The horses
Icelandic horse breed is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. Herding along free-running horses is the traditional way of traveling in Iceland since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You will get to ride a variety of horses.
With over 30 years of experience providing horse riding tours to both locals and visitors, Íslandshestar is proud to be the industry leader in the caretaking of horses in Iceland. They work actively with MAST (Icelandic food and veterinary authority) to improve their caretaking methods. Íslandshestar's experience and collaboration with MAST and other leading veterinaries in Iceland prompted them to write and publish a handbook where their procedures are available to fellow horse riding tour operators as best-practice for optimal treatment for the Icelandic horse.
Riding tack and style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different than the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. The saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps to keep the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long. Bits used are mostly simple snaffles and the bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.
If you know how to ride a horse using English riding style, you should have no problems riding an Icelandic horse. Western-style riders should not experience any difficulties adjusting to the Icelandic way of riding either. Íslandshestar's guides will take some time at the beginning of each tour to explain the correct way to saddle the horse, mount it, and how to ride the different gaits. They will carefully explain how and when to ride “tölt”, the special gait of the Icelandic horse.
Riding skill
This horseback riding tour is for advanced riders. You must be comfortable and in control at all paces, have firm seat, and comfortable in the saddle for up to seven hours per day. Advanced riders are also persons who usually ride regularly and are capable of handling horses in an open country.
Itinerary
Tuesday: Reykjavik - Kálfhóll
You will be picked up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at Reykjavik official bus stops near your accommodation between 18:00 to 19:00. Íshesta's bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll Farm where the horses and staff will be waiting for you. After a lovely introductory meal where you can get to know each other, you may relax and rest so you will be well prepared for the adventure ahead of you.
Wednesday: Kálfhóll - Glacier river Thjórsá - Réttarholt Guesthouse
You will ride on fantastic riding paths along the mighty glacial river Þjórsá with views of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and volcano Hekla. Later, you may stay at Réttarholt Guesthouse and relax in the hot tub outdoors.
- Approximate riding distance: 30 kilometers
Thursday: Réttarholt Guesthouse - Mountain Hut Hólaskógur
Today. you will ride along the lovely river Sandá through the National Forest Skriðufellsskógur into the beautiful and famous valley of Thjórsárdalur. The mountain Dímon towers over the vast lavender blue lupine fields along the sandy tracks. You will stop at Stöng, the ruins of a medieval farmhouse excavated in 1939. In 1104, Mount Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history of Iceland. The eruption destroyed at least 20 farms in the valley Thjórsárdalur and among them is the farm Stöng. After a short stop at Gjáin, a mystical canyon with lots of small waterfalls and famous setting for "Games of Thrones", you will head for the cozy Mountain Hut Hólaskógur with a prime view of volcano Hekla.
- Approximate riding distance: 30 kilometers
Friday: Mountain Hut Hólaskógur - Landmannahellir mountain cabin
You will ride over narrow tracks through black lava north of Valafell Mountain. Íslandshestar's sure-footed horses will carry you comfortably through rough terrains through the Lambaskarð mountain passage. You will continue on sandy paths close by lake Sauðleysuvatn and through the moon-like desert towards mountain hut Landmannahellir where you will spend two nights.
- Approximate riding distance: 30 kilometers
Saturday: Landmannahellir - Landmannalaugar - Landmannahellir mountain cabin
Today, you will ride to the famous Landmannalaugar with its natural hot pool surrounded by colorful mountains and lava from 1480. Íslandshestar's horses will rest in a paddock and you can have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights before returning to Landmannahellir. This day will be - without a doubt - one of the highlights of this tour.
- Approximate riding distance: 40 kilometers
Sunday: Landmannahellir - Mountain Hut Klettur / Hólaskógur
You will leave the beautiful area of Landmannahellir and ride on towards the Herbjarnfell Mountain. Today's route will take you over varying landscape. You will ride across sanders, sharp lava, and huge pumice fields in many colors and over green grazing fields where the farmers drive their sheep during summer. You will stay overnight in the solitary mountain hut Klettur with a perfect view of the Hekla volcano. Here, you can get the feeling of being “on top of the world”.
- Approximate riding distance: 40 kilometers
Monday: Mountain Hut Klettur / Hólaskógur - Réttarholt Guesthouse - Kálfhóll - Reykjavík
Today, you will ride over the rich green mountain fields over Seljamýri to Fögruskógar and Þrengslasandur towards Réttarholt Guesthouse. Here, you will have to say goodbye to the horses and staff. The bus will take you back to Kálfhóll Farm for coffee and cake. You will then be driven back to your accommodation in Reykjavík.
- Approximate riding distance: 20 kilometers
Note: Please note that Íslandshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries, or timetables without prior notice should the necessity arise.
