The Fifth Gait Podcast

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...

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 evol...

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...

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 tra...

In this episode, we sit down with Hulda Geirsdóttir—international FEIF judge, Icelandic horse breeder, journalist, and radio host—to explore her multifaceted journey through horsemanship and media. Hulda shares how she blends storytelling and horses, her path from Iceland to Colorado State University, and the creation of her legendary stallion Frister frá Feti syndicate. We dive deep into her phil...

In this episode of The Fifth Gait Podcast, hosts sit down with Iceland-based trainers Jessie Huijbers and Hörður Óli Sæmundarson of Gröf Farm to explore the art and science of Icelandic horse training. They share their journeys from the Netherlands and Iceland to Hólar University, discuss their systematic approach to starting young horses, and explain why discipline, lightness, and clear communica...

In this episode of The Fifth Gait Podcast , we sit down with Patrick Sullivan of Gamilah Unbridled , a renowned liberty trainer and brideless rider best known for his incredible cross-country ride from California to Kentucky on his horse Gamilah. Patrick shares how he discovered liberty horsemanship, the lessons he’s learned from rescue horses, and why freedom within boundaries builds deeper trust...

In Episode 8 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with Gumundur “Mummi” Arnarsson—renowned Icelandic horse trainer, riding teacher, and founder of Ástund Saddles. Mummi shares his journey from growing up in the stables of Reykjavík to building one of the most respected saddle brands in the world. We dive deep into saddle design, saddle fit, and the balance between tradition and innovation in Ice...

In this episode of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with Gudmar Petursson—renowned Icelandic horse trainer, educator, and founder of Hestaland in West Iceland. Gudmar shares his journey from being a young competitive rider in Iceland to building a career in the United States, where he helped introduce the Icelandic horse to a wider audience. We explore his insights on the differences between U....

Importing an Icelandic horse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it comes with unique challenges—from vaccines and hoof care to acclimating to trees, bugs, and even fly spray. In this episode, we share 10 key considerations every new owner should know to help their horse transition smoothly from Iceland to a new home. Drawing from years of experience assisting with imports, we cover: Decompres...

In this episode, we dive deep into the 2025 Icelandic Horse World Championships —an event that only happens every two years and brings together the best horses and riders from around the globe. From surprising results and inspiring team performances to controversial judging calls, we take a hard look at what stood out most this year. We break down: Team Iceland’s dominance and the culture behind t...

In this week’s episode, we had the honor of interviewing Oðinn Örn Jóhansson, FEIF Breeding Judge, Breeding Show Ring Master, animal welfare officer for Matvælastöfnun, and genius pace horse breeder. We talk about the current status of Icelandic horse breeding- what could be better, what should concern us, and what we can celebrate as good progress. We also talk about what it means to be sensitive...

In today’s episode, we are interviewing Robin Guernsey, creator & manager of the world famous social media account, I Am Glytja. Robin is witty, creative and particularly talented at making content that makes people smile - all by documenting the daily shenanigans of her six personal Icelandic horses. We have the privilege of diving deeper into how her account came to be, the value she believe...

Welcome to the Fifth Gait Podcast: We have thrown around the idea of a podcast for years - but we finally made it happen, stuck in the truck together on a 10-hour road trip home from a horse show. Our passion is the Icelandic horse - and all aspects of the worldwide community that surrounds this breed. Here, we come together as equestrian professionals to share our hardest lessons, biggest wins an...

Welcome to the Fifth Gait Podcast: We have thrown around the idea of a podcast for years - but we finally made it happen, stuck in the truck together on a 10-hour road trip home from a horse show. Our passion is the Icelandic horse - and all aspects of the worldwide community that surrounds this breed. Here, we come together as equestrian professionals to share our hardest lessons, biggest wins an...