Horse Riding Holidays, Iceland
Iceland is an area of almost 40,000 square miles. It lies midway between North America and continental Europe and borders the Arctic Circle in the North. The scenery is stunning and variable - the land offers clean and fresh water, glaciers, waterfalls, active volcanoes and lava deserts, mountains, fjords and valleys. Iceland is famous for the Icelandic horse, a small and hardy breed which has evolved through the centuries. The Vikings brought the first horses to Iceland about 1100 years ago and the breed has remained pure ever since. DNA Studies of the Icelandic horse show that they are related to horses in Shetland, Norway, and Mongolia. The horses have developed a lot since they were brought to Iceland. Both man and nature have created the Icelandic breed as the strong resilient breed they are today. The natural development that has taken place in the Icelandic breed has mostly to do with their ability to survive. A recent study shows that the intestines of the horses are larger and more developed than in other breeds which might be to prepare them for the wintertime. They gain weight in autumn to increase their insulation for the winter and grow thicker coats too.The breed is especially well known for the ‘tölt’ - a comfortable four-beat gait which is smooth to ride and can be as fast as a normal canter. The breed is also known for its versatility and strength, being able to carry grown adults despite their small stature. But the breed has a gentler side and is well suited for children and as a horse for the handicapped. Enjoy Iceland from the back of one of these horses and you will have the trip of a lifetime.
See our horse riding holidays in Iceland below.
Rides
Icelandic Horse Round Up, Iceland
Imagine hundreds of free and spirited horses cantering down from their highland summer pastures to be reclaimed by their owners. Mares and their foals, young horses and geldings traverse the rough terrain, not yet quite willing to surrender their freedom before the onset of winter. The ancient tradition of rounding up horses is only kept alive in the North of Iceland.
Kjolur, Iceland
Step back in time and ride along the ancient Kjolur Trail as Icelanders did over the centuries when travelling to the annual summer parliament at Thingvellir. Travelling from south to north (or vice versa) right across the heart of Iceland you will find yourself traversing sandy deserts and lava fields before reaching the lush green valleys of the north.
Northern Iceland, Iceland
This family run farmhouse has been welcoming guests for extraordinary riding adventures since 1985. The incredible landscapes of Iceland are a wonder to behold and feature remote valleys, winding rivers and a myriad of colours from white ice and snow in winter to beautiful greens in the summer months. There is a choice of rides choose from and they bring chances to explore Iceland's treasures - the Northern Lights, the coastline of the North Sea, impressive volcanoes (including the world's most volcanic region!), remote fishing villages, whale-watching, magical woodlands and Viking history. It is a land of mystery and legend!
Sheep Round-Ups, Iceland
Local farmers have been rounding up sheep in Iceland for centuries, bringing them down from the mountains to sort them before the winter. On these tours you'll learn from your hosts how to manage the flock, drive them down hillsides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, before heading off the next day to find more.
Snaefellsnes Peninsular, Iceland
The Snaefellsnes peninsular is on the western coast of Iceland, north of Reykjavik. At its tip is Snaefellsjokull national park which is dominated by one of Icelands most beautiful and emblematic sights - the glacier covered cone volcano of Snaefellsjokull. Ride through a landscape of extensive lava fields, craters and ash from ancient eruptions in the Hitardalur valley; enjoy the wide-open stretches of light-coloured sandy beaches of Longufjorur where only the tide sets your limits; and marvel at the impressive 50m deep crater of Eldborg where the sand turns black as you approach its lava field.
Southern Comfort, Iceland
Gestur and family operate tours all over south Iceland, both in popular tourist places as well as in the most rural places in Iceland. Gestur and Margrét and sons have been operating from Kálfhóll farm and have offered the Golden Circle tour and Landmannalaugar tour for many years now. Their sons Egill and Hannes help their parents to make this experience an amazing one for the guests. The family at Kálfhóll farm are well known for their great hospitality and enjoy leading their guests into the magic world of the Golden Circle and Landmannalaugar.
Vatnsdalur Valley, Iceland
Vatnsdalur (Lake Valley) is a valley in Hunavatnssysla in north-western Iceland, located just south of the ring road. The valley takes its name from a small lake, Vatnsdalsvatn, and as the river Vatnsdalsa enters the valley it plunges over many beautiful waterfalls into the magnificent river canyon. Enjoy a centre based circular trail or an adventurous linear trail from this fabulous valley.
Winter Riding and Northern Lights, Iceland
Winter in Iceland means a countryside ablaze with colours and the Northern Lights dancing in the Arctic night sky. Enjoy visiting the best-known sights in Iceland, riding an Icelandic horse along fine bridle paths and viewing a dazzling display of Northern Lights after a great day in the saddle.