This is my friend, Trausti, on his favorite white horse coming back from leading a group of Reykjavik riders on a fast tolt on the hard packed sand of Löngufjörur, the Long Beach. His farm, Skógarness, is a popular spot for leaving a group of horses overnight after the ride. That was back in 2006 and Trausti was 73 at the time. I am lucky to have him as a friend, not only for his hospitality on one of the best rides in Iceland, but for the access he has given me to an old way of life with horses.

With 70,000 horses for 325,000 Icelanders, here’s how the 99% that you don’t see in white pants and tall boots waving trophies and ribbons enjoy their horses.