“Since my husband Tom and I first got started with Icelandic horses about eight years ago, Gudmar has been there for us every time we have needed a hand. From riding clinics to buying, selling and training horses, every experience has been a positive one. We have learned a lot from him and have enjoyed many laughs and had so much fun. Besides being accessible, which with his schedule is amazing in itself, he has treated us with the care and respect one would receive from a close friend. Our journey with the horses has been a learning experience and has evolved over the years. This has meant that some wonderful horses have come and gone. Gudmar has been exceptionally understanding and sensitive to my feelings and sometimes indecisiveness along the way. His progressive thinking and willingness to continue to learn and share his knowledge is invaluable to the people and Icelandic horses in the US. We are extremely lucky to have Gudmar, his family and staff available as we continue our lives with the horses we have come to love so much.”
Karen McDonald
Montgomery, NY
“Guðmar Þór Pétursson is one of the best horsemen I have had the privilege of working with, in any discipline. The attention he pays to all aspects of the care and training of horse and rider is exemplary. His ability to read the horse and rider, to tailor his methods to best suit the situation in front of him, and to explain his ideas in a way that each individual (human or equine) can understand easily is an extraordinary treasure. Guðmar also shows a hunger for knowledge that is invaluable. I learned more in the months I worked for Guðmar and his family than I have learned in years working with other trainers. His thoughtful, insightful, caring approach to teaching and training has been an inspiration to me for as long as I have known him.
Rebecca Hartman-Berrier
“Breeding and raising quality Icelandic horses takes a huge emotional and financial commitment. Because of this, deciding where to send young horses for their initial training can be an agonizing decision. After careful consideration we chose Gudmar for two of our promising young mares and could not have been more pleased. Gudmar took the time with both to train them as true riding horses – not just machines that run up and down and around a track. He was always easy to contact during the training process for detailed updates and even long after our mares have been home he has continued to be extremely accessible and helpful with anything we need. Our mares returned home well trained, fit, responsive, supple and just plain fun to ride – ready to perform in the show ring as well as serve as pleasure riding horses out on the trail. But most important to us they returned with open, willing, and very positive attitudes towards people and working.
It is really this attitude that to us speaks volumes about the training and care that our horses received with Gudmar. Whether you are looking for a trainer to begin your horse’s initial training, to tune up your older horse, or to polish your own riding skills we can without hesitation highly recommend Gudmar Petursson. In him you will find both an experienced horseman and a great friend.”
Steven & Andrea Barber
Sand Meadow Farm, Mendon, NY
“Doing business with Gudmar was easy. Once he rode Askur for an initial evaluation of his skills and knowledge, he told me up front what training would cost and the amount of time he would need to accomplish the goals I wanted. He was truthful with me throughout the entire training process and was available to discuss my questions. His invoices made sense and were honest.
Taking lessons from Gudmar is fun. For me, he seems to say at the right time what I need to hear to correct what I am doing. Even if I can’t accomplish what I need to during the lesson, what he says sticks in my mind so I can keep working on it at home. Gudmar is very positive and encouraging. He knows riding well takes concentration, can be frustrating, and is not easy. I love his jokes – they take away the pressure.”
Sali Peterson
“We were pleased to host Gudmar’s first clinic in Guelph, Ontario, Canada in September 2008. Many of the participants were not familiar with Gudmar and his training techniques. However, they were pleasantly surprised with how quickly he was able to assess each horse and rider and what was needed for each to progress. By the end of the three-day clinic, all participants were thrilled with the results. Gudmar’s clear and practical instruction gave everyone new tools to use on each and every ride. We look forward to hosting another clinic in August 2009.”
Eve Suddaby, Kathy Hanneson, Chris Soeffner
Clinic organizers
GUDMAR PETURSSON CLINIC, another perspective:
I was asked for a brief description of this event at C-Bar farms on Sept. 26-26, 2008 from a different point of view so Petur my Icelandic offered to accept the assignment.
“It was a beautiful fall day and I was grazing quietly when suddenly a horse trailer arrived and my buddy Odinn joined me. He said his partner has said he would be staying for awhile because there was going to be a clinic with this guy from Iceland. That must be why my partner had been working so hard with me. I had finally given in and given her a couple of good leg yields which seemed to please her. Wonder what else is in store for me.
A few days later my partner brought me in and gave me a bath. Then she didn’t let me go outside again for fear I would roll. What a spoil sport. But I did look rather spiffy.
It wasn’t long before more horse trailers arrived. One car even had the license plate ISIRIDER. It took me a moment but I finally figured it out when all those other Icelandics began coming out. Of course! It was going to be a clinic for Icelandics only! Yippee! And right on my home turf. I began to get excited but then all the two-leggeds went inside the house and stayed there for a long time. I guess they were grazing and getting to know each other.
I soon learned there were to be three groups and I was to be in the first group with my buddy Odinn. That guy Gudmar was pretty cool and laid back. I liked the loose reign warm up. But then he asked us to do weird things like turn your head so you could touch your partner’s boot. It was difficult with the wrong bridle on, but then the right one got put on and Gudmar came over and insisted so I didn’t have any choice. It really wasn’t so bad after all but it would have been nice if she had given me a carrot since I had my head right there. Then we had to walk and do it as we stopped. How weird is that! And then he added spirals. Then it was walk, stop, walk. All in all I guess it wasn’t too bad but then we had to do it all over again in the afternoon. She never rides me twice in one day!!!!
The next day wasn’t so nice. There was a gentle rain but it didn’t stop them. I found I wasn’t with Odinn any more. Everybody got rearranged. I think it was by age but I’m not sure. But since I was probably the oldest one there being 25 it was only right I should be in the first group. After all it was my home turf. Today after repeating what we had done the day before we had to tolt, stop, back up and tolt again. It was okay the first couple of times but then we had to do it again and again. And then we had to tolt and gradually widen the circle and do a leg yield. I could do it but I didn’t much like it. I tried to convince my partner I had forgotten what a leg yield was but she kept insisting until I had to give in but just for a few times. You have to let them know who’s boss after all. But then I had to do it all again in the afternoon!! But my partner did some T-touches on me before the session and I got my energy back. Afterwards we went on a short trail ride which was relaxing. I thought we were through but no there was one more day. This time besides repeating everything we had done before, pylons were added and we had to tolt around them. I was getting really tired by now, but it was pleasing to hear that Gudmar said I had a nice tolt. I was sad to see everyone leave but my partner says they might come back next year. Hope I’ll still be around. It was rather fun after all and it was great to see all those other Icelandics, especially my buddy Odinn.”
Petur, Icelandic Horse
(owned by Eve Suddaby)
“Karen and I wanted to write and let you know how much we have enjoyed knowing you and your family these past eight years. All of the five horses we bought from or through you have exceeded our expectations, both for their gaits and temperament. Of course the instructions you have given us thru individual lessons and your clinics have been invaluable. You truly have a gift for teaching!
Your dedication towards making Icelandic Horses a major breed in the United States has resulted in an acceptance and interest in the horse and that has benefited all owners and helped to increase the value of the breed. Your integrity and honesty in all of our business dealings has made buying a horse a pleasure.
We have especially enjoyed getting to know your family and visiting your parents’ home in Iceland. The trip we made to Iceland to watch the 2004 Landsmot was truly a trip neither of us will ever forget. The trek with your brother and father is one of the highlights of all our vacations. We are very happy you and Gigja have decided to make the United States your home for the foreseeable future and know that with your skills, values and persistence your business will prosper.”
Ted Kromer & Karen Duffy
Nashville, TN
“If you have the chance to learn from Gudmar Petursson, don’t miss it! Gudmar is one of the best educators I have had the pleasure to rely upon. Being a lifelong Icelandic horse rider, trainer and competitor, he is an expert in both teaching and training. However, and most importantly, besides being technically learned, he is gifted in that he is able to sense where both the rider and the horse are at the given moment. He is able to bring out the best in both. I began riding later in life; I was 47. I was the oldest rider in my first clinic. Gudmar was able to sense just where I needed to work to help me (and my horse) experience better performance and thus greater learning. I have been to other clinics, which were very good, but the clinician either misjudged either me or my or my horse. We were asked to perform either under or over our competence. In those clinics, I came away with less, wishing for more. In my non-horse life, I am an in the rehabilitation profession so am accustomed to looking at functional performance and patterns of movement. In my opinion, of all the clinicians I have experienced, Gudmar understands the horse’s anatomy – most particularly – the horse’s back in relation to performance better than anyone. Many riders and trainers miss essential back/performance connections and thus ask of their horse things that in the long run create unhealthy patterns of movement and brain pathways. This leads to physical trouble for your horse down the line. So if you have a chance to learn from Gudmar, you owe it to yourself and your horse not to miss it.”
Virginia Crawford
VHAANC
“We have known Gudmar Petursson for approximately five years; taking clinics from him and then purchasing two Icelandic horses. We have found Gudmar to be a person of extraordinary skill, reliability, knowledge and personal integrity who displays ethical practices in every area of his business and life.
We wanted to purchase two Icelandic horses in our retirement and needed someone who we could trust to help us in our quest with as little as possible misjudgments in the quality of the horses, keeping our budget in mind, evaluating our riding abilities and understanding our goals. Gudmar has been, without question, wonderful in every regard to fulfilling all of our requirements. We also knew, that should there be a difference in personalities between ourselves and the horses we ultimately chose, Gudmdar’s policy is to keep working with his customers to find the right horse, and this was a great asset to us. As expected, the horses he chose for us and we have purchased have worked out beautifully and we are now happy owners of two Icelandics.
Gudmar also is a businessman who understands following up with his customers and he is always available for consultation, problem-solving or just checking in to see how his customers are doing with the horses he has sold. Quite rare in today’s culture, in our opinion.
In closing, Gudmar Petursson is, without a doubt, one of the finest people with which we have ever dealt and anyone wanting to purchase an Icelandic horse, or anyone who needs advice, will not be disappointed in working with him.”
Don and Julie Roll
Fairfield, Virginia
“Gudmar is a fantastic teacher, he has taken his very strong foundation from Holar and incorporated into his teachings his experience with other top trainers here in the US. He has brought this into a teaching sequence that really is understandable for both the horse and rider.
It is so important to be able to show the correct riding techniques and balance that only can be learned from a top rider. We have watched Gudmar enable the horse to reach its true potential, it is the same for the riders who can see and relate to the teaching.
Gudmar willingly offers to the Icelandic owners the best information on their horses, from conformation and temperament to how to best work with the horse. This deep understanding of the Icelandic horse can only come from this his level of experience and deep love and respect for these great horses.
We are very confident when we deal with Gudmar; he has sold a horse for us, we have used his breeding services, and we trust his judgments in all of these transactions.
We are very fortunate to have a true professional like Gudmar supporting the Icelandic Horse community here in the US.”
Dave Irish & Ann Britt Kruuse
Viking Farm
“My wife and I have known Gudmar since 2006. We have taken clinics with Gudmar as well as private lessons. The clinics have helped us raise our Icelandic riding skills to a much higher level.
Gudmar trained my horse Thor and did an excellent job. Gudmar has always made himself available to us when we had questions and also helped us get our horses shod when we needed it. We anticipate having a good future relationship with him too.”
David and Lisa Goodman
Brookville, Ohio
“I cannot say enough good things about how great Gudmar has been to us. We have nine Icelandic horses and I must tell you that I am a beginner. Gudmar has worked on training three of our mares for riding; one mare he has trained and shown with a 1st in conformation and due to unforeseeable illness, we had to withdraw her from the gait trials. Gudmar was very patient with us and guided us to make our final decision about withdrawing. There was never any pressure from him to push this mare beyond what she was capable of that day, and for that alone I am grateful. With Gudmar it was what was best for the mare! He guided us as to which mares had that “something” needed for show, and which were for pleasure riding, and we needed his expertise. I must emphasize he knew what he was talking about. I had taken that particular mare to a breeder and he advised me to seek out Gudmar about her possibilities. I never worry about my horses under his care because he has never given anything but the best of care to our horses. I have also sought his advice about breeding; I have three stud colts I hope to have him evaluate as to their future for breeding or pleasure. He has always been absolutely delightful to work with and very willing to answer questions and guide you when you need it. I honestly feel you cannot go wrong by seeking advice for the training or breeding of your Icelandic horses with Gudmar. He has been right on with his evaluations of our horses as for their temperament and use be it show, breeding, or pleasure, this is a family that knows their field and are truly easy and delightful to work with. Though I have not purchased a horse from him I have no qualms about doing so. I think this is a horseman that could and can match a horse to a buyer’s needs.”
Kim DeWall
LeClaire, Iowa
“Countless times over the last several years I have been thankful Gudmar decided to make the states his home. The first time I witnessed Gudmar’s work ethic and business practices, I knew he would be someone I could trust. When I am asked “where can I find an Icelandic horse”, it is to his farm that I direct people. Gudmar takes great personal care in matching rider to horse. This is true for the individual looking for their first Icelandic horse, or a seasoned rider looking for a horse in which to compete with. I believe Gudmar’s success in this area is due to the fact that he is a good listener. He spends time thinking about what his client wants in a horse, and second he knows his horses well.
Not many “horse people” I know are as gifted as Gudmar and can share their knowledge by being an excellent teacher. We who own Icelandic horses are lucky to have the opportunity to attend Gudmar’s clinics where his methodical and clear teaching style is indispensible. These same qualities of being methodical and clear are evident in his training of the horse as well. it is impressive to watch Gudmar on a horse, and a gift to witness him training.”
Claudia Barron
Manager Whiting Ridge Icelandics, Southfield, MA
“The US is very lucky to have Gudmar here, available to us. The level of service he provides his clients, the quality of training and the care he offer the horses is second to none. I consider him among the very best I’ve known, not to mention being a good and trusted friend.”
David Kline
New York
“I have attended three clinics with Gudmar Pettursson. Each time he has communicated clearly, with professionalism and complete dedication to teaching. He shows understanding of abilities, needs and potential of both horse and rider. He demonstrates his own continuous learning. Gudmar left us with the impression that riders and horses were well worth his time.”
Susan B. Bunge
Ontario, Canada
“Owning an Icelandic horse is very special in many ways. And having a great Icelandic trainer and teacher available to us is extremely special too. We are very lucky here in the US to have Gudmar Petursson available to us. Gudmar is a very gifted trainer and rider. I have had my horses trained by several trainers, but Gudmar stands out as exceptional. His horse sense is truly unique. I have watched him transform horses. Of course Gudmar has had a great education at Iceland’s most prestigious school Holar and has had many years of experience training and showing horses both for competition and at breeding shows. He is a brilliant rider, teacher and trainer. But his real talent is something special that cannot be taught. He has a wonderful ability to feel the horses and their riders. His instructions are very clear and tailored to each horse and rider. He has a way of getting the best out of us and our horses. I have taken lessons with him over the years and I’m always amazed at how open minded he is to all training techniques. If you are lucky enough to have Gudmar come give a clinic near you – go! If you are looking for a horse to buy and need help finding one or finding the best match – go! If you need a trainer for your horse, whether it is for a young horse or a horse that needs gait training – go! It is worth the time and money!”
Martina Gates
New York
“I can’t say enough about Gudmar, he is my son’s age and a very gentle intuitive soul, I think he could read my mind and knew exactly what I was looking for. He spent a lot of time with me and let me try several horses that were suitable just for me. Once I made up my mind about the beautiful mare Urdur, he worked with me in polishing some skills in my riding and he was extremely patient. What can I say??? I love my horse! Gudmar found the perfect match!!
I also had the privilege to attend a clinic in Iceland with him. What I learned from him I practice to this day. He seems to be so in-tune with each individual. Sometimes I was ashamed to admit how much I didn’t know but he never made me feel bad, just softly encouraged me and complimented me. Through all this experience I know I found a wonderful trainer a trustworthy instructor. If you get to meet Gudmar, you will see something different, something we horse people are always hungry for.”
Carmen Kuhns
New Mexico
“When Sharon and I decided to go into the Icelandic horse business we needed an expert to help us. The name that kept coming up was Gudmar’s. We have had a great relationship with him, both personally and professionally.”
Garry Snook
Carbondale, CO
“I met Gudmar about eight years ago when I began my quest for my first Icelandic horse. After visiting several farms, I realized that Gudmar offered the knowledge and experience as a trainer and riding instructor that I was looking for to learn about Icelandic horses. I had never ridden English, however, I was soon riding English with the guide of Gudmar and his staff. I highly recommend Gudmar Petursson Icelandic Horses as a place to refer to for all of your Icelandic horse needs, whether it is for training, riding, buying a horse or tack.”
Julie Harpe-Basham
Taylorsville, Kentucky
“Gudmar truly knows and understands Icelandic horses. His experience and integrity make him the ideal person to deal with, whether you are looking for advice, training for yourself or yourself or your horse, or for assistance with selecting a horse to buy. His professionalism is impeccable. We have known Gudmar for nearly a decade and have relied heavily on his expertise during that time, enjoying and benefitting from every interaction we have had with him. He has helped us to improve as riders, and perhaps even more importantly, enabled us to understand and enjoy our Icelandics more than we would have otherwise. In addition, he has helped us to enhance our horses’ abilities and responsiveness. We trust him implicitly; it’s impossible to recommend Gudmar too highly. For anything relating to Icelandics, Gudmar is your man!”
Tia Greenfield & Dennis Engler
Chicago, NL
“Gudmar is a gifted horseman – a talented rider and trainer as well as an exceptional teacher and clinician. He possesses a rare quality of being able to share his vast knowledge of horses with riders of all levels. He is, undoubtedly, the most influential teacher I have ever worked with. As a coach, he is positive and encouraging and I am so grateful I have had the opportunity to train with him over the years. He has helped me achieve unbelievable goals with my horses. Thank you Gudmar! You are simply the best!”
Sharon Johnson
Minnesota
“We own a small dressage stable in Ohio. About 2 years ago I was looking for a horse that my 4 year old daughter could safely ride. Being from Germany I am very familiar with Icelandic Horses and I knew this would be my best choice since I could still ride/train them, the size would be adequate for my daughter and the temperament a wonderful match. I found many breeders of Icelandics here in the USA but nobody could help me find a trained Icelandic horse. When I found Gudmar Petursson this was the perfect match for us. He had a good selection of horses for us to choose from and was very knowledgeable to help us find the right ‘match’. The mare we bought from him two years ago has been a joy for us – she is kind and very calm around children but at the same time very sensitive to the aids when we ride her. Gudmar has been very helpful whenever we needed advice. He has visited our farm and helped with saddle fitting (we love our Icelandic Dressage saddle that we bought from him!) plus given me lessons. He is a very patient teacher and an amazing rider. I love his kindness and his quiet hands.”
Corinna Alper
Ohio
“I have had the pleasure of working with Gudmar Petursson over the past seven years and I have found him to be very helpful in training my horses. He is honest and trustworthy in every way.
Gudmar’s expertise has helped the value of my horses to increase in a large way. I have bought several high quality horses from Gudmar for the purpose of breeding and selling. I have always been able to sell these horses for great prices due to the training received from Gudmar.
In buying personal riding horses from Gudmar I have always found the highest quality of well trained horses and they have been a joy to ride and keep around the farm.”
Kris and Jerry Becker
Pennsylvania
“To say that Gudmar has changed our lives would be an understatement. Less than three years ago, we did not own horses or a farm, but that all changed with our introduction to Icelandic horses and Gudmar. My lifelong dream of having a horse and my husband, Jim’s, willingness to explore that dream with me, lead us to the America2 Iceland , Educate and Rejuvenate program in May of 2006. This week of adventure and riding instruction in Iceland with Gudmar, as our instructor, started off a course of events that has changed our lives in so many positive ways. It would be hard to imagine life without our horses and where we might have ended, if it had not been for our association with Gudmar from the start.
Our introduction to Icelandics was certainly a week of immersion with an extremely talented trainer, teacher and what ultimately, turned into a business associate, when we purchased and exported our horses. Gudmar was with us from the start, with no pressure to purchase, but with a strong emphasis on the relationship, communication and mutual respect between us and the horses that we hope to discover during our week in Iceland. We were very much novices in our knowledge of horses and had minimal horsemanship and riding skills. Regardless, Gudmar’s approach for each of the ten of us in the program with very specific one on one instruction, as well as ample opportunity to practice our skills both in group and trail riding situations.
Under his guidance and patient instruction, our confidence soared and we actually thought seriously about being horses owners. By the end of the week, we knew we could not return home to Maine without bringing our favorite two horses with us. Gudmar made all of this possible and facilitated all the necessary arrangements including vet services and the complex process of exporting them to the US. What could have been a daunting task with this international transaction was an exciting and stress free situation made simple by Gudmar and his staff.
Since this time, we have been extremely fortunate to have participated in several clinics and private lessons with Gudmar, including a visit to his wonderful farm in Kentucky where we worked one on one with him. Gudmar has also made himself available to us by phone anytime we have had a question or problem that we needed to resolve with our horses. His willingness to always be there for us has been terrific and his enthusiasm to follow through to help us has been greatly appreciated.
It has always been a pleasure to work with Gudmar. He has taken two very inexperienced riders and through his gifted teaching style has given us courage and skills to pursue what has become a passion. While demanding of his students, his sense of humor is never far from the surface. His ability to make us laugh and relax has insured that we always come away from working with him feeling proud that we are inch by inch becoming better owners and riders. Not only are we becoming more accomplished, but our horses are much better trained through his help and direction. Our team would not be complete without Gudmar and we look forward to a long relationship to keep both us and our horses on our new path.”
Barbara & Jim Stanley
Maine
“Gudmar has walked me through many of my first adventures with Icelandic Horses. He gave me my first lesson with an Icelandic Trainer, coached my through my first riding trip to Iceland, first trail ride after being scared to death by a runaway horse and first sanctioned show. This year, he helped me find my first Icelandic Horse. We started our search in January 2008 and after MANY, MANY emails, questions, a trip to Iceland by Gudmar, time at his farm and two horses, we had success in finding me the right match in October 2008. Throughout the process, Gudmar was very approachable, kind, patient, willing to answer my questions and consider my point of view.
He is fair in his dealings with us and works hard to get us the information we need. As an instructor, I find him to be very knowledgeable, easy to understand, humorous and he pushes me just hard enough to make me stretch. I have learned a lot from him and look forward to learning much more. He applies these same techniques to the horses he trains and it is great to see them react to his teachings.”
“Over the years, Gudmar has also been a mentor to my daughter. He takes the youth riders under his wings, teaches them how to be kind and patient with the horses and which techniques will get the best results. She has grown tremendously under his tutelage and he has helped to instill a strong sense of confidence in her. I believe he does the same for the horses he works with… young and old. I consider myself lucky to be one of Gudmar’s clients and have enjoyed my experience with him, his family and extended network of trainers.”
Susan Milloy
Catharpin, VA
“I have known Gudmar for years and have worked with him on all levels as a clinician, trainer and businessman. He has always been honest and sincere. He relates to horses and clients in a very unique way. I have learned a great deal from Gudmar’s teaching. He comes to Maine once a year for a clinic and I always have a waiting list. Gudmar and staff has trained two horses for us to be evaluated and we were completely satisfied with the training. We are very lucky to have such a talented person in the US.”
Cindy Wescott
Maine
“I have known Gudmar Petursson since 1994. I remember the days when I would wait for him to get out of school so we could go riding from his home outside of Reykjavik. It was always a race to the first river crossing, the winner soaking the other with splashing water. Over the years I have purchased many horses from his family. Each one turned out just as advertised. He is authentic Icelandic, fun and enthusiastic. He graduated top in his class from Holar in equine studies and moved to the US to expand the family horse business. In this country he is the leader in matching people with horses from Iceland. He knows his animals. He trains, shoes and cares for them with the help of his family. I’ve always found him to be honest, unselfish and very fair.”
Bernie W. Willis
Wasilla, Alaska
“Gudmar Peturrson has been giving me Icelandic Horse schooling lessons since 2002. I know of no better instructor. He pays attention to my horses and their current level of training and considers the next steps the horses need, and then he trains me to take my horses to that next level. He has been involved in the training of 3 of my Icelandics, and basically I owe all that I know about this noble horse breed to him. He also is a very kindly, warm and attentive instructor, who makes lessons fun as well as interesting and beneficial. He does not hesitate at any time to get on any horse I am riding to better assess their training level and show me what I need to do (and of course he gets much more precision out of my horses than I do). Above all Icelandic riding instructors in the US, I recommend Gudmar.”
Capri-Mara Fillmore, MD
New Mexico
“I will never forget my first lesson with Gudmar. I have never had such an overwhelmingly good feeling from a riding lesson: he was clear, concise and I loved the fact that he was not FORCING the horse into a particular frame, but rather through the gentle process of supplying and developing balance, the horse was encouraged to come into a relaxed frame on his own. This was a very exciting way of learning and I felt so enthusiastic about the freedom I was giving not only to myself but to my horse.”
Sue Anderson
Rowayton, CT