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
Denmark01 Apr 2023
DK – Bygningsbedømmelser 1
Herning (Denmark)01 Apr 2023
Faxi: Forårstölt 2023
Denmark02 Apr 2023
Kraftur Maneesikilpailut Niihama
Finland02 Apr 2023
Stormur: Påskestevne
Norway08-09 Apr 2023
BE – Easter competition (Wedstrijden Wortel)
Wortel (Belgium)08-09 Apr 2023
Wedstrijden Wortel – Paaswedstrijd
Belgium
News from Breeding
Equipment 2023 – final information
The description of the permitted equipment is now published in its final version for 2023. Certain measurements for the Icelandic curb bit have been removed after intense discussions and measuring lots of standard bits during the last weeks. The FEIF equipment...
Select stallions – virtual mate selection
A lot of knowledge can be found in the Studbook of Origin of the Icelandic Horse (WorldFengur.com) e.g. information on individual horses, pedigree, assessment on conformation and rideability at Breeding Field Tests (BFT). Genetic evaluation (BLUP values), that...
New Judges 2023
We are happy to inform that in total six candidates passed either of the exams to become International Sport Judges or International Breeding Judges and they are from this year on actively judging breeding shows and sport competitions! CONGRATULATIONS! New...