Profile Riders

Our profile riders have chosen to ride with Draupnir equipment, and we support them by offering equipment at more affordable prices. They all have horses as a hobby, but are also competitive and doing well in the show ring. Some of them are on their way to making Icelandic horses their profession, working actively in instruction, horse-breaking, and sales.

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Bjarne Fossan

Norway

Profession:

Carpenter

Equine Experience:

I’ve had horses since I was 9 years old and have attended numerous riding courses. I spent a year in Iceland with Olil Amble and Bergur Jónsson.

Achievements:

  • First time on the national team in 1994 in Finland.
  • 1996 – Norwegian Champion and Nordic Champion in T2 in Sweden.
  • 1998 – Silver in T2 at the Nordic Championship in Denmark.
  • 2002 – Qualified for Landsmót in the B group for Sleipnir.
  • 2005 – 7th place in four-gait at the World Championship in Sweden.
  • 2007 – Competed at the World Championship in Holland.
  • 2011 – Norwegian Champion in style-pacing.
  • 2019 – Own-bred horse participated in breeding at the World Championship in Berlin, 5-year-old mare Sabína from Fossan won silver.
  • 2024 – 5th place in T2 at the Nordic Championship in Denmark.

Goals:

To qualify for the World Championship in Switzerland, and if I make it, I aim to perform at my best.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

I choose Draupnir for the high-quality saddles that are both comfortable and provide excellent support. Draupnir also offers great service.

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Camilla Wangen

Norway

Profession:

Teacher

Equine Experience:

I’d say I was born into the world of horses. I come from a horse family, with a mother who is a veterinarian and a father who is a farrier. Both have always been deeply interested in horses, and both work and leisure have revolved around horses. I got my first horse as a christening gift – a small Shetland pony named Knerten. That’s where my interest in horses began, and since then, it’s been nonstop. Together with my sister, who is also an experienced competitive rider, we’ve been active in the equestrian world for as long as I can remember.

Achievements:

  • Member of the National Recruitment Team/Elite Team from 2012-2021.
  • Competed at several Nordic Championships and one World Championship.
  • Two-time Nordic Champion and multiple-time Norwegian Champion.

Goals:

I’ve just had a son, so he currently occupies most of my time, but I have big plans to come back stronger in the future.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

I’ve been riding in Draupnir since 2007, and I haven’t found a saddle that fits both me and the horse better. Draupnir equipment is elegant, made from high-quality materials, and designed to meet the needs of both horse and rider. There is a lot of expertise behind the development of this equipment, and it really shows!

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Carolin Storebø

Norway

Profession:

Process Technician at Conoco Phillips

Equine Experience:

I started with Icelandic horses in 2006 and bought my first competition horse in 2008. I became a certified instructor in 2014 and have worked with various elite riders during my time off from my offshore job.

Achievements:

  • 8-time Norwegian Champion.
  • Competed at Nordic Championships and World Championships.
  • 2nd place at the Nordic Championship in 2022.
  • 7th place at the World Championship in 2023.

Goals:

I’ve taken a little break from competitive riding and now want to focus on developing myself as a rider.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

Since I got my first competition horse, I’ve always had a Draupnir saddle. I’ve tried other saddle brands before but always end up going back to Draupnir. My horses work so much better with these saddles, and the quality is excellent.

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Caroline Wangen

Norway

Profession:

Bioeconomist

Equine Experience:

I grew up in a horse-loving family, with a mother who is a horse veterinarian and a father who is a farrier, so my passion for horses was instilled in me from a very young age. We were given a lot of freedom and responsibility to have fun with the horses from an early age. My sister and I grew up with our own Shetland ponies, before progressing to Icelandic horses as we got older.

Achievements:

  • Norwegian Champion in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
  • Norwegian Silver Medalist in 2017 and 2018.
  • Bronze at the Nordic Championships in 2022.
  • 4th place at the World Championship in 2015.
  • Nordic Champion in 2014 and 2016.

Goals:

I currently have an exciting 7-year-old horse, Tandri from Havnås, with a great mind and promising gaits. My goal is to develop him into a positive, well-trained horse that can continue to provide great riding experiences.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

I believe Draupnir has the best leather quality on the market, which ensures the equipment lasts for a long time. The saddles fit most horses and also suit my seat perfectly. At the same time, the Draupnir team is very engaged, forward-thinking, and service-oriented.

Diana Leisering

Germany

Profession:

I work as a Purser (Leading Flight Attendant) for Eurowings in Germany.

Equine Experience:

I grew up on an Icelandic horse farm and I have been riding since early childhood. Throughout my school years, I trained my competition horses, participated in many competitions, worked with young horses and gave riding lessons. Later I obtained my IPZV Trainer License.

Achievements:

• Bavarian Youth Champion in Five-Gait
• German Youth Champion in Four-Gait
• IPZV Trainer C License

Goals:

My goal is to compete successfully in gaited horse competitions with my Norwegian Coldblood Trotter, whom I have been training as a gaited riding horse since purchasing him in 2024.

Why choose Draupnir Equipment:

I first tried a Draupnir saddle in Norway and was impressed especially by the flexibility of the saddle tree and the support the saddle gave me for my seat.
Since I’ve been using the Draupnir Fimur saddle for my own horse, especially his Tölt has improved a lot – from always stiff and pacy in the beginning to clear beated from the first step. Generally he is much more relaxed and happier when riding and much softer in his back.
The Fimur saddle also helps me to have a more flexible and balanced seat, but also to make the right pressure, and I have the feeling to have a very close contact to the horse.

 

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Hekla Rán Hannesdottír

Iceland

Profession:

Works with training and sales of horses

Achievements:

  • Icelandic Champion in T2.
  • A-finalist at the Icelandic Championships in V1 and T1.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

I choose Draupnir because of their well-made and durable equipment.

Contact Information:

Email: hekla.hannesdottir@gmail.com
Instagram: @heklahannesd

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Herman Gundersen

Norway

Profession:

Sales Associate at a Telenor Store

Equine Experience:

I’ve been working with horses for 8 years and have been actively competing for the past 4 years.

Achievements:

  • Norwegian Champion in T2 in 2021.
  • Norwegian Champion in Combination in 2023 and 2024.
  • Norwegian Champion in PP1 in 2024.
  • 5th place in F1 at the Nordic Championship in 2024.

Goals:

Next season, my goal with Vésteinn from Bakkakoti is to give it our all and push our boundaries. What’s important to me is that we also have fun and enjoy the experience. This will be our second season together, so we’re excited to see how it goes!

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

The reason to choose Draupnir is the quality at every level. The comfort for the rider and, most importantly, the horse, is top-notch!

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Idunn Marie Pedersen

Norway

Profession:

Studying Industrial Economics

Equine Experience:

I have two horses: Selena from Skarstad, a 5-year-old mare, and my stallion Sólon from Lysholm, with whom I have competed in the young rider class in recent years.

Achievements:

Together with Sólon, I have been on the national team for 2 years, won 3 Norwegian Championship gold medals, and earned a bronze medal at the World Championship in 2023.

Goals:

Right now, my goal is to keep Sólon healthy and develop him to become the best possible partner. I also aim to continue learning and becoming a better rider in every way, and of course, to have fun along the way!

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

I ride in the Draupnir Fimur saddle, which gives me excellent contact with the horse and is incredibly comfortable to sit in! I love Draupnir equipment because of the exceptional quality they offer.
I am also a local judge and teach on the side. Feel free to contact me via Messenger or Instagram (@idunn.eq).

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Ingrid Sofie Krogsæter

Norway

Profession:

Nurse

Equine Experience:

I’ve had horses around me my whole life, but I started actively riding at around 10 years old and have been competing and riding actively since then.

Achievements:

  • 4 Norwegian Championship gold medals.
  • Silver medal at the Nordic Championship.
  • Competed at the World Championship in Berlin.

Participated in the World Tölt Youth Match and several other strong performances.
I always aim to improve myself and my horse to elevate our riding skills and performance.

Goals:

Now that I’ve become a senior rider, my goal is to compete with the best in five-gait competitions.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

Draupnir equipment has always been my favorite. It is incredibly durable, and the team develops products perfectly suited to the Icelandic horse and its needs.

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Julie Sophie Hangaas

Norway

Profession:

Full-time equestrian

Equine Experience:

I have been riding since I was 4 years old and have always had a huge passion for horses! In 2019, I moved to Denmark with my parents after becoming Norwegian Champion to focus more on horses. Now, we have over 17 horses in the stable, 6 of which I ride daily and compete with. We also have many young horses that show promise for the future, as well as sales horses that we ride and sell. After many years with horses, I’ve gained considerable experience with Draupnir saddles, which I use for both competitions and training.

Achievements:

  • Norwegian Champion in 2019.
  • Club Champion in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Goals:

I want to become a better rider and reach as far as possible with my horses! I have always dreamed of making it to the national team, including the Nordic and World Championships. With the right saddle to help me sit properly, I hope to develop further and make this dream a reality through education and training.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

Draupnir makes excellent saddles that fit most horses and are comfortable to ride in. Draupnir saddles help me maintain the correct seat, and I’ve always returned to Draupnir after trying other brands. They provide the perfect fit, freedom, and comfort for the horse, and the quality is unmatched. I’ve used Draupnir for as long as I can remember, and it’s always been great, especially the soft leather!

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Karoline Ilseth Dahlø

Norway

Profession:

Works for Christina Lund (horsetrainer)

Equine Experience:

I’ve been involved with horses since I was 4 years old when I got my first Shetland pony. At 6, I switched to Icelandic horses. Horses are my greatest passion, and they are what I love most in life! I’ve worked at various stables, including with Johann Runar Skulason and with Stian Pedersen for 2 years. After that, I began working for Christina Lund and have been with her ever since!

Achievements:

  • Several Norwegian Championship titles with Draumur from Taasaasen and Tango from Hjallanesi.
  • A silver medal with Draumur at the Nordic Championships a few years ago.
  • Being added to the FEIF list for good and harmonious riding, which I’m very proud of!

Goals:

My main goal is to become a better horse person, with a lot of knowledge and experience.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

I choose Draupnir equipment because of the excellent quality they offer, and how well it fits both me and the horses! I ride in a Draupnir Fenrir saddle, which I love because it brings me close to the horse and provides great support! Draupnir is 10 out of 10!

Malin Andersson

Sweden

Profession:

Works full-time with horse training

Equine Experience:

My equine journey began with Shetland ponies when I was 2 years old. At 6, I got my first Icelandic horse. I’ve worked at various professional stables in both Iceland and Sweden and have also taken in horses for training.

Achievements:

Graduated from Hólar University in the spring of 2024.

Goals:

My goal is to become the best rider I can be, breed good horses, and enjoy the process along the way.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

Draupnir offers high-quality saddles that are comfortable and help with my seat.

 

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Malin Bosvik

Norway

Profession:

Horse Trainer

Equine Experience:

I work daily with training, startin up, and selling Icelandic horses at MB Sportshest in Arendal. I’ve worked for several years for others, including at Sagahestar Bergkåsa.

Achievements:

  • Several performances over 7.0 in T2 with my horse Snotur from Lian.
  • Silver medal at the Norwegian Championship in 2023.
  • Bronze in F1.

Several medals in PP1 and P2

Goals:

I aim to develop myself as a rider and bring out good competition horses for the future. This will be my first year as a senior, and I have a young stallion that I’ve trained and broken in myself.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

Draupnir delivers both experience and quality. I am very satisfied with my saddle. It considers the rider’s anatomy and fits many types of horses. The equipment lasts, even with daily use on up to 10 horses. It’s also beautifully and stylishly designed.

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Maren Brandal

Norway

Profession:

Qualified preschool teacher. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at UiA.

Equine Experience:

I started riding Icelandic horses at 5 years old and got my first one when I was 9. In my youth, I worked at a trotting stable during weekends and evenings. Later, I became a B-instructor through NIHF and started my own business, Lovisenro Islandshestgård. I ran a sales and training stable for a few years and also studied to become a holistic horse therapist. I then spent 6 months working at a large Icelandic horse farm in Iceland.

Achievements:

I’ve been an active competitive rider throughout the years. Sometimes things go well, sometimes not as planned — that’s just how it is with horses, right?

Goals:

I want my riding to be as harmonious as possible. My goal is to create a strong partnership with my horses. It’s important to me that my horses are strong enough for the tasks I ask them to perform and that they stay positive during training.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

Draupnir offers equipment of excellent quality and a great fit. I also appreciate that they are constantly innovating and striving to improve their products for both horse and rider.

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Maria Gjellestad Bosvik

Norway

Profession:

Economics student

Equine Experience:

I have been interested in horses since I was little and have spent a lot of time in the stable. I got my first horse in 2016, Djass from Røysland. Djass is a fantastic horse, and we competed actively for several years. Through focused and varied training, we achieved many great results. The years with Djass gave me many valuable experiences and learned knowledge. After a successful period with Djass, I was ready to get a new horse, and in late 2020, Tindur from Jakobsgården joined our family. With Tindur, I now compete in V1 and T1 young rider classes, and we have made great progress together.

Achievements:

I have had the honor of being selected for the national team several times. As a national team rider, I represented Norway at the Nordic Championships in 2018, 2021, and 2024. Additionally, I participated in the World Championship in the Netherlands in 2023. Over the years, my horses and I have achieved several great results, including:

  • Norwegian Champion in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023
  • Nordic Champion in 2018
  • Bronze medal at the World Championship in 2023

Goals:

I have set many goals over the years, many of which I’ve achieved. Throughout my time in the sport, I have always focused on having fun while working purposefully and well with the horse. I think it is important to focus on the cooperation between horse and rider, showcasing good and harmonious riding. It is also crucial to ensure good horse welfare, as the horse must perform well and stay healthy.

Why Choose Draupnir Equipment:

I have been using Draupnir equipment for several years and am absolutely satisfied. I chose Draupnir because of the excellent quality, as well as the classic and elegant look. I ride with both the Fimur and Ask saddles, both of which I and the horses really enjoy. Both saddles give an incredible riding feeling and contact with the horse. Additionally, the Fimur saddle has a flexible frame and shoulder freedom, which gives the horse a lot of room for movement.