FEIF was originally founded in 1969 in Germany as the Association of European Friends of the Icelandic Horse, and has since grown into the International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations. Today, it represents 23 national Icelandic horse organizations worldwide, uniting more than 80,000 members. FEIF’s primary goal is to bring people together through their passion for the Icelandic horse, promoting the horse’s culture, riding traditions, and lifestyle. The association is committed to the welfare of the horses, provides valuable knowledge and services, standardizes practices, and increases the global recognition of the purebred Icelandic horse.

FEIF plays a key role in various fields to create a strong and unified international network. In the areas of sport and breeding, it maintains consistent standards and regulations. In education, it represents a high level of quality, ensuring that trainers and instructors receive comparable training worldwide. In the field of leisure riding, it fosters a common identity among riders from different countries. In addition, through youth programs, FEIF encourages young people to develop a long-term relationship with the Icelandic horse. Ultimately, the association works to bridge cultural, political, and language differences, strengthening the global Icelandic horse community.