Virginia Lauridsen

Virginia Croskery Lauridsen owns and operates Harmony Icelandics in Truro, Iowa, where she breeds, sells and trains Icelandic horses. For more than 20 years, Lauridsen has been actively involved in equine activities. She owned and managed a large hunter/jumper facility and United States Pony Club Riding Center; competed on the “A” circuit in show jumping; trained in dressage; and earned her colors with the Moingona Hunt.

Currently, Virginia is an active competitor, having regularly achieved World Ranking scores in both T1 and V1. In addition to Icelandic competition, Virginia is an avid competitor in dressage, illustrating the versatility of the breed. She and her horse Herkúles regularly receive regional qualifying scores, and she was recently named to the National Team.

Virginia holds a certificate from Hólar University in Iceland for completion of Levels 1-4 of the Knapamerki program and is a Level 1 FEIF Certified Trainer. She currently serves as President and Breeding Chair for the United States Icelandic Horse Congress and was principal author of the organization's Breeding Manual, which was completed in 2022. In her teaching, Virginia emphasizes the safety protocol of Pony Club integrated with the important foundations of a balanced seat, light rein connection, and posture. Virginia believes that better horsemanship leads to a happier horse.