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Randonnée équestre et voyage à cheval

ICELAND : HORSEBACK TRAIL IN NORTHERN OF THE ISLE, DRIVING A 60 HORSE HERD...

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


Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

This tour leads through an ever-changing landscape and offers each day new scenery and impressions.
Ride along pleasant riding tracks through bushy forests and luxuriant vegetation. Continue through sand deserts and lava fields , where few living creatyres have set foot before. Enjoy Lake Mývatn with its countless numbers of breeding ducks. View boling mud pools and eerie lava formations reminding you of the power of the volcanic energy hidden beneath.
A peaceful sail on a whale watching boat introduces you to the secrets of the ocean and Dettifoss, Europe's largest waterfall is waiting to be explored.

If you would like to know what Iceland is all about, this tourwill be revelation for you. At the end of this trail, you will have the opportunity to make a whale watching tour (option in supplement to be paid on the spot)

Also, for those who search for a riding trail with a higher standard of accommodation, we offer the Northern Diamond tour.

See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.




ITINERARY


Sunday: Europe - Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavik Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.

Monday: Reykjavík - Akureyri - Goðafoss - Hvammsheiði - Saltvík
Domestic flight in the morning to Akureyri and transfer to Saltvík Farm. On the way we stop at majestic Goðafoss waterfall. At Saltvík, we start our ride after a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits. We cross the mountain plateau Hvammsheiði towards the Reykjahverfi area with its white steaming hot springs. Surely you will enjoy a relaxing bath in a warm outdoor tub before dinner at Saltvík Farm and overnight stay.

Tuesday: Heiðabær - Theistareykir
Through the Geldingadalur valley and over the plateau Reykjaheiði heath our trail leads us to the geothermal area of Theistareykir. At one point we will practically cross over from one continental plate to another as we ride over the midatlantic ridge! It is a fascinating area with deep earthquake fissures, multi-coloured mountains and geothermal energy. With all this volcanic activity going on here, it is easy to understand that Iceland is still under “natural construction”!

Wednesday: Theistareykir – Grímsstaðir – Jarðböð – Hraunbrún
Enjoy today's ride from the Theistareykir area past the mountains Gæsafjöll and Hrafnabjörg. We follow good riding tracks through the mountains, past lakes and through bushy vegetation. At Grímsstaðir Farm we leave the horses behind and take a nice hot bath in Jarðböð, an outdoor pool with geothermal water. We continue to Hraunbrún Guesthouse where we stay over night.

Thursday: Skjólbrekka – Laxárdalur – Saltvík
We start the day with an exciting sightseeing tour around Lake Mývatn by bus. Visit Dimmuborgir, fantastic black lava formations with rich vegetation. Our next highlight is the geothermal area of Hverarönd with boiling mud pools and steam vents. We saddle up again and head out of the Mývatn area. Through a black sand desert we ride into colourful Laxárdalur valley with glittering salmon River Laxá in the middle. A true day of contrasts in the ever changing Icelandic nature. Overnight at Saltvík Farm for the last two nights.

Friday: Breiðamýri – Saltvík
Our ride continues over Hvammsheiði heath. We cross Laxá river and ride alongside it for a while through beautiful countryside.We visit Æðarfossar waterfalls and finish our ride on the shore of Skjálfandi bay before returning to Saltvík Farm where the warm outdoor tub is waiting.

Optional (available at an extra charge): Whale Watching
At Húsavík harbour a boat is waiting to go out on a whale watching cruise. There is no better way to end a great tour than by sailing into the evening sun with, hopefully, whales swimming alongside. (Price per person EUR 60)

Saturday: Saltvík - Akureyri - Reykjavík
In the morning return to Akureyri by bus and flight back to Reykjavík Domestic Airport with arrival at approx. 13:30. Last night in a guesthouse in Reykjavík.

Sunday: Reykjavík - Europe
Transfer by bus to Keflavik Airport in time for the flight back home.
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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".

Have a look on our extensions in Iceland !

Discover our Extensions in Iceland ! - Randocheval


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HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL


There are only icelandic horses in this riding trail - Randocheval

There are only icelandic horses in this riding trail - 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.

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.
Minimum age : 09 years, with the requested riding abilities and accompanied by an adult.

See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
Icelandic saddle - Randocheval
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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 horses 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.
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.
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DATES AND RATES

Northern Exposure 2012
June 17 to 24
1832 €
available
June 24 to July 01
1832 €
available
July 01 to 08
1832 €
available
July 15 to 22
1832 €
available
July 22 to 29
1832 €
full
August 19 to 26
1832 €
available


- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 340 €
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 92 €
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 from / to Reykjavik
- tips
- drinks
- meals at Reykjavik
- 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 !

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PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS



COUNTRY
Iceland


LENGTH
8 days / 7 nights, 5 riding days




LANGUAGE
English.

GROUP SIZE
From 10 to 20 riders. Given the fact that we always move with a substantial herd of horses in freedom (on average 50 to 60 horses) in immense areas, a more substantial group than in our other destinations is not a handicap at all.


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 :
CH48_islande-nordextreme_en

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval

Horseback trail in Northern of Iceland - Randocheval


Randocheval - Randonnées à cheval dans le monde entier

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