horses are almost never pacy in tölt. If they have pace it is a great flying pace..
The horses have a big temper and in the beginning of a trip they can be impatient to depart. Some of them even act as they are not willing to go for the first few meters, but then the willingness does it's part. The longer you ride the better they get and become more and more easy to handle.
Those before mentioned qualities are inherited from the ancestor, Óða-Rauðka 2.
Through the inbreeding, Stjarna is very strong in inheriting those qualities to her offsprings. If you look at it that way, Stjarna 2911 is one of the most valuable genetic treasures in the late part of the 20 century. I would describe her as unique." (Gunnar Bjarnason, ráðunautur)
"She was beautiful and successful. She was not much trained herself, but was always leading the herd. She was like a hero of mares." (Einar E. Gíslason, Skörðugili)
"I saw her when she was old in Árnanes. She still was very handsome. Her good qualities showed in her offsprings." (Sigurður Sigmundsson, S-Langholti)
"Her offsprings still rise above others in the breeding." (Kári Arnórsson)
Stjarna 2911. On both pictures with Guðjón Jónsson in Árnanes. On the left picture Stjarna is 18 years old.
Hrafn 583 frá Árnanesi (born 1960) was a son of Krummi frá Borgum and Stjarna 2911 frá Árnanesi.
Hrafn had a big temper, well raised neck and charisma. He was willing and corageous. Hrafn was a very pure bred Árnanes horse and one of the best in his generation. His opffsprings were willing 4gaiters and Ófeigur frá Hvanneyri.
Hrafn got 1st price in a breeding show in 1968. In 1970 he also received first price for offsprings.
Description of Hrafn 583: Strongly built head with small eyes. His expression determined but obedient. Well raised but rather thick neck, good legs with a little crooked joints. High spirited, durable and muscular fourgaiter with good but not so light tölt.
Description of Hrafn 583's offsprings: they have a well raised but rather thick neck with a convex lower neckline. Their body is light and cylindrical with a short and flat croup. Strong and beautiful legs, but their hind legs can be rather wide apart. They have high willingness and a big temper, but are obedient. Their main gaits are tölt and trot, both with great speedrange.
"Strong expression, good porportions, good legs, strong wilingness. Fourgaiter with tölt." (Gunnar Bjarnason, horse breeding minister)
"Hrafn got many chances as a stallion. When he was young he was in the west, in Borgarfjörður, and was not again used in Hornafjörður till he was elderly. I remember him as a young horse, when he was being broken in, in Borgarfjörður. He was willing and filled with potential. His brother, Vörður, was also trained at the same farm (Hestur). It was always a delightful experience to ride those horses. Mostly for their willingness, well raised neck and charisma under rider." (Þorkell Bjarnason, horse breeding minister)
"I saw him very often. He was a typical Hornafjörður horse, with this exceptional willingness. Strong and corageous. A little roughly built but overall good body building. Good porportions and a very well raised neck. His best quality is his extraordinary willingness, because his gaits were rather undiverse." (Sigurður Haraldsson, Kirkjubæ)
"He was big and well developed. He had good charisma and was charming to look at. A fourgaiter with great willingness" (Jón Sigurðsson, Skollagróf)
"Hrafn's offsprings are very variable. Often their temper could get in their way. Many are good riding horses and willing fourgaiters with tölt, who have been easy to ride for the common rider. A few exceptional horses are sired by Hrafn, and the most famous one is Ófeigur 818 frá Hvanneyri." (Jens Einarsson)
"He was much used for breeding here in Borgarfjörður. Hrafn was a very willing fourgaiter with a big temper, but though obedient. His most remarkeable offspring born here in Borgarfjörður is Ófeigur frá Hvanneyri." (Guðmundur Pétursson, Borgarnesi)
"There was something about this horse. I have got to know and ride some of his offsprings. Together we owned his son, Gulltoppur.
Hrafn obviously was very willing forward. He had charisma and looked well under rider. His temper was big, and he inherited that to many of his offsprings. He had a big influence on Icelandic horsebreeding. Mostly through his son, Ófeigur 818." (Sigurður Sigmundsson, S-Langholti)
"The offsprings of Hrafn in Árnanes were self trained, if you just let them be and waited for them. This is actually the case with most Hornafjörður horses. They need to be left alone in the beginning. If you demand to much, to early, you can get them up against you and then you are in trouble." (Hanný Norland Heiler, horse trainer in Árnanes 1987-1989)
Hrafn 583 frá Árnanesi
Faxi 646 frá Árnanesi (born 1963) was a son of Hrafn 583 and Búa-Brúnka frá Árnanesi. He was described as: Talented and highly spirited riding horse, with the flaw of having to wide hind legs. He inherited that from his FF, Stranda-Jarpur, who also was the grandfather of Stjarna 2911, who is 2x Faxi's grandmother.
Benedikt, farmer in Dilksnes, said about Stranda-Jarpur: "His hind legs are so far apart that we have to ask the road constructors to make wider roads here in Nes." This feature, that the hind legs were so wide apart, was rather a blemish of appearance than a defect in riding.
Faxi 646 frá Árnanesi, Palli, farmer in Árnanes, is with him on both pictures.
Skór frá Flatey (born 1970) was a son of Faxi frá Árnanesi and Mön frá Flatey. He was evaluated with 8,30 for riding abilities and was described as: "Stunning and noble gæðingur". (Gæðingur meaning quality horse, or horse with great talent)
Skór frá Flatey. Rider is Benedikt Líndal Þorbjörnsson.
Ófeigur 818 frá Hvanneyri (born 1968) is a son of Hrafn frá Árnanesi and Skeifa frá Kirkjubæ. That makes him a son of a fourgaiter and a pace mare. He was shown 6 years old and got evaluated with 8,30 for conformation, 8,80 for riding abilities and a total score of 8,55. His riding abilities include a 8,5 for all features, except 9 for tölt and form under rider and 9,5 for flying pace.
Description from the breeding assessment: Beautiful, versatile and talented horse with exceptional flying pace and great willingness.
His offsprings were highly spirited and willing horses. Finely built with high leg action. Big temper and determined. Rather unattractive and many with little mane.
Among his offsprings were both extraordinarily good and bad horses or "tops and bottoms".
Ófeigur received honorary price for offsprings in 1986.
"They are strongly built, not finely or handsome. Often they have little mane and a thin top. Even the tail could be short and thin. Their size is rather good, their necks are rather thin and well placed with high withers. But can have a convex lower neckline, breast and torso, which makes the body building a bit heavy. The back is a little curved with a powerful croup that is not so long. The feet are strong and the toes on the front legs often pointing outwards. They have often a hard temper with strong willingness and high spirit. All gaits, high leg action and a long hind step.
Hardspirited, willing 5gaiters with a healthy but not so handsome conformation."
Ófeigur 818 with offsprings
"His future was instantly decided. My dream horse was born. This foal was unusual.
Gunnar Bjarnason said to me: "This is a stallionmaterial, and the most promising I have seen for a long time".
... the youngster runs from the other horses in the fence and jumps on the gate, but does not make it all the way over. His hind legs got stuck when the gate falls apart and the horse rolls down on the rough road. After this incident he was never the same. His hip corner had fractured.
In the fall he had recovered mostly, except there was a slack where the hip corner used to be. This did not seem to bother him, so there he was named Ófeigur (the one who will have a long life)." (Sigurborg Á. Jónsdóttir, Báreksstöðum)
"Ófeigur is put together from the most contrasts I can think of in the Icelandic horse breeding. His mother from the Kirkjubær bloodline and his father from Hornafjörður. This mixture lead to an offspring who was rather good looking, noticeable, capable with much talent and willingness.
His offsprings are very variable because of his contrasted background. On one hand you have exceptionally good horses, among some exclusive "top horses", much willingness and on the other hand you have some horses who are of poor quality.
His use for breeding has not been organized but he got many mares. Ófeigur has given great offsprings in Hornafjörður. There were some exlusive horses sired by him." (Jóhann Þorsteinsson, Miðsitju)
"He is a son of this famous pace mare and a pure 4gaiter. Therefore is no wonder that is offsprings vary so much." (Jón Sigurðsson, Skollagróf)
"They both got very high 1st price breeding evaluations, Ófeigur 8,55 and Hrafn frá Holtsmúla 8,56. This one comma was enough to make Ófeigur fall in the shadow of Hrafn.
Nobody seamed to pay any attention to the fact that Ófeigur had a much better pedigree. In the beginning Ófeigur was used in poor quality mares in Borgarfjörður, meanwhile Hrafn was travelling around the country for breeding. What would have happened if Ófeigur would have been one comma higher than Hrafn? We already know that he is a very good breeding horse." (Jón Bergsson, Ketilsstöðum 1988)
"Ófeigur's offsprings have charmed me more than most other horses. I only have to mention horses like Flosi frá Brunnum who in the Landsmót in Hella showed more talent than any other horse has ever done. Or should I mention the exceptional Hilda frá Ólafsvík. And nobody will forget when Bragi Andrésson and Perla frá Kaðalsstöðum made an appearance in Vindheimamelar in 1982.
Ófeigur is giving stronger, more willing and determined offsprings than any other stallion. They are handsome, but not beautiful. And I don't think that they would smile a lot. I have not seen many flaws in Ófeigur's offsprings. Maby just that for a horse that got honorary price for offsprings the tail of some of the offsprings is rather rough. But I think that that could be fixed by mixing together the offsprings of Ófeigur and Náttfari." (Andrés Kristinsson, Kvíabekk)
"Ófeigur was a very awake and cheerful youngster. But there was always some expression in his eyes that I did not like. He was not handsome enough, though his building was otherwise good. Ófeigur was an extraordinary horse who developed fast while and after the beginning of his training. He had a big temper and was determined. His offsprings have much potential and capability with much willingness. Their spirits are variable and consistant. His gaits are very different from his fathers (Hrafn 583), who was a fourgaiter.
Ófeigur is a fivegaited powerhorse with great speedrange in his gaits and lots of willingness." (Einar E. Gíslason, Skörðugili)
"I was very fond of him. He was very good when I tried him for the first time when he was with Bragi Andrésson. I find that he should have been higher evaluated than Hrafn frá Holtsmúla. I have got to know many good horses sired by Ófeigur. They have a high spirit but many have little mane.
I have heard some different stories about some other offsprings of Ófeigur." (Einar Höskuldsson, Mosfelli)
"He is inheriting willingness and power to his offsprings. His evaluation said that his offsprings were the most willing forward of all stallions with honorary price." (Kári Arnórsson, Reykjavík)
Ófeigur 818 frá Hvanneyri
About Ófeigur 818's offsprings:
"..those horses can give you unforgettable moments. When they get in the mood to take a few rounds on the competition track, no other horse can beat them.
Those who let the temper in the Ófeigur horses get on their nerves should stay away from them. It only makes it worse.
More advanced horsemen should on the other hand try to stand up for those horses and use more of the stallions who are left from this bloodline." (Jens Einarsson, 2008)
“I can not remember any bad nor difficult horse sired by Ófeigur in Hornafjörður. He did not have so many offsprings there, but the quote of very good horses (gæðingar) was high: Vigga frá Gerði, Hrefna frá Höfn, Flosi frá Brunnum, Styrmir frá Viðborðsseli (european champion in fivegait) and more. Ófeigur should have been home in Hornafjörður” (Hanný Norland Heiler, trainer in Hornafjörður for 26 years)
Among Ófeigur 818's offsprings are:
Perla frá Kaðalsstöðum
"Those who are getting older can well remember Perla frá Kaðalsstöðum, who was on top of the oldest mares class on the Landsmót 1982 in Vindheimamelar.
Her performance at the breedingshow was maby not in style for a formal dinner gathering at Buckingham palace, but the pace, head carriage and high spirit left no horseman untouched." (Jens Einarsson, 2008)
Perla frá Kaðalsstöðum 1, raised much attention when she was shown in Vindheimamelar in 1982. There she received 8,80 for riding abilities, there of 10 for willingness, 9 for pace and form under rider and 8,5 for tölt.
Perla is also known for being the mother of the stallion, Piltur frá Sperðli, who received 1st price for offsprings and has 747 registered offsprings in Worldfengur.
Piltur himself received 8,33 as a total score, with 8,13 for conformation and 8,53 for riding abilities.
9 for pace, 8 for character and 8,5 for other features of the riding abilities.
Piltur frá Sperðli with offsprings 1996.
Hrefna frá Höfn, rider is Björn Þorsteinsson
Hrefna frá Höfn was a daughter of Ófeigur 818 and the pure bred hornafjörður mare, Dekkja frá Fornustekkum. Hrefna got her highest judgement in the Landsmót on Gaddastaðaflatir in 1986. There she was evaluated with 7,91 for conformation, 8,53 for riding abilities and a total score of 8,22. Her riding abilities included 9 for willingness, 8 for character and 8,5 for other qualities.
Hilda frá Ólafsvík, rider is Sigurbjörn Bárðarson
Hilda frá Ólafsvík was noticed for her high leg action, willingness and charisma. She got 1st price on the Fjórðungsmót in Reykjavík in 1985. She got 8,01 for conformation, 8,30 for riding abilities (including 9 for tölt) and a total score of 8,16.
Hilda was a successful competition horse and was most famous for winning her class in the European Championships in 1985.
"Sigurbjörn Bárðarson was riding Hilda frá Ólafsvík in the breeding show which was then a new dicipline in the European Championships. Hilda was the only horse competing for Iceland in this tournament. She was the highest judged mare and raised a lot of attention. Many people said that she was the best horse on the tournament. We who sat at home remember her from the Fjórðungsmót in Reykjavík this summer, where she got 2nd place in the class of mares 6 years and older." (Gylfi Þorkelsson, 1985)
Máni frá Ketilsstöðum
Máni 949 frá Ketilsstöðum was a stallion sired by Ófeigur 818 and Fála frá Ketilsstöðum. He received 1st price for his offsprings on the Landsmót in Gaddastaðaflatir in 1986.
Máni was evaluated with a total score of 8,01.
Muni frá Ketilsstöðum, rider is Trausti Þór Guðmundsson
Among well known offsprings of Máni is Muni frá Ketilsstöðum, who won the A-flokkur on the Landsmót 1990. Muni also received 9,5 for tölt in a breeding show and was the first horse to score over 9 in gæðingakeppni.
On Muni's mother side you can also find some Hornafjörður blood through Skuggi frá Bjarnanesi who is his MFMF and FFMF.
"Finally a fivegaited horse has reached over 9 in gæðingakeppni. It was Muni frá Ketilsstöðum, when he was showed in Hörður last thursday. He received a score of 9,02 and the audience agreed that the judges were not to generous. This is probably the first time that a horse receives over 9 in A-Flokkur." (Morgunblaðið 12.júní 1990)
"It has been known for a while that Muni is a unique horse and now when he is 9 years old he is blossoming. Of course he von the A-flokkur and was on another level than the other horses." (Morgunblaðið 12.júní 1990)
Aldís frá Nýjabæ with offsprings.
Aldís frá Nýjabæ was a daughter of Ófeigur 818 and Nótt frá Nýjabæ. She was shown in 1980 with 7,89 for conformation, 8,23 for riding abilities and a total score of 8,06. In 1992 Aldís received 1st price for offsprings:
"The offsprings of Aldís 4616 are above average in size. Most of them have a rather well built head and front (neck, withers, shoulders), above average back and a strong croup. Average porportions. The feet vary and some offsprings had low quality hooves.
Her offsprings have all gaits. The tölt is the best gait, usually with great speedrange and good charisma. The gallop has great speed. Willingness and spirit is good and the horses look good under rider."
Aðall frá Nýjabæ, rider is Þórður Þorgeirsson
One of Aldís's daughters, Furða frá Nýjabæ, is the mother of the known stallion, Aðall frá Nýjabæ.
Aðall was evaluated with a total score of 8,64. There of 8,97 for riding abilities who included 9,5 for pace and 9 for tölt and trot. Aðall has also received 1st price for offsprings and were they described as: "Equally good fivegaiters, with lots of mane and tail."
Aðall has rather much Hornafjörður blood for a stallion of his generation. Faxi frá Árnanesi is his MFMF, and through Aðall's FF, Hrafn frá Holtsmúla, you can find Nökkvi frá Hólmi. And as mentioned before is Ófeigur frá Hvanneyri his MMF.
Flosi frá Brunnum (born 1977) is a son of Ófeigur frá Hvanneyri and Svala frá Brunnum. He got his highest evaluation in 1986, including 7,93 for conformation, 8,56 for riding abilities and a total score of 8,24.
"In the Landsmót in Hella, Flosi frá Brunnum showed more talent than any other horse has ever done." (Andrés Kristinsson, Kvíabekk)
"People can also remember when Flosi frá Brunnum left Víðar frá Viðvík and Adam frá Meðalfelli (sons of Hrafn frá Holtsmúla) in dust on the LM1986 in Hella. That was awkward. Compared to Flosi they were like bread loaves on the track." (Jens Einarsson, 2008)
Flosi frá Brunnum, rider is Einar Öder, except on picture 3 is Björn Þorsteinsson.
Among Flosi's offsprings are:
Kópur frá Mykjunesi
Kópur frá Mykjunesi was a son of Flosi 966 and Kolla frá Gerðum. In Kolla you can find Hornafjörður blood through her father, Ófeigur frá Flugumýri (his FF and MF is Jarpur frá Hólum).
Kópur was shown on the Fjórðungsmót in Fornustekkar 1995 and got 7,85 for conformation, 8,51 for riding abilities (including 9,5 for willingness) and a total score of 8,18.
Muska frá Viðborðsseli 1, a daughter of Kópur frá Mykjunesi
Lamba frá Lambleiksstöðum was a daugther of Flosi 966 and Vaka frá Lambleiksstöðum, who had a strong Hornafjörður bloodline. Lamba was evaluated with a total score of 8,04, there of 8,44 for riding abilities, including 9 for willingness, 8,5 for tölt, trot and canter and 8 for the rest. Lamba had 3 offsprings evalutated with 1st price for riding abilities.
Fiðla frá Garðabæ
Fiðla frá Garðabæ was a daugther of Flosi frá Brunnum and Gnótt frá Brautarholti. Her highest judgement had a total score of 8,11. There of 8,40 for riding abilities including 9 for willingness, 8,5 for tölt, pace and form under rider.
Fiðla had a few offsprings that got 1st price. Among them are the stallions Tónn frá Auðsholtshjáleigu (8,40 for riding abilities) and Djass frá Garðabæ (8,44 for riding abilities), who both have left Iceland.
Djass frá Garðabæ, a son of Fiðla. His father is Keilir frá Miðsitju, who also has Hornafjörður blood in his pedigree, through his father, Ófeigur frá Flugumýri (his FF and MF is Jarpur frá Hólum). Rider is Sigurður Óskarsson.
Gustur frá Grund (born 1988) was a son of Flosi frá Brunnum and Flugsvinn frá Bræðratungu. He got his highest judgement in 1997 with 7,88 for conformation, 8,69 for riding abilities and a total score of 8,28. It is worth mentioning that Gustur received 10 for trot and 9,5 for tölt and willingness.
Gustur was sold to Germany in 2001. Many people found that Gustur should have stayed longer in Iceland and it was a great loss for the horsebreeding in Iceland. Some have even said that exporting Gustur was the biggest breeding accident in the history of Icelandic horse breeding.
About the sons of Gustur frá Grund:
"In fresh memory is the winner of fivegaited horses on two Landsmóts, Geisli frá Sælukoti. Son of Gustur frá Grund, Flosi-son frá Brunnum, Ófeigur-son frá Hvanneyri. His brother Kolskeggur frá Oddhóli almost stepped into his footsteps on the LM2008. With tölt, pace and willingness only suiting a real gæðingur.
Another son of Gustur, Gustur frá Lækjarbakka, won the young adults class in LM2008 with the promising rider, Grettir Jónasson." (Jens Einarsson, 2008)
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This video is taken of Gustur frá Grund when he was over 20 years old.
Gustur frá Grund
Among Gustur's offsprings are:
Kolskeggur frá Oddhóli, rider is Sigurbjörn Bárðarson.
Kolskeggur frá Oddhóli is a son of Gustur frá Grund and Gola frá Brekkum (daughter of Hrafn frá Holtsmúla) and that makes him a brother to Grunur frá Oddhóli (winner in Tölt on the Landsmót 2006). In Gola frá Brekkum you can find Hornafjörður blood through Hrafn frá Holtsmúla (his MFF is Nökkvi frá Hólmi).
Kolskeggur has been evaluated with 8,29 for conformation, 8,45 for riding abilities and a total score of 8,39. He has also been very successful in competition and has reached the A-finals in A-flokkur on Landsmót. In 2008 he was in the lead in the A-finals in A-flokkur till he lost a shoe, right before the pace, and had to quit the competition.
Kolskeggur has given some 1st price offsprings.
Geisli frá Sælukoti is a son of Gustur frá Grund and Dafna frá Hólkoti. He is famous for having accomplished to win the A-flokkur in Landsmót two times. First in 2004 and then again in 2006.
Geisli frá Sælukoti, 2x winner of A-flokkur in Landsmót. Rider is Steingrímur Sigurðsson.
Geisli has been evaluated with a total score of 8,28.
7,85 for conformation and 8,57 for riding abilities.
In the last years many interesting Geisli offsprings have been shown. Among them are:
- Gróði frá Naustum (8,91 for riding abilities and in the A-finals in A-flokkur in Landsmót 2014 with 9,02)
- Sif frá Helgastöðum, who has been evaluated with 8,85 for riding abilities and has 9,5 for general impression and 9 for tölt, pace and spirit. Sif has also had good results in competition, scoring up to 7 in fivegait and 7,50 in tölt.
- Nagli frá Flagbjarnarholti is a stallion with 8,70 for riding abilities. There of 9 for tölt, trot, pace and spirit. Nagli was in the A-finals in A-flokkur on the Landsmót 2014 with a score of 8,91.
- Klara frá Ketilsstöðum is a mare sired by Geisli and her dam is a daughter of Gustur frá Grund. That makes her a daughter of Hornafjörður bloodlined siblings. Her breeding assessment has a total score of 8,32. Conformation: 7,89 and riding abilities 8,60. Including 9 for tölt, trot, spirit and general impression.
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Jódís frá Ferjubakka
- Jódís frá Ferjubakka, a daughter of Geisli frá Sælukoti. (8,54 for riding abilities, there of 9,5 for tölt and 9 for trot, spirit and general impression). Jódís has also had good results in competition. On her mothers side you can also find Hornafjörður blood, but it is a little far back. Feykir frá Árnanesi is her MFMMF and Nökkvi frá Hólmi is her MFFMFFMFF and MMFFMFF.
Óttar frá Hvítárholtirider, owner and breeder is Sússana Ólafsdóttir.
Óttar frá Hvítárholti is a son of Gustur frá Grund and Ótta frá Hvítárholti, who has Kolkuós and Hornafjörður blood in her pedigree. Óttar is a stallion with a total score of 8,36. (conformation 7,87, riding abilities 8,69)
Óttar is one of few horses that has scored over 8,50 both in A- and B-flokkur. He has also been in B-finals in Landsmót. Óttar has already given a few 1st price offsprings.
hornfirski adam fra aldenghoor
Adam frá Aldenghoor. Riders are: Jolly Shrenk (left) and Steffi Amand (right)
Adam frá Aldenghoor is a son of Gustur frá Grund and a Norwegian born mare. He has been evaluated with the total score of 8,34, including 8,71 for riding abilities. Including 9 for tölt, spirit and general impression. 8,5 for trot, pace and slow tölt.
Gustur frá Lækjarbakka. Rider is Grettir Jónasson.
Gustur frá Lækjarbakka is a son of Gustur frá Grund and Orka frá Búrfelli. Gustur is a 1st price stallion with a total score of 8,16. He got 8,16 both for conformation and riding abilities.
He is shown as a fourgaiter and has 9 for tölt, trot, general impression and slow tölt.
Gustur won the Young Adults class in the Landsmót 2008 with a final score of 8,80. He is now in the Faroe Islands.
hornfirski gustsborn
Three daughters of Gustur frá Grund. Left is Vera frá Ingólfshvoli (9 for tölt), in the middle is Fruma frá Efri-Þverá (9 for trot, 8,57 for riding abilities) and to the right is Gola frá Efsta-Dal II (9 tölt and 8,50 for riding abilities).
The Hornafjörður horse today
Nowadays you can find Hornafjörður blood in the pedigree of most horses. It is though getting thinner and thinner and unfortunately there are very few people trying to maintain this remarkable bloodline.
We have been breeding this bloodline for many years and are going to try to keep it going as long as possible.
Below you can read about our current Hornafjörður breeding and individuals.
Summarized by: Heiða Heiler.