The USIHC is proud to recognize over 20 nationally ranked Icelandic horse shows every year, spanning from Alaska to Virginia. We believe in the importance of competitive sport to build community and advance Icelandic horsemanship in the United States. Learn more about our sport below, and find shows happening near you.
FEIF, the governing organization of the USIHC, encourages a level playing field in Icelandic horse sport worldwide — including breeding, competition, and even leisure riding. In FEIF's General Rules & Regulations, it is outlined that riding and training equipment should always be used correctly with regard to proper maintenance, sizing and fit; and with the education level of both the horse and rider in mind.
These rules & procedures were updated in 2024.
FEIF General Sport Rules & GuidelinesFEIF Sport Judges GuidelinesFEIF Equipment Manual for Sport Events
Any National Ranking competition held in the United States contributes to the National Ranking list. Show organizers receive a sanction for their competition by applying to the Sport Leader who grants the sanction, after confirming the details of the application.
The USIHC Sport Committee started the National Ranking in 2007. It is a continuous system. After each National Ranking show is closed and approved by the Sport Leader, its scores are incorporated into the Ranking. The current ranking standings are shown below.
The purpose of the USIHC National Team is to develop the Icelandic Horse Sport here in the USA through the cultivation of our top Icelandic horse equestrians by:
- Developing a sense of community and teamwork among our top riders
- Investing in educational resources and experiences for the riders most able to takeadvantage of those opportunities
- Offering financial support and fundraising to aid in the cultivation of our riders
- Positioning our top Icelandic horse equestrians to serve as inspirational role models andshare their experiences and skills with the Icelandic horse community at large
- Serving as a prerequisite for our World Championship team and a way to create a morecompetitive and professional international presenceThe first horses came to Iceland in the ninth century with Viking settlers from Norway and the British Isles, and horses remained the main form of land transportation in the country until the first roads for wheeled vehicles were built in the 1870s.
Interested in hosting a show? Below is a list of documents outlining facility requirements, administration guidelines, application forms and post-show reports. If you have any questions, contact sport@icelandics.org
Sample National Ranking Show Application FormNational Ranking Show Report FormNational Ranking Show ApplicationApplication to offer P2 at National Ranking Event
