“Taktur Icelandic Horses is a great place to have your Icelandic Horse trained. Taktur was very patient with my mare giving her time to develop mentally and physically. The trainer’s at Taktur encourage clients to learn with their horse so the client can incorporate these training methods at home with the horse. Taktur Icelandic Horses provides an incredible learning environment for both clients and horses.”

— Lori Cretney, Glacier Icelandics, WI

“The team at Taktur Icelandics has been an integral partner in the success of our horses for over seven years. We exclusively entrust them with the starting of our home-bred youngsters and training of our older horses that need additional education or a tune-up. We appreciate Taktur’s wholistic approach that considers all aspects of the horse’s wellbeing, both mental and physical. We can always trust that any horse we send to them will not only receive excellent care and training, but that we’ll receive honest feedback about the horse’s potential and progress with our goals in mind. If issues arise we are made aware of them immediately and the team works hard to find innovative solutions to suit the individual. We needn’t worry about “cookie-cutter” approaches, gimmicks, or lazy shortcuts. We know they will always strive to do what’s best for that particular horse. The proof is in the consistent results achieved; the horses we receive back from them are always fit, responsive, educated, and most of important of all to us, happy and positive. We have also hosted several clinics at our farm with Taktur trainers over the years and they have been impactful, informative, and FUN. These are just some of the many reasons we always confidently recommend Taktur Icelandics to anyone that needs training for their horse, or themselves. We are so lucky to have them in the US.”

— Andrea Barber, Sand Meadow Farm LLC, NY

“Carrie and Terral have trained numerous Icelandic Horses of mine ranging from starting their training all the way up to the competition levels. With each horse we came up with a plan to achieve my goals. Over the years, I have found that Carrie and Terral are both very professional, interactive and very knowledgable about the Icelandic Horse and what it takes to make us a success. I highly recommend Taktur Icelandics!”

— Antje Freygang, Montaire Icelandics, VA

“I am a non-traditional rider. I did not begin riding until I was 31 years old. I’ve been fortunate to share my life with Icelandic horses for the past 22 years. I had two spinal fusion surgeries and stopped riding for 8 years. I took a leap of faith two years ago and started back to work with my then-25 year old dragon mare Þra who had been off work as well. Carrie brought us back together as a working team. Her teaching style is patient and encouraging. Carrie provides specific direction and feedback. Our riding goals are clearly defined. She inspires confidence and genuinely understands the physical limitations of a mature rider.

In September 2019, I purchased a project mare, Dalia. She was 9 years old and had only been lightly started. Dalia is a forward, willing mare, but she is insecure and reactive. Through a combination of board and train at Taktur and our private lessons, Carrie has crafted a beautiful relationship between Dalia & I. Carrie has also opened up the world of liberty for us. It has been thrilling to work with Carrie toward building this partnership with a young mare.

Beyond the saddle, I have deepened my knowledge of Icelandic horses and theory through the Knapamerki and Gaeðinga dressage courses. Both courses have provided me with a deeper knowledge of the mechanics of dressage and help me to be a better rider. ”

— Teri Pifer, KY

“Carrie is an exceptional teacher and horse trainer. I’ve been lessoning with her for about 2 years and it all began when I decided to take a trip to Iceland and knew I would be riding an Icelandic horse while there (I come from an eventing background with quarter horses). I did an internet search, was referred to Carrie at Taktur Icelandics and my journey with Icelandics began. I was immediately impressed with how compassionate Carrie is toward the horse and the rider. She took into account my abilities, previous experience and knowledge base as well as coming up with a plan to advance my skills and ability to ‘read the horse’. Her education at Hólar University in Iceland and her continued drive to learn more and keep her knowledge up to date with new ideas and approaches really shows in her teaching and horse training. She incorporates many techniques in her teaching including groundwork/liberty, bareback and stirrupless riding, trail riding, dressage and lunge line riding lessons. I’ve learned more from Carrie about communication with the horse, balance, seat, contact and use of aids in the past two years than I can begin to express. Everything I’ve learned from Carrie translates into my riding with my quarter horses too! I was also fortunate to take the Knapamerki level 1 and 2 courses taught by Carrie and her colleagues to advance my knowledge of the Icelandic horse and my riding. I enthusiastically recommend Carrie at Taktur Icelandics for anyone interested in learning about Icelandic horses and learning to ride, regardless of discipline.”

— Sandra Lee Smith, KY

“Missing my horses this winter but I know that they are in great hands, training wise and health wise. They are living the life at Taktur Icelandic Horses in Kentucky.

I know each one of my horses is treated as an individual and has a training program just for them, to help develop their individual talents and personality. This may sound unusual to some but a confident, healthy and happy horse will give their rider everything they have because they want to, because they enjoy the process, be it trail riding, competition, liberty work and so much more.”

— Charlotte Reilly, PA

“Carrie and Terral are the best trainers and teachers for both horses and humans. They are both very warm and hospitable, they learning environment is calm, positive, and grounding. I can’t say enough how pleased and happy I am with Hausti’s training and education as well as mine! The lessons were incredible! Thank you, Carrie and Terral!”

— Jackie Thurston, VA

“I have watched the development of this extraordinary young horsewoman [Carrie] since she was 14. She truly has a passion for horses and for teaching those who share it. From her exemplary performance at Holar to her nomination as Trainer of the Year she has shown herself to be a superior talent in everything she puts her hand to. She has embraced several American disciplines, excelling in bridleless riding and Liberty and it’s been my pleasure to watch her bring along my young mare Ástarljós (Pegasus x Salka) who has now mastered lower level dressage, Green Horse 4-Gait, and bridleless competition.

On top of all that, she has succeeded in building a successful business with dedicated clientele all before the age of 30, and I foresee a brilliant future for her and her students and clients.”

— Kathryn Love, Pegasus Flughestar, KY

“Carrie and Terral trained my young horse, I couldn’t be more pleased with him. They kept me informed of his progress, they sent photos and videos of him throughout his training and they continue to check up on him and our progress. That is dedication!”

— Debbie Hayes Callaway, NY