About the IHSGB

Founded in 1986, the IHSGB exists to maintain the purity of the unique Icelandic horse, to promote interest in the breed, to protect the welfare of the breed, and to encourage Icelandic horse breeding and riding competitions.

The British Society is a full member of FEIF, the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations, which has 20 members including Canada and the USA. IHSGB is the only Icelandic horse association in Britain recognised by FEIF as representing the whole of the United Kingdom.

 IHSGB is a Passport Issuing Organisation, authorised by DEFRA. We provide passports for Pure-bred Icelandic horses - contact the Stud Book Registrar for further info. IHSGB also provides data on Icelandic horses to the National Equine Database.

The IHSGB publishes newsletters every two months with information about Icelandics at home and abroad. There is a video and book library, and various IHSGB items may be purchased (see our shop page) including sweatshirts, car-stickers, spare-wheel covers etc. National Championships are held every year, and every two years is the World Championships for Icelandic Horses to which Britain sends a team to compete.

The IHSGB has members all over Great Britain and there are training courses, pleasure rides, competitions and social events held all over the country. Junior members have their own events and can take part in several international events organised by FEIF.


IHSGB members are a very friendly group, and anyone with an interest in the unique Viking horse of Iceland is warmly welcomed.