Horseback riding in Iceland Shorts, Iceland

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Equestrian tours in Iceland, Iceland Shorts
Sheep Round-Up on Horseback


Sheep Round-Up on Horseback
Iceland Shorts Iceland

Melrakkaslétta:
This part of Iceland is inhabited by only few people, most of them living in little fishing villages along the coast and on farms. There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord. The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Here we are right on top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the North-American and Eurasian plates drift apart.
On this special tour we join the farmers in north Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep from Núpasveitafréttur and Melrakkaslétta peninsula and drive them into Katastaða communal sheepfold so the farmers can sort out their flock and take them to their farms. Local farmers have been rounding up sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hill sides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to head off again the next day to round up more.
Hosts for this tour are Halldór and Elín with their family from Bjarnastaðir Farm, known to many Icelanders for their excellent breeding of horses. Halldór is a respected member of his community and among other things he is a “mountain king” when the time calls for gathering up the sheep in autumn.

Landmannaafréttur:
Rounding up sheep with the farmers in Landmannalaugar, Jökulgil and near Volcano Hekla.
On this special tour we join the farmers in South Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep into the Landmannaafréttur communal sheepfold close to the famous Landmannalaugar geothermal area. The yellow, reddish and greenish hue of the rhyolite mountains give this area a magical touch. Here, under the stately gaze of Mt. Hekla, we drive the sheep across the black sands, which is the ash spewed by this volcano over centuries. Local farmers have been herding sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hill sides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to head off again the next day to round up more.

Rangárvallaafréttur:
On this special tour we join the farmers in South Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep into the Rangárvallaafréttur communal sheepfold close to the famous Landmannalaugar geothermal area. The yellow, reddish and greenish hue of the rhyolite mountains give this area a magical touch.
Here, under the stately gaze of Mt. Hekla, we drive the sheep across the black sands, which is the ash spewed by this same volcano over centuries. Local farmers have been rounding up sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hillsides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to head off again the next day to round up more.

Reykjaréttir:
From Kálfhóll Farm we head off through fertile farmland and enter the beautiful trail along mighty glacier river Thjórsá. The ride continues towards the herd of sheep that are herded down from the highlands in a tenth of thousands. When we meet the herd we will herd them for the rest of the way to Reykjaréttir (Reykja Coral) where all the sheep farmers come together to collect their sheep from the herd. We will get the opportunity to help one farmer to collect his sheep by catching them and check their mark. When everybody has got their sheep into the right (“dilkur”) place we will head back to Kálfhóll farm riding on our horses. On our way, there is a local pub that serves the traditional “réttarsúpa” (coral soup) which is a traditional Icelandic soup with meat and vegetable.


Being amongst the farming community and lending a helping hand in this age-old tradition of the autumn round-up is as close as you can get to the heart and soul of this nation. As participants you are joining an annual tradition and not a customized riding tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work as a team is essential. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, be prepared to pull your weight each day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those
participating.

When you participate in the Round Ups you are experiencing the Real Thing! You will be one of the group to herd and sort the animals. Of course that means long hours outside in sometimes cold weather. Iceland in autumn has many colours and types of weather. Anticipate to be in golden sunshine one moment and to ride in rain and even sleet during the next. We therefore recommend to dress well during these tours, to bring long woolen underwear and lots of woolen socks and gloves. It is also good to bring some 'quick energy supplier' like chocolate. A warm rider is a happy rider!                                                

Cattle Drive, Round Up
Short Getaway
Ride with Gaited Horses
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
Center-based ride

Meeting: Reykjavik
Airport: Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Reykjavik
Riders:
Max 8 riders

  • Trip Brochure (PDF)
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    Sheep Round-Up on Horseback
    Tour Code: IT-ICRT14
    5 days / 4 nights
    Dates : September

    Trip Rating :
    Difficulty : Riding Level
    Riding Level Explained
    ABeginner
    Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
    BNovice
    Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
    CIntermediate
    Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
    D Strong Intermediate
    Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
    EAdvanced
    All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
    Lodging: Basic
    Lodging Level Explained
       
    = Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
       
    Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
    Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
     Accommodations with superior comforts.
       
     = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
       
    Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
    Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
    Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
       
     = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
       
    Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
    Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
    Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

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    Introduction
    Day to Day Itinerary
    Rates | Dates
    Accommodation
    Tack: Icelandic
    Horses: Icelandic
    Pace: Between 4-6 hours of riding per day. 1...

    Airport: Keflavik Airport
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