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Horse Round Up

6 days - London to London

Imagine free and spirited horses coming down from their highland summer pastures to be returned to their owners before winter returns. Mares and their foals, young horses and geldings make their way through rough territory, not quite ready to give up their freedom.

Join the farmers in this great adventure of the autumn and participate in driving the herd, sorting the horses and celebrating the return of the horses. The terrain is varied and includes the highland moors, green valleys just turning into their autumn colours of red and yellow, blue lakes and rivers. An introduction ride from the Ishestar Riding Centre will help you to get acquainted with riding Icelandic style before your ride in the North really starts.

Only in the North of Iceland is the old tradition of rounding-up horses kept alive. Our October departure brings the horses to Vioidalstungurett where the locals celebrate the successful round-up with a ball "Rettardansleikur" in the next community hall. Farmers and friends join this celebration and sing and dance the night away.
Day 1 (D)
Depart London for Keflavik. On arrival you will be met and transferred to a guesthouse in Reykjavik. If you arrive earlier enough you will be taken on an introductory ride before returning to your guesthouse for a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
Drive north to Bjargsholl Farm where you will meet the guides and horses and start the ride. Your first riding day takes you through the beautiful valleys of Fitjardalur and Vioidalur each with their own salmon fishing river. Cross the Vioidalsa River and continue on to Daeli Holiday Farm, where the next three nights will be spent.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
Ascend the highland plateau of Vioidalstunguheioi and meet the horses coming down from their pastures in the highlands. Enjoy a warm lunch at a mountain shelter before joining the farmers to drive the herd down from the mountains. Before ending your ride at Daeli Farm stop at Kolugili Farm for refreshments. After dinner spend time with the farmers and other guests and join in their singing and celebrating of this great event of the fall.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
The day starts at the pens where the horses are sorted out. An auction is held right on the spot and you can join the farmers in their joyful singing, celebrating the return of their horses. In the afternoon ride back to Bjargsholl Farm and return your horse to the meadows, before driving back to Daeli for a hearty dinner.Iceland
Day 5 (B)
Transfer back to Reykjavik, visiting a woollen good factory outlet on our way. The afternoon is free to explore the city or to take an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon.
Day 6 (B)
Transfer to Keflavik Airport for your flight to London.
Please note that on the 11 September departure you will stay at Hvammur Farm, home of Sonja and Haukur and drive the horses to Skrapatungurett. A highlight of this tour is crossing Lake Hunavatn on your horse.
Iceland
  • Cost per Person:
  • Ride Only: £750
  • Includes: Includes, transfers, accommodation and meals as specified and all riding.
  • All Inclusive: From £1,015.
  • Includes: Includes flights, taxes, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, sleeping bag and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: None as you must be prepared to share.
  • Departure Dates: 11 Sep, 01 Oct.
  • The Accommodation: Accommodation whilst on the ride is in real beds in rooms that house between two and four people. Facilities are shared. In Reykjavik the accommodation is in a small hotel with private facilities.
  • Food & Drink: Scandinavian breakfast buffer, packed lunch (which everyone makes for themselves) and two course dinner. Coffee, tea, water and cordials are included. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not available but may be taken.
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: 8 upwards - but they must have the necessary riding skills, be accompanied by an experienced adult rider and be able to cope with the basic accommodation. Children under 12 receive a 25% reduction off the ride only price.
  • Non-Riders: The ride is not really suitable for non-riders but arrangements may be able to be made if required. A non-rider would need to travel in the kitchen vehicle.