Weekend Inn Rides 3 days/ 2 nights: Friday to Sunday arrive at 4 PM, 2 days riding. Friday and Sunday dinner not included. Optional Sunday overnight is an additonal cost.

Best to have your own car with you for transportation between the Inn to the stables. If not, it may be possible to ride with other guests or we will drive you.

Friday: Arrive late afternoon about 4 PM at the Mad River Inn. A lovely 1860's Victorian country inn with cozy guest rooms, all with private baths. The Mad River Inn boasts a swimming hole within walking distance, a recreation path, views of surrounding farmland, a BYOB bar in the family room with a pool table, and an outdoor Jacuzzi tub. With as many as 30 restaurants in the valley we can be sure you will find one to suit your tastes. Your innkeeper Luc can help you with your selection.

Saturday: After a three-course gourmet breakfast on our lovely back porch overlooking the gazebo you will be introduced to your horses and have a quick orientation. Then off to a day of riding. A picnic lunch will be served along the trail, with ample time for relaxing and enjoying the fresh Vermont air, before remounting for a fun afternoon of riding. Late afternoon is a great time for a swim, shopping, sightseeing, maybe a Jacuzzi, or if you wish a massage. We offer an on-call massage therapist who will arrive at the Inn to take care of any sore places. Dinner will be prepared and served by your hosts, who will join you for a relaxing meal. By this time you will appreciate the Inn's marvelous feather beds.

Sunday: After another fabulous breakfast, we are off to another full day of riding, more beautiful scenery, and another great picnic lunch. The ride will end at 4 p.m.

Each days ride is approximately 5-6 hours. Please be aware that itineraries may vary slightly, due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

May and June: days are warm with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, sometimes 80’s.

Nights are cooker (50’s). July and August are usually warm and occasionally hot (90’s).

In September and October you will find warm days, mornings and evenings are cool, sometime as low as 30’s and 40’s.

During the ride, informal attire prevails. Riding breeches, chaps or comfortable sports pants are most practical on this ride. The outfitter recommends paddock boots, but it is most important that you are comfortable as there is some walking involved. If you decide to wear jeans, they suggest that you bring chaps or half chaps. Dress for the season, remembering to bring warmer cloths for the spring and fall. Do not forget to bring sunscreen, bathing suit, towel, camera, sunglasses, and plenty of film. Gloves and a water bottle are other options that many riders find worthwhile.

We recommend that you bring a small beltpack in which to carry your camera, money and personal items during the ride. Saddlebags will be provided. Riding helmets with a harness are required and can be borrowed from the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm as well as rain gear or you may choose to bring your own. Dress in the evenings is casual. Bring riding gloves.

If you would like to book the Massage Therapist- please contact Hidden Trails for details and confirmation.

When your Icelandic Horse ride has ended, and we've returned to the farm and dismounted, our hospitality has only begun. For a complete Vermont vacation experience, we invite you to stay with us at the Mad River Inn.

Our rambling 1860's-era Victorian country house is a relaxing complement to a day in the saddle. Soak in our hot tub, sleep restfully in our feather beds, and awake to a gourmet country breakfast. In season, we'll serve it on our back porch overlooking the meadow.

The inn is on a quiet side road, just off Route 100. It's convenient to our farm and to all the attractions that the Mad River Valley has to offer.

When necessary we may use an alternate Inn …. You'll enjoy very comfortable accommodations and gourmet dining at select inns, all with a generous helping of Vermont hospitality. All of our inns feature beautiful settings and excellent cuisine. For lunch we bring either a delicious picnic to eat at a pretty spot or we stop at a specially selected restaurant.

You will also find the innkeepers warm and friendly. Specific rooms cannot be pre-reserved.

Included in the price are your accommodations, three meals on Saturday, including lunch on Sunday and all riding. On Friday and Sunday dinner is not included. Each days ride is approximately five to six hours. 

                                                           

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

The Icelandic’s that are used are well trained, willing, and can tolt beautifully. The tolt is a smooth four – beat gait appreciated by long distance riders. Saddles are English Style with special tolting saddles available. Almost all groups end up doing some walking, mostly tolting and a bit of cantering. Groups are kept small, 2-10 riders plus guides. Pace and distance ridden in one day (there are alternate routes) is decided by the riders. The horses are kept at the inns each night..

Max riders weight:  225 lbs.

Tack and Equipment:

The Horses are ridden in equipment traditionally used in Iceland. The Saddles are quality English saddles made for Icelandic horses and are comfortable for the horse as well as the rider. Bridles have snaffle bits with drop nosebands. Saddlebags and water bottle are available. Helmets are required and are available for those who do not have their own.

The Icelandic Horse has many unique features . . .

Versatility

One of the keys to enjoying Icelandic Horses is their well-rounded versatility. They are superb, natural jumpers, enthusiastic driving horses, and competent, talented partners in dressage. Endowed with tremendous stamina, Icelandic Horses stay healthy, fit and mentally well balanced with minimal stress and training.

Pleasure Riding

Bred to carry adults smoothly and willingly over difficult terrain, Icelandic Horses bring their cheerful outlook and sensible attitude to each ride. Always willing and energetic, they are forgiving and patient with beginners, yet offer the competition rider a challenging experience.

A Thousand Years of Isolation

Considered the world's purest breed, Icelandic Horses were brought by Viking ships to serve as the sole source of transportation over Iceland's rough terrain. Isolated by law, nature gifted these horses with no natural predators, but in turn challenged them with sparse forage and a harsh climate. Survivors of this natural selection process, the calm, sure-footed Icelandic Horses learned to stop and think rather than panic and flee. 

A Special Look

Strong, yet never intimidating, and capable of carrying large adults due to their unique bone density, Icelandic Horses average 13 to 14 hands in height. Icelandic Horses are found in all colors and have beautifully defined heads and abundant manes and tails.

The Only Naturally Five-Gaited Horse

In addition to walk, trot, and canter, Icelandic Horses also tölt, a four-beat running walk that produces fluid, rhythmic, forward movement. The tölt, the most pleasurable gait, is free flowing and effortless, allowing the horse to cover rough terrain swiftly. Many Icelandic Horses also pace, an exhilarating racing gait which can be performed at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Whichever gait you choose, Icelandic Horses perform naturally and smoothly—no bouncing, no posting!

Tack:		Icelandic, English
Horses:		Icelandic horses
Pace:		Walt Trot Toelt, 5-6 hrs per day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    Good Novice
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 225
Riders:		Min 4	Max 8

The Icelandic’s that are used are well trained, willing, and can tolt beautifully. The tolt is a smooth four – beat gait appreciated by long distance riders. Saddles are English Style with special tolting saddles available. Almost all groups end up doing some walking, mostly tolting and a bit of cantering. Groups are kept small, 2-10 riders plus guides. Pace and distance ridden in one day (there are alternate routes) is decided by the riders. The horses are kept at the inns each night..

Max riders weight:  225 lbs.

Tack and Equipment:

The Horses are ridden in equipment traditionally used in Iceland. The Saddles are quality English saddles made for Icelandic horses and are comfortable for the horse as well as the rider. Bridles have snaffle bits with drop nosebands. Saddlebags and water bottle are available. Helmets are required and are available for those who do not have their own.

The Icelandic Horse has many unique features . . .

Versatility

One of the keys to enjoying Icelandic Horses is their well-rounded versatility. They are superb, natural jumpers, enthusiastic driving horses, and competent, talented partners in dressage. Endowed with tremendous stamina, Icelandic Horses stay healthy, fit and mentally well balanced with minimal stress and training.

Pleasure Riding

Bred to carry adults smoothly and willingly over difficult terrain, Icelandic Horses bring their cheerful outlook and sensible attitude to each ride. Always willing and energetic, they are forgiving and patient with beginners, yet offer the competition rider a challenging experience.

A Thousand Years of Isolation

Considered the world's purest breed, Icelandic Horses were brought by Viking ships to serve as the sole source of transportation over Iceland's rough terrain. Isolated by law, nature gifted these horses with no natural predators, but in turn challenged them with sparse forage and a harsh climate. Survivors of this natural selection process, the calm, sure-footed Icelandic Horses learned to stop and think rather than panic and flee. 

A Special Look

Strong, yet never intimidating, and capable of carrying large adults due to their unique bone density, Icelandic Horses average 13 to 14 hands in height. Icelandic Horses are found in all colors and have beautifully defined heads and abundant manes and tails.

The Only Naturally Five-Gaited Horse

In addition to walk, trot, and canter, Icelandic Horses also tölt, a four-beat running walk that produces fluid, rhythmic, forward movement. The tölt, the most pleasurable gait, is free flowing and effortless, allowing the horse to cover rough terrain swiftly. Many Icelandic Horses also pace, an exhilarating racing gait which can be performed at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Whichever gait you choose, Icelandic Horses perform naturally and smoothly—no bouncing, no posting!

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.