HORSE ROUND UP  2009

SKRAPATUNGURETT - COUNTRYSIDE RIDING TOUR

Difficulty rating:

6 days / 5 nights / 4 riding days, Reykjavik - Mt. Helgafell  - Lake Húnavatn -

Laxárdalur - Skrapatungurétt - Hvammur - Reykjavik
 

Departure Round-Up A,  Sep 10

 Imagine free and spirited horses coming down from their highland summer pastures towards the inhabited areas to

 be returned to their owners. Mares and their foals, young horses and geldings make their way through rough territory,

 not really willing to give up their freedom yet before winter returns once again. This is a sight you will never forget!

 Join the farmers in this great adventure of the fall and participate in driving the herd, sorting the horses and

 celebrating the successful return of horses and men. The variety of terrain includes the highlands, green valleys,

 blue lakes and an exciting ride crossing Lake Húnavatn. You get to ride through untouched nature and get an

 excellent insight into the life of the Icelandic farmer and how he handles his horses. Your hosts Haukur and his wife

 Sonja will surely do their best to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.
 

Day 1 ARRIVAL REYKJAVIK (D)

Transfer from Keflavik Airport to the Íshestar Riding Centre. Make sure your flight arrives not later then 16:00 to be able to participate in an introductional riding tour to Mt. Helgafell Volcano. (Clients arriving earlier that day are picked up upon arrival, driven to the guesthouse and picked up at the guesthouse again in time for the ride.) After the ride we enjoy a traditional Icelandic soup and receive details of the following tour before the day ends at your accommodation in a guesthouse in Reykjavík. (10 km)
 

Day 2  THINGEYRAR - RODULL - HVAMMUR

(B, L, D)
We drive to the North and meet guides and horses at Thingeyrar Farm, a place of great historic importance. We follow the expensive salmon fishing river Laxá á Ásum and end our ride at Farm Röðull where Haukur's grandfather lives. He is known for his storytelling and warm personality. Overnight stay at Hvammur Farm, the home of Sonja and Haukur, where we stay during this tour (30 km).
 

Day 3 LAXARDALUR - SKRAPATUNGURETT

(B, L, D)
We meet up with our horses again at Farm Strjúgsstaðir. Today we meet the farmers coming down from the mountains where they already spent some time gathering the horses in their summer pastures. Hundreds of horses are coming down from the highlands and we participate in herding them to the round up place Skrapatungurétt. During this long riding day join in the singing of the farmers, celebrating this great event of the fall. (35 km)

Optional (not included in the tour price):
'Stóðréttardansleikur' dance at Blönduós, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up.
 

Day 4 SKRAPATUNGURETT - HVAMMUR

(B, L, D)

Sorting of the horses and driving the herds to their home pastures. Our day starts at the round up place Skrapatungurétt where horses are sorted out. Experience the excitement and view beautiful horses while joining in this great event. When the horses are sorted we participate in returning some of them to their meadows at their home farms. After dinner at Hvammur, nearby farmers will join us for a farewell party after this great tour. (25 km)

Day 5  REYKJAVIK - BLUE LAGOON (B, L, D)
After breakfast departure from the North and return to Reykjavík. We visit a factory outlet with woolen goods on our way. Approx. arrival at the guesthouse at 14:00. We offer an optional bus drive to the Blue Lagoon for a swim in the blue-colored, mineral rich water (not included in the tour price).
 

Day 6 DEPARTURE (B)
Transfer to Keflavik Airport in time for the return flight home.

Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride.

For those interested in more riding days, we suggest our popular 2-day Viking Adventure Tour

before this tour, or maybe you would like to add some riding days at the farm before the tour starts? Please contact us for more information.

 

 Departure Date 2009

 Horse Round-Up A, Sept 10

 Prices in US Dollar

 Duration: 6 days / 5 nights / 4 riding days - 100 km