USIHC World Championships

In alternating years, the internationals Icelandic Horse communitiy comes together in Europe to hold the World Championships competition. Each FEIF member association sends a team of horses and riders to find the best in the world. The competition includes Sport classes and Breeding evaluations. The 2009 World Championships are taking place in Brunnadern, Switzerland from August 3rd through August 9th.

More information is available on the host association's web site www.icelandichorses2009.ch.

Even if you don't have any interest in participating as a rider, please consider joining us in Switzerland. The US Team appreciates friendly faces in the audience. This is a great opportunity to see top Icelandic Horses and meet people from around the world who share you interest in the Icelandic Horse.

How many riders can the US send to the World Championships?

The team may be composed of 7 riders and up to 3 additional youth riders. If less than 7 adult riders choose to attend the Championships then youth riders may be included in the first 7 spots.

Who selects the team?

The Sport Leader, Will Covert , will make the formal team selection solely based on the in-person and video tryout marks given by the judge hired to evaluate the riders.

Einar Ragnarsson will be our judge again this year, he judged the 2007 tryout for the USIHC. Einar has judged many world ranking competitions and been a judge for several countries tryouts for the World Championships over the years. He was the chief judge at the 2007 World Championships in Holland and again was chosen by FEIF to be the chief judge this year in Switzerland. In addition, Einar serves on the FEIF judges examination committee to certify new FEIF International Judges.

How are the riders selected?

The team will be selected by computing the average score of each riders best results in the required tests. (See the "Requirements" below.) In the event of a tie, the judge will choose who should take priority. The tryout scores will be used to determine starting positions at the Championships.

All riders who reach the minimum score will be considered as alternates in the event that one of the team chooses not to attend the Championships. The riders selected to the team will have until 2 weeks prior to the first paper work filing date with FEIF to withdraw from the team.

When will the team be announced?

The results of the tryouts will be published on the web site and the riders will be notified by email on Monday, May 25th, 2009.

How much does it cost to tryout?

Each test ridden will cost $60.00. Riders must ride in at least two tests and may elect to ride in more than two. The fee is the same for in-person performances and video submissions.

If you are a rider looking for feedback but not planning to try out for the team. . .

You are still welcome to attend any of the in-person tryout events or submit a video of your riding. Your performance will be critiqued and you'll receive the judge's comments and marks to help improve your riding.

The cost to ride for scores only is $30.00 per test ridden.

Riders looking for feedback may ride in person at one of the tryout locations below or they may send a video or DVD.

Download "Scores-Only" Application

If you are a rider interested in trying out for the US team. . .

Please review the following requirements and recommendations for eligibility to try out for the US Team for the World Championships.

Requirements

1. Riders must be a U.S. citizens or have held a green cards for at least one (1) year. This is a FIPO requirement (see 10.7.4.1).
2. Riders must be members of the USIHC for at least one (1) year prior to the tryouts and their dues must be current.
3. Riders must score at least 5.5 in the following disciplines at the World Championship tryouts.
   1. Either Four Gait (FIPO V1) or Five Gait (FIPO F1)
   2. Either Tölt 1 (FIPO T1) or Tölt 2 (FIPO T2).
4. The riders may use a different horse in each test.
5. Only one rider may ride any one horse for the team selection process.
6. Horses must be registered in the country where the video is made or in the US before the application deadline.

Download Tryout Application

Highly Recommended But Not Required

The purpose of these recommendations to the USIHC members is to help them be as prepared as possible for this level of competition.

1. Attend Shows.
   You should attempt to compete in a minimum of two (2) shows with a FEIF International judge between the World Championships (2 years) and compete in a minimum of two (2) of the following disciplines: either Four Gait or Five Gait and either Tölt 1 or Tölt 2.
2. Attend FEIF Youth Cup.
   If you are a youth rider you should make an effort, if possible, to attend the FEIF Youth Cup.
3. Locate a trainer.
   You should locate a riding teacher educated in the gaits of the Icelandic Horse either here in the U.S., Iceland, or Europe where you can travel periodically and take a week or so of training during the 2-year interim period between the World Championships.
4. Locate a competition horse.
   If you do not have a quality competition horse, there are a number of Icelandic Horse owners/breeders here in the U.S. and also in Iceland and in Europe who may be willing to let you borrow or lease one of their competition horses (and also possibly share in the expense) which gives them the opportunity to send their horse so that it can be seen at the World Championships. This arrangement is one that must be arranged strictly between the rider and horse owner.
5. Compete in Icelandic horse shows in Europe and Iceland.
   During the two (2) years between the World Championships, try and compete in shows in Europe and Iceland as showing opportunities here in the US are limited. Getting used to the show atmosphere inexorably assists in making showing less stressful. Learning to ride under pressure is critical. We cannot create the same high stakes circumstances here in the U.S. that exists when riding in the shows in Europe and at the World Championships.

Tryout Locations

The tryouts will be held in four locations across the country. If you are unable to reach one of the locations on the tryout date, you may send a video (VHS or DVD) to Will Covert . All of the in-person and video tryouts will be evaluated by the same person.

Contact the most convenient location for more information about an in-person tryout.

Video Submissions

If you prefer to tryout via video it must include the required tests and should be ridden on as close to a FIPO track as possible. You should ship your video submission to:

Will Covert
3600 Roblar Ave.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Your video must be received by May 15th, 2009 to be eligible for consideration.

It is highly recommended that you track your submission when you ship it. Please, forward a copy of the tracking number to Will Covert when you ship your video so we know to expect it.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Will Covert via email to competition@icelandics.org.