Marit Jonsson passed away quietly and peacefully on October 27, 2026, at the age of 93.
Marit was born in Norway, and arrived in Denmark at the age of 20, educated as an interior designer and married Gunnar in 1953. They remained married for 67 years, until Gunnar’s passing on September 25, 2020.
In 1968, Marit and Gunnar founded the Danish Icelandic Horse Association in their own living room. In *Gudernes heste i Danevang*—the 50th-anniversary book for the association—Marit wrote: “The significance this event had for Gunnar’s life and mine is truly beyond comprehension. It brought wonderful, exciting, and—at times—challenging events involving the horses, as well as friendships with a wide variety of people we naturally came into contact with. Alongside all the delightful experiences with the horses, these friendships have meant an immense amount to me.”
Marit served as the first Studbook Keeper for the Danish Icelandic Horse Association and was a member of the association’s board for several terms. Together with Gunnar, she also co-founded FEIF in 1969.
The influence and vision of Marit and Gunnar were instrumental in shaping the Danish Icelandic Horse Association into an organization that encompasses breeding, sport, education, youth activities, and trail riding. This ensured that no divide or separation emerged between breeding and riding/sport—a fundamental principle that also guides FEIF. The member magazine *TØLT* became the central focal point within the Danish Icelandic Horse Association, as well as for Marit and Gunnar. With impressive and truly extraordinary dedication, they contributed countless well-written articles and handled the editing of *TØLT* for 30 years—all entirely on a voluntary, unpaid basis.
Marit authored countless articles, poems, and several books on Icelandic horses, breeding, sport, and the broader evolution of the Icelandic horse world. Notable among these are the official history of FEIF’s first 25 years—*Dreams and Reality* (1994)—and *Dansen på Knivsæggen* (The Dance on the Razor’s Edge), which covers 30 years of Icelandic horse breeding up to 1998. Both are exceptionally well-written books, filled with wonderful photographs, and come highly recommended.
Porcelain painting and botany were Marit’s other great passions—subjects she also wrote about. The garden at Stenholt was brimming with the finest flowers of every conceivable variety—including “weeds” that could be transformed into delicious “weed tarts.” Anything capable of growing and developing—provided it wasn’t strictly inedible—was cultivated and put to use!
Following Gunnar’s passing, an honorary award—”Gunnar and Marit’s Tølter”—was established. It is presented annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the Danish Icelandic Horse Association—fully in the spirit of Gunnar and Marit.
As individuals, Marit and Gunnar were opposites—yet their love, devotion, and mutual respect enabled them to grow—both together and as individuals—in a truly remarkable way. They raised four children and went on to have grandchildren and great-grandchildren, while also playing a pivotal role in establishing the spirit and foundation upon which the Danish Icelandic Horse Association and FEIF are built today.
May Marit’s memory be honored.
Text: Jens Iversen
