Have you ever heard of the Faroese horse? This small but mighty equine has a rich history and unique characteristics that make it a true hidden gem in the world of horses.
Hailing from the remote Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic, the Faroese horse has faced near extinction but is now making a comeback thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.
From its incredible strength and endurance to its friendly temperament, there’s so much to discover about this fascinating breed. Here are 11 things about the Faroese horse that will leave you in awe of these remarkable animals.
1. The Faroese Horse Is One of the Rarest Horse Breeds in the World
As of 2023, there are only around 90 Faroese horses in existence. (ref) This critically endangered status is due to a combination of factors, including heavy exportation to British coal mines in the past and the introduction of other horse breeds to the islands.
The low population puts the Faroese horse at risk for inbreeding, but dedicated breeding programs and conservation efforts by organizations are working to increase their numbers and genetic diversity. Approval for export may also help improve the breed’s chances of survival by generating more interest and demand.
2. Faroese Horses Are Small but Mighty
Despite its pony-like size of 11.1 to 12.1 hands, the Faroese horse is known for its incredible strength and is referred to as a horse by locals. Weighing between 550-660 lb., these compact equines were historically used by farmers to carry heavy loads and perform agricultural work on the rugged Faroese terrain.
Their sturdy build, strong legs, and tough hooves made them well-adapted to the islands’ harsh conditions. Today, Faroese horses are mainly kept by hobby breeders and used as riding horses for children, but their powerful stature and endurance are still hallmarks of the breed.
3. The Breed Descended from Ancient Norse & Celtic Horses
While the exact origins of Faroese horses are unclear, it’s believed they descended from equines brought to the Faroe Islands by Norse settlers in the 9th-10th centuries AD. Some experts also suggest potential influence from Celtic horses that may have been introduced by Irish monks as early as the 7th century.
Over time, the geographical isolation of the Faroe Islands caused the horses to develop unique adaptations to their environment. Only the hardiest horses that could withstand the islands’ wet, windy, and cold conditions survived, resulting in the strong and resilient Faroese horse we know today.
4. Faroese Horses Nearly Went Extinct in the 1960s
In the early 20th century, the Faroese horse population saw a sharp decline due to heavy exportation to Britain for use as pit ponies in coal mines. Combined with the introduction of other horse breeds and the modernization of agriculture on the Faroe Islands, this led to the near extinction of the breed.
By the 1960s, there were only 4-5 purebred Faroese horses left – one stallion and four mares. This genetic bottleneck means that all Faroese horses alive today are descendants of those few remaining individuals, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to maintain and expand the breed’s population.
5. The Breed Was Saved by Dedicated Conservation Efforts
In 1978, a group of passionate individuals formed the association Felagið Føroysk Ross (Faroese Horse Breeders) to protect and promote the Faroese horse breed. Through careful breeding using the few remaining horses, they managed to slowly increase the population over the following decades.
An export ban was also introduced to keep Faroese horses on the islands, and it remains in place today. While this measure helped prevent further population decline, it also made it challenging to generate more interest in the breed abroad.
Nonetheless, the dedicated efforts of Felagið Føroysk Ross and individual breeders have been crucial in saving the Faroese horse from disappearing entirely.
6. Faroese Horses Come in a Variety of Colors
The most common coat colors seen in Faroese horses are chestnut, brown, black, and piebald (white with patches of another color).
Bay and palomino horses also exist within the breed. Historical records mention the presence of white horses in past populations, but they are not seen today.
The breed’s winter coat is notably long, dense, and water-repellent, providing protection against the harsh Faroese climate. In contrast, their summer coat is short and smooth.
This seasonal adaptation showcases the Faroese horse’s resilience and ability to thrive in challenging environments.
7. They are Known for Their Friendly & Calm Temperament
Faroese horses are renowned for their gentle, patient, and friendly nature, making them well-suited as riding horses for children. They are intelligent and easy to train, with a calm disposition that belies their underlying strength and endurance.
However, Faroese horses can also have a stubborn streak and may display some headstrong behavior at times. This is likely a result of their semi-feral background, as historically, they were allowed to roam freely in the mountains when not being used for work.
8. Faroese Horses Have Unique Gaits, Including the Tölt
Like their Icelandic horse relatives, some Faroese horses possess the ability to perform additional gaits beyond the typical walk, trot, and gallop. The most notable of these is the tölt, a four-beat lateral ambling gait known for its smoothness and speed.
The tölt allows the rider to cover ground quickly and comfortably, as there is always at least one foot on the ground, minimizing bouncing. Some Faroese horses can also perform the flying pace, a two-beat lateral gait with a moment of suspension.
However, due to the breed’s small population size, they cannot be selectively bred for these gaits like Icelandic horses.
9. The Breed Played a Vital Role in Faroese Agriculture & Transportation
Historically, Faroese horses were indispensable to farmers on the islands, serving as workhorses for various agricultural tasks and transportation. They were used to carry heavy loads, pull plows and carriages, and even herd sheep.
Most Faroese horses lived semi-feral lives, roaming freely in the mountains and only being brought in when their strength and endurance were needed. This management style likely contributed to the breed’s hardiness and self-sufficiency, as only the toughest horses could survive the challenging conditions.
10. Faroese Horses Have a Close Genetic Relationship with Icelandic Horses
Genetic studies have revealed that Faroese horses share a close relationship with Icelandic horses, suggesting a common ancestral origin. This is not surprising, given the historical connection between the Faroe Islands and Iceland, both of which were settled by Norse people.
However, DNA analyses have confirmed that the Faroese horse is a distinct breed, separate from the Icelandic horse. The Faroese horse’s unique adaptations to its environment and centuries of isolation have resulted in a horse that, while similar to its Icelandic cousin, possesses its own set of characteristics and traits.
11. Exporting Faroese Horses Is Currently Not Allowed
To protect the Faroese horse population, an export ban has been in place since the breed’s near-extinction in the 1960s. This means that horses born on the Faroe Islands cannot be sold or transported abroad, which has helped to keep the remaining population on the islands.
However, this ban also presents challenges for the breed’s conservation efforts. The inability to export Faroese horses limits the potential for international interest and demand, which could help increase the breed’s numbers and genetic diversity.
Felagið Føroysk Ross has been working to find solutions, such as marketing strategies and lobbying for export licenses, but progress has been slow.
The Faroese horse is a true testament to the resilience and adaptability of equines. As we continue to learn more about their unique characteristics, history, and importance to Faroese culture, it becomes clear that the conservation of this rare breed is crucial.
Through the dedicated efforts of organizations and individuals, we can ensure that the Faroese horse remains a cherished part of our world’s equine heritage for generations to come.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.