The Fifth Gait Podcast
Podcast Description
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 PodcastWatch Us On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheFifthGaitPodcastFollow Us On Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/fifthgaitpodcast
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast covers a variety of themes centered around Icelandic horses, including care practices, training systems, history, sport competition, and breeding. For example, episodes may tackle topics such as maturing as a trainer, the philosophical lessons learned from horses, and the evolving nature of horsemanship.
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
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 2026
- Reflecting on 2025 highlights & student success
- Ethical Icelandic horse sales & importing horses from Iceland
- Building strong horse-and-rider partnerships
- Liberty training & bridleless competition
- Workshops vs clinics in horse education
- Horse care, welfare, and practical management
- The 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.
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