The Tölt Tales

In our new episode, we talked with Julie Darbon-Guillin, a french rider living in Denmark. Julie moved to Denmark for the excellent training opportunities, but still keeps close contact with the FFCI, riding for the french national team. We talked about work-life balance, training, competing in different countries and her horse Byrnir.  Join us for this very french episode. https://www.instagram.c...

In this episode, we talked with Lala Benson, about how she started with Icelandic horses, after meeting Guðmar in Kentucky. From Palomino ponies with amble, quarter and Arabian horses to Leiri, a true master shaping her as a person, we speak about shared experiences with the loss of horses, her move to Iceland, and studying at Holar University as the first American. We learn about Lala's pass...

We had the great chance to catch Martin Rønnestad in between teaching in different countries to chat with us about being the new team leader for Norways young riders, his training philosophies, inside leg-outside rein and his new horse Kjalar. We talked about his experience competing at the World Championships, riding not only Icelandic horses and how he is training. Get ready to ride without stir...

Þetta reddast - Everything will work out. For this episode, we learned the motto many Icelanders live by. Ásta is taking us in episodes produced for EidfaxiTV behind the scenes of Meisteradeild competitions, young horses at Skipaskagi and something super interesting - the export of a horse. Come and listen to her amazing adventures and get exclusive insights into the life of a horse person. https:...

In our latest episode we sat down with Lisa Brimm, co-founder of the platform Easyflix. Lisa and Tobi create training videos, documentaries, podcasts and other media to share knowledge about the Icelandic horse world. with this approach, they are very inclusive, showcasing also other gaited breed like Speed Racking horses. Lisa shares some of her adventures with us, why it is good to have a plan B...

We got the lucky chance to talk to the new Coach of the National Team for #Icelandichorses, Ísólfur Líndal. We chat about his tasks as team coach, head teacher for the second year students in Holar and his own breeding. We also dive into working with young horses and what is required to become a better rider. Join us https://www.isoonline.is/ https://easyflix.tv/who-is-our-new-coach-isolfur-lindal...

In our latest episode we talk with Vibeke Thoresen, a Norwegian living in Iceland. Vibeke worked with trotting horses, studied in Holar and is teaching in Wyoming and Alaska. We talk about training systems, how assessing the horse before a lesson and without equipment can help the training, tölt from the ground and working at Hestaland. Join us for this interesting chat! https://vibekethoresen.wee...

This is already our 3rd season!!! We wanted to take a bit of time to do a recap of our 1st year of podcaster and take the opportunity to reflect on some of our guests and episodes!! We would like to thanks of our guests from Sabina to the last one Catherine and obviously thanks all of our listeners for being with us on this journey. 2026, year of the (icelandic) horse promise to be exciting with n...

For this Christmas special, we talked to Catherine Holland-Bax, author of the book "Little Viking Horse". Catherine shares how Fleygur, the horse of her late husband Roger, became an inspiration to write a book about adventures from the perspective of an Icelandic horse.  Ariane read this book in one sitting, being hooked on the trust and friendship transpiring to the reader. Catherine u...

Two Podcasts meet! We had the chance to chat with Arnella and Juha from the Tölt Together Podcast. Arnella and Juha know each other and worked together for many years, have both been very successful in the Icelandic horse world representing Finland, and are genuinely nice people to talk with. Join us chatting about how they started with Icelandic horses, their podcast and a lot of off topic storie...

For the last episode of season 2, we had the chance to chat with Caroline and Lucile, both involved in the breeding section of the FFCI (La Fédération Française du Cheval Islandais). We learn more about one of the first members of FEIF, what is means to have an Icelandic horse in France, how national and international events are supported and what the goals are for the future. Join us! https://www...

We managed to spend some time with Elina Enzian, one more amazing person gravitating around our favorite horses. Elina is helping people all over Sweden with loading and help owners to change behavior of their horses. We had a lot of fun of getting to know more Elina and her background, her technique as well as her passion for the icelandic horses.  You can find Elina here:  https://www.instagram....

For out latest episode, we visited Nils Christian Larsen, in the middle of Jutland near Herning, where he showed us around his amazing establishment Kronholt. Nils is a professional rider, trainer and colour breeder of Icelandic horse, but also has a passion for "big horses" and is an educated chef. We had the pleasure to ask him about the nickname "Mr.10", being a member of th...

Join us for an insightful conversation about feeding with Viktoria Östlund , a passionate expert whose life revolves around the unique Icelandic horse. Viktoria is an educated Animal Science Agronomist, is the current head of development at Flyinge, she brings her scientific rigour to the world of equestrian sports, teaching the critical subject of feed science to university students at SLU.  Vikt...

In this new episode, we chatted with Kristín, who is responsible for the Icelandic Horse History Center (Sögusetur íslenska hestsins) in Hólar i Hjaltadal. Kristín tells us about the latest and permanent exhibitions, invites people to come chat with her in the educational corner, but also shares with us her experience being involved in Worldfengur. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we and...

In our latest episode we chat with Jeff Rose, vice president of the USHIC, residing in Colorado, US. We met Jeff during our stay at Hestaland in the spring of 2025, where we had a super nice conversation. We stayed in contact with Jeff and decided to invite him to our podcast. You can listen to what it means to have an Icelandic horse in the US, the USIHC,  what it means for the US team to travel...

In episode #S2E4 we talk with Johan Häggberg, rider, trainer and international FEIF judge. We managed to catch Johan inbetween A finals for the World Championship, while also being able to train for him. Johan tells us how he started riding, when his father bought 100 #Icelandichorses, explains why a correct seat is important, and that you need to have a trainer you can trust.  Music by Cob. Follo...

In episode #3 of our second season, we met up with Tim Reinert, the co-founder of Hestakofi. Tim is a trainer veterinary naturopath, who experienced first hand the problems of Icelandic horses suffering from sweet itch, eczema and other skin conditions. The idea of Hestakofi, a name taken from his Grandparents farm, was born; to improve the life quality of horse with skin problems with natural pro...

In episode #12, we take our listeners to Brittany, France talking to Lisa and Tabea, the women behind Libea. Originally from Germany, they both fell in love with Brittany, France. Here, they are establishing their own breeding, training horses and riders, offer rides on the beach and bring the Icelandic community in France forward with their own association. Join us in listening their interesting...

In the first episode of our 2nd season, we had the chance to catch up with Åsa William. A passionate and successful rider and small scale breeder, Åsa is also known for being a trainer and international FEIF sport judge. Here, we talked with her about her horse Prins, online trainings and webinars and what you learn observing others. Music by Cob. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @ the_toelt_t...

In the last Fika episode of season 1, we talk with Lisa, one of the driving forces behind "Sverigeritten", an event organised by the leisure section of the Swedish Icelandic horse association (SIF). We talk about how it developed over the years, different challenges to participate and in what other countries similar concepts can be found to date.  We hope to inspire you with this very in...

For the last episode of our 1st season we welcome our first scientist. Since the creation of this podcast we wanted to invite people beyond skilled riders; so we talked with Linda Andersson, a horse nerd and veterinarian at Saxtorp Hästklinik, and with Zola Runsten, a farrier specialised in Icelandic horses. In this episode we now talk with Heiðrún, our first scientist focused on genetics behind t...

For our 4th Fika episode, we spontaneously catch up with Henning Drath, the most iconic voice in the Icelandic horse world! We talk with Henning how he came to the Icelandic horses, the story behind EYJA, providing news and videos of things happening in the Icelandic horse world.  As a speaker at international events, Henning has interesting insights to share with our listeners. And together with...

We continue with an Icelandic guest for our episode #9 with Guðmar Þór Pétursson, accomplished competition rider and owner of Hestaland. Guðmar tells us about about his life in Louisville, Kentucky, his Patreon teaching videos, and the life back in Iceland.  We enjoyed learning from Guðmar´s philosophy and hope that you get inspired too. Links to follow Guðmar and his farm Hestaland: https://www.g...

Have you ever wondered who is hiding behind Horses of Iceland? With this episode you will get to meet Berglind Margo Þorvaldsdóttir and understand more what are the missions of Horses Of Iceland.  It is already our 8th episode and we are releasing it on 1st of May for the international Icelandic horse day.  Reach out to us on our social media account for any feedbacks, follow us and do not hesitat...