Directors for the 2023 Season
Suzi McGraw, President
Suzi McGraw turned her life-long passion for horses to the Icelandic Horse in 2001 when Flying Change Farm welcomed its first three imports from Iceland. Since then, there has been no looking back! Shortly after welcoming Glampi, Sleipnir and Bylgja to West Virginia, she attended the first Great Icelandic Horse Fair in Albuquerque, NM where she had the great fortune to work with Benni Lindal, Reiner Adalsteinsson, and Eyjolfur (Jolli) Isolfsson. Suzi then set to work with the Fair’s organizers, Bibi and Bjossi, to bring the teaching and learning extravaganza to the East Coast. In the following year, during the Eastern Gaited Horse Show, she became one of the founding members of the Frida Icelandic Riding Club. Since then, she has served as board member, web site developer, and, now two-time President of the club. She is especially committed to the idea that the club must offer an accessible, fun and wide array of activities that fit the interests of all its members and looks forward to working with all of you this year.
Antje Freygang, Vice President
Horses have been a passion of mine ever since I can remember. I have been riding since I was a little girl and rode Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods and Icelandics in many disciplines on and off throughout the years. In 2010, I started getting serious about riding again and I bought an Icelandic horse. Riding through the beautiful trails of Maryland was the beginning of my dedication to this magnificent breed. I have dedicated myself to caring, riding, training and promoting the Icelandic horse. We purchased a farm in Middleburg, VA where we built a 250 m oval track. Montaire offers multiple training opportunities for all skill levels, host clinics, shows, drill team and social events. The more I learn about the Icelandic horse the more I realize how little I know. This is an exciting journey.
Carrie Laurencot, Secretary
Following her fascination for volcanos, Carrie and her husband Bob visited Iceland where they fell in love with the Icelandic Horse. Due to the generosity of FIRC members, Carrie was able to further develop a great appreciation of this fabulous breed. After meeting Katla and Orri at Thor Icelandics, Carrie and Bob brought them home to Point of View Farm in Maryland where they enjoy many trail rides through the woods and fields of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. Being a relatively new horse owner, Carrie has enjoyed many clinics, and trail rides offered by FIRC and encourages riders of all levels to participate fully in FIRC activities.