Youth Work
FEIF Youth Work started in 1986 when a first “international youth week” was arranged by FEIF and the Netherlands.
The goal of FEIF Youth Work is to bring together young people from different countries. All should share a passion for the Icelandic horse, and participants will learn a lot about the culture, traditions and the place of the horse in thehost nationa. The shared language at all FEIF Youth events is English.
Photo: Hestamannafélagið Sörli
The goal of FEIF Youth Work
The central goal of the FEIF Youth Work Department is to encourage young people from across FEIF member countries to meet, to engage with one another, and to build on their love for, and understanding of, the Icelandic horse.
We want to create an international platform, so young people can develop life skills, and grow as individuals.
Within transnational communities, learning takes place in the following areas:
- Taking good care of the horse, and the natural environment
- Responsibility for self and others, including the horse
- Supporting one another through good times and periods of stress
- Intercultural communication and understanding
- Lifelong friendships
- Tolerance of those with differing opinions
- Teamwork capability
- Development of personal skills
- Improved English language competence
Photos: Sophia Humpert (Photo competition 2022) and Martina Karl (Photo competition 2022)
Young Riders at World Championships
World Championships are organised every two years (uneven years) in one of the member countries.
Competitors, who in accordance with the FEIF General Rules are eligible, and who are at least 16 years old and not more than 21 years old in the calendar year, may compete in the World Championships. Countries may send up to 5 young rider/horse combinations. Since 2013, young riders have their own A-finals, and B-Finals were introduced in 2019 for classes in which the number of entrants is greater than 20 riders.
FEIF Youth Award
In order to encourage and support good practice in youth work at national and regional level, FEIF presents the Annual “Youth Country of the Year Award”.
This trophy goes to the country which has offered the most challenging, innovative and inclusive programme for children and teenagers throughout the year.
Gaining the Award also gives the winning nation one extra space at the FEIF Youth Camp, or Cup in the following year.
Photo: Catherine Mynn – FEIF Director of Youth Work, Svenja Braun – IPZV
Youth Award
See the countries who were “FEIF Youth Country of the Year”.
Get in touch
Contact the Youth Committee or find the youth leader of your country.
Regulations
Get the latest documents from the Youth Work department.
News from Youth Work
Save the Date – FEIF Youth Cup 2026 in Rieden GER
What is the FEIF YouthCup? The FEIF YouthCup (FYC) is a unique event that combines sport, education, and international friendship. Participants not only compete but also learn and build strong connections with riders from other countries. The event promotes team...
7th FEIF Young Leaders’ Event Heads to Denmark this November
Billund, Denmark – November 21–23, 2025 The 7th FEIF Young Leaders’ Event will take place this autumn near Billund, Denmark, under the theme “Fighting Fit – Conflict, Fitness & Teamwork in Action.” Aimed at young adults aged 18–26, this dynamic seminar is jointly...
Do you want to become a Young committee member?
Are you between 18 – 26 years old and want to become active in international work related to the Icelandic horse? We are now accepting applications for this years young committee member seats. In FEIF our goal is to unite generations and further develop our sport for...