Re: horses in games and films: Here’s a closer approximation of what a standard Viking horse probably looked like. Short, stocky and very sturdy. Icelandics were brought to Iceland during the Viking age by Norse settlers.

Other breeds resembling what was in that ancient mix: Shetland and Connemara. Both short little bubs. Of course they’ve been bred to something quite different today than what was back then, but these are closer than a quarter horse!

Another interesting fact about Icelandics is that they do not allow any other horse breed on the island. So what you’re seeing has certainly been bred and adapted from its original form but is still derived from the original stock

You can find something similar though not as old on sable island Nova Scotia. Where horses were released in the 18th century and have established themselves there as a colony of feral ponies

Others in the thread have brought up the perfect Norwegian Fjord horse who like... look at that potential with the mane. People trim them into all sorts of designs add some simple Viking designs in there? Perfection.

For comparison just so you can see what I’m talking about this is the AQH or American Quarter Horse. Originally bred and named for their ability to outpace other horses in a quarter mile sprint. They’re the most popular American breed and you see them in almost every game.

It is now more commonly bred as a ranch or work horse (though important to note it’s not the only one! There are many western ranch breeds) thanks for following along my very horse girl thread