Day 1 Sunday: You may arrive at your first Inn anytime after 3:00 p.m.  You will be staying at the Mad River Inn.  On this night dinner is not included, but your innkeepers will be very happy to help you make a restaurant selection. The inn has a hot tub, so don't forget to bring your bathing suit.
Day 2 Monday: Arrive at the equestrian center around 9:30 a.m. for an orientation and introduction to the Icelandic horses. There will be an opportunity to view a video about the history and gaits of Icelandic horses. After a brief evaluation and assignment of horses, you are then off to the Mad River for a picnic lunch. Afternoon takes us over wooded trails and dirt roads to the 1824 House Inn. Relax from a day of riding by soaking in the hot tub. Dinner will be a barbecue in the barn. John and Trey are great in the kitchen and will prepare and serve you a wonderful dinner.
Day 3 Tuesday: Today you will really get into tolting while enjoying magnificent views of the ski areas along the way. Lunch today is at a pretty spot by the river.  Then off for more riding through forests and neighboring farm lands. Back at the Mad River Inn you may choose to relax before dinner, or explore the wonderful walking trails along the river or take a swim. 
Day 4 Wednesday: Our journey continues via the "Enchanted Way" through the marvelous terrain used by cross-country skiers in the winter. Today will be a short riding day. We will arrive back at the farm for lunch. The afternoon is yours to do as you wish. A canoe trip can be arranged or maybe you would enjoy a massage. Tonight you are on your own for dinner, we suggest a short trip to Stowe, a quaint resort town, with many fine shops and restaurants.
Day 5 Thursday: This morning starts out again at the farm.  There may be an opportunity to ride a different horse today. Then we will be off exploring Camel’s Hump State Forest in an area the locals call “Baird in the Bush”.  Lunch is back at the farm and the afternoon offers dirt roads and lovely wooded trails that bring us back around 4:00 p.m.  We will meet back at the Mad River Inn for dinner on this night.
* For the shorter version from Sunday to Thursday afternoon: you will have a full day ride on Thursday. Departure will be around 4-5 pm. You will need to check out of the B&B Thursday morning *
Day 6 Friday: We will ride up through the mountains along scenic stone walls and through old farm lands, even coming acorss stone foundations dating back about 100 years.  Lunch is back at the farm, and for those who wish to ride in the afternoon, we will be off for more tolting along our dirt roads.  For those who opt for the full day we will return around 4 p.m. We say farewell and you depart for home.
....   or you can opt for an additional night at one of the inns and even take in another half day ride on Saturday morning - please make arrangements with us in advance.       
subject to change 

May and June: days are warm with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, sometimes 80’s. Nights are cooler (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 belt pack 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 helmet and rain gear. Dress in the evenings is casual.  Bring riding gloves. There is a laundry in Waitsfield if necessary.

All are comfortable inns with excellent cuisine. All the rooms have private baths. The Mad River Inn has a hot tub. You will find each inn charming, each with its own special characteristics.  You will also find the innkeepers warm and friendly. 

Please let Hidden Trails know if you want to book extra nights accommodation at the beginning or end of the ride.

Sunday- Mad River Inn
Monday- 1824 House
Tuesday- Mad River Inn
Wednesday- Mad River Inn
Thursday- Mad River Inn

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

The Horses

All horses used are imported, purebred, carefully selected Icelandic Horses.  The breed is famous for stamina, gates (horses are 4 or 5 gated), pronounced homing instinct and gentle disposition. These horsed are small, about 13-14.2 hh but do not have any trouble in carrying an ordinary sized rider up to 250 lbs. long distances.  Riding Icelandic is certainly a unique experience and one never to be forgotten.

Tack:		Icelandic, English
Horses:		Icelandic horses
Pace:		Walt Trot Toelt, 5-6 hrs per day, half day on WE
Level:		(2.5 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 10	Max 80
Weight:		Max 225
Riders:		Min 4	Max 8

The Horses

All horses used are imported, purebred, carefully selected Icelandic Horses.  The breed is famous for stamina, gates (horses are 4 or 5 gated), pronounced homing instinct and gentle disposition. These horsed are small, about 13-14.2 hh but do not have any trouble in carrying an ordinary sized rider up to 250 lbs. long distances.  Riding Icelandic is certainly a unique experience and one never to be forgotten.

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.