Iceland - River Trail

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from HR of Ieper on 01/09/2020

Day 1
Reykjavík – Kálfhóll farm: Guests are collected at 10:00am at the BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik. From here the group will be transferred to Kálfhóll farm to meet the farmers and staff. Lunch will be served at the farm followed by an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits. This first day is perfect for getting to know the horses. After a relaxing afternoon on horseback, enjoy dinner at the farm and enjoy the outdoor hot tub before a good nights sleep. (Approx. 15 km)

Day 2
Kálfhóll Farm – River Þjórsá – Kálfhóll farm: After breakfast, return to the stables and get acquainted with the horse of the day. Ride along the Þjórsá glacier-fed river and have relaxed lunch on the banks. Enjoy the natural surroundings, listening to birdsong and the sound of the river. Today is another chance to get to know the horses better and the Icelandic way of trail riding. Dinner and overnight back at the farm. (Approx. 20 km)

Day 3
Kálfhóll farm – Þjórsá and the horses at Kálfhóll Farm: Meet the horses and head to their summer pastures while riding along with the free-running herd, and maybe see the new foals that were born in the summer. There are lots of great photo opportunities throughout the day. The ride follows the trail along the Þjórsá river, the longest river in Iceland, which leads through fertile farmland. Say goodbye to the horses and team. Return to Reykjavík approx. at 18:00. (Approx. 20 km)

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There are no packing restrictions for this ride. Please see recommended packing list
Please don't bring a long riding raincoat as they tend to flap.
Please bring cash for purchases at the farm.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Guests ride the traditional Icelandic horses (called horses not ponies despite being pony sized!) who have a special gait known as the tölt which is very comfortable and anyone comfortable with English (or McLellan) or Western tack will be able to adapt to sitting to the new gait without any problems – the trail leaders explain how to sit it before the first day’s riding, how to tack up the horses, mount and how to ride the tölt before setting off. All the guides are English-speaking.

Horses are responsive, calm and forward-going. They are used to being ridden in groups in open countryside and are lovely to ride! The pace of this ride is very relaxed and will be geared to the ability of the group. You will switch horses throughout the trail meaning you''ll get to try out a number of the horses. The comfort of each horses tölt can vary!

Hours per day in the saddle ranges from two to four hours, although the pace is relaxed. The minimum age for this ride is 7 years old and the weight limit is 110kg. Assistance will be given in tacking up and mounting your horse and you will receive instruction on riding in the Icelandic style. Not suitable for non-riders.

NB: Used riding clothes must be disinfected before entry to Iceland. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be 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 and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
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! For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is

The weight limit for this ride is 242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Whilst on the ride accommodation is in summer cottages on farmland. There are three bedrooms in each cottage and shared living room, kitchen and bathroom. Single supplements are available for single rooms but please note that this does not include a private bathroom, please enquire for more information. Hot tub is outside and always ready for use.

Large breakfasts are traditional. Lamb and fish are the staple ingredients at dinners, although special diets (vegetarian, etc.) can be provided if advance notice is given. Riders make their own lunches up from the large food selection at the breakfast table.

Extra accommodation: We recommend that you arrive the day before the ride begins and stay in a hotel in Reykjavik. Some riders may also want to stay an extra night at the end of the ride before flying home. There are many hotels to choose from in Reykjavik, some recommendations are Cabin Hotel and Brim Hotel.

As part of an initiative to improve the centre of Reykjavik for locals and travellers, the local authorities have banned buses from driving within the central part of the City. Instead, vehicles with group licenses will pick up and drop off all passengers staying at hostels and guesthouses within the area at designated bus stops, including airport transfers and tours. Please take a look at the available bus stops here http://www.busstop.is/ to find the stop closest to your intended accommodation

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures.

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/iceland

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Come prepared for all kinds of weather as the day can change very quickly! Summer temperatures usually reach around 17°C but can be less than 10°C.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Iceland and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

Sunscreen and insect repellent is advised.

No special health precautions are required for the rides.

If you need to contact the emergency services, call 112.

No special health precautions are required for visits to Iceland.

In Iceland the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

There is electricity available in the evening accommodation to charge cameras etc. Wifi is also provided at the guesthouse. If using a Go-Pro ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly. We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for riding tours in Iceland:
• Warm jacket (windproof and waterproof/water-resistant)
• Warm sweater (woollen or fleece)
• Warm socks
• Riding gloves
• Warm and comfortable underwear
• Riding trousers (water-resistant material is a great option)
• Riding shoes/boots (waterproof & comfortable, some prefer hiking boots)
• Casual clothes for evenings
• A pair of slippers
• Swimsuit
• Blister plasters
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for long riding days
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen with high protection for face/lips (in summer the sun is very strong in Iceland!)
• Vaseline or similar for lips
• Sleeping mask (it’s bright outside around the clock in summer)

Items provided:
• Towel
• Saddle bag
• Rain wear
• Helmet
• Water bottle

WASHING / DISINFECTING / FORBIDDEN

Geographical isolation and strict importation rules have protected the Iceland horse population from serious infectious diseases. As a result, Iceland is in a unique situation where strangles, equine influenza, equine herpes virus type 1, and many other diseases have never reached the country.

Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help Iceland to protect the fragile nature by following the instructions:

RIDING CLOTHES NEED TO BE WASHED AND DISINFECTED AS FOLLOWS:

Used riding clothes must be washed (40°C) in a washing machine or dry cleaned prior to entering the country.

Riding clothes and boots that cannot be cleaned this way should be washed and disinfected as follows:
1. Rinse thoroughly with detergent
2. Dry
3. Spray with 2% Virkon® S (20g per litre of water)
4. Store for at least 5 days prior to bringing the clothes into contact with horses in Iceland

FORBIDDEN ITEMS:
• Used riding equipment such as gloves, chaps, whips, saddles, bridles, pads etc.
• Used leather gear


If you have any doubts or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

3d / 2n programme with 3 riding days available on set dates. We recommend riders arrive a day early and stay in a hotel in Reykjavik the night before the ride starts.

2025: 3, 10, 17, 24 July; 7 August

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• €
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• SEK

WH Auden and Louis MacNeice Letters from Iceland

Chris Casseldine Most Unimaginably Strange: An Eclectic Companion to the Landscape of Iceland 

David Roberts 'Iceland Land of the Saga's';

Terry Lacy 'Ring of Seasons'.

For a broad selection of equestrian travel books, many previously unavailable visit www.HorseTravelBooks.com - inspiring adventure!

Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon / Whale watching / FlyOver Iceland

Disinfecting of used riding gear: Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected with Virkon S before arriving in Iceland. Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases (i.e. rabies or foot and mouth diseases) in Iceland and therefore important to protect the animals of the country. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature!
For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is

Iceland is known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ and is a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean, close to the Arctic Circle. It has close ties with Scandinavia and is part of Europe. Historically, Iceland was settled by Vikings and later came under Danish rule. Known for having the world's first parliament during Norse times, Iceland passed an act centuries ago banning horse imports, leading to today's pure breed. In 1944, Iceland gained full independence. Iceland also boasts a rich horse culture, with nearly every Icelander being a rider or adept at horseback riding.

Iceland is a true gem in the world of travel. With its incredible landscapes that seem to come straight out of a storybook, this destination is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The opportunity to witness volcanoes, stunning beaches, geothermal springs, rocky formations, and mineral-packed pools sparkling with color is truly unique. Plus, its wild landscapes are home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural phenomena, such as the midnight sun in June where you can experience almost 24 hours of daylight. And there's no better way to immerse yourself in this natural wonderland than by taking a horseback ride through the glacial river valleys and ancient routes. With its vast uninhabited land, Iceland is an adventure waiting to happen for those who are willing to explore off the beaten path. Only approximately 15% of Iceland is populated and most people choose to live around the coast, leaving the rest of the country's rugged beauty to be discovered by travellers.

Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, is picturesque with modern architecture and commerce mixed with traditional colourful wooden houses. The nearby geothermal hot springs have been harnessed to provide a cheap natural heating system. This leaves the air pristine and pollution free. Your photographs will benefit from the fabulous clear sharp light. The sea also plays a vital role in Icelandic life, supporting the fishing industry. The coast and fjords are rich in bird species, especially sea fowl.