New Documentary Shows the Annual Herding of Icelandic Wild Horses Across Incredibly Scenic Terrain

Herd in Iceland is a documentary film about the annual round-up of the Icelandic horse, isolated for centuries by the country’s oceanic borders. The film, directed by New York photo editor, photographer, and filmmaker Lindsay Blatt, is accompanied by a photo essay. Both sets of visuals provide a beautiful look into this amazing tradition and focus on the stories of the people as well as the animals.

From the film’s synopsis: “Herd in Iceland was filmed over the course of 2 years, when Lindsay Blatt traveled to Iceland to document the 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.”

Herd in Iceland has just started to air on some PBS stations around the US. Be sure to check the schedule, which is constantly being updated with new stations and dates.

All images © Lindsay Blatt

This post was contributed by photographer Emma Kisiel via her photo blog, Muybridge’s Horse.

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