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Randonnée équestre et voyage à cheval

ICELAND : HORSE AND SHEEP ROUND UP...

Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking


Randonnée équestre de rassemblement des troupeaux en Islande - Randocheval / Absolu Voyages

Randonnée équestre de rassemblement des troupeaux en Islande - Randocheval / Absolu Voyages
Every autumn, the farmers gather the sheep and the horses from the mountains.
Such opportunities to share the exhilaration of the great spaces and the intense moments of the life of the people who live there are very rare.

That is what we propose you in the saddle on Icelandic horses at their best, sure-footed and eager to fulfil the task set for them.

Join the farmers in their singing and celebrating after a successful journey into the highlands securing their livestock.

See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.



ITINERARY


HORSES ROUND UP

Imagine free and spirited horses coming down from their highland summer pastures towards the inhabited areas to be returned to their owners. Mares and their foals, young horses and geldings make their way through rough territory, not really willing to give up their freedom yet before winter returns once again. This is a sight you will never forget! Join the farmers in this great adventure of the fall and participate in driving the herd, sorting the horses and celebrating the successful return of horses and men.

We celebrate this tour’s 10th anniversary by making it a 7 day tour with 5 riding days.

This tour take place in the Víðidalstungurétt area from Sept 28 to Oct 04, but we also provide another horse round up tour in Skrapatungurétt from Sept 15 to 21.

Day 1 - Tuesday, Sept. 28: Arrival in Iceland – Íshestar Riding Center – Transfer to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to the Íshestar Riding Center. Make sure your flight arrives not later then 16:00 to be able to participate in an introductional riding tour towards Mt. Helgafell Volcano. (Clients arriving earlier that day are picked up upon arrival, driven to the hotel and picked up again in time for the ride.) After the ride we enjoy a traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour before the day ends at your accommodation in a hotel in Reykjavík.
(10 km)

Day 2 - Wednesday: Reykjavík – Thingeyrar – Dæli Holiday Farm
We drive to the North and meet guides and horses at historic Thingeyrar Farm, where we start our ride. Our first riding day takes us into Lake Hóp. We continue through Thingeyrar peninsula and follow black dunes towards the North–Atlantic ocean. This area is home to large numbers of seals and hopefully we see many of them resting and playing on the beach. After having spent some time there we follow a different route on our way back to Thingeyrar Farm, where we leave our horses and drive to Dæli Holiday Farm. This farm is beautifully located in Víðidalur Valley and will be our “home” for the next four nights.
(25 km)

Day 3 - Thursday: Dæli – Thingeyrar – Dæli
This long and exciting riding day takes us alongside the Hóp and across the Gljúfurá River. Through the friendly countryside of Vestur-Hóp with a stop at Nípukot Farm where we will have warm lunch, and into the beautiful valley Víðidalur. We follow Víðidalsá River to Dæli Farm where we will enjoy the hospitality of Sigrún and Víglundur. The outdoor hot tub is waiting, as well as a hearty dinner.
(45 km)

Day 4 - Friday: Dæli - Kolugil – Víðidalstungheiði – Dæli
Today we ascend towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði and meet the horses coming down from their pastures in the highlands. We enjoy a warm lunch at a mountain shelter or at Kolugil Farm (depending on the weather), before we join the farmers in driving the herd down from the mountains. Before ending our ride at Dæli Farm we stop at Kolugili Farm for refreshments. Following dinner that day, we spend time with the farmers and other guests in Dæli and join in their singing and celebrating of this great event of the fall.
(35 km, 8-9 hours including lunch and coffee breaks)

Day 5 - Saturday: Víðidalstungurétt – Bjargshóll - Dæli
Our day starts at the round up place Víðidalstungurétt where horses are sorted out. An auction is held right on the spot and we can join the farmers in their joyful singing, celebrating the return of their horses. In the afternoon we ride to Bjargshóll Farm and return our horses to their meadows, before driving back to Dæli for a hearty dinner.
(30 km)

Optional (not included in the tour price):
"Stóðréttardansleikur" dance at Víðihlíð, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up.

Day 6 - Sunday: Return to the South – Reykjavík – Blue Lagoon (optional)
Departure from the North and return to Reykjavík. We visit a factory outlet with woollen goods on our way. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 14:00. For those interested we can help you plan a tour to the Blue Lagoon (not included in the tour price).

Day 7 - Monday, Oct 4: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.


 



SHEEP ROUND UP

The Icelandic Round Up is a genuine tradition and has its roots way back in the past when pastures and fields near the farms were very precious and had to be kept for the hay harvest.
Join the farmers in South Iceland when they gather the thousands of sheep from the mountains. Experience Icelandic horses at their best, sure-footed and eager to fulfil the task set for them every autumn. Be a part of the singing and celebrating after the successful journey into the highlands to secure the livestock. Visit the many sights of the area, such as beautiful Gjáin valley, majestic waterfalls Gullfoss and Hjálparfoss, famous Geysir hot spring area and Thingvellir National Park! Accommodation in made up beds at Fossnes Farm. Enjoy the hot outdoor tub after each riding day!

This year, we have added the fourth riding day to this popular tour, a day that will take us into the mountains and valleys in the homeland of Fossnes Farm.


We also, provide a new and special sheep round up in Landmannaafréttur area, near Landmannalaugar. This tour is limited to 8 guests and offer a 6 days riding in a unique area from Sept 16 to 24.

Day 1 - Monday, September 06 : Arrival in Iceland - Transfert to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to our Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður, where we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup (Kjötsúpa). Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders. At a approx. 19.00 transfer to a hotel, situated in the centre of Reykjavík. Those who have arrived earlier this day or the day before will be picked up at the hotel between 16.30 and 17.00 .

Day 2 - Tuesday : Reykjavík - Thingvellir - Geysir - Gullfoss - Fossnes
Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir Nationalpark to Fossnes farm, situated in beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses and guides. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant trails and explore the colourful Gnúpverja­hreppur countryside. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. During the ride you will enjoy the view of deep green mountains and valleys and the mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot tub before a hearty dinner at the farm.
(25 km on horseback)

Day 3 - Wednesday : Fossnes - Hólaskógur - Fossnes
This day takes us into the mountains and fields of black ashes from numerous eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla. At Hólaskógur mountain cabin we meet the farmers who have been riding in the mountains for some days already to gather the sheep. We leave the horses at Hólaskógur and drive back to Fossnes for an overnight stay and a relaxation in the hot outdoor tub.
(35 km in the saddle)

Days 4 and 5 - Thursday and Friday : Riding and rounding up the sheep
During both days we join the farmers, ride along and help them with their flocks, yet sometimes leaving them to take a look at some of the interesting sights in the area, such as Gjáin valley with it’s rich vegetation, beautiful Hjálparfoss Waterfall and Stöng, the site of a 12 th century Viking farm . We participate in the round-ups, help the farmers sort out their livestock and join in their singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains.
(40 km + 20 km on horseback)

Optional (not included in the tour price):
"Réttardansleikur" dance at the community center Árnes, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up.


Day 6 - Saturday : Fossnes – Reykjavík
It is time to say goodbye to our hosts and horses. Transfer at approx. 10.00 to Reykjavík, where we spend the last night. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 11:30.
You could spend your afternoon at the Blue Lagoon or to go at the Whale watching tour.
Night at the hotel.

Day 7 - Sunday, September 12 : Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport
According to your return flight, transfer to Keflavík Airport.
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EXTEND YOUR TRIP


Self-driving tour in the South of Iceland
We suggest you a 7 days / 6 nights self-driving tour in farmstays with breakfast and unlimited mileage car rental included.

We also provide a new itinerary with a 4 wheels car and 2 extra days to go in the highlands, and especially in the Landmannalaguar part.

This discover of the south coast of Iceland, including a hinterland incursion, will let you going through many different types of typical Icelandic landscapes and the amazing volcanic activity of the island. The geyser and geothermal activity of Blue Lagoon will enthousiast your imagination, Vik and Dirholaey black beach and basaltic cliff will be a delight for your eyes and ears. At Jökusarlon, you will discover the ice world and its cristal beauty. Skogar and Hvosvollur bring for their part, tame color : green meadows and bright stained farm as scandianvian people like to build.
A simple and thoroughly itinerary for the whole family.

The accomodation in the middle of nature, are owned by icelandic people who have switch to tourism industry. At the same time as their new host activity, most of the guesthouse farm still in agriculture production. Generally, you will be accomodated in original little shelter of 5 to 20 rooms, which are different in style and category. Some looks like countryside hotel, others are more rustic and other one's seems to be like pretty cabins.

Whale watching tour in Reykjavik
Take part in an adventure at sea with a trip into the world of whales and sea birds.
Whale watching tours operate from the beginning of April through to the end of October, from the old harbour in Reykjavik. The whales most frequently seen on tours are the Minke whales, Humpback whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Other speces are sometimes spotted.

No two whale watching trips are the same, we need to be flexible and organize your trip taking sea conditions, weather and seasons into account. That why each trip takes about 2:30 to 3:30.
The boats leave at 09:00, 13:00 on September and at 13:00 only on October if the weather is good enough to go out.

Important : For your comfort and warmth, we have special suits on board we can lend you, but we do advise you to wear your warmest clothes - hats, scarves, gloves etc – as it can get very cold, even on the warmest of days.

To take part in this adventure in the best condition, it's possible to book one extra night in Reykjavik or to take a later flight (upon availability).

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HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL


There are only icelandic horses in this riding trail - Randocheval



Icelandic saddle - Randocheval
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.

Usually we change horses once or twice a day. On most of our longer tours we herd our spare horses along in a free running herd, the traditional way of riding in Iceland. All tours of the three and four horse categories are operated that way. For tours of the two horse category our guides may lead spare horses for parts of the ride.

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.

Required riding level
It's necessary to have an outdoor equestrian experience and to be confident at all gaits to take part of this adventure.
You will ride up to 7 hours per day. This is not a very technical ride, but ask a good physical condition.

See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
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YOUR GUIDES


The ride is supervised by a team of professionals of the trail ride in Iceland that perfectly knows the Icelandic h.orses and the specificity of the country.
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ACCOMMODATION


Accommodation
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in guesthouses in rooms with shared facilities. 2 to 4 riders share a room.
On the ride, accomodation are mostly in mountains cabins and guesthouse and offer simple accommodations in sleeping bags. Sometimes, the whole group stays together in one room.
Indoor WC, warm showers and/or hot pools are available at most locations.

Meals
During the ride full board is provided. 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, lunch and dinner are not include but generfruitsally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
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DATES AND RATES

Horse roundup 2010
September 15 to 21 - Skrapatungurett
1185 €
4 seats
September 28 to October 04 - Víðidalstungurétt
1185 €
available

- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 295 euros
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 60 euros per rider.
Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.


Sheep roundup 2010
September 06 to 12 - Gnúpverjaafréttur
989 €
3 seats

- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 245 euros
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 50 euros per rider.
Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.

Sheep roundup special 2010
September 16 to 24 - Landmannaafréttur
1792 €
4 seats

- Children's discount (under 12 years old):- 445 euros
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 90 euros per rider.
Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.

Flights to Reykjavik

Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.

RATE INCLUDING
- the trail ride with 3-4 horses per rider,
- full board (except at Hafnarfjordur - Reykjavik, breakfast),
- english-speaking equestrian guide,
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.

RATE NOT INCLUDING

- flights to Reykjavik,
- meals at Reykjavik,

- transfers from and to Keflavik airport on the special sheep roundup,
- drinks,
- tips,
- 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.


Options

Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, tourism car (7 days / 6 nights) - 2010
Price per person in double room basis
from June 15 to August 15
975 €
Price per person in double room basis
from August 16 to Sept. 30
860 €

This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.

Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 6x24h car rental (cat. A) with unlimited mileage and one extra driver,

Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.

Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, 4 wheels car (9 days / 8 nights) - 2010
Price per person in double room basis
from June 15 to August 15
1680 €
Price per person in double room basis
from August 16 to Sept. 30
1360 €

This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.

Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 2 nights in cabin in dormitory basis (sleeping bag required),
- 8x24h car rental (cat. H) with unlimited mileage, one extra driver and basic insurances,

Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- breakfast in cabin (to organized before),
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.


Whale watching tour in Reykjavik
Price per person (adult)
45 €
Price per person (children from 7 to 15 years old)
20 €
Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (adult)
6 €
Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (children from 7 to 15 years old)
3 €


Extra night in Reykavik in hotel (Bed&Breakfast)
Price per person in double room basis
85 €
Price per person in single room basis
120 €

In case you stay one or more extra nights in Reykjavik, before or after the riding tour, the transfers from and/or to the airport are not anymore include. But it's easy with the bus (flybus) or taxi.



BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Yves, for any enquiry !

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PRATICAL INFORMATIONS



COUNTRY
Iceland

Randonnées équestres en Islande, à cheval sur des poneys islandais au milieu d'un troupeau de 60 chevaux en liberté - découvrez le tölt - Rando Cheval / Absolu Voyages Geysir and Gulfoss (8j), discover on horseback on of the most known area in the outskirts of Reykjavik, available for beginners and family Landmannalaugar (7 jours), horseback tour in a great countryside with lots of color Northern Exposure (8j), where the lands stop and nature take his rights back : colony of birds, wales and glacier Egillstadir (9j), a horse riding down in the Vikings country, huge canyons and where reindeer lived Kjölur (9j), an expedition on a historic path used by the old caravan and which join the south to the north of Iceland Snaefellsnes (9j), with mysteries hills and large volcanic sand beach


LENGTH
Horse round-up: 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days riding.

Sheep round up:
  • Gnúpverjaafréttur : 7 days / 6 nights / 4 days riding

  • Landmannaafréttur : 9 days / 8 night / 6 days riding


LANGUAGE
English.

GROUP SIZE
From 10 to 20 riders who join the farmers who gather their livestock. Several horses per rider, so you move among a herd of free horses.


ACCESS
Reykjavik airport.

Horse riding holidays, horseback trails and equestrian vacation in Egilsstadir region (Iceland) : horse riding trail in the homeland of Vikings, driving a 60 horses herd !

CLIMATE
The rigour of the Icelandic climate, which has formed the immense spaces that you cover, only allows the trail rides from June to September. However this period is really ideal seeing that the sun shines during the best part of the day.


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.


REFERENCE :
ch44-islande-roundup_en

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