The Breeding Committee and Breeding Judges Committee meeting 2024 focused on key initiatives to support and further develop Icelandic horse breeding. A primary emphasis was on clear representation of Icelandic horses across various contexts, including breeding, sports, youth events, and leisure activities, to ensure consistent portrayal of the breed in all its dimensions.
Several topics were discussed in a joint meeting with sport to find possibilities to unify procedures, especially regarding disciplinary actions. The aim is to make procedures transparent and standardized and to establish clear guidelines for all events. Youth engagement was also a significant focus, with programmes developed to inspire young people to get involved in breeding and horse presentation—an essential step for the future growth of Icelandic horse breeding.
The annual review and refinement of breeding guidelines were also priorities. These guidelines are continuously updated based on insights gained from the current season to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. Education and training for ringmasters, breeding leaders, and judges were key components, with seminars designed to maintain high evaluation standards. Further information and dates will be published as soon as available.
The participants discussed the improvements of the WorldFengur (WF) database with the intention to enhance the accuracy of global Icelandic horse registrations, including the introduction of a five-digit color code. Additionally, the role of DNA analysis in breeding programmes was emphasized and discussed.
Regarding the evaluation of traits, proposals were discussed to adjust criteria like tölt and conformation, including a proposal to make repeated conformation assessments optional for horses over five years old.
The different topics underscore FEIF’s commitment to promoting Icelandic horse breeding worldwide, focusing on youth involvement, high educational standards, and transparent processes.
