My Heart Horse: The Love Story Between Diana and Lína
How a Canadian rider found her soulmate in an Icelandic horse
Some love stories are written not between people, but between a rider and a horse. Diana, a devoted horse lover and psychotherapist from Canada, has been passionate about horses for as long as she can remember. On her travels to Iceland, she discovered not only breathtaking landscapes and unique riding traditions, but also the horse who would become her soulmate: Lína.
We asked Diana a few questions to find out more about this extraordinary bond—and how one horse can change a life.
How did you first meet Lína?
It was my second trip to Iceland for 4 days as a stopover returning home from Norway with my then boyfriend. I sought out Íshestar because I had been there previously on a stopover in Reykjavik on a Transatlantic cruise in 2024. I remembered the safety/introduction video and the narrator saying “It may take some time to get to know your horse, but sometimes it’s “love at first sight’.” I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t that be AWEOME to experience?”
What was your first impression of her?
I thought she was the most beautiful horse I had ever seen, and I felt that “Love at first sight.”
Can you describe the moment you realized you had a special connection with her?
It was an instant connection! It was almost as if we both said, “Oh, hello again. I wondered when we would meet again.”
What makes Lína different from other horses you’ve met?
I have never felt this instant connection with any other horse before and I have been around horses most of my life, and I don’t even remember my first ride on a horse because I must have been very young. My mother loved horses too. I’ve always gone out of my way to ride or just be around horses because I feel a spiritual connection with them, but nothing close to what I feel with Lína. It feels as if all my fears, stress, worries, negative emotions just melt away. While grooming her or taking her for walks alone, I have had tears flow when I was telling her about a situation in my life that I didn’t know how to handle. She stood there patiently and listened. I had a sense of her saying. “Be patient, stay with it. Everything will be ok.” Turns out… she was right!
In what ways do you think she recognizes you or responds differently to you than to others?
I don’t know what she is like with other people, but I do know/feel that we are spiritually connected even when I live in Canada I feel her presence, her calmness and comfort if I am upset. Speaking biologically, and reading books about horses… When I see her after a prolonged period of time, I think she recognizes me and remembers me because horses have a keen sense of smell and smell evokes the strongest memories. But it’s much deeper than that. I know I am very kind to her and animals (and people) and as a psychotherapist, I know, animals and people remember how you make them feel.
I have consulted with an animal communicator (Lauren) long before meeting Lína, and things she had told me about my pets were things she could not have known, so I trust her for many reasons when she tells me about the animals in my life. Lauren is still surprised at how deep the connection is between Lína and I, and that it possibly goes back to each of our other lifetimes together through connection with the Vikings.
How do you feel when you have to say goodbye to her after each visit?
I feel heart broken, as if I’m leaving a part of my heart and soul behind that is only between Lína and I. As you witnessed in Aug 2025, I could not hold back my tears. It was especially hard because I turned 69 years old shortly after I got back to Canada, and I know that getting health insurance after 70 years old will be harder and more expensive. But, most of all, I think about “When will I return to see her?”
What keeps bringing you back to Íshestar again and again?
Other than to see Lína? To be a part of Iceland, get to know Icelanders and horse lovers, and to experience exploring the lava fields on/with Lína. I can’t get enough of her smell, touching/stroking her hair (short or long), grooming her and talking to her. I feel drawn to the Icelandic culture and people because somehow it resonates deeply within me.
If Lína could speak, what do you think she would say about your bond?
From the first time Lína and I met, in May 2027, I felt we were linked together in a special bond which I carried in my heart, and I believed I felt that she experienced something similar. I told her that I promised to come back but I didn’t know when. Lauren, the animal communicator I consult with, has told me many times that Lína deeply values this connection because she feels special the way I talk to her, bring her gifts, treats, and “talk/communicate” with her when we’re together and when I’m home in Canada. After the ride, I think it was Margrét who said, “I think you make a very good team.”
How would you explain this kind of connection to someone who has never felt it?
We have an expression in Canada about animals who are “our heart” dog, or “heart cat” etc. So, I say, “Lína is my Heart Horse,” and for people who know, they know what I mean. IYKYK Otherwise I say, “Lína is like having a sole mate or best friend, but we communicate differently.” If they don’t understand that, then I feel compassion towards them that they haven’t been blessed with this kind of closeness with any animal or human.
What role do horses — and Lína especially — play in your heart and in your life story?
As far back as I can remember, I have always loved horses—sketching them, reading stories about them, riding whenever I could. When my youngest daughter was 8 years old, we started her with English riding lessons, and my love of horses grew alongside hers.
Later in life, I faced serious health challenges: open-heart surgeries, sciatica, arthritis, even a broken arm from a fall. At times, I feared I might never ride again. But the thought of riding Lína kept me motivated to recover. With physiotherapy, special equipment, and determination, I returned to the saddle.
Horses have always been, and will always continue to be, a part of my life in any way I am able. But Lína is more than a horse to me—she is my heart horse, my healer, my joy, and my inspiration to keep going.
Closing Thought
For many, horseback riding in Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But for Diana, meeting Lína has been a soul-level bond that continues to shape her life and her story—proof that sometimes, it truly is love at first sight.
At Íshestar, we are so grateful to have met Diana and to witness the beautiful connection she shares with Lína. Her visits over the years have brought joy not only to her beloved horse but also to all of us here. We are always delighted to welcome her back, and we look forward to many more rides together in the future.
For more details on our solo traveller tour, please visit our page The female only, multi-day tour on Löngufjörur Beach .
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