Photo by Liz Galletta

The equestrian show scene has certainly changed in the last few decades. Many local, unsanctioned horse shows were shuttered as their proprietors aged out, insurance prices escalated, and volunteer help became harder to find.  

One unfortunate consequence of this loss of local horse shows was the falling out of favor of Thoroughbreds in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings. Once the “breed of choice” for these rings, their decline at shows was multi-faceted and included things like loss of saddle time for junior and amateur riders to keep a horse in consistent work and the desire to ride warmbloods as a matter of status.   

In 1990, The Jockey Club recorded 40,333 Thoroughbreds in the United States in their Annual North American registered foal crop. In 2025, there were just 16,025 recorded Thoroughbreds foals in North America. The majority of these horses can still go on to successful second (and third!) careers.  

As such, concerted efforts have been made to reinvigorate interest in Thoroughbreds in the show rings. These include:  

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program

Created to encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers in racing or breeding, the Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) now offers classes or awards at more than 13,436 horse shows in 53 states and Canadian provinces. More than 117,000 eligible Thoroughbreds now compete for thousands of dollars in prize money simply for being a registered Thoroughbred. 

Awards are offered in hunter, jumper and equitation divisions, as well as in eventing, dressage, barrel racing, and western events like performance, trail and games. 

Learn more at tjctip.com.  

TAKE2 

Designed to encourage use of Thoroughbreds in USEF-rated hunter and jumper competitions, the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League is a member-based initiative that rewards members with awards, prize money and eligibility for the $11,500 TAKE2 Hunter and $11,500 TAKE2 Jumper Finals.  

As additional encouragement to compete Thoroughbreds at sanctioned shows, TAKE2 is now offering TAKE2 Hunter and Jumper Classics at 10 Kentucky horse shows for a total of $35,000 in additional prize money. 

Learn more about TAKE2 at take2tbreds.com. 

The post The Rise of Thoroughbreds in the Show Ring appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by callipso88/Adobe Stock

In this practical guide for horse owners, Laura Connaway of Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. outlines the critical importance of a full and transparent exchange of information before entering into an insurance policy agreement to avoid unwelcome surprises in the event of a claim. She also outlines the one valuable step that some owners miss during the horse purchase process.  

Full Disclosure and Proactive Communication

Insurance is a shared risk in which the insurer and the insured share the financial risk of ownership in exchange for payment of premium.  

Omitting or withholding information can result in denied claims or policy cancellation, and deliberate concealment may constitute insurance fraud. Clients must be diligent in gathering and sharing all relevant data to ensure proper coverage and avoid complications during the claims process.  

Client Responsibilities:

◆ Provide complete and accurate information about your horse’s health, medical history, and intended use. 

◆ Complete the insurance application thoroughly, including details obtained during any pre-purchase exams (PPE) and from the seller. 

◆ Proactively seek clarification and understanding of the policy, and promptly disclose any changes in the condition of the horse, use, or concerns. 

Agents strive to make sure clients understand what their insurance covers, what it excludes, and how to best prepare for a successful claim. Transparent communication lays the foundation for trust and confidence in the coverage. 

Agent Responsibilities:

◆ Clearly explain the terms, benefits, and limitations of each policy. 

◆ Provide detailed answers to questions and ensure clients are fully informed. 

◆ Educate clients about the procedures, potential exclusions, and how underwriting decisions are made. 

Practical Examples and Consequences

Full disclosure is essential at every stage of the insurance process. Providing all available health information — including veterinary reports, PPE findings, and past injuries — enables the insurance underwriter to accurately assess risk and offer appropriate coverage. For example, if a horse had a suspensory injury more than a year ago but has since returned to showing, the underwriter may still approve coverage without an exclusion. Conversely, failure to disclose past health issues can lead to claims being denied or policies being voided. 

Before purchasing or leasing a horse, submitting a comprehensive application for underwriter review helps identify any exceptions or exclusions. This transparency informs buyers of the risks and ensures that any pre-existing conditions are properly evaluated. Not all findings result in exclusions; insurers assess each situation individually and may revisit certain exclusions over time. 

Insurance Company Guidelines and Application Review

Underwriting guidelines differ among insurers, especially regarding past injuries or illnesses. Presenting insurance paperwork to multiple companies allows clients to compare underwriter reviews and select the best coverage. The application process typically involves a detailed health history, gathered during PPE and through communication with sellers, and helps document all potential concerns before coverage begins. 

The Application Process: Insurable Interest and Health Information

Applicants must have an insurable interest in the horse — such as being an owner, co-owner, lessor, or lessee — and are responsible for completing the application accurately. Comprehensive health information is required, and any omission or misrepresentation may result in claim denial. This process is an opportunity to collect historical health details, ensuring that all relevant data is included and evaluated by the underwriter before finalizing the purchase or lease. 

The Claims Process: Documentation, Exclusions, and Transparency

In the event of a claim, the insurance company reviews the health care information submitted at the time of application and policy inception. The claims adjuster will: 

◆ Establish the onset date of the incident. 

◆ Collect information from all treating veterinarians. 

◆ Assemble a timeline to determine when the medical issue began. 

◆ Request medical records and PPE reports to confirm the issue occurred during the policy period. 

Horse insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless they have been fully disclosed and explicitly accepted by the underwriter. Exclusions may apply to the entire policy or to specific components, such as medical reimbursement. Transparency from the outset ensures that claims are processed fairly and reduces the risk of denial. 

Empowering Clients Through Transparency and Education 

Horse insurance is a partnership that shares the financial risk of horse ownership. By emphasizing transparency, full disclosure, and proactive education, agents and clients can work together to secure the best coverage and ensure claims are honored when needed most. Understanding your responsibilities and maintaining open communication will empower you to make informed decisions and protect your investment.
 

This article about full disclosure in horse insurance is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horse Insurance: The Critical Importance of Full Disclosure  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

Adoptable Horse: Dakota, a 20-year-old, 14.2hh grade mare
Organization: West Virginia Horse Network, Elkview, W.Va.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Dakota

Dakota is a 20-year-old grade mare who is broke to ride and is an amazing trail horse that is up for any level of trail.

She has a very big trot and a smooth canter that would look nice in the arena as well. She is a little forward and needs more miles, so Dakota is not suitable for a beginner but not hard to handle.

Dakota stands to be groomed, bathed and great for the farrier. She loads on the trailer without a fuss and backs off the trailer. She has been exposed to multiple obstacles and handled them like a dream.

West Virginia Horse Network can’t say enough nice things about Dakota. Once she bonds with you, she is an extremely sweet girl that loves attention.

Dakota is much happier in a pasture environment and is a little higher in the pecking order but not mean to other horses. She can be a challenge to catch, but once you have her, she relaxes and is easy for all necessary care and handling.

Dakota had to have an eye removed recently but she is adapting fine.

Again, Dakota isn’t for a beginner and will need at least an intermediate adopter. She is used to being ridden in a hackamore.

West Virginia Horse Network is able to allow potential adopters to speak to both Dakota’s current foster as well as her previous adopter to give additional perspective and answer any questions. Dakota is currently fostered in Maryland.

Contact West Virginia Horse Network today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Dakota!

Photo courtesy West Virginia Horse Network

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Dakota appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Jessica Jo—“JJ”—Tate’s love affair with horses started early.

“I think it’s in my blood,” she says. “As a kid, from the backseat of the car, I would see horses in the field, and I wanted to run to them. I had Horse Illustrated posters on my bedroom walls.”

JJ Tate and Romeo steal hearts and 2nd place as reserve champions at the Developing Prix St. Georges in Wellington, Fla. Photo by Richard Malmgren

Starting Out

At 9, Tate began taking dressage lessons and got her first horse, a Saddlebred named Solo.

“Solo instilled in me what it’s like to be best friends with your horse,” she recalls. “Even now, as a professional working on becoming a world-class rider—that connection and why we do it—I always bring it back to what a wonderful horse Solo was. Horses gave me my self-worth. And for that, I will thank horses every day of my life by educating their riders to give back to these amazing beings. For me, that’s what dressage is about.”

Tate made her FEI (international-level) debut at just 16 years old, competes regionally and nationally, and won the Dressage at Devon World Cup Grand Prix in 2018 and the Global Dressage Festival CD14* Grand Prix Freestyle in 2020.

She humbly attributes much of her success to her cherished mentor since age 11: Charles de Kunffy, U.S. Equestrian Federation “S” dressage judge (retired) and author.

“I still ride with him online,” says Tate. “He has been this voice of reason, helping me bring out more than I ever thought was in my horses. Whatever it was, I would go through a session with Charles and he would build the horse up from the inside out by the rider outside in.”

Connected to Dressage

She says horses help us develop character and the discipline to be a good leader.

“I think it’s important that people get connected to dressage—correct, beautiful, classical dressage—because it’s a study of oneself and how that affects the horse,” says Tate. “I want to create something more beautiful in the horse by my presence in his life.”

She also allows the horse to hold us accountable.

“Horses are the mirror—not only of your body, but also your willpower and self-worth,” says Tate. “When you can get a 1,200-pound horse to do something simply by your breath, it’s amazing. Truly being in harmony with something that doesn’t speak your language and is built differently than you, that’s incredible. Nurture the spirit of the horse, never dampen it.” 

Upbeat Teaching Style

Tate works with horses from green to Grand Prix. She provides short-term instruction in her hugely popular clinics (which fill up fast) and long-term training in person or via Team Tate Academy.

JJ Tate and Summersby savor a perfect fall day. Summersby, now a broodmare, is a Hanoverian Tate purchased as a 4-year-old and successfully competed all the way up to Grand Prix. Photo by Richard Malmgren

An exceptionally gifted trainer and clinician, Tate loves teaching. Puckerbrush Farm in Newburgh, Maine, was thrilled to host her again for a three-day clinic. Riders and auditors listened, watched, and laughed as Tate used every ounce of her being to teach, inspire, and commend the riders, artfully employing humor and personal experiences to introduce new concepts. She tailored her approach to each rider and horse. No one was made to feel inferior—or superior—to anyone else.

And when Tate smiles, you can’t help but smile back. Her upbeat approach to her personal and professional life, a rock-solid work ethic, and a history of making healthy lifestyle choices shine brightly.     

Shocking Diagnosis

But sometimes, life throws an unexpected curve ball. Sometimes, it feels more like a boulder.

In 2021, Tate was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.

“I won the Grand Prix on a Sunday afternoon, and by Tuesday morning, I got a call telling me I had cancer,” she recalls. “And I was like, What? This is in my body?! But I’m one of the lucky ones. It was slow-growing, not aggressive. As any near-death experience does, it really changed my perspective to being so grateful for what I get to do every day, the gifts I’ve been given, and my love for horses.”

Tate researched treatments, adopted a plant-based diet, and 10 days after her surgery, she tapped into the healing power of horses.

“I had to get back on a horse,” she says. “I just walked and was super careful because I still had one drain in. And I was totally scared. Will I ever ride as good as I did before? Is cancer going to come back and kill me? Do I need to do chemo and radiation?” (She was able to opt out of both.)

Two months later, she scored a 74.7 percent in the Grand Prix Freestyle at regional championships.

“[On a horse who was] tough to ride, a little strong, and I had no chest power left. It was the most incredible ride ever; a standing ovation. Everyone was crying at the end,” says Tate. 

She also acknowledges the reality of discouragement.

“I always thought I’d go to the Olympics,” Tate muses. “I was going in for an MRI on the day my friend Steffen Peters and others were riding down center line at the Olympics. They were sending me beautiful messages. Your life can look so different. You think it’s going to be one way and then you’re like, I’m not at the Olympics—not that I was short-listed or anything—but I just always felt like I was going to do that.”

Take the Risk

Shifting focus and recognizing the greater power horses can help us connect to, Tate packed up her horses and spent the next two summers in Europe training.

“Life is short,” she says. “I’m going to do the thing and take the risk. And I’m bringing everyone along to share in the process. I think we become who we are through our struggles, helping each other navigate through those tough times—whether that’s a canter depart or a cancer diagnosis. And I have reason to smile every day when I walk into my barn and my happy horses are waiting for me.”   

For more on Tate’s clinics and Team Tate Academy, visit www.teamtateacademy.com.

This article about JJ Tate appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post JJ Tate: Healing with Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“He’s smart though, he learned with one eye,” my guide Brigitte says about the gray stallion. He turns his clouded eye toward us and pricks his ears forward in acknowledgement before losing interest.

Photo by Mitja Bozic

Lipizzaners may be the stars of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, but the breed’s origins lie across modern-day borders in Lipica, Slovenia. Over the centuries, the herd survived wars, occupations, and numerous exiles to Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.

When government funding declined, the Lipica Stud turned to tourism. In 1996, the stud was declared a protected cultural monument, and it’s now a premier destination for horse lovers of all ages.

The Hotel

The property’s recently renovated Hotel Maestoso, named after a historic stud line, is a large part of the wide-ranging appeal. Its futuristic style avoids appearing out-of-place by mirroring the farm’s uniform white fencing. A white membrane coats the structure, outdoor patios, and pools, and frames each room’s exterior.

The hotel’s futuristic renovation avoids seeming out of place by mirroring the white pasture fencing on the property. Photo courtesy Hotel Maestoso

Inside, barn chic décor nods to the hotel’s location. Black steel, iron, wood accents, and barn door separators are combined with luxury hotel touches, such as bright white sheets and creative lights. The glass door out to the patio opens to unique views of green pastures and mountains in the distance.

Guest rooms feature modern, barn-chic décor with black steel, iron, wood accents, and barn door separators. Photo courtesy Hotel Maestoso

Horse Activities

Tours of the property are available daily and cost 18 Euro (around $20 U.S. dollars), and you have all-day access to the stud as well as the Lipikum Museum and the carriage exhibition.

Tip: Visit in spring for newly born foals.

<<>>

Visit in the spring if you love to see newborn foals. Photo by Gabriele Boisellle

Alternatively, for 25 Euro ($28), you can purchase a ticket to an official show, which also includes a tour and access to the property. Shows are held Tuesdays (June-September), Fridays (May-October), and Sundays (April-October) at 3 p.m.

Official show tickets are a great way to see the world-famous Lipizzaners performing. Photo by Mitja Bozic

Trail rides can only be scheduled for experienced riders. You’ll need to have a membership card from a national equestrian association and be at least 15 years old. Two-hour rides cost 90 Euro ($102) and three-hour rides are 120 Euro ($136).

Carriage rides are also available for up to seven guests in a single cart. Costs range from 35 to 65 Euro ($40 to $74), depending on the length of ride and size of carriage. All activities require a reservation at least three days in advance.

Running Lipizzaners

In the distance, 40 or so horses all line up behind a gate one paddock over. As soon as the gate opens, the herd thunders toward me and the other spectators. As they canter across the yard onto the maple tree-lined path to the large pastures beyond, bathed in morning light, they disappear as quickly as they appeared.

You, too, can watch the release and return of the horses every day at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

You can watch the herd of 40 horses running at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day as they come in and leave the stables. Photo by Gabriele Boisellle

For non-horse enthusiasts in the group, there is a casino, a golf course, and tennis courts on property.

Know Before You Go

Tours of the grounds are available daily and include all-day access to the stud. Photo by Jošt Gantar

The nearest airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) or Trieste Airport (TRS) across the border in Italy. From either location, a car rental is best. Lipica is a little over an hour from LJU and 20 minutes from TRS.

If renting a car internationally isn’t your cup of tea, you can take a bus (1.5 hours) or a train (a little under 2 hours) to Sezana, followed by a 10-minute taxi ride.

For more information on the Hotel Maestoso, visit lipica.org/en/new-hotel-maestoso.

This article about visiting the Lipizzaners appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Visiting the Lipizzaners appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Wild at Heart Horse Rescue

Adoptable Horse: Jax, a 22-year-old, 14.1hh American Quarter Horse gelding
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Jax

Meet Jax, a sweet gelding who is ready to find his soft landing. This handsome gentleman is looking for a companion home or a family who would love to welcome him as a cherished pet.

Jax has the kind, steady presence that makes him a wonderful barn buddy. He would thrive in a home where he can enjoy turnout time with other horses, soak up attention, and simply be loved for who he is. Whether he’s keeping another horse company or greeting you at the gate for scratches and treats, Jax is happiest when he’s part of the family.

At this stage of his life, Jax deserves a peaceful environment where he can relax and enjoy his days. He would be perfect for someone wanting a low-pressure horse to dote on, groom, and share quiet moments with.

If you have room in your heart and pasture for a deserving gelding who just wants to be someone’s special boy, Jax is waiting to meet you.

Contact Wild at Heart Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Jax!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Jax appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Just a few strands of mane or tail hair can open the gateway to facts about your horse you couldn’t otherwise know. So then the question arises: Just because you can DNA test your horse, should you? What are the insights you could hope to gain, and are they worth the cost of the test?

DNA tools have been used by breed registries for decades to verify the parentage of a new foal. But there are other potential benefits of performing an equine DNA test—and the resulting useful information that can fall into four basic categories.

Close-up of individual mane hairs pulled from the root that contain enough cells to send in for DNA testing. Photo by Daniel Johnson

Color Information

A DNA test can provide very reliable results concerning your horse’s coat color genetics. This is because horse coat colors rely on simple inheritance, with some very specific genes and modifiers are directly responsible for visible results.

What you can’t visibly see from looking at your horse are the nuts and bolts of his dominant and recessive coat color traits. For instance, a black mare might have the hidden ability in her genes to produce, say, a chestnut foal if the stallion also carries that gene.

DNA tests can also easily identify modifiers like dilute, roan, and gray. Knowing your horse’s coat color genetics is helpful when considering future breeding plans, as it will give you an understanding of what color the resulting foal might be. Additionally, coat color genetics are just plain fascinating, and can help explain your horse’s precise color.

A DNA test revealed that this colt’s base color is black, modified by one creme/dilute gene and one roan gene. Photo by Daniel Johnson

Health Information

Many equine health issues are unique to the individual horse and his environment. For example, genetics aren’t at play if a horse contracts a tick-borne illness.

But many equine diseases are genetic or have genetic ties. DNA testing can indicate whether your horse possesses the genes that could lead to that disease. It doesn’t necessarily mean your horse will ever display symptoms of the disease, but that the potential exists.

Other times, a horse is a carrier of a genetic disease, and while they’ll never actually develop the disease, they could pass it on to their foals. Sometimes a genetic disease is breed-specific; for example, you might test an Arabian horse for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), which can lead to foals with weakened immune systems. Quarter Horses may be carriers of the gene for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), a muscle disorder. These are but two examples; you can test for many genetic equine diseases.

Breed Information

In the case of a grade horse with no pedigree information available, a DNA test can potentially determine the breeds of his ancestors, giving you at least a rough idea of what general mixture of blood he carries. While interesting, this information might not be all that helpful in some situations.

For one thing, it’s probably fairly apparent just from looking at your horse what might be in his background. A draft appearance, an Arabian flair, pinto markings, height, bone, head shape—all of these already provide clues to his unknown heritage. A DNA test might give you some more precision in this area, but the success of the DNA test in this manner hinges on the size and samples available in the testing lab’s database.

Additionally, many horse breeds have influenced others across history, such that equines as a whole share a lot of “horsey” DNA, making these tests challenging to interpret.

Fun Information

Finally, some DNA tests provide you with a dose of entertainment. Some DNA testing services offer “family” matching, where it might be possible to identify close relatives of your horse—cousins, aunts, uncles, et cetera.

Other DNA tests may offer performance information, such as indications of a horse’s potential athletic abilities, or whether they’re capable of a special gait like pacing or a running walk.

How Does DNA Work?

You don’t really have to understand how DNA works to see the benefits of a DNA test, but a basic grasp of the topic can be helpful.

DNA is a long chain of molecules inside every living cell, made of sugars, nitrogen, and phosphates. The exact arrangement of these molecules on the DNA chain determines how a living thing constructs proteins, so DNA can literally be thought of as a code or an alphabet that contains the directions to build a living creature.

Every cell in an animal’s body contains a complete set of instructions for building that individual. Different small segments of DNA—the genes—affect different physical characteristics.

These segments are inherited from each parent, so DNA tests can be used to identify relatives. Genes can be complicated, as there’s not always a single gene associated with a single trait, and the environmental factors that affect your horse throughout his life can play a big role in shaping who he is. So while DNA tests can teach us a lot about our horses, they aren’t crystal balls, either.

Key Takeaway

So, is there value in these tests? Absolutely—if the information is useful or entertaining to you. There is value to be had in color information, as it is highly accurate and can be helpful to breeders.

Genetic disease information can help you plan for your horse’s future. Insights into your horse’s heritage or even the geographic regions his ancestors lived in can be fun, though perhaps less useful. It’s mostly up to your curiosity level and your budget.

This article about equine DNA tests appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post DNA Tests for Equine Genetics appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“More people are becoming familiar with the Icelandic horse, its unique gaits, traits, and rich history tied to Iceland,” says Emily Potts with the USIHC. “The breed is a major attraction for tourists in Iceland, with many tour operators offering trail rides and horseback tours to explore the country. This growing interest is mirrored in the U.S., where USIHC membership has increased by nearly 18 percent since 2022. While registration numbers have grown more gradually over the years, the increase has remained steady.”

Currently there are 6,986 registered Icelandics in the United States, with just over half of them being born domestically; the rest are imported.

Photo by Mark Lawrence

A Breed for Every Sport

Icelandics are a hardy and agile breed that, while short in stature at around 13 to 14 hands, can handle almost any discipline or recreational sport. And their five natural gaits—walk, trot, canter, tölt, and pace—means a comfortable seat for their rider.

Potts says that Icelandics can be found excelling in many disciplines, including dressage (USIHC participates in the U.S. Dressage Federation All-Breeds Program), liberty, endurance riding, competitive and recreational trail riding, working equitation, archery, skijoring, and eventing.

The USIHC also puts on its own national-ranking shows and sport competitions. In 2024, they held 16 national-ranking shows and six world-ranking shows in the U.S.

Lucy Nold, owner and trainer at Five-Gait Farm in Eugene, Ore., has earned the Anne Elwell Breeding Award twice, in 2018 and 2022. She is on the USIHC National Team and is nationally and world ranked. She also works with youth at her own farm and has led many youth initiatives within the breed.

Youth rider Greta Alsauskas participates in classes that show off the Icelandic’s special gaits as well as in eventing. Photo by Kevin Zibart

“The Icelandic horse breed has an easygoing, willing, and forward temperament that makes them excellent riding horses for so many different activities,” says Nold. “The versatility of the breed makes them truly a partner for everything, and our competition horses make the best trail horses.”

Icelandics also make wonderful youth mounts, due to their size and temperament.

“I quickly fell in love with the Icelandic horse because of their sweet and willing nature and the supportive and caring community that surrounds this discipline,” says Greta Alsauskas, a youth rider who is both nationally and world-ranked among professionals. She qualified and participated in the Youth Cup for the U.S. Team in July 2024 in Münsingen, Switzerland. Alsauskas performs in special track classes that are meant to show off the Icelandic’s tölt and flying pace. She also does eventing.

The flying pace is the fastest gait performed by the Icelandic, and is displayed in special competitions to show off the breeds’ unique gaits. Shown: Heidi Benson and Strokkur frá Syðri-Gegnishólum. Photo by Laura Benson

In 2023, a team of five U.S. riders qualified for the World Championships in the Netherlands, the largest USIHC team assembled in several years.

Virtual Rides

Bred to carry adults over long distances at a fast and smooth pace, Icelandics truly excel at covering long miles. It’s no surprise that one of the most popular programs the USIHC puts on is the Sea 2 Shining Sea ride. A truly unique program, this virtual ride is a year-long quest that Icelandic riders can participate in.

“This 4,000-mile ride follows a different route each year, organized by committee members,” explains Potts. “Past routes have included the Pony Express Trail, historic Route 66, and Annie Wilkins’ journey from Minot, Maine, to Hollywood, California, as featured in Elizabeth Letts’ book The Ride of Her Life. Riders log their hours weekly and reach checkpoints and can compete individually or in teams of up to six.”

Scott Smith is one of these riders, who logged over 1,100 miles in 2024, and is in the Top 10 for the 2024 Sea 2 Shining Sea ride.

Scott Smith logged over 1,100 miles riding Icelandic horses in 2024. Photo courtesy Shelby Walker

The USIHC also holds virtual shows, which are very popular. These include both national-ranking classes and classes that are just for fun or schooling. Shows have a panel of five judges from around the world, giving riders a change to get feedback from top judges, no matter when they live.

Supporting the Icelandic Horse Breed

The USIHC continues to add new programs to support those who love the breed. In 2023, they launched the Virtual Education Series, which covers topics like shoeing, saddle fit, endurance riding, nutrition, gait analysis, breeding and conformation, trailering horses, and more.

In addition, they are developing a U.S. Trainer Certification System to help those aspiring to train Icelandics. The International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations tasks each member country with creating a system based on their education matrix. The USIHC launched their Fast Track for Level 1 Certification in 2022, and they’re now working on Level II Certification modules.

The Icelandic horse is a hardy, easy keeper that steals hearts as fast as it covers ground.

To learn more, visit icelandics.org.

This article about the Icelandic Horse breed appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Breed Portrait: Icelandic Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

Adoptable Horse: Raven, a 26-year-old, 14.0hh grade Standardbred-cross mare
Organization: Houston Humane Society, Houston, Texas

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Raven

This sweet, older black Standardbred-cross mare is a gentle soul with a quiet, steady personality. Raven came to the Houston Humane Society as part of a cruelty case but has shown remarkable resilience. She has been steadily gaining weight and improving in condition, proving that with proper care, she will thrive.

Raven is broke to ride and has a calm, sensible demeanor under saddle, making her an enjoyable partner for relaxed riding. She appreciates a quiet, confident handler and does best with a steady routine. She loves grooming and is beginner-friendly, making her a wonderful choice for someone looking for a kind and forgiving partner.

In the meantime, she enjoys calm handling, consistent routines, and quiet time in turnout.

Raven would do best in a safe, kind home that can continue supporting her recovery and provide a comfortable, consistent environment. With the right care, she promises to be a loving, reliable companion for someone looking for a calm, steady partner to share her golden years.

Contact Houston Humane Society today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Raven!

Photo courtesy Houston Humane Society

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Raven appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“Horse Illustrated and Young Rider are proud to continue participating at BreyerFest,” said Digital Manager Mary Cage. “As magazines dedicated to those who love horses, BreyerFest is the perfect fit for our audience, because we are all there for the same reason — to celebrate the horse.”

Giveaways available to enter at the Horse Illustrated and Young Rider booth include a horseback riding vacation to Unicorn Trails’ Yellowstone Ranch in Wyoming, and a 1-year subscription to Young Rider magazine along with a Young Rider backpack.

If you’re unable to attend BreyerFest, stay tuned to Horse Illustrated and Young Rider socials (@horseillustrated and @youngridermagazine) for live updates on all the fun.

About Our Publications

Horse Illustrated, Young Rider, Western Life Today, HorseIllustrated.com, YoungRider.com, and WesternLifeToday.com are part of the EG Media stable. Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers. Young Rider educates horse-loving kids ages 8-15 with a combination of English and western riding lessons, horse-care hints, and stories about real-life young riders, plus fun, interactive elements. Western Life Today is the premier publication for all things western, from fashion and entertainment to destinations and more. Visit www.horseillustrated.com, www.youngrider.com, and www.westernlifetoday.com to learn more. Contact us at 844-330-6373 or horseillustrated@egmediamags.com.

The post Horse Illustrated & Young Rider Magazines Return to BreyerFest 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.