Networking Among Ancient Icelandic Homesteads

Combining archeological evidence and written land registers from the 1100s to modern times, Gisli Palson investigates connectivity among homesteads and tenants.  Such connections could be quite complex since a homestead could own grazing or fishing rights on other properties. These complexities often lead to conflict and even violence as suggested in the Icelandic sagas. 

New Neurological Disease in Icelandic Horses? Or Bad Ponies?

In 2011, several horses in southern Iceland were exhibiting strange neurological symptoms.  "These included shaking, poor coordination, and a vastly increased appetite. The matter was brought to the attention of several veterinarians, none of whom were able to determine a cause..."   They were concerned that the horses might be showing signs of a new neurological disease in horses.  The clue in solving the mystery was the symptom "increased appetite" since sick animals usually don't eat.

Veterinarian Mia Hellsten shared the case with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).  One of its members had seen similar symptoms in a dog. 

Blood work came back positive for marijuana.  Evidently the horses has encountered some plants growing outside and indulged.

Can you imagine an Icelandic horse with increased appetite?

  https://grapevine.is/news/2019/07/23/mystery-solved-icelandic-horses-probably-ate-cannabis/

2019 New Zealand Icelandic Horse Youth Event

Here are some hightlights from the Icelandic Horse Youth Event held in New Zealand in 2019.  Both horses and kids are having a great time.