Icelandic Arctic

The main thing is to wear something you think comfortable while riding. We recommend high riding boots with a heal but it is OK if you only have low or don´t have any at all. Make sure you bring more than one pair of comfortable shoes to change if you get wet for example hiking shoes, rubber boots or riding boots.

• The Icelandic Horse

The breed is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour.  Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience.  

• Herd

Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses.  

• Icelandic Nature

Iceland is the least densely populated country in Europe, with a pure, unpolluted and truly magical landscape.

• Nature bathing

In Iceland (and on our riding tours) you can find hot spring oasis featuring hot pools and geothermal hot springs that are perfect for relaxing after a long riding day.

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.

Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items that can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be cleaned and disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country, but riding clothes and boots needs to be disinfected.

Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!

You do not have to be an expert rider to participate in our tours, but some tours are by nature more difficult than others.
All our tours are categorized to help you choose the right tour according to your previous riding experience. Some tours are for riders with little riding experience, others are more difficult and therefore the rating should help to find a suitable tour for everyone. If in doubt ask us!

In case of early cancellation of the reservation, we will be forced to withhold from you a percentage of the price paid:

• 42 days and more - Deposit
• more than 21 days but less than 42 days’ - 50% cancellation fee.
• less than 21 days - The full price will be collected