Let me tell you a story. A year ago, I was at the Iowa Horse Fair in Des Moines. I walked into the cattle barn just as the most magnificent horse I had ever see was gaiting out of the arena. I first thought he might be a Paso Fino, but if he was, he was on steroids. When I asked someone what kind of horse I was looking at, she said, “An Icelandic”. Immediately, an Icelandic horse was at the top of my bucket list. I had never heard of an Icelandic horse in Iowa, and I was ready to go out east to find one.
Then I learned about Virginia Lauridsen, who owns Harmony Icelandics in Truro, Iowa, 30 miles south of Des Moines. The stallion “Gosi” belongs to her. She found him in Iceland and bought him from Gudmundur M. Skulason, “Mummi," who comes to the US twice a year to give lessons and import Icelandics to Virginia’s establishment.
On with my story. Virginia invited me to her stable, where I rode several of her horses, including Gosi. When Mummi made his bi-annual visit in the fall of 2016, I took a few lessons from him. I decided then and there that I wanted an Icelandic horse, and Mummi said he would find me one. This year in March, he imported 2 horses. One was a daughter of Gosi, a red mare with a star on her forehead. Her name is “Lyfting,” and when I got on her it was love at first ride. I have never been around an animal that I felt wanted to please me so much. If she had been my first horse, she would have been my last.
I cannot thank Virginia and Mummi enough for their time and effort in getting me Lyfting, my perfect horse, and I'd love to talk to anyone who might be interested in an Icelandic. Feel free to call any time (641-990-4717)!