Did you ever wonder how it all started?
The history of FEIF (International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations) is closely tied to Switzerland. Since the second half of the 1960s, Icelandic horse enthusiasts from across Europe had been gathering for the German Icelandic Horse Championships, traditionally held at Pentecost in Aegidienberg, Germany.
One of the central figures during this time was Gunnar Bjarnasson, the Icelandic government advisor for horse breeding and a long-time advocate for the return of the Icelandic horse to mainland Europe. He pursued the vision of an international federation for Icelandic horse lovers. In 1969, Bjarnasson returned once more to Aegidienberg, having just presented two Icelandic horses at the International Pony Congress in Edinburgh. The time had come for his so-called “white mafia” to take action.
On May 24, 1969, FEIF was officially founded in Aegidienberg, with Switzerland playing a key role from the very beginning.
The founding board consisted of:
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Gunnar Bjarnasson (IS) – Founder
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Gunnar Jonsson (DK) – Secretary
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Walter Feldmann Sr. (DE) – Sport
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Max Indermaur (CH) – Finances
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The first president of FEIF was Ewald Isenbügel (CH), who led the organization for 16 years, guiding it through many challenges and successes. All founding board members worked together closely and effectively throughout this time.
A major milestone was the first European Championships in 1970, held in Aegidienberg. It marked a breakthrough in international cooperation and had a significant impact on the Icelandic farmers association as well as Icelandic riders and breeders.
In the early years, FEIF refrained from directly addressing breeding issues out of respect for Iceland and the differing breeding regulations of each country. However, this soon changed. In 1976, the first breeding congress was held in Hamburg. Switzerland was also entrusted with organizing the second European Championships, which took place successfully in St. Moritz in 1972. The first of three, soon four, big events Switzerland hosted for the Icelandic horse community.
The rest is history – a story of steady growth, strong collaboration, and a shared passion for the Icelandic horse across the world!.
Text and picture: Ewald Isenbügel