Icelandic Dreaming: Iceland2015 Day 11 Sorting of the Horses

Exactly 10.00 the herd is taken out of the overnight pasture and herded towards the sorting corral to be sorted out to their owners. And so I stood there waiting for the herd to arrive. Some horses were just as excited for the arrival as some farmers are to see their horses and foals back.

This horse was very excited before the herd even arrived, giving nice pictures

The herd didnt look that big, as it was a compact herdof horses. So they passed by rather quickly, but always impressive to see! After they arrived, I drop some of my stuff at the farm where our horses are and go for a walk to take pictures of all those beautiful horses in all colors shapes and sizes. And not much later I found myself a friend who didnt want to leave my side. A beautifull flaxen liver chestnut, maybe even silverdapple that kept giving me kisses and followed me wherever I went. It just wanted to be in the picture, quite literally. Only when some farmers wandered into the herd and started to chase some horses away, it left and vanished in this heap of horses. I didnt see it again, maybe it was sorted out to its farm quickly. I guess with horses you also have this smart asses that know the way and want to be first in line. Wouldnt be surprised :-)

My friend, it probably likes to take selfies if it could!

Of course there were also many foals, they havent seen a lot of humans since they were born, and it is amazing to just sit down a bit and try to lure a youngster to feed its curiousity. And then to feel this incredible soft and gentle nose of a foal to investigate you. And then to try be carefull with movements, they are so squittish and need to learn to trust humans, they of course will, but at this moment they are such blanc books... I cant wait for it to have my own foal one good day.

What a beautifull foal. Beautifull bay with 2 blue eyes and a crested moon. Ai

I have seen the sorting now for some years, it really cannot keep me entertaining anymore for too long. So I walked up the hill overlooking it all and took some pictures from there. Then bought something to eat and hoped to win a horse with the lottery ticket it gave. Number 957 nothing much more than my lucky number(s). And when they finally were giving away the horse, it was number 457 Ai.... so close so close... but still my lucky number.

That cloud didnt pour down on us, thank goodness!

Take me selfie!

Our horses were always begging for attention. The record was 10 heads lining up. But we had 2 Icelandic girls dancing and bouncing so did not manage to picture that in time!

After the sorting we went to saddle and pick up our horses. As I was getting stiff and tired I had difficulties mounting Thorra, despite they are so small, it can be such a challenge for me, as I have never been allowed to mount from the ground! So everybody was on and rode away, I walked with Thorra because I knew we had to wait anyway, and found a ditch somewhere and 'parked' Thorra in it so I could get on her back in ease. At least I get clever with finding ways. And for some reason if there is a rush I always get on. Magic happens...

Despite I went to a toilet before we left, I terrible needed to pee along the way, so unbearable, especially when riding. I decided to just go for a ditch on one of the bigger breaks, even if I knew it was just my body manipulating me. That was a night mare really and didnt work, but the urge was gone. My mind settled in the idea this was not good. Then they noticed Thorra was not walking sound and clear. I had to be carefull with her and taking it easy with her. Well she will take it easy anyway haha! If she was getting worse they would get another horse from the herd for me. But I moved along and let Thorra decide her pace, and she just wanted to canter.
When we passed the ringroad and were on the riverbanks to Galtanes, our herd got on the loose. Far far away. We waited for them to return and moved along. And then one of the horses threw up some dirt in my face, followed minutes later by a big but smooth stone. It hit my eye but my reflex was quick enough to close it before it hit. But it hurted like crazy. I gave Thorra full rein to follow her own way home while I tried to evaluate the situation. I could see but my eyes started tearing like crazy, started to roll and I felt dizzy. I pressed my hand to my eye to reduce the pain and that helped. After a few minutes I got control over the situation again, my vision was ok. Hazy because of the tearing but it didnt appear to have damage in my eye. Thank goodness. I wouldnt know how to drive down to Keflavik tomorrow if I lost sight there.

After arriving at Galtanes it was the painfull truth to know for time being this was the last time to see and ride a horse. Always a tough moment. Even if it is tough already because my last days in Iceland are usually emotional for me. It is very important for me to be here, to ease my mind and think of nice things in life instead of all the trouble and worries that await me when back home. But I have still some days left, which I will enjoy to the max. I sure will!

The diner was quite funny, every once in a while the cook came out with a drink, increasing its strenght from beer to wine to wodka to whatever. And he was telling jokes. Everybody laughed except me because I didnt understand a word of it in Icelandic. It must have been funny :-) And some Icelandic guys were giving a mini concert of them 5 singing old Icelandic hymes. This culture is so incredible authentic, and I so love it!

In the evening I packed my stuff, prepared for my last days before going back to the swamps of 'home'. The forecast gave snow in the afternoon on the ringroad I had to drive down to Keflavik so I wanted to leave rather early. my car has no wintertires and is of the less convenient type to drive such circumstances.

I was very happy with this years stay at Gauksmyri, but hope next year we have the common mixed group again, so I feel less lonely. Despite that, I loved every second of it.