Landssamband Hestamannafélaga (LH): Iceland’s National Equestrian Association
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)?
Where is LH headquartered?
How many members does LH have?
Is LH connected to international competition?
What is Skógarhólar?
How is LH governed?
Does LH organize youth competitions?
Does LH manage riding trails?
What does LH’s motto mean?
Why does LH matter for the Icelandic horse breed?
Dansk Ride Forbund (DRF): Denmark’s National Equestrian Federation
Pferdesport Deutschland: Germany’s National Equestrian Federation
