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.
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