North American Icelandic Horse Breeders Association

About NAIHBA

The North American Icelandic Horse Breeders Association, Inc. (NAIHBA) was incorporated as a non-profit organization in February, 2003. It came about as concerned breeders realized that along with evaluations there was a great widespread need for basic education about the Icelandic Horse breed standard. Ethical marketing was another issue of concern for responsible breeders. Promotion of the breed and service to current horse owners naturally fit into the mix. Most NAIHBA members also belong to other Icelandic Horse organizations and wish to augment not replace the efforts of these other organizations.

During 2002, at the time NAIHBA was forming, the USIHC had decided it could no longer afford to organize Breeding Evaluations. Subsequently, the USIHC designated their regional clubs as the only organizations allowed to put together any future evaluations. This means NAIHBA is not allowed to actually organize evaluations in USA but as an organization is prepared and ready to assist any Regional Club that wishes to do so. CIHF is less structured as to who organizes Evaluations and NAIHBA will work with any groups in Canada wishing our assistance.

Farm breeding consultations are a goal of NAIHBA. These will consist of qualified breeding judges traveling to various farms giving the owners personal evaluations of their stock. We feel that while these evaluations are not official and are not able to be listed in World Fengur, they are still a valuable tool for the serious breeder. This could provide a valuable learning experience for a limited number of North Americans to judge with a qualified Breeding Judge.

There have been a very small number of breeders and importers who through questionable business practices or ignorance have brought the breed into question regarding registration and breeding documentation. NAIHBA members promise to abide by an Ethics Creed, to protect buyers from such problems. They also promise to assist any Icelandic Horse owner no matter the origin of the horse to the best of their ability. NAIHBA will promote itself through a website, distribution of promotional items at trade shows and events and through members supporting and promoting the organization and each other.

NAIHBA wishes to work in cooperation with other organizations with similar or complimentary goals.

For further information write to:

NAIHBA
P.O. Box 524
Grapeview, Wash. 98546

(360) 275-7542 or by E-mail