Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
ICELAND : HORSE AND SHEEP ROUND UP...
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
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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. - Horses Round up - Sheep Round up 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.
| The horse round up tour in Skrapatungurétt area is from September 14 to 20. See the programm ! |
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This horse round up tour take place southern in the Víðidalstungurétt area from Sept
27 to Oct 03. See the programm ! |
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. We propose two differents programm : Gnúpverjaafréttur: 7 days / 6 nights / 4 days on horseback From September 12 to 18 Landmannaafréttur: 9 days / 8 nights / 6 days on horseback From September 15 to 23 |
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Landmannaafréttur :
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EXTEND YOUR TRIP
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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
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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. Recommended riding level This popular tour is ideal for families and those who do not have the required riding experience for our other riding trails in Iceland. 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. Children can not join these trails. See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides. |
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YOUR GUIDES
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.
European plugs are used in Iceland so you don't need any adapter.
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.
DATES AND RATES
| Horse Roundup 2011 | ||
| September 27 to October 03 - Víðidalstungurétt | 1278 € |
available |
| Sheep Roundup 2011 | ||
| Next departure in 2012 | ||
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 145 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.
Flights to Reykjavik
Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
| Horse Roundup 2012 | ||
| September 12 to 18 - Skrapatungurétt | 1024 € |
available |
| October 02 to 08 - Víðidalstungurétt | 974 € |
available |
| Sheep Roundup 2012 | ||
| September 14 to 22 - Landmannaafréttur | 1272 € |
available |
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 240 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.
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,
- transfers back and forth between Reykjiavik airport and your accomodation at 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.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Jennifer, for any enquiry !
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Iceland
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
ACCESS
Reykjavik airport.
CLIMATE
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
