Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
ICELAND : RIDING UNDER NOTHERN LIGHTS...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Autum in Iceland means a colorful countryside and Northern Lights dancing in the the black night sky. Enjoy visiting the best known sights in Iceland, riding the Icelandic horse along fine bridle paths and viewing dazzeling Northern Lights after a good day in the saddle. We visit the magnificent sights of Iceland, the Blue Lagoon, Geysir Hot Spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall. During two riding days “tölt”, the special gait of the Icelandic horse will be introduced to you. Accommodation for most nights is at Kjóastaðir Farm, home of Hjalti and Åsa who also work with us for the Kjölur ride. They will for sure find a horse that will suit your liking. |
 |
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Thursday : Reykjavik
Arrival in Iceland. Transfer to the Blue Lagoon for a refreshing bath. After one hour in the mineral rich water the transfer continues to the farm. We meet our hosts and enjoy a hearty dinner at the farm. After dinner step outside and look up into the sky for dazzling Northern Lights.
Diner and night at the farm.
Day 2 - Friday : Geysir
Our guide will introduce the Icelandic horse and its special gaits before we start our ride along pleasant trails of the beautiful birch forrest at Haukadalur valley. A perfert first riding day where we get to know the Icelandic horse and the way of riding in a relaxed atmosphere. While on our ride we enjoy the great view of mountain ranges, valleys and the glacier fed river Hvítá. We can then enjoy the evening with our guide and hosts and take an evening stroll to look again for Northern Lights.
Diner and night at the farm.
Day 3 - Saturday : Gullfoss
We leave the farm and head off towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky, glacier fed water passes through bizarre rock formations. We follow the ever deepening canyon to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. After having spent some time there we saddle up again and follow the famous Kjölur highland trail for a while before we head back to the farm. In the late afternoon we say good bye to our hosts and horses and drive to Reykjavík. The rest of the evening is at our own disposal.
Diner is not included. Night in a hotel at Reykjavik.
Day 4 - Sunday : Reykjavík
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
 |
 |
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
 |
Explore Southern Iceland for a week before or after your equestrian adventure !
We propose two Self driving tours, with a car we rent for you Category A vehicle - Opel Corsa or similar, Category H 4wheels car - Hyundai Tucson auto or similar. For a shorter extension, we suggest you our "Whale Safari" from Reykjavik or to relax yourself at the famous geothermal center "Blue Lagoon". |
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
Horses
The Icelandic Horse is unique amongst horse breeds because it masters five gaits; walk, trot, tölt, canter/gallop and flying pace. The breed is best known for its fourbeat smooth gait, the “tölt”, that is very comfortable for the rider and elegantly displayed by the horse.
The tölt is the specialty of the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horse’s hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose.
Source: The Icelandic horse, published by The Horse Breeders Association of Iceland (Félag hrossabænda) 2006
Tack
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides a crupper helps keeping 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. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.
Recommended riding level
This tour is adapted for intermediate riders who do not have lots of riding experience outdoor.
Still riding days can be long so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. Also, you must be comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length trots (tölt) and short canters.
Minimum age : 09 years, with the requested riding abilities and accompanied by an adult.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
YOUR GUIDES
The ride is supervised by a team of professionals of the trail ride in Iceland that perfectly knows the Icelandic horses and the specificity of the ground.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
During the tour, you will be accomodated in a farm. 2 - 4 bed units with shared facilities.
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in hotel.
European plugs are used in Iceland so you don't need any adapter.
Meals
During the ride full board is provided except the breakfast on day 1, the lunch on days 1 and 4, and the diner on day 3. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table : sandwich, cheese, fruits ...
In Reykjavik, dinner is not include but generally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
During the tour, you will be accomodated in a farm. 2 - 4 bed units with shared facilities.
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in hotel.
European plugs are used in Iceland so you don't need any adapter.
Meals
During the ride full board is provided except the breakfast on day 1, the lunch on days 1 and 4, and the diner on day 3. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table : sandwich, cheese, fruits ...
In Reykjavik, dinner is not include but generally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
DATES AND RATES
| Riding Under Northern Lights - 2012 | ||
| September 20 to 23 | 645 € |
full |
| October 04 to 07 - 2 spaces left ! | 645 € |
available |
| October 11 to 14 | 645 € |
available |
| October 18 to 21 | 645 € |
available |
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 120 €
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 20 €
Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.
Single room supplement in Reykjavik : + 70 €
This supplement apply only if you absolutely ask for a single room.
Flights to Reykjavik
Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
RATE INCLUDING
- the trail ride as described,
- full board basis (except the breakfast on day 1, the lunch on days 1 and 4, and the diner on day 3),
- english speaking equestrian guides
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights to Reykjavik
- single room supplement in Reykjavik if you ask for,
- tips
- drinks
- the breakfast on day 1
- the lunch on day 1 and on day 4,
- the diner on day 3,
- the organisation of a possible tour through another region before or after the trail ride (consult us)
- any other prestation
- insurrance (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurrances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company.
- single room supplement in Reykjavik if you ask for,
- tips
- drinks
- the breakfast on day 1
- the lunch on day 1 and on day 4,
- the diner on day 3,
- the organisation of a possible tour through another region before or after the trail ride (consult us)
- any other prestation
- insurrance (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurrances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Jennifer for any enquiry !
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Iceland
LENGTH
4 days / 3 nights / 2 days on horseback
LANGUAGE
English
GROUP SIZE
Minimum 6, maximum 12 riders
ACCESS
Reykjavik airport
CLIMATE
The best season to ride in Iceland is from june to september because sun is shining the main part of the day.
From the end of september, nights falls more quickly and become dominant in winter.
This specific climate allowed us to ride most of the day and arrive before the sunset at the farm to enjoy an evening with northern lights...
Formalities
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.
Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland.
Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.
Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland.
Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
REFERENCE :
ch211_islande_boreales_en
