Riding in Iceland

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eahotson

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Just returned from a weekend in Reykjavik and had my first (and hope not my last!) rid.e on an Icelandic horse.NOT pony.I got into trouble for that!It was fantastic.We had a go at the tolt, sooo comfortable and the horses were willing but safe rides.The hacking was good, we rode over ice and were told that they have tolting on ice compeitions.We did not have to ride nose to tail and were encouraged to ride side by side except where the track was very narrow and common sense dictated otherwise.
The staff were very competent and very pleasant and the horses were very well looked after, which included a roll at the end of the ride after untacking because they enjoyed it and it was a nice massage for their backs.It contributes to their willingness I think and they did not appear to be overworked either.
I considered trying to find a large bag, stuffing mine in it and trying to load him on Easyjet but decided it probably wouldn't work sadly!
So, if you are considering it go for it!! Iceland is a pretty awesome country to visit as well.
 
I only managed a couple of hours when I went as I was with my non horsey OH, but loved it. Such tough, fun little horses and the tolt is so comfy! I loved Reykjavik and Iceland in general. Literally like nowhere else on earth, both culturally and geographically. I felt very at home there, although we were there in May and the 24hr daylight was really weird, not sure I'd ever get used to that!
 
I went in 1990 and rode for a week right across from the north to the south over the Kjölur route. I booked the riding with Íshestar. Had a great time though we had a real assortment of weather from T-shirt days to horizontal frozen rain. Loved it sitting in hot springs at midnight drinking Brennivin with a bunch of mad Swedes. The horses were great and when I got home I started looking for one to buy and I soon bought one and I've had at least one ever since.
 
I m going in January and hoping to ride; who did you go with, how much and did you get a pick up from hotel?

I m wondering whether its going to be a night ride after seeing when the sun is up and down!

Were the rides you were on suitable for a competent novice? Wondering about my OH joining it!
 
I went in October and it was fantastic. The tolt really was fab. It's the only time I've ridden as an adult and didn't feel any soreness the next day (I only ride once a week at most and have mild arthritis). From what you've described I'm guessing you may have ridden at the same place I did - Islenski Hesturinn? I can totally recommend them, and it's even better that they take loads of photos and send them to you for free.
 
blowsbubbles said:
Were the rides you were on suitable for a competent novice? Wondering about my OH joining it!
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Most places near Reykjavik cater for everyone from complete beginners upwards, particularly with the standard 'tourist' rides. We only did walk and tolt (lots of tolt), though I think you can arrange faster/longer rides too.
 
I went with Íshestar but there were quite a few places in the Reykjavik area. Yes, they do cater for all abilities. I was with some complete beginners but we had two guides so as soon as they worked out I could ride, one of them and I would hang back and canter/tolt to catch up or go off on a longer/faster path and rejoin the others further along the main path.

I got picked up by a taxi (6/7 seater if I recall correctly) and we collected others en route. I won the holiday on a quiz show and a travel agent worked out all the details for me so I have no idea if the agent arranged this or if it was available from the riding place.
 
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