Does handstands and eats carrots in preparation of WC – interview with Árni Björn

He became Reykjavík champion in five gaits in 2008, won the A-class gæðingar at Landsmót the same year. Then they celebrated the  icelandic champion title last weekend. Aris frá Akureyri is the only horse which has won the largest victories in horse sports that is the gæðinga competition at Landsmót and sports competition in five gaits at Íslandsmót.

The triumph of Aris and his rider Árni Björn Pálsson, was shining bright in 2008 when he won the A-class gæðingar at Landsmót, but then
we did not hear much about them until this spring when Árni Björn arrived with Aris to the gold tournament, where they presented their
known talents which resulted in a safe seat at the five gaits competition at WC in Austria.

While I was studying up north in 2009, Aris was on vacation and serving mares. Then he was being trained last winter, but then the horse flue hit us so that we did not participate in any competitions. This year we were aiming for the WC and now this fantastic opportunity is waiting for us „says the national team rider Árni Björn when Eiðfaxi got to chat with him a little.

Árni Björn says that it is very instructive to be a part of the national team and that the national team leaders are monitoring closely all preparation work. „Enjoyable things are happening in the national team. For example many interesting angles were brought forth at a meeting with Guðmundur Guðmundsson the trainer of the Icelandic national handball team the other day. He talks about mindset and
marketing and it was interesting to see how the national team in handball sets up its program. Although the approach is different when
we are dealing with horses, there is always a positive attitude during the shows when we are performing during a show.“

According to Árni Björn the preparation of Aris has recently consisted of great strength training. We examining everything and check on what
we can do better so that everything will work when the time comes. Sylvia, my fiancee, has given me great advice and supported me during
this training. I try to have a versatile training program although I put emphasis on strength training. Before us lies a long journey, transportation and warmer weather which has a great impact on the energy of the horses and therefore they need to be in extremely good
physical shape“ he says and adds that Aris will be transported to the continent next Sunday.

Árni Björn makes jokes when he is asked about the preparation of the rider. „I do handstands, do arm lifts and eat carrots. But all jokes put aside then I try to have a positive outlook at this project. My objective is that both of us appear in our very best shape so that we will be a credit to our country and nation“ says Árni Björn adding that he has not familiarized himself with his competitors, on the other hand he is  concentrating on his show with Aris. They will be riding on the track at St. Radegund on Wednesday, August 3rd next.

Below are a few photos of Aris and Árni at the Íslandsmót last weekend.