The Fifth Gait Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with a world champion Icelandic horse trainer and breeder for an in-depth conversation about Icelandic horses, training, breeding, competition, and the future of the breed.
She shares the story of becoming a World Champion in 1999, her early experiences riding in Iceland, and the horses and mentors who shaped her career. We also dive deep into breeding for temperament, movement, rideability, and the importance of matching the right horse with the right rider.
The conversation covers Icelandic horse training, tölt and pace, transitions, relaxation, competition, Landsmót, judging, horse welfare, breeding, and what needs to change to continue improving the Icelandic horse.
Whether you're an Icelandic horse owner, breeder, trainer, competitor, or simply passionate about horses, this episode offers a fascinating look at the sport and the philosophy behind producing better horses and better riders.
#IcelandicHorse #IcelandicHorses #HorseTraining #HorseBreeding #Landsmot #Equestrian #HorseRiding

How much weight can a horse safely carry? In this episode of the Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with equine scientist and certified trainer Johannes to discuss one of the most debated topics in the Icelandic horse world: rider weight and horse welfare.
Johannes recently defended his master’s thesis at Hólar University, where he studied horse-to-rider body weight ratios in Icelandic horse sport. His research collected data from riders and horses at the World Championships, giving rare insight into how rider weight, horse conformation, training level, and workload all interact.
In this conversation we dive into the science behind rider weight limits, common misconceptions about how much weight Icelandic horses can carry, and why the conversation is far more complex than a simple percentage rule.
Johannes also shares what surprised him most during the research process, the challenges of collecting data from elite riders, and how science can support — rather than criticize — riders and trainers.
We also explore the future of Icelandic horse breeding and horsemanship, including whether horses should be bred bigger, how conformation affects weight carrying capacity, and why education and research are critical for maintaining our social license to operate in equestrian sport.
If you’re passionate about Icelandic horses, equine science, training, and horse welfare, this episode offers an in-depth look at one of the most important conversations happening in the horse world today.
Topics Covered:
Horse and rider weight ratios explained
What the science actually says about how much weight horses can carry
Data collection at the Icelandic Horse World Championships
Common myths about rider weight limits
Horse conformation and weight carrying ability
The future of Icelandic horse breeding
Why equine research matters for the future of horsemanship
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In Episode 14 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we kick off the new year with an honest, reflective conversation about the past, present, and future of Icelandic horsemanship. Recorded on our way to Iceland for a sales horse trip, this episode dives into our biggest lessons from 2025, what we’re most excited about in 2026, and how our businesses, training goals, and perspectives as horse people are evolving.
We discuss the growth of our students, workshops, and competitive journeys, along with a major shift: stepping intentionally into Icelandic horse sales and what ethical, community-driven horse sales should look like in the U.S. market. We also explore larger themes shaping the horse industry today — from the value of real, in-person experiences to personal responsibility, horse welfare, practical care practices, and the future of horsemanship beyond scores and rankings.
This episode is a thoughtful look at where the Icelandic horse community is headed, why ownership matters, and how curiosity — not shame — can move our industry forward.
Topics covered:
Icelandic horsemanship in 2026
Reflecting on 2025 highlights & student success
Ethical Icelandic horse sales & importing horses from Iceland
Building strong horse-and-rider partnerships
Liberty training & bridleless competition
Workshops vs clinics in horse education
Horse care, welfare, and practical management
The future of horsemanship beyond competition scores
🎧 Whether you’re an Icelandic horse owner, trainer, competitor, or lifelong student of horsemanship, this episode offers grounded insight and forward-thinking conversation.

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In Episode 13 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with one of the most influential voices in the Icelandic horse world: Þorgeir Guðlaugsson. Known as an international sport judge, writer, educator, innovator, and respected Icelandic horse historian, Þorgeir brings decades of insight into the development of Icelandic horse sport, judging methodology, training philosophy, and the future of our community.
From his childhood on a farm with over 200 horses, learning from his legendary grandfather, to becoming one of the most recognized judges across Europe and the United States, Þorgeir shares extraordinary stories, lessons, and perspectives that every rider, trainer, breeder, and judge can learn from.
We explore:
• How Þorgeir’s early experiences shaped his philosophy on horsemanship
• The psychology of horse training and maintaining the horse’s spirit
• Becoming an international sport judge — and why he never wanted to quit
• Objectivity vs. subjectivity in sport judging
• Biomechanics, gait analysis, and the future of measurement-based judging
• Why Icelandic horse welfare is leading the equestrian world
• The strengths and flaws in today’s competition system — and how to improve it
• The forgotten history of Icelandic horses in America (1880s–1920s!)
• What riders misunderstand most about judging
• The future of five-gait competition and pace tests
• The importance of community, cooperation, and preserving our sport
This is one of the deepest, most insightful conversations we’ve had on the podcast — packed with wisdom, history, and forward-thinking ideas that will challenge the way you look at Icelandic horses, training, and competition.
If you are passionate about the Icelandic horse, this episode is simply unmissable.
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In Episode 12 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with Virginia — USIHC President, Icelandic horse breeder, certified trainer, former professional opera singer, and lifelong equestrian. From competing as a show jumper and running a bustling boarding barn to discovering the magic of Icelandic horses, Virginia shares her inspiring journey through the horse world and beyond.
We dive into:
Her transition from the opera stage to the stable
How she fell in love with Icelandic horses
Building thriving riding schools & growing the Icelandic community in the U.S.
The role of leadership, mentorship, and positive energy in horsemanship
Breeding goals for the future of Icelandic horses in America
Developing trainers, education, and youth involvement in the USIHC
The importance of harmony, partnership, and listening to your horse
Why horses are better than therapy — and how they bring out the best in us
Virginia also shares her insights on Icelandic culture, traveling to Iceland, attending the World Championships, and the future of U.S. Icelandic horse breeding and sport
Whether you’re passionate about Icelandic horses, equestrian education, dressage, breeding, or simply pursuing joy in partnership with horses, this episode will inspire you to keep growing, stay curious, and enjoy the journey.

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