Landssamband Hestamannafélaga (LH): Iceland’s National Equestrian Association

Admin_Vet_Guide 1 hour agoLast Updated: August 9, 2026

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Landssamband Hestamannafélaga (LH): Iceland’s National Equestrian Association

Iceland’s relationship with the horse is unlike almost anywhere else in the world — a single breed, the Icelandic horse, shapes an entire national sporting culture. Coordinating that culture is Landssamband Hestamannafélaga (LH), the Icelandic Equestrian Association, whose own motto — “Íþrótt – Menning – Lífstíl” (“Sport – Culture – Lifestyle”) — captures how deeply riding is woven into everyday Icelandic life rather than treated as a niche competitive pursuit.

Headquartered at Engjavegur 6 in Reykjavík, LH brings together 40 horse clubs and 20 sports federations across Iceland, representing 13,697 members nationwide. Icelandic horse sport is also connected internationally through the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations (FEIF), established in 1969 as the breed’s global parent association, giving LH members a pathway to compete abroad through events like the FEIF World Championships.

The Role of LH in Iceland

LH oversees both competitive and recreational riding across the country. It operates the Skógarhólar training facility, runs education and judging programs, organizes national championships including the youth-focused “Íslandsmót barna og unglinga” (National Championship for Children and Youth), and manages a dedicated committee overseeing Iceland’s extensive network of riding trails.

Governance runs through a seven-member board plus five alternates, elected at a national congress held every two years — a structure that keeps the association’s leadership directly accountable to its member clubs across the country. LH members also compete internationally through the FEIF Youth Cup and FEIF World Championships, carrying Icelandic riders and the Icelandic horse breed onto the world stage.

What LH Does

With LH	Without LH
Coordinated national structure of 40 horse clubs and 20 sports federations	Fragmented local clubs with no shared national governance
Eligibility to compete at FEIF-sanctioned events including the World Championships	No formal pathway to international Icelandic horse competition
Access to the Skógarhólar training facility and national education/judging programs	No centralized training or certified judging standards
Organized national and youth championships across Iceland	No unified national competition calendar
Maintained riding trail network through a dedicated LH committee	No coordinated national trail infrastructure for riders

3 Real-World Scenarios

A young rider from a club in Reykjavík competing in the “Íslandsmót barna og unglinga” national youth championship organized by LH.
A club coach completing an LH-run judging or education program to become a certified official at national competitions.
An experienced Icelandic horse rider qualifying through their local LH-affiliated club for selection to represent Iceland at a FEIF World Championship.

2 Iceland Equestrian Facts

LH represents 13,697 members across 40 horse clubs and 20 sports federations throughout Iceland, coordinated from its headquarters in Reykjavík.
Iceland’s horse sport connects to the world through FEIF, the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations, established in 1969 as the global parent body for the Icelandic horse breed.

What is Landssamband Hestamannafélaga (LH)?

LH is Iceland’s national equestrian association, coordinating competitive and recreational horse sport across the country’s clubs and representing Icelandic riders internationally.

Where is LH headquartered?

LH is headquartered at Engjavegur 6 in Reykjavík, Iceland.

How many members does LH have?

LH represents 13,697 members across 40 horse clubs and 20 sports federations nationwide.

Is LH connected to international competition?

Yes. Through FEIF, the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations established in 1969, LH members can compete internationally, including at the FEIF World Championships and FEIF Youth Cup.

What is Skógarhólar?

Skógarhólar is a training facility operated by LH, used for education and competition-related activities.

How is LH governed?

LH is governed by a seven-member board plus five alternates, elected at a national congress held every two years.

Does LH organize youth competitions?

Yes. LH organizes the “Íslandsmót barna og unglinga,” a national championship specifically for children and youth riders.

Does LH manage riding trails?

Yes. LH maintains a dedicated committee responsible for Iceland’s network of riding trails.

What does LH’s motto mean?

LH’s motto, “Íþrótt – Menning – Lífstíl,” translates to “Sport – Culture – Lifestyle,” reflecting how riding is treated as part of everyday Icelandic life rather than only a competitive pursuit.

Why does LH matter for the Icelandic horse breed?

LH coordinates the clubs, competitions, and judging standards that sustain organized Icelandic horse sport domestically, while its FEIF affiliation gives Icelandic riders and horses a recognized path to international competition.

Dansk Ride Forbund (DRF): Denmark’s National Equestrian Federation

Pferdesport Deutschland: Germany’s National Equestrian Federation

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