Harmony Icelandics

Located on 800 acres of rolling hills, woodlands and plains in central Iowa, Harmony Icelandics boasts an intimate stable setting with a 200’ x 100’ outdoor riding area, lush pastures and miles of trail riding. 

 
 

Virginia lauridsen

Virginia Lauridsen is a FEIF Level l trainer, and the current president and breeding leader of the USIHC. She is a member of the National Team, with qualifying scores in both tölt and four gait. Virginia is the owner of Harmony Icelandics in Truro, Iowa, and an avid dressage rider. She has been awarded the All-Breeds award three times by the United States Dressage Federation and has participated in the Region 4 championships with her Icelandic gelding Herkúles from Dalalif.

Virginia is dedicated to growing the presence of the Icelandic breed in the United States. She has imported and sold more than 50 horses and prides herself on being a successful “matchmaker” of riders and horses. Virginia loves teaching and watching her students develop into confident riders.

In 2025, Virginia purchased and imported the World Champion breeding stallion Drangur frá Ketilsstöðumðum. She is developing an elite breeding program at her farm and looks forward to raising the level of domestic bred horses out of her own breeding stock.

 

liz appel

Liz Appel has always had a passion for everything horses and now serves as the barn manager for Harmony Icelandics. Liz has a bachelor's of Animal Science degree from Virginia Tech, where she rode on the intercollegiate team. During summers she worked at a well established thoroughbred prepping farm outside Charlottesville. 

With 25 years experience as an equine Practice Manager, equine midwife, horse owner and avid foxhunter,  becoming barn manager for Harmony Icelandics was a natural fit. 

 
Mummi riding 3.jpg

Guðmundur Skúlason

Trainer Guðmundur Skúlason (Mummi) is a graduate of Hólar University College in Iceland with a degree in Equine Studies. For the past 10 years, he has been the head trainer at Hallkelsstaðahlíð, a family-owned farm located in west Iceland. Mummi is in high demand as a riding instructor in Iceland, throughout Europe and in the United States. He regularly teaches in Denmark and Sweden. Harmony Icelandics has contracted with Mummi to visit the farm bi-annually as an advisor and trainer. Additionally, Harmony Icelandics has a standing relationship with Mummi’s farm, Hallkelsstaðahlíð, which proudly aims to produce well-tempered, talented horses which are easy to train and handle.

 

Hayl Bergeland

Hayl Bergeland’s life and career have been shaped by a deep commitment to the human-animal bond. Her professional experience spans animal behavior, public health, and human services, providing her with a broad and interdisciplinary perspective on the relationships between people and animals. She holds an AAS degree in Animal Science, a BS degree in Psychology with a concentration in Animal Behavior and a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis, a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Trauma Studies, and an MS degree in Gerontology.

Hayl is currently a member of the USIHC Development Team. She looks forward to assisting around the barn, supporting events and shows, and teaching new students. She is the proud owner of a wonderful Icelandic horse, Rokkur frá Hellabæ, and is excited to be a part of the Harmony Icelandics team.