As horse owners, we’re constantly striving to provide our equine companions with the best care possible—quality feed, secure shelter, and regular exercise. But there’s one essential element that domesticated horses often lack: true freedom. While it’s never the owner’s fault, horses do possess an instinctive desire to roam freely across open spaces, unfettered by fences and stalls. Even frequent trail rides may not fully satisfy that deep need to gallop wild and uninhibited.
The question becomes: are wild horses happier than domesticated ones? While wild horses certainly experience greater freedom, the reality is more complex. Wild horses face significantly higher mortality rates, predation, and harsh environmental conditions that domesticated horses are protected from. So perhaps the ideal isn’t one or the other—but rather a perfect balance between the two.
Enter Iceland’s time-honored tradition. Icelandic farmers have brilliantly discovered this golden middle ground, creating a system that gives horses the freedom they crave while maintaining the safety and care they need.
Summer Mountain Freedom
Each summer, Icelandic farmers release their young horses into the pristine northern mountains, where these magnificent animals roam freely across vast, untamed landscapes. During these months of mountain living, the horses develop incredible independence, strength, and resilience that sheltered domesticated horses rarely experience. They learn to navigate terrain, bond with herd mates, and tap into their natural instincts in ways that transform them.
The Ancient Göngur Tradition
But here’s where the magic truly happens. As autumn approaches, something extraordinary occurs—farmers gather their families, neighbors, and friends for an annual community event that has been passed down through generations. Together, they trek into the mountains on an epic round-up journey called göngur.
Göngur is far from a casual afternoon ride. This demanding tradition requires participants to navigate challenging mountain terrain, work as a coordinated team, and successfully herd the horses back down to the farms before winter arrives. For older farmers, it can be physically exhausting and daunting. Yet year after year, they commit themselves to this labor of love—preserving their cultural heritage, protecting their livelihoods, and honoring the bond they share with their horses.
The Perfect Balance
What makes this tradition so remarkable is how beautifully it balances the needs of both horses and humans. The horses get their summer of freedom—developing strength, confidence, and natural behaviors in an expansive environment. Meanwhile, farmers ensure their animals are brought safely home before the brutal Icelandic winter sets in, protecting them from extreme cold and harsh conditions.
It’s a win-win that respects the horse’s nature while providing the security and care domesticated animals require.
Watch the Göngur in Action
Seeing this incredible tradition firsthand is truly breathtaking. Watch the video below to experience the beauty, challenge, and community spirit of Iceland’s historic horse round-up:
What do you think about this practice? Does your country have similar equestrian traditions? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!