Icelandic Horse Research Centre to be established at Hólar

Memorandum of understanding signed at the opening of the National Icelandic Horse Competition

One of the highlights of the opening of the National Icelandic Horse Competition on 9 July was the signing of a memorandum of understanding committing to the establishment of a research centre at the University of Iceland at Hólar, dedicated to study of the Icelandic horse. The MOU was signed by Logi Már Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education; Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, Rector of the University of Iceland; Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir, Dean of the University of Iceland at Hólar and Magnús Barðdal, Mayor of Skagafjörður.

“The Icelandic horse is part of our nation’s identity, economy, tourism, sport, history and culture. It is also a topic that calls for rigorous research, an interdisciplinary approach and robust knowledge sharing,” said Logi Már Einarsson at the signing of the MOU. “It is fitting that the University of Iceland should establish a research centre for the Icelandic horse at Hólar, in cooperation with the state and the municipality. The unique character of the region will become a source of new knowledge for our nation and the wider world.”

An important step in the development of the new University Consortium

The research centre will be part of the UI Institute of Research Centres which, in accordance with the institutional contract for the new UI University Consortium, will be transferred to UI at Hólar. This research centre will be the fourteenth in the Institute. The plan is that within a few years, two permanent staff members will be employed at each research centre throughout the country.

“The founding of the UI at Hólar Institute of Research Centres is an important step in the development of the new University Consortium, reflecting our goal of enhancing research and higher education across Iceland,” said Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir.

“Our research centres are rich wellsprings of new knowledge. They bring together researchers, industry and local communities, create opportunities for international collaboration and enable our scientists to make an impact far beyond our borders. At the same time, this memorandum of understanding is an important commitment to strengthening the UI Institute of Research Centres going forward.”

Silja Bára said that the new research centre would build on the unique knowledge of the Icelandic horse that has developed at Hólar and make it more visible and impactful.

“The research centre will be a boon for UI at Hólar and the University Consortium and create a powerful platform for research, education and communication. It will also increase our scientific knowledge of the Icelandic horse, one of our nation’s most precious treasures, and create new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge creation that will benefit both Icelandic society and the international academic community.”

The new University Consortium was founded following amendments to the Act on Public Higher Education Institutions that entered into force on 1 July, uniting UI and UI at Hólar. UI is a consortium university while UI at Hólar operates as an affiliated institution with its own dean and governance. The consortium is intended to enhance the quality of study programmes and research, strengthen support services, increase cooperation with industry and local communities, and create a powerful platform for university activities across the country.

Building on decades of experience in equine science

Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir, Dean of UI at Hólar, said that the research centre will not only be the first at UI to focus on the Icelandic horse, but also the first with a direct connection to the School of Health Sciences.

“It is essential that we in Iceland continue to take a leading role in research and education on the Icelandic horse, building on our expertise to benefit the breed. It is particularly gratifying that this work will be carried out under the auspices of the UI Institute of Research Centres here at Hólar, the birthplace of education and research on the Icelandic horse.”

Hólmfríður said that the UI Institute of Research Centres played a vital role in research throughout Iceland, working closely with local industry and communities.

“It is also important that the communication, education and research carried out by the Icelandic Horse History Centre is given space to continue within the new research centre,” she said, pointing out that the research interests of the first director will influence the choice of projects.

According to Hólmfríður, focus will initially be on research related to equine-assisted services, which are becoming more popular all over the world and to which the Icelandic horse is particularly well suited. Consideration will also be given to research projects in areas such as riding instruction, equine tourism, gaited horse shoeing and breeding science.

“We aim to shape the centre’s focuses and goals in collaboration with UI at Hólar’s Faculty of Equine Science and stakeholders such as the Icelandic Equestrian Association, the Horse Breeders Association, the Icelandic Horse Trainers Association and the Farmers Association of Iceland. The director will also work with researchers and administrators at the UI School of Health Sciences and other schools as necessary,” said the Dean of UI at Hólar.

Opening ceremony for the National Icelandic Horse Competition

The opening ceremony for the National Icelandic Horse Competition started with a magnificent parade of riders representing the equestrian clubs into the competition grounds. The competition was opened by Logi Már Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, with addresses by Gísli Gunnarsson, inaugural bishop of Hólar, and Magnús Barðdal, Mayor of Skagafjörður.

“For decades, Hólar has been the heart of knowledge on the Icelandic horse. This memorandum commits to preserving that strong heritage and supporting future development,” said Magnús. The municipality of Skagafjörður will contribute ISK 7.5 million to the research centre over the next three years. “We celebrate this milestone as an important step in strengthening the operations of the University of Iceland at Hólar.”

The signing of the MOU was attended by Sigrún Brynja Einarsdóttir, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education; Sæunn Stefánsdóttir, Director of the UI Institute of Research Centres; Víkingur Gunnarsson, Head of the Faculty of Equine Science at UI at Hólar; Silvía Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Head of the Icelandic Horse Trainers Association; Ólafur Þórisson, Head of the Horse Breeders Association; Elvar E. Einarsson, Head of the Skagfirðingur Equestrian Club and Linda Björk Gunnlaugsdóttir, Head of the Icelandic Equestrian Association.

Images from the National Icelandic Horse Competition at Hólar: Jón Örn Guðbjartsson