Breeding

Photo: Jessica Terline (Photo competition 2022)

In general, the FEIF Rules and Regulations for Breeding are aimed at the preservation and improvement of the Icelandic horse breed. Stallions and mares that are used in breeding should be free from genetic defects, and must be identified and registered according to FEIF rules. Breeding horses are  ranked based on results from the FEIF/Icelandic breeding horse assessment system.

In Breeding, FEIF has clear goals to:

  • define the FEIF breeding standards for the Icelandic horse
  • define the FEIF breeding assessment system for all individual Icelandic horses
  • establish rules for FEIF breeding shows
  • decide on one set of basic rules for recording studbook entries and individual horse identification
  • support national studbook keeping in FEIF member countries
  • ensure the genetical value of the Icelandic horse

WorldFengur

WorldFengur is the global database developed in 2000 by the Icelandic Government in cooperation with FEIF. Only one year later, in 2001, WorldFengur was opened for public use at the World Championships in Austria. From the outset, this extensive database was developed to become the essential tool for breeders of the Icelandic horse and to be a key factor in achieving the breeding goal that was set internationally.

As the studbook of origin, it provides information on Icelandic horses in the membership countries of FEIF as well as horses born elsewhere in the world. Many registrars in 22 countries are responsible for registering horses into WorldFengur. Every FEIF member association gets free access to WorldFengur for all its individual members.

    Photo: Neddens Tierfoto

    World Championships

    World Championships are organised every two years (uneven years) in one of the member countries. At the breeding show the best horses from all FEIF member countries are presented.

    Each country may enter a maximum of 2 horses per age group and a horse may only represent the country in which it was born.

    Stallions and mares will be shown in separate classes in the following age groups: 5 years old, 6 years old and 7 years old or over. The assessments are entered into the WorldFengur database.

     

    International Breeding Judges

    FEIF trains and examines international breeding judges, ensuring the
    greatest possible consistency at an international level.

    In fact, all Icelandic horses evaluated at a breeding show must be judged by representatives of the 30 breeding judges worldwide, and these judges work together very closely.

    A highly experienced breeding judge, who is approved by a FEIF member association and has passed the qualifying FEIF test for international breeding judges. The sole right to certificate FEIF International Breeding Judges lies with FEIF.

    Photo: Inge Kringeland

    FEIF Breeding Ringmasters

     

    The ringmaster inspects and measures all horses prior to the conformation assessment. After the ridden assessment, the inspections of shoes, protective equipment and other equipment of the horse and rider lies with the ringmaster. 

    A check of horse’s equipment is mandatory for all horses in the show and shall take place after the first and second assessments. On behalf of the judges the chief judge can ask the ringmaster for an extra check of the equipment.

    Ring masters at breeding shows need to be certified by FEIF. Certification can be attained by attending a seminar for ring masters which is organized by the FEIF Breeding Committee.

    WorldFengur

    Go to the unique global database of Icelandic horses

    Get in touch

    Contact the Breeding Committee or the breeding leader of your country

    Regulations

    Get the latest documents from the Breeding department.

    Upcoming breeding events

    • DK – Icehorse Festival 2023
      Herning, DK (Denmark)
    • Icehorse Festival 2023 – Sport
      Denmark
    • 01 Apr 2023
      DK – Bygningsbedømmelser 1
      Herning (Denmark)
    • 01 Apr 2023
      Faxi: Forårstölt 2023
      Denmark
    • 02 Apr 2023
      Kraftur Maneesikilpailut Niihama
      Finland
    • 02 Apr 2023
      Stormur: Påskestevne
      Norway
    • 08-09 Apr 2023
      BE – Easter competition (Wedstrijden Wortel)
      Wortel (Belgium)
    • 08-09 Apr 2023
      Wedstrijden Wortel – Paaswedstrijd
      Belgium

    News from Breeding 

    Equipment 2023 – final information

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    Select stallions – virtual mate selection

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    New Judges 2023

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