Clear Lake Farm Icelandic Horse Blog

Maybe some of you have seen these letters before in connection with Icelandic Horses and wondered what they stand for or what “FEIF” is or does. Well, FEIF is the international umbrella organisation for all National Icelandic Horse Associations. The letters FEIF stand for:

F öderation                   = Federation (of)

E uropäischer                = European

I  slandpferde                = Icelandic Horse(s)

F reunde                       = Friends

This is a German name! Why is this international organisation have a German name? FEIF was founded on May 25th, 1969 in Germany by representatives of six European countries. In the beginning all communication within the Federation was in German. Over the years FEIF became even more international so that the official language is now English. Today FEIF refers to itself as “International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations”. Only national horse organisations, which are purely devoted to the Icelandic Horse and whose goals and purposes, conform to those of FEIF can become members. Only one organisation from each country can become a member of the Federation.

The goals and purposes of FEIF:

·         To maintain the purity of breed.

·         The preservation of this unique breed.

·         Unrestricted respect for the original character and the special qualities of the Icelandic Horse.

·         To ensure that the Icelandic horse is kept in conditions as close as possible to its habitat, this means: enough light, fresh air and freedom of movement.

·         To avoid at all cost any artificial methods, physical or medical, which could be harmful to the horse.

·         Co-operation and the exchange of experience between the member organisations to spread the knowledge of the Icelandic Horse.

·         The achievement of breeding standardisation.

·         The development of an evaluation basis for breeding and sport.

·         To support and encourage work with young people, popular sport, pleasure riding etc.

·         To initiate international events such as World Championships for sport horses, the international Youth Cup and international shows for breeding horses, where the typical gaits of the Icelandic Horse are taken into consideration

In order to achieve these goals and serve these purposes FEIF co-ordinates its work with Icelandic Horses in different fields: Breeding, Sport, Pleasure riding, Youth work and general activities.

The Breeding section is responsible for the International Breeding Rules (FIZO), which are kept updated to fit the latest standards, international breeding shows/evaluations, and the education of international breeding judges.

The Sport section is obligated to the International Sport Riding Rules (FIPO), which are also kept updated to fit the latest developments in Icelandic Horse sport, the training of international Sport Judges, and the World Ranking of sport riders.

The Pleasure Riding section is working to further the co-operation between pleasure riders in different member countries. One main task is to organize the traditional World Champion Relay Ride, during which riders from different countries travel by horse to the World Championship.

The Youth work focuses on arranging the bi-annually FEIF Youth Cup, which is a one week event with training and competitions for young riders. The best five riders are allowed to show at the next World Championship. The FEIF Youth Camp is also held every second year. It is a 10-day stay in one of the member countries. Youngsters are encouraged to develop and experience international friendship.

The section general activity focuses mostly on the broadcasting of the Federation. Public relations are considered an important aspect in the promotion of FEIF. The FEIF website – www.feif.org – is a useful promotional tool. On this website you will find the latest version of the Sport Rules = FIPO, Breeding Standards = FIZO, and much more international information.

The FEIF has an incredible history and it is amazing what this organisation has achieved despite its global nature. One man should be mentioned when talking about FEIF, Gunnar Bjarnason. I feel very fortunate to have known him in person. He was a man of countless ideas and enormous enthusiasm. With his strong personality and eagerness he was able to motivate people, gain their co-operation and overcome unexpected obstacles. Gunnar Bjarnason definitely marked the history of the Icelandic Horse outside its native country.

By Kordula Reinhartz