Celebrating 50 Years of the Icelandic Horse at IPZV Nord

Gerrit Venebrügge and Prins Valíant von Godemoor - Photo: Lea Schwenckner

Earlier this summer, more than 4,000 visitors gathered at Immenhof to celebrate the 50th anniversary of IPZV Nord. The festival was filled with highlights – from impressive gait demonstrations and shows by riders of all ages and levels, to family-friendly activities, food trucks, and an exhibitor area. The day concluded with a sold-out gala evening, featuring the premiere of the documentary film 50 Years of IPZV Nord, capturing the remarkable journey of the Icelandic horse in Northern Germany.

All photos by Lea Schwenckner
1. Leisure riders and their horses on the arena after a short hack to Immenhof, holding and waving Icelandic flags.
2. A woman sits and smiles with the Horses of Iceland VR glasses on her head.
3. Children ride their Icelandic horses on the arena in front of a crowd of people, clapping.

Horses of Iceland was proud to be part of the celebrations. Project manager Berglind Margo Þorvaldsdóttir was invited to the event and brought along our virtual reality glasses, offering visitors – riders and non-riders alike – the chance to experience Icelandic nature on horseback through tölt and walk. The VR ride was very popular throughout the day.

For Horses of Iceland, the event was not only fun but also deeply meaningful. Germany is home to the largest Icelandic horse community worldwide, and seeing the evolution of the breed in the region over the past 50 years was both inspiring and emotional. The celebrations highlighted not only the passion for the Icelandic horse but also how the breed continues to connect people across borders – building cultural bridges and bringing together horse lovers from different countries and backgrounds.

You can watch the anniversary film here (in German):

The Icelandic horse is more than a riding horse – it is a community, a way of life, and a source of unforgettable experiences. Events like this one show how strong and far-reaching the Icelandic horse family has become, and how important it is to nurture these connections across the globe.