The Fifth Gait Podcast

Mackenzie Durbin & Carrie Hill
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Education

Welcome to the Fifth Gait Podcast: We ( Carrie Hill & Mackenzie Durbin ) have thrown around the idea of a podcast for years - but we finally made it happen, stuck in the truck together on a 10-hour road trip home from a horse show. Our passion is the Icelandic horse - and all aspects of the worldwide community that surrounds this breed. Here, we come together as equestrian professionals to share our hardest lessons, biggest wins and our future hopes in Icelandic horsemanship. Our conversations aim to educate, inspire and grow all people like us, who love Icelandic horses - from enthusiasts and amateurs, to trainers, competitors and field specialists. Our topics cover all things care practices, training systems, Icelandic horse history, sport competition, breeding and much more. Join us! On The Fifth Gait Podcast Watch Us On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheFifthGaitPodcast Follow Us On Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/fifthgaitpodcast

  1. Sep 25

    18. Konrad Valur - Number One Pace Rider in the WORLD

    In Episode 18 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with an accomplished Icelandic horse trainer and pace rider, Konrad Valur, for an in-depth conversation about the sport of pace riding, training elite pace horses, and the realities of life as a professional trainer. We discuss what makes a great pace horse, how to identify the right temperament and movement, training and conditioning strategies, competition preparation, recovery between sprints, shoeing, and the importance of understanding each horse as an individual. We also dive into the mental and emotional challenges of the horse industry, including burnout, stress, and the pressure placed on trainers. The conversation also looks toward the future of pace racing and Icelandic horsemanship, including potential changes to competition formats, conditioning research, lactic acid testing, horse welfare, and how we can continue to improve the sport while preserving what makes it special. If you're interested in Icelandic horses, pace racing, training philosophy, equestrian sport, horse conditioning, or the future of Icelandic horsemanship, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes from someone who has dedicated their career to developing high-level pace horses. Subscribe to The Fifth Gait Podcast for more conversations about Icelandic horses, horsemanship, training, competition, and the people shaping the future of the breed. #IcelandicHorse #IcelandicHorses #TheFifthGaitPodcast #PaceRacing #PaceHorse #IcelandicHorseTraining #Horsemanship #HorseTraining #Equestrian #Landsmót

    18. Konrad Valur - Number One Pace Rider in the WORLD

  2. Sep 21

    17. Kathy Love - Why Icelandic Horsemanship Creates Lifelong Riders

    In Episode 17 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with Kathy for a wide-ranging conversation about a lifetime dedicated to Icelandic horsemanship, the horses that shaped her journey, and what it means to continue pursuing excellence well into your later years. Kathy shares her experiences competing at the highest levels of Icelandic horsemanship, including the challenges of bringing American riders and horses to the World Championships, the moments that have humbled her, and the friendships and community that make this sport so special. We also dive into the story of Pegasus, an extraordinary horse whose training, longevity, and physical ability continue to influence riders decades into his career. The conversation goes deeper into horse-human communication, correct training, gait training, and the importance of developing a true connection with your horse. Kathy discusses her approach to training, the challenges of working with different gaits—including tölt—and what riders can continue learning as they age. We also explore how Icelandic culture and Icelandic horsemanship have influenced Kathy's philosophy, from resourcefulness and practical problem-solving to the unique community surrounding the breed. Finally, we look toward the future of Icelandic horsemanship: how the sport can attract more riders, create greater access to education, and preserve the connection between humans and horses for generations to come. Whether you're an Icelandic horse enthusiast, competitive rider, trainer, or simply someone who believes horses have an important place in human life, this episode offers a thoughtful look at horsemanship, lifelong learning, competition, community, and the future of the Icelandic horse. Topics discussed: • Icelandic horsemanship and riding at the highest levels • World Championship experiences • Training and horse-human communication • Pegasus and the importance of correct training • Tölt training and gait development • Riding and competing as you age • Icelandic culture and its influence on horsemanship • The Icelandic horse community • The future of Icelandic horsemanship • Why horses continue to matter to humans and society

    17. Kathy Love - Why Icelandic Horsemanship Creates Lifelong Riders

  3. Sep 12

    16. Olil Amble - What Makes an Icelandic Horse Exceptional? A World Champion’s Perspective

    In this episode, we sit down with a world champion Icelandic horse trainer and breeder for an in-depth conversation about Icelandic horses, training, breeding, competition, and the future of the breed. She shares the story of becoming a World Champion in 1999, her early experiences riding in Iceland, and the horses and mentors who shaped her career. We also dive deep into breeding for temperament, movement, rideability, and the importance of matching the right horse with the right rider. The conversation covers Icelandic horse training, tölt and pace, transitions, relaxation, competition, Landsmót, judging, horse welfare, breeding, and what needs to change to continue improving the Icelandic horse. Whether you're an Icelandic horse owner, breeder, trainer, competitor, or simply passionate about horses, this episode offers a fascinating look at the sport and the philosophy behind producing better horses and better riders. #IcelandicHorse #IcelandicHorses #HorseTraining #HorseBreeding #Landsmot #Equestrian #HorseRiding

    16. Olil Amble - What Makes an Icelandic Horse Exceptional? A World Champion’s Perspective

  4. Mar 11

    15. Johannes Amplatz – Understanding Weight Carrying Capacity in Icelandic Horses

    How much weight can a horse safely carry? In this episode of the Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with equine scientist and certified trainer Johannes to discuss one of the most debated topics in the Icelandic horse world: rider weight and horse welfare. Johannes recently defended his master’s thesis at Hólar University, where he studied horse-to-rider body weight ratios in Icelandic horse sport. His research collected data from riders and horses at the World Championships, giving rare insight into how rider weight, horse conformation, training level, and workload all interact. In this conversation we dive into the science behind rider weight limits, common misconceptions about how much weight Icelandic horses can carry, and why the conversation is far more complex than a simple percentage rule. Johannes also shares what surprised him most during the research process, the challenges of collecting data from elite riders, and how science can support — rather than criticize — riders and trainers. We also explore the future of Icelandic horse breeding and horsemanship, including whether horses should be bred bigger, how conformation affects weight carrying capacity, and why education and research are critical for maintaining our social license to operate in equestrian sport. If you’re passionate about Icelandic horses, equine science, training, and horse welfare, this episode offers an in-depth look at one of the most important conversations happening in the horse world today. Topics Covered: Horse and rider weight ratios explainedWhat the science actually says about how much weight horses can carryData collection at the Icelandic Horse World ChampionshipsCommon myths about rider weight limitsHorse conformation and weight carrying abilityThe future of Icelandic horse breedingWhy equine research matters for the future of horsemanshipSubscribe for more conversations about Icelandic horses, training, breeding, and equine science. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube FOLLOW on Instagram FOLLOW on Facebook

    15. Johannes Amplatz – Understanding Weight Carrying Capacity in Icelandic Horses

  5. Feb 10

    14. The Future of Icelandic Horsemanship | Reflections, Sales & 2026 Goals

    In Episode 14 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we kick off the new year with an honest, reflective conversation about the past, present, and future of Icelandic horsemanship. Recorded on our way to Iceland for a sales horse trip, this episode dives into our biggest lessons from 2025, what we’re most excited about in 2026, and how our businesses, training goals, and perspectives as horse people are evolving. We discuss the growth of our students, workshops, and competitive journeys, along with a major shift: stepping intentionally into Icelandic horse sales and what ethical, community-driven horse sales should look like in the U.S. market. We also explore larger themes shaping the horse industry today — from the value of real, in-person experiences to personal responsibility, horse welfare, practical care practices, and the future of horsemanship beyond scores and rankings. This episode is a thoughtful look at where the Icelandic horse community is headed, why ownership matters, and how curiosity — not shame — can move our industry forward. Topics covered: Icelandic horsemanship in 2026Reflecting on 2025 highlights & student successEthical Icelandic horse sales & importing horses from IcelandBuilding strong horse-and-rider partnershipsLiberty training & bridleless competitionWorkshops vs clinics in horse educationHorse care, welfare, and practical managementThe future of horsemanship beyond competition scores🎧 Whether you’re an Icelandic horse owner, trainer, competitor, or lifelong student of horsemanship, this episode offers grounded insight and forward-thinking conversation. Watch on YouTube Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook

    14. The Future of Icelandic Horsemanship | Reflections, Sales & 2026 Goals

  6. 11/16/2025

    13. Þorgeir Guðlaugsson - International Sport Judge, Writer, Educator & Icelandic Horse Historian

    In Episode 13 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with one of the most influential voices in the Icelandic horse world: Þorgeir Guðlaugsson. Known as an international sport judge, writer, educator, innovator, and respected Icelandic horse historian, Þorgeir brings decades of insight into the development of Icelandic horse sport, judging methodology, training philosophy, and the future of our community. From his childhood on a farm with over 200 horses, learning from his legendary grandfather, to becoming one of the most recognized judges across Europe and the United States, Þorgeir shares extraordinary stories, lessons, and perspectives that every rider, trainer, breeder, and judge can learn from. We explore: • How Þorgeir’s early experiences shaped his philosophy on horsemanship • The psychology of horse training and maintaining the horse’s spirit • Becoming an international sport judge — and why he never wanted to quit • Objectivity vs. subjectivity in sport judging • Biomechanics, gait analysis, and the future of measurement-based judging • Why Icelandic horse welfare is leading the equestrian world • The strengths and flaws in today’s competition system — and how to improve it • The forgotten history of Icelandic horses in America (1880s–1920s!) • What riders misunderstand most about judging • The future of five-gait competition and pace tests • The importance of community, cooperation, and preserving our sport This is one of the deepest, most insightful conversations we’ve had on the podcast — packed with wisdom, history, and forward-thinking ideas that will challenge the way you look at Icelandic horses, training, and competition. If you are passionate about the Icelandic horse, this episode is simply unmissable. WATCH on YouTube Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook

    13. Þorgeir Guðlaugsson - International Sport Judge, Writer, Educator & Icelandic Horse Historian

  7. 11/01/2025

    12. Virginia Lauridsen — Developing Riders, Trainers & Breeding in the U.S.

    In Episode 12 of The Fifth Gait Podcast, we sit down with Virginia — USIHC President, Icelandic horse breeder, certified trainer, former professional opera singer, and lifelong equestrian. From competing as a show jumper and running a bustling boarding barn to discovering the magic of Icelandic horses, Virginia shares her inspiring journey through the horse world and beyond. We dive into: Her transition from the opera stage to the stableHow she fell in love with Icelandic horsesBuilding thriving riding schools & growing the Icelandic community in the U.S.The role of leadership, mentorship, and positive energy in horsemanshipBreeding goals for the future of Icelandic horses in AmericaDeveloping trainers, education, and youth involvement in the USIHCThe importance of harmony, partnership, and listening to your horseWhy horses are better than therapy — and how they bring out the best in usVirginia also shares her insights on Icelandic culture, traveling to Iceland, attending the World Championships, and the future of U.S. Icelandic horse breeding and sport Whether you’re passionate about Icelandic horses, equestrian education, dressage, breeding, or simply pursuing joy in partnership with horses, this episode will inspire you to keep growing, stay curious, and enjoy the journey. Watch on YouTube Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook

    12. Virginia Lauridsen — Developing Riders, Trainers & Breeding in the U.S.

  8. 10/17/2025

    11. Hulda Geirsdóttir – Lessons from a Judge, Breeder, and Storyteller of Iceland

    In this episode, we sit down with Hulda Geirsdóttir—international FEIF judge, Icelandic horse breeder, journalist, and radio host—to explore her multifaceted journey through horsemanship and media. Hulda shares how she blends storytelling and horses, her path from Iceland to Colorado State University, and the creation of her legendary stallion Frister frá Feti syndicate. We dive deep into her philosophy on judging, horse welfare, and the future of sport competition, plus her reflections on community, education, and the evolving “social license” of horse sport. Whether you’re a dedicated Icelandic horse enthusiast, a judge in training, or passionate about ethical horsemanship, this conversation offers wisdom, humor, and heart from one of Iceland’s most respected voices. Watch it on YouTube Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook

    11. Hulda Geirsdóttir – Lessons from a Judge, Breeder, and Storyteller of Iceland
See All (18)

5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Fifth Gait Podcast: We ( Carrie Hill & Mackenzie Durbin ) have thrown around the idea of a podcast for years - but we finally made it happen, stuck in the truck together on a 10-hour road trip home from a horse show. Our passion is the Icelandic horse - and all aspects of the worldwide community that surrounds this breed. Here, we come together as equestrian professionals to share our hardest lessons, biggest wins and our future hopes in Icelandic horsemanship. Our conversations aim to educate, inspire and grow all people like us, who love Icelandic horses - from enthusiasts and amateurs, to trainers, competitors and field specialists. Our topics cover all things care practices, training systems, Icelandic horse history, sport competition, breeding and much more. Join us! On The Fifth Gait Podcast Watch Us On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheFifthGaitPodcast Follow Us On Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/fifthgaitpodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Mackenzie Durbin & Carrie Hill
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mackenzie Durbin 2025
  • Show Website
    The Fifth Gait Podcast

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