THORLAK ICELANDIC 'S

About

Thorlak Icelandic's was founded in late 2021 and is owned and run by Maria Octavo. She has trained and worked with Icelandic Horses for 10 years and has 6 years of teaching/coaching experience. Focusing not only on the physical but also the mental and emotional aspects of every horse and rider.

Centered on and around Icelandic Horsemanship and Classical Dressage, we aim for perfect harmony with horse and rider no matter their riding discipline.

We believe that the rider needs training and lessons just like our horses do. In this manner, we can bring out the best in our horses and equestrian skills.

ABOUT MARIA

How it all started

Maria's passion for horses started at the very young age of 5 years on her parent's Icelandic horse farm in Germany. After her family moved to the US, she started experimenting and learning different riding styles she (western, dressage, Saddle Seat) ultimately connected with Carrie Brandt and Terral Hill of Taktur Icelandic's in 2017. With their help, guidance, and mentorship she attended the 2017 and 2019 American Youth Cups, where her team both times earned the highest competition points. At the 2019 Youth Cup, she was also awarded the esteemed future team leader award. Maria was highest in the national ranking in T7 and F2 in 2018. In 2019 she maintained her ranking as the winner in T7.
Additionally, Maria has trained internationally in Germany and in Iceland. As well as competing in 2018 and 2019 qualifying for the German Youth Icelandic Championships and making it to A finals at multiple competitions.

Maria's goals are to combine the training and teaching techniques she learns from Germany, Iceland, and America to unite all these different but important philosophies in all of her training and teaching.

She has worked with many known Icelandic Horse trainers Internationally, such as:

Carrie Brandt - FT, Holar Graduate, FEIF International Trainer Level 3, US
Laura Benson -FT, Holar Graduate, FEIF International Trainer Level 3, US
Sabine Neuhart -IPCV Trainer C, Germany
Nadine Rex -Dressage Trainer C & IPZV Trainer C, Germany
Sigvaldi Guthmundsson - FT, Holar Graduate, FEIF International Trainer Level 3, Iceland
Nicole Kempf - IPZV Trainer A,

IPZV Ausbuilder (A Trainer who Educates other Trainers),

Icelandic FT Trainer,

FEIF International Sports Judge, Germany