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.S. and Icelandic horsemanship, the challenges of promoting a unique breed abroad, and the lessons learned from his legendary stallion. Gudmar also dives into the deeper value of trekking across Iceland—how it transforms riders, strengthens the horse-human connection, and reconnects people with nature. Whether you’re passionate about Icelandic horses, curious about cross-cultural horsemanship, or interested in the future of equestrian practice, this episode offers a rare perspective from one of the most influential voices in the Icelandic horse world.

🎧 Listen now to discover:

The biggest strengths and weaknesses of U.S. vs. Icelandic horsemanship

How Icelandic horses went from “aliens” in America to a recognized breed

The role of trekking in shaping better riders and deeper horse partnerships

Gudmar’s philosophy on horsemanship, tradition, and innovation

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