If you are a potential member of the Society, I hope you can join us and experience the fun and laughter we enjoy through our membership.
If you’re already a member then you’re on the right page to find an activity to participate in.
The IHSGB Distance Awards 11th Nov 2023 – 31st Oct 2024 This is how it works: You can ride, drive a horse-and-carriage, walk in-hand or any other activity that you can ‘clock up the miles’. All activity counts, hacking, schooling, social rides and more. Use an app…
The IHSGB Icelandic Horse Challenge Cup This Cup is awarded at the AGM in November of each year to the person with the most points. You gain points by participating in activities throughout the year. It’s not just for riders. E.g. If you produced an article and…
The IHSGB Leisure Awards (Four Award Levels to achieve). You can take part in these awards regardless of where you’re based in the UK. It’s not just for riders’, handlers using groundwork are also included. Are you looking at ways to have fun and improve your bond…
FEIF Annual Virtual Ride (This might need a little more explaining)
Firstly what is FEIF?
‘FEIF – International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations’
‘FEIF unites people in their passion for the Icelandic horse’
The IHSGB is one of twenty-two member associations across the world.
What is the FEIF Virtual Ride?
The Virtual Ride is just that: real riding on your horse along a virtual route from your home to the flagship events of the Icelandic horse calendar. This is not a competition but something to unite people across the world.
There is a designated area for Leisure Riders on the FEIF website
“Leisure riders are, by far, the largest group of riders within the membership of our 22 FEIF member associations. Any rider on an Icelandic horse is an ambassador for the entire community”.
Dressage and The IHSGB Tölt Online
The IHSGB offers a dressage class and a Figures Test via Tölt Online (TOL). TOL is an online service offered to members. You decide which test you are going to submit. Your test needs to be live recorded, at your chosen location. You submit your video to be assessed by an International judge. This allows everyone at every level, regardless of location, the opportunity to get feedback from an official judge. Given we have chosen a gaited breed, having this valuable online resource allows us to assess and improve the gaits whilst overcoming issues of location and so it is well worth participating. The FEIF regulations are different to those of British Dressage and can be found in the FEIF General Rules and Regulations.
Throughout the UK we have a number of Icelandic horse owners that call themselves ‘Leisure Riders’. Many take part in a wide range of activities.
We have some activities for you to participate in remotely or there are opportunities to meet up with other Icelandic owners. Be prepared to travel for a ‘meet-up’. Attending local mainstream equestrian events with other Icelandic owners is not only a fun social occasion, but also an opportunity to learn and share experiences.
The annual British Championships & Summer Festival is the highlight of the IHSGB calendar and well worth attending, as a rider or a spectator. If you are interested in participating, spectating, or volunteering at any event, but you’re not sure please get in touch. The importance of being a participant or simply helping & spectating should not be underestimated.
Any of the activities or events offered allows you to feel part of a wider community, as well as providing opportunities to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.
We encourage all members to get involved in as many events as possible; you can liaise with your Area Rep to find out what is on near. You can share their experiences in Sleipnir (the IHSGB members’ magazine) and on social media.
You can always email me with any questions, ideas and your any achievements that we can celebrate. leisure@ihsgb.co.uk
If you are interested organising something or have an idea, support is available and possibly a grant to help with costs. Please contact office@ihsgb.co.uk