On Wednesday 9th July Esme, Rosie and Hannah headed for Iceland to take part in FEIF 5 day Youth Camp 2025. We stayed in brilliant accommodation at Hvanneyri Agricultural University. There were 11 counties with 32 youths aged 14 to 17 taking part.
The aim of the youth camp was for the 11 countries to come together for a week of horse related learning, to experience the Icelandic culture and landscapes together and to get to know each other, as they will be the next generation of the Icelandic horse world.
The 5 day programme was action packed…
Day 1 – Arrivals and introductions.
Day 2 – The day started with information on Hvanneyri Agricultural University, followed by a presentation from Hinrik Sigurðsson promoting young talent and characteristics that not only produce a good competitor but also a better person and rider.
After lunch there was a team building walk through the surrounding countryside. Whilst getting to know each other better we had to find out 3 things we all had in common and what we were looking forward to over the summer.
In the evening we were split into 5 teams and started work on the 5 domains model on horse welfare and the effects on; the nature of the horse and its herd, keeping horses, tack and equipment, training and riding and the health of the horse presentation work.
The day finished with a country evening where each country got the opportunity to showcase their country’s traditions and culture.
Day 3- We visited Moðfossar to practice seat exercise under the guidance of trainer Birna Tryggvadóttir. There were 2 horses; 1 with a saddle and the other a bareback pad. We all got the opportunity to ride both horses and practice many different exercises to improve our positioning and seat.
In the afternoon we went to an open-air swimming pool complete with hot tubs and the most beautiful views.
After dinner Kristín Eir Holaker gave a demonstration of Gæðingaliost which is a riding discipline not common outside of Iceland. It is a combination of dressage exercises with the gaits and shows of both the skill of the rider and athletic abilities of the horse.
Day 4 – In the morning, we went back to Moðfossar to watch the other group do the seat exercises and helped vary the movements and give feedback.
After lunch we were lucky enough to get to ride in groups of about 12. The ride was hosted by Haukur Bjarnason from the horse farm Skáney. We were taken through breathtaking scenery crossing rivers, tölting across soft tracks and witnessing the hot springs.
The day finished with the teams working on their presentation projects ready to present the following evening.
Day 5 – On our final day Úndina Thorgrimsdóttir gave a presentation on horse health focusing on gut and teeth health and the impact on our horses. Johannes Armplatz then talked about the effects of rider weight on Icelandic horses and the latest research statistics. Johannes also included a fun quiz which proved how well everyone had been listening.
In the afternoon the whole camp went sightseeing taking in the wonders of Borgarfjördur: Krauma geothermal springs where the hot waters rose from the ground and the 2 waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfoss. We then climbed Grábrók which is a striking volcanic crater, from the top, you can see panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields and mountains. The poster session followed our excursion where the teams presented how the 5 domains of horse welfare are implemented in different countries.
The day was completed with hot dogs and a party where the girls had lots of fun dancing and trying the tasty treats each country had bought with them.
Hannah Hanratty
Views from the girls
Our favourite part of the trip was the riding tour because all the horses were so well behaved and they tölted so nicely. It was wonderful to see them in their own surroundings and also experience the beautiful Icelandic countryside.
The presentations gave us a broader understanding and built on our previous knowledge. We found the talk on weight carrying really interesting because it is such a debated subject and it was nice to hear about the science behind a horse’s weight carrying ability. The presentation from the vet on gut and teeth health was also really fascinating and the research on scoping the horses for ulcers thought-provoking.
The camp also has shown us how many different things you can do with your horses. The seat exercises were helpful because they are a fantastic way to improve your riding posture and performance. We also really liked that most of the people who gave talks had gone to the FEIF youth camps when they were younger.
