Icelandic riding clothes – the expression of an attitude to life

Iceland is the land of legends, elves and goblins. What may sound bizarre to the rest of the world is commonplace for the inhabitants of Iceland: Icelandic people’s lifestyles take into account the needs and habitats of the elves. Take into account the needs and living areas of the elves. It can happen that a house number is missing from a street, behind which a secret elf dwelling is actually hidden.

Myths, northern lights, geysers, the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano and, of course, the famous Icelandic horses – the Icelandic attitude to life is reflected in the clothing: Icelandic clothing combines functionality and dreamy design.

Íslensk Lopapeysa – the typical Icelandic jumper

Probably the best-known piece of clothing is the typical Icelandic jumper. In the local language it is also called Íslensk Lopapeysa, or Lopapeysa for short.

The name of the Icelandic wool jumper has even been legally protected with a designation of origin since 2020. The original Lopapeysa is hand-knitted from Icelandic wool in Iceland. The round-knitted pattern between the neck and shoulders, the so-called round yoke, gives the Icelandic jumper recognition value. The colourful pattern is also sometimes decorated with the motif of a tölter to emphasise the love of Icelandic horses.

The advantage of the Lopapeysa: the jumper is knitted loosely so that a light jacket can be worn underneath. Just as Icelandic wool previously protected sheep from the unpredictable weather of the north, the Icelandic jumper also protects riders and horse owners in freezing temperatures. Icelanders have worn the traditional lopapeysa since time immemorial. For them, the colourful jumper is as much a part of the Icelandic attitude to life as the cold winter and the northern lights.

Our tip: Knitted Jumper Tryggur by Fengur.

Soft shell jackets protect the active rider in wind and weather

Icelandic weather is unpredictable. People there have to brave the heaviest snowstorms, pelting rain and can enjoy the bright sun again after just a few minutes. True to the saying often said there, „If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!“ The barren country calls for functional clothing that reliably protects people for countless weather conditions. Suitable clothing is an absolute must in Iceland!

One indispensable material for this is soft shell. A soft shell jacket is ideal for windy, cool and damp weather. It is not only breathable and water-repellent. In combination with an Icelandic pullover, it also equips you perfectly for cold winters. Soft shell is a functional material that is great for Icelandic natives and Icelandic fans. Inspired by Icelandic livestock farmers, the clothing needs to protect against external weather conditions as well as transport moisture outwards to prevent the body from cooling down. Icelandic breeders let their flocks of sheep and horses out into the mountains during the summer months from June to September. Shortly before the onset of winter, when the temperatures are already falling while the humidity is rising, the herds have to be gathered from the mountain landscape and driven back to the valley – on foot or from horseback.

Once in the valley, the animals are herded into a huge pen where they are finally sorted, because animals from different farmers have mixed together in the wild.

Sorting the people-shy animals becomes a sweaty job. For good reason, Icelanders call horse sorting the „Icelandic rodeo“.

Sweating in cold outdoor temperatures can be dangerous for your health. Icelanders therefore count on breathable clothing that transports moisture to the outside, but at the same time keeps them warm and protects them from external weather influences.

Our tip: With the Fengur Functional Sweater Elín, you have a breathable base layer that keeps you from getting chilled during stable work or riding. Combine this with a Soft Shell Jacket to dress optimally for active stable work in fresh autumn and winter temperatures.

Riding in icy temperatures? No problem at all with the riding overall for real Iceland fans!

Many may think that an Icelandic thermometer shows temperatures in the double-digit minus range in winter. However, temperatures rarely drop below -5 degrees. The reason is the Gulf Stream. Nevertheless, the mild Atlantic air meets the cold air from the Arctic, resulting in strong weather changes. Snowstorms, lots of moisture and strong winds are the order of the day in the Icelandic winter.

The perfect companion for such weather conditions is a riding overall that protects the rider from head to toe from rain, snow and wind. However, a riding overall must not only be thickly padded, but must also allow sufficient freedom of movement. In addition, zips and seams must be well covered so that no moisture can penetrate or wind can pass through.

Our tip: With the Fengur Riding Overall Snjókorn, you are perfectly protected from wind and cold in the wet and cold season. The material is windproof, waterproof and breathable and wicks moisture to the outside. It also has a fleece lining to keep you cosy and warm. Two loops at the ends of the legs prevent them from riding up. The inner braces ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Chic and stylish or casual Icelandic? The competition fashion for Icelandic horse competitions

The FEIF – International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations – sets the rules for the competition equipment of the Icelandic horse and the competition clothing. Among other things, these rules stipulate that riding hats are compulsory in the competitions. In contrast to classic horse shows, the show jacket is not compulsory at gaited horse shows. Although FEIF recommends a competition jacket, jodhpurs or jodhpur breeches and riding boots or ankle boots, a plain sports jumper or waistcoat may be worn instead of a competition jacket. If the riders are competing in a team competition, you must ensure that they are uniformly dressed. Only the wearing of a riding hat is specifically required.

For better identification, the competitors in the gaited horse competition wear single-coloured ribbons on their arms, boots or riding hats. In addition to the competion numbers, this serves as a better orientation for the judges, announcers and spectators.