Reykjavík Grapevine - 06.05.2011, Síða 24

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KEFLAVÍK
BORGARNES
STYKKISHÓLMUR
SNÆFELLSJÖKULL
DRANGAJÖKULL
FLATEY
NESKAUPSTAÐUR
BLÖNDUÓS
SIGLUFJÖRÐUR
BOLUNGARVÍK
HRÍSEY
NARSARSSUAQ
Greenland
FAROE ISLANDS
REYKJAVÍK
AKUREYRI
EGILSSTAÐIR
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
VOPNAFJÖRÐUR
ÞÓRSHÖFN
HÚSAVÍK
GRÍMSEY
KULUSUK
Greenland
Blue Lagoon
AKRANES Geysir
Gullfoss
Jökullónið
Kárahnjúkar
Kraa
Hallormstaður
NUUK
Greenland
ILULISSAT
Greenland
www.airiceland.is
CONSTABLE POINT
Greenland
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil stroll
through the beautiful Icelandic countryside, or an
exhilarating jaunt, this trip has got you covered.
Íshestar provides a variety of different horseback
riding tours around Iceland catered to every riding
level. Their scenic Lava Tour is directed at begin-
ners, but what it lacks in challenge, it more than
makes up for in pristine scenery.
I was picked up from my hostel at 13:00, and
the stables were only an hour drive away, on the
lava fields around Mount Helgafell. Our group of
eight entered a rustic cabin-style lounge and was
greeted with some kind of legal waiver we had
to fill out. I assumed I was signing away my legal
rights should I get trampled or kicked in the face,
but that beats having to read an entire legal form,
so I signed away. We then had to watch a five-
minute instructional video (again, I’m assuming
for legal reasons). Finally, we strapped on some
helmets, stepped into some thermal coveralls, and
went out to meet the horses.
AN ANCIENT BREED
The Icelandic horse is a very distinctive breed.
They are slightly smaller than most horses, al-
though quite robust, and have long, coarse fur.
Watching them standing there in their natural
setting, with the wind and snow blowing through
their manes and the solemn lava fields around
them, you get a sense that this is an ancient breed.
All poetics aside, the Icelandic horse really is
an ancient breed. Settlers brought them to Ice-
land as early as the 9th century, and the breed has
stayed pure to its earliest ancestors. No other kind
of horse is found in Iceland, and exported Icelan-
dic horses are not allowed to return, in order to
ensure the purity of the breed and to protect them
from outside diseases. Icelandic horses are also
unique in that along with the traditional walk, trot,
and gallop, they have two additional gaits: the tölt
and the skeið.
The tölt is a natural gait present in Icelandic
horses from birth. It is faster than a trot, but not
quite a gallop. The tölt is especially helpful when
crossing rough terrain quickly, such as lava fields,
because it allows the horse to more carefully place
its footing.
The skeið, or flying pace, is known for being
fast like the gallop, but much smoother. It is also
visibly unique in that the horse runs with both
hooves of the same side landing simultaneously.
HOOFPRINTS IN THE SNOW
These horses are as used to tourists as they are to
snow, so even first-time riders can easily hold their
own. We set out from the stables and the horses
instinctively fell into a single file line. We started
at a very slow walk, and got up to a quick trot at
times. Not necessarily the most exciting tour for
experienced riders, but it was a wonderfully calm
and enjoyable way to see the Icelandic country-
side, especially for folks like me who don’t feel to-
tally comfortable on a horse.
As we rode among the lava fields with Mount
Helgafell looming in the distance, it began to
snow. We walked between sharp lava formations
jutting up from the rolling white snow cover and
through frosted pine trees. Rocky, my trusty steed
for the day, was clearly a seasoned professional,
as I really didn’t have to do much during the tour,
apart from an occasional tug on the reigns or a
light kick to get him into a trot. At times, I even
completely let go of the reins during the slower
walks and took photos.
For riders with a bit more comfort on horse-
back, the tour group split up at a midpoint, allow-
ing some riders to take a more advanced route
and riding into full gallop. I opted to take it easy
and soak in the scenery.
The entire tour took about two hours, just
enough time to soak in the scenery while enjoying
the time with your fuzzy ride. It is a truly authen-
tic Icelandic experience. Where else can you get
snow, lava, and Icelandic horses all in one charm-
ing tour?
24
The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 5 — 2011
Travel | Horses
The Norse Horse
Taking a snow-covered lava tour on Icelandic horses
Words
Steve Ganey
Photography
Vanessa Schipani
“Watching them standing there in their natural setting,
with the wind and snow
blowing through their manes
and the solemn lava fields
around them, you get a sense
that this is an ancient breed
This trip is provided by Íshestar and costs 9.550 ISK. It lasts about 3 hours, 1
hour driving, 2 hours riding. Transport provided, along with thermal gear and
riding safety gear, and a guide. Lunch not provided, but food is available at the
lounge near the stables. Book trip at www.ishestar.is or call +354-5557000