There are few sights lovelier than herds of Icelandic horses trotting down from summer grazing in the highlands during the Round Up; 2000 of them at a time running free across rugged terrain toward their winter pastures.
The Round Up has been an Icelandic tradition since the country's early Viking settlers arrived. During the summer months, livestock is taken up to the highlands to leave the lower pastures free for crops. Come autumn time, they're rounded up and returned to the lower fields in time for the rapidly encroaching cold of winter.
As the horses reach the lower fields, many are taken to auctions, to the accompaniment of Icelanders singing traditional songs.
The Icelandic horse is certainly deserving of all this attention. It is a very special creature indeed - hardy, adaptable, strong and courageous despite its diminutive size.
When the Vikings settled in Iceland in the 9th century they brought with them their horses and it is this breed that still survives today. As the only type of horse in Iceland it is well protected by laws that prevent the import of any other breeds.
This unique horse even has its own extra gaits. In addition to the walk, trot, canter and gallop of other horses, the Icelandic also has tölt, a smooth, four-beat gate; and the flying pace, a two-beat high-speed gait that is commonly seen in racing.
Today, there are nearly 80,000 horses in Iceland - a huge number when you consider the country's population is only 300,000 people.
If you get a chance, go and experience the Round Up for yourself this autumn. Failing that, no trip to Iceland is complete without going for a ride on those spirited, fluffy little horses.