5 Hafnarfjörður horses to join the Post

Horses used again for delivering parcels

The Post is constantly looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and one of the main objectives for 2023 is to increase the number of green routes. Now, the most needed service has once again joined the Post, which will play a significant role in the fight against the climate crisis. There is a pilot project in collaboration with Sörli in Hafnarfjörður and the municipality of Hafnarfjörður, which shows great promise.

A response to rising oil prices and increasing demands for environmental protection

Vilborg Ásta Árnadóttir of the Post says that action needs to be taken in response to rising oil prices and increasing demands for environmental protection. „We are pleased to say that the idea of using horses again to transport post and parcels between people came from a Post employee in an ideas competition about how to reduce the company's carbon footprint. At first, we laughed when the idea came up, but when we started to look into it, it turned out it's not so far-fetched,“ she says.

„We have consulted both an expert in Britain, Ellis Brigham, who works in the Gloucestershire Police Mounted Branch, and Atli Má Ingólfsson, chairman of the Sörli Riding Club. They agree that the Icelandic horse is well-suited to this project as it is strong, intelligent and easy to handle. “Furthermore, the temperament of our horses is apparently very good for a challenging project like this,' she says.

A pilot project in Hafnarfjörður in collaboration with Sörli and the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður

A pilot project has now begun in collaboration with Sörli in Hafnarfjörður and the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður, which involves using horses again to deliver post and parcels in the neighbourhoods of Hafnarfjörður. „It takes time to train the horses, but Gustur, Funi, Gerpla, Tígull and Ósk are showing promise and have already been on their first deliveries with parcels and letters in the suburbs of Hafnarfjörður,“ says Atli, who is excited about the pilot project. „It's great to find a new purpose for the Icelandic horse in a changing world,“ he adds.

An important return to the past

Vilborg says that getting the project off the ground requires some preparation. „We have been advertising for riders internally to work on this project. The successful candidates will need to be experienced horsemen and have a strong interest in taking part in the trial with us. Although the Post Office is sailing at full speed into a digital future, this trip back in time is necessary to combat greenhouse gas emissions. We have high hopes for the project. I think people will enjoy seeing the most useful servant back on the streets of the town,“ Vilborg concludes, stroking Ósk's snout.

The Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, agrees: „Limiting greenhouse gas emissions, a circular economy and sustainable transport are very much at the heart of what we do. It is therefore impossible not to welcome Pósturinn's initiative and jump on the bandwagon. At the same time, we place great emphasis on the town's character, historical heritage, warmth and the experience in a unique environment. I suspect that residents will welcome this „novelty“ here at home in Hafnarfjörður.“