Useful Information
Our Partners
We operate all of our tours in cooperation with local partners that are horse people through and through. They breed their own horses and train them themselves. Our partners are the experts we turn to in order to provide the most authentic and original experience for our guests. They operate their tours in their home region where they know each and every mountain, creek and canyon. Our partners are our local experts – they know the hidden gems you don´t read about in guidebooks and they know the tales, songs and stories associated with every trail.
Tack
Our tack is very similar to the one used by English style riding. But don´t worry if you come from a Western Riding background, we will assist you and you will get used to the tack in no time. We use safety stirrups on all our saddles and will ask you to wear a helmet at all times. You can bring your own helmet (please check Desinfektion of riding gear) or you can borrow one of our partner´s without extra charge.
Our briddles are very practical, they have clip on reins that you can release so that your horse can have some gras while you enjoy your break! We also provide you with a saddle bag, big enough for your picknick, some gloves and a small camera.
Disinfection of riding gear
Icelandic horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad.Visitors are asked to adopt strict biosecurity measures!
Importing the following equipment is strictly prohibited:
Thank you for your cooperation – by following these rules you are doing your bit towards Horse Welfare in Iceland!
Insurance
Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour prices. We urge our guests to purchase relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland. Guests from Europe should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
What to expect in respect to the climate
The climate of Iceland is mainly cold oceanic, reaching tundra climate in the highland.
Iceland in the path of the North Atlantic Current, which makes its climate more temperate than would be expected for its latitude just south of the Arctic Circle.
The weather in Iceland is notoriously variable and often very windy. On our highland tours you can expect any kind of weather and good preparation is a key to a succesful journey. When the sun is shining you need to wear strong sun protection similar to the one you would use while skiing in the Alps for example. Good layers of thermal underwear and ideally woolen sweaters in combination with a windproof jacket will keep you warm and snug even in colder temperatures. Good gloves and socks are important as well. Eat well in the mornings – we recommend the hot porridge we serve at breakfast that will keep you warm and strong during the ride. It is also advisable to bring some chocolate or any other kind of quick energy provider along. Always remember: A warm rider is a happy rider!
Information we need from you
To find the right tour and later also the best horse for you we reserve the right to inquire information about age, weight, height and riding experience. Please let us also know about dietary requirements, vegetarianism and allergies in advance.
Equipment list
Here are our recommendations on what to bring. Please make sure that you follow the rules set by the Icelandic Veterinary Authory (see above: Desinfektion of Riding gear).
At last a few but very honest words about Exploring Iceland riding tours:
You might have noticed that some of our tours are a bit more expensive than the ones you might find elsewhere. We are ok with that. When we decided that we were going to offer horse riding tours we decided to do it „fair trade“. We made the conscious decision to turn our back to mass tourism. We decided that:
Horseback Riding in Iceland is a thrilling adventure not be beaten by anything! .
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU IN THE SADDLE!
Your Exploring Iceland Team!
EXPLORING ICELAND
Fálkastígur 2
225 Garðabær
Phone: 354 – 519- 1555
[email protected]
terms and conditions For Exploring Iceland on Horseback tours request a confirmation payment upon booking of 25% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the saddle is secure. The remaining balance in ISK is due 4 weeks before the tour departs.
Our cancellation terms for Exploring Iceland on Horseback tours are: You can cancel your tour by e-mail, fax or letter. Cancellations usually include an administration cost of € 100,-. If the cancellation is received later than 4 weeks prior to departure, 25% of the tour price is charged. If the cancellation is received later than 2 weeks prior to departure, 50% of the tour price is charged. If you cancel later than 48 hours prior to departure, the full tour price will be charged
We reserves the right to change a day’s itinerary, if road or weather conditions prove unfavourable.
Safety rules
Liability
Exploring Iceland reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. We reserve the right to cancel the tour or exclude individual riders if we deem it in the person’s or group’s best interest. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Exploring Iceland. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveller. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.
We operate all of our tours in cooperation with local partners that are horse people through and through. They breed their own horses and train them themselves. Our partners are the experts we turn to in order to provide the most authentic and original experience for our guests. They operate their tours in their home region where they know each and every mountain, creek and canyon. Our partners are our local experts – they know the hidden gems you don´t read about in guidebooks and they know the tales, songs and stories associated with every trail.
Tack
Our tack is very similar to the one used by English style riding. But don´t worry if you come from a Western Riding background, we will assist you and you will get used to the tack in no time. We use safety stirrups on all our saddles and will ask you to wear a helmet at all times. You can bring your own helmet (please check Desinfektion of riding gear) or you can borrow one of our partner´s without extra charge.
Our briddles are very practical, they have clip on reins that you can release so that your horse can have some gras while you enjoy your break! We also provide you with a saddle bag, big enough for your picknick, some gloves and a small camera.
Disinfection of riding gear
Icelandic horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad.Visitors are asked to adopt strict biosecurity measures!
Importing the following equipment is strictly prohibited:
- Used riding equipment, such as saddles, bridles, nosebands, pads, rugs, whips, etc.
- Used riding gloves
- Used riding clothes and boots should be washed in a washing machine or dry cleaned prior to entering the country
- Used riding clothes and boots that cannot be placed in a washing machine or dry cleaned should be washed and disinfected as follows:
- Rinse thoroughly with detergent
- Dry
- Spray with 1% VirkonS® (10g per liter of water)
- Store for at least 5 days prior to bringing the clothes into contact with horses in Iceland
Thank you for your cooperation – by following these rules you are doing your bit towards Horse Welfare in Iceland!
Insurance
Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour prices. We urge our guests to purchase relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland. Guests from Europe should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
What to expect in respect to the climate
The climate of Iceland is mainly cold oceanic, reaching tundra climate in the highland.
Iceland in the path of the North Atlantic Current, which makes its climate more temperate than would be expected for its latitude just south of the Arctic Circle.
The weather in Iceland is notoriously variable and often very windy. On our highland tours you can expect any kind of weather and good preparation is a key to a succesful journey. When the sun is shining you need to wear strong sun protection similar to the one you would use while skiing in the Alps for example. Good layers of thermal underwear and ideally woolen sweaters in combination with a windproof jacket will keep you warm and snug even in colder temperatures. Good gloves and socks are important as well. Eat well in the mornings – we recommend the hot porridge we serve at breakfast that will keep you warm and strong during the ride. It is also advisable to bring some chocolate or any other kind of quick energy provider along. Always remember: A warm rider is a happy rider!
Information we need from you
To find the right tour and later also the best horse for you we reserve the right to inquire information about age, weight, height and riding experience. Please let us also know about dietary requirements, vegetarianism and allergies in advance.
Equipment list
Here are our recommendations on what to bring. Please make sure that you follow the rules set by the Icelandic Veterinary Authory (see above: Desinfektion of Riding gear).
- Sleepingbag and small pillow. (Available for 10.000 ISK surcharge if booked in advance).
- 2 pairs of good quality riding trousers. We do not recommend to ride in Jeans even if you are used to do so at home.
- 2-3 pullovers – ideally woolen but fleece is ok as well. It is best to have one or two thinner ones and one large pullover that you can wear in layers (onion layer method).
- Plenty of woolen socks and gloves.
- Good high quality thermal underwear – we recommend none- itching Merino wool!
- Rubber riding boots – we recommend the knee high rubber boots but you are welcome to wear riding shoes – just don´t complain if you get wet feet in one of our river crossings.
- A good and windproof – ideally waterproof jacket. We do provide you with heavy duty raingear (jackets and trousers) for days with heavy rain but you might want to bring your own lighter jacket for days with wind and drizzle.
- A thin balaclava or buff to wear underneath the helmet.
- Slippers to wear in the huts. We always take off our boots or shoes when we enter a house.
- Biodegradable soaps and shampoos – any personal toiletries you may need.
- 1-2 towels.
- Bathing suits.
- Earplugs – to avoid staying awake due to your fellow riders snoaring.
- Chocolate for yourself and to appease your new friends in case you have been snoaring.
- Leave your beauty box at home – you are beautiful the way you are!
At last a few but very honest words about Exploring Iceland riding tours:
You might have noticed that some of our tours are a bit more expensive than the ones you might find elsewhere. We are ok with that. When we decided that we were going to offer horse riding tours we decided to do it „fair trade“. We made the conscious decision to turn our back to mass tourism. We decided that:
- We like the local home – baked and home cooked food best.
- We like small groups and personal friendly service.
- We want the bulk of the money to go the right way – down to the farmer who actually gets his hands dirty and wet.
- We want the horses to enjoy their work as well – well fed, properly cared for and above all well rested!
- We want you to thoroughly enjoy your stay from the moment you make your first enquiry to the moment you book again!
Horseback Riding in Iceland is a thrilling adventure not be beaten by anything! .
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU IN THE SADDLE!
Your Exploring Iceland Team!
EXPLORING ICELAND
Fálkastígur 2
225 Garðabær
Phone: 354 – 519- 1555
[email protected]
terms and conditions For Exploring Iceland on Horseback tours request a confirmation payment upon booking of 25% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the saddle is secure. The remaining balance in ISK is due 4 weeks before the tour departs.
Our cancellation terms for Exploring Iceland on Horseback tours are: You can cancel your tour by e-mail, fax or letter. Cancellations usually include an administration cost of € 100,-. If the cancellation is received later than 4 weeks prior to departure, 25% of the tour price is charged. If the cancellation is received later than 2 weeks prior to departure, 50% of the tour price is charged. If you cancel later than 48 hours prior to departure, the full tour price will be charged
We reserves the right to change a day’s itinerary, if road or weather conditions prove unfavourable.
Safety rules
- We do accept children but they must be strong competent riders. We offer 25% discount for children up to 12 years old if travelling with an adult familymember.
- Pregnant women are riding at their own risk. In case of accident, we do not assume liability for harm caused to the mother or the unborn child.
- People under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs are not permitted on the riding tours.
- Please note that the weight limit to ride for inexperienced riders is 110 kg (240 lbs)
- All clients must participate in the riding tour by their own free will and they are obliged to inform the tour guide of any condition that might affect their ability to participate in the tour.
- All customers are obliged to listen to and acknowledge the safety instructions.
- Backpacks or bags cannot be taken on the ride.
- I am taking this trip of my own free will.
- I consider myself physically and mentally able to take part in this trip.
- I agree to follow the instructions of the guide in every respect.
- I am aware that this trip/these trips can involve some danger.
- I agree to notify the tour guide of any illnesses that could affect my ability to take part in this trip (i.e. epilepsy, asthma, diabetes) and the medication that I take for them.
- I am aware that the operator's liability extends only to accidents that derive from defects in or incorrect use of equipment by the company's employees and/or carelessness on their part. I myself bear all responsibility for damage caused by me due to my carelessness or failure to follow set/given/published instructions.
- I am liable for all personal property taken by me on this trip.
- I am not under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs.
Liability
Exploring Iceland reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. We reserve the right to cancel the tour or exclude individual riders if we deem it in the person’s or group’s best interest. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Exploring Iceland. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveller. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.
