What is FEIF?

FEIF unites people in their passion for the Icelandic horse!

The aims of FEIF are:

  • to promote the Icelandic horse, a positive riding culture, and international co-operation
  • to ensure horse welfare and harmonious riding in everything we do
  • to set the highest standards for breeding pure Icelandic horses
  • be guided by reserach and evidence-based learning
  • to maintain a culture of respect, inclusiveness and diversity
  • to be flexible and forward-thinking in an ever-changing world

Photo by Neddens Tierfoto

FEIF is the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations, representing 24 national Icelandic Horse Associations worldwide, and counting almost 70.000 members. FEIF holds the Icelandic horse world together across the globe, while endeavouring to work within different cultures, politics and languages. What does that entail?

  • in Sport and Breeding: to ensure there is only one set of standrs/rules
  • in Education: to see that all FEIF trainers and instructors have a comparable skill set, regardless of where they trained
  • in Leisure Riding: to create a sense of common identity and community, regardless of whether you are crossing the Rocky Mountains, or riding along the North Sea
  • in Youth Work: to strengthen what we all share, the love for the horse – particularly for young people

What’s in the name?

In 1969, a group of Icelandic horse enthusiasts started FEIF in Germany. The name they gave the organisation was a statement of what they were – friends of the Icelandic Horse: Föderation Europäischer Islandpferde Freunde (FEIF).

Related news

FEIF Youth Camp 2025 in Iceland

FEIF Youth Camp 2025 in Iceland

Preparations for this year’s FEIF Youth Camp are in full swing. 32 young people from 11 nations will come to Iceland for a week of learning, fun and new friendships in July. Between them the participants speak 9 different languages, but the camp language is English....

read more
Have you noticed our virtual rides?

Have you noticed our virtual rides?

The new virtual ride is all about collecting kilometers with your horse by riding the distance from the World Championships 2025 in Birmenstorf to Landsmót 2026 in Hólar. In the previous virtual ride the participants rode from their home countries to the World...

read more
Important reminder for organisers and riders

Important reminder for organisers and riders

Starting April 1, 2025, a new rule is valid to support horse welfare in sport competitions. The Sport Committee reminds all organizers and riders that the number of tests per horse per day is limited as follows: • A 5-year-old horse may start once per day • A...

read more
FEIF Statement regarding judging at Sport Competitions

FEIF Statement regarding judging at Sport Competitions

It has been brought to FEIF's attention that at some tournaments riders are giving organisers/judges/chief judges letters from veterinarians and other professionals stating that a certain horse has undergone surgery in the mouth or other veterinary procedures. These...

read more
Pilot Project: FIZO Confirmation Tour Across Germany

Pilot Project: FIZO Confirmation Tour Across Germany

For many years, breeders in Iceland have benefited from regional opportunities to present their horses for assessment—now Germany is following suit. From April 6th to 11th, the IPZV (Icelandic Horse Association of Germany) organized a FIZO tour with seven stops across...

read more
50 Years with the FEIF-logo

50 Years with the FEIF-logo

In 2025, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the official logo of FEIF - the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations. FEIF was established in 1969 but did not have an official logo for the first six years. In 1974 the Norwegian...

read more
May 1st – International Day of the Icelandic Horse

May 1st – International Day of the Icelandic Horse

This day should be duly celebrated in the Icelandic horse world. As last year, the Leisure Committee has set itself the task of flooding the internet with pictures of our fantastic Icelandic horses in order to achieve broad visibility for the Icelandic horse. The...

read more