Bru Horsefarm

If you are in Iceland’s southern region and love animals, Bru Horsefarm should be on your list of places to visit. Located less than 5 minutes from Iceland’s well-known Strokkur Geyser, the farm features Icelandic horses – a specific pure breed that is unique to the island.

About Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses are a breed of horses that developed in Iceland. The original Viking settlers brought horses with them between 860 and 935 AD. In 982 the Icelandic parliament, known as the Althing, banned the import of horses, which is still in effect today. Over the intervening 1,000 years, they have developed to withstand the harsh environs of Iceland.

Icelandic horses are small and stocky, with adults weighing between approximately 330 and 380 kg / 730 and 840 lbs, have a typical height of 13 or 14 hands (132 to 142 cm, 52 to 56 inches), which is the approximate size of ponies of other types of horses.

Icelandic horses are kept for a variety of reasons in Iceland, even to this day. They can perform a wide range of work due to their temperament and biology, including draft and pack jobs, as companions and even fore horsemeat. In addition, Icelandic horses are also one o few types of horses that perform 5 different types of gaits (most can only do 3). In addition to the usual walk, trot and canter/gallop, they can also perform a gait caleld the tölt. This gait is not only has a high speed and acceleration but also is comfortable for the rider. They also canperform a skeið or “flying pace”, which is a a racing gait.

Bru Horsefarm is a family-run horse farm near Strokkur Geyser in the Golden Circle that lets you interact with horse (if they feel up to it). The farm is sat back away from the road. A parking area has been prepared next to the pasture where you are allowed to interact with the horses.

There are horse-friendly food pellets they call “horse candy” available for purchase (500 ISK for 3 boxes or 200 ISK for 1 box) that you can use to feed the horses. The horses love it! While called “candy”, it is a nutritious mix and they will not get ill from eating too much of it. They were also very eager but gentle about taking the pellets. The food can be purchased via a QR code no the outside of the storage hutch.

Interacting with the horses (without purchasing food) is free, although the horses are sometimes not interested in being touched without having some edible compensation. Many have learnt exactly where to stand so they can lean in to get as much food as possible while being able to lean away to avoid being touched. It was really funny to see!

Getting There

Bru Horsefarm is located on Route 35 just passed Strokkur Geyser if you are coming from Reykjavik. Here is the Google Maps location. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes by car via Route 1.