Gudmar Petursson, FOUNDER
Gudmar started competing on the Icelandic horse at age 6 and today is one of the most accomplished riders in Iceland. He consistently ranks in the top five in the U.S. National Ranking as well.
In 1996, Gudmar and his family began exporting and promoting the Icelandic horse in the United States. Not long afterwards, Gudmar founded his business in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2001 he graduated with honors from Holar University, Iceland’s premier equine college, from which he holds the highest degree possible below Master Trainer.
Since then Gudmar has established himself as a preeminent trainer, teacher, and competitor in both breeding and sport competitions in the U.S. and Iceland. He founded The Knights of Iceland show team, which has wowed audiences for years at major equine shows, such as Equine Affair.
In 2013 Gudmar transferred his headquarters to Iceland and realized his lifelong dream of establishing a trans-Atlantic operation. This new organization involves several partnerships, allowing him to serve his customers at every stage of the Icelandic horse experience.
America2Iceland introduces riders to the breed via equine treks and vacations in Iceland. Each year they offer a variety of trips that cater to various experience levels and goals. These trips take place at Gudmar’s Stadarhus Farm & Countryside Guesthouse, located in the Borganes area, which is about an hour outside of Reykjavik. At Stadarhus, Gudmar also offers training and boarding services, as well as sales and export of Icelandic horses. He is known for searching the Icelandic countryside and beyond for the Icelandic horse that meets your specific needs and expectations. He can then arrange to deliver the horse to you wherever you are.
Meanwhile in the U.S., Gudmar is a resident trainer at Carrie Brandt’s beautiful new Swallowland Farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Throughout the year he conducts clinics there and at various other farms across the U.S. Gudmar’s presence and partnerships in the U.S. enable him to monitor the training and progress of both the riders and horses.
Gudmar is also a partner and manager of Fakasel, the new Icelandic Horse Park in South Iceland, where he created and continues to direct a theatrical performance that showcases the uniqueness of the Icelandic breed.
