Shepherd's Trail

Introduction
Northern Tours Iceland
We are proud to present this beautiful autumn riding adventure in the North West of Iceland. There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Húnaflói Fjord and into the mysterious highland with a great view towards the two great glaciers: Hofsjökull and Langjökull

We will meet sheep farmers on their way back to civilization after many days in the saddle, herding a big flock of sheep. It is for sure a unique sight to witness 14 000 sheep on their way back home after spending the summer up in the highland followed by over 30 shepherds with 100 horses! You can feel the joy and the excitement as everyone is on their way back home. You can for sure help them out and take part in the singing and happiness.

When you take part in this Round-Up 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 colors and types of weather. Anticipate to be in golden sunshine one moment and to ride in the 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 suppliers “ like chocolate. A warm rider is a happy rider!

Accomodation

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride so you will be staying at the same accommodation every night.

Description
Hvammur farm is located in the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley which is full of the old Sagas and has the famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsá running through. The farmhouse was renovated a few years ago and has a hot tub in the garden with a view over the river.
There are 6 bedrooms with 2-4 beds in each room and two bathrooms.
There is cell service and Wi-Fi internet at this property.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available on this trip.


Meals
During the ride full board is provided.

The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). 
All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for 

Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.

Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.

The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.

Herd of Horses
On this ride, you will be riding several days (except for two days) with a free running herd of horses. Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses. 

Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour.  Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. 

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Pick up at 08:30 am from the BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik (see www.busstop.is). Please be ready at the earliest pickup time and dress already in riding clothes.
You will arrive to Hvammur farm around noon and have a nice local lunch. After we have met our horses we start our ride through the beautiful Vatnsdalur valley. The valley is the setting of the Vatnsdælir Saga and our guide, Haukur, will tell us everything he knows about this Saga. It will be interesting to listen to him tell stories of the past and present. Our route runs along the banks of river Vatnsdalsá and we have to cross it several times.
We end our ride deep in the valley where our horses rest. We are transfered back to Hvammur and enjoy a well-deserved meal and relax in the hot tub.
Riding approx. 3-4 hours
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur farm

Day 2: Kárdalstunga to Auðkúlurétt
Today, you will have a great authentic experience! We ride from Kárdalstunga and into the Highlands with a stunning view of the glaciers. We will meet sheep farmers on their way back to civilization after many days in the saddle, herd a big flock of sheep. It is for sure a unique sight to witness 14 000 sheep on their way back home followed by over 30 shepherds with 100 horses!  You can feel the joy and the excitement as this is their last day and everyone is on their way back home. 
We end our day in the Auðkúlurétt corral where we leave the sheep and horses and go back to Hvammur farm and continue our singing.
Riding approx. 8-9 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur farm

Day 3: Auðkúlurétt to Sveinsstaðir
We drive from Hvammur farm to Auðkúlurétt Corrall where a number of people have shown up to help the farmers sorting out their sheep. We can also give a helping hand to Haukur´s grandfather, who is 86 years old and a sheep/horse farmer at Röðull farm.
Auðkúlurétt is the largest sheep corral in Iceland (and possibly in the world) with up to 14,000 sheep. This is also where you can get really deep into the Icelandic culture and it does not get more authentic than this! When our job is done at the corral we continue with our riding tour. We ride from the farm, Reykir, across lake Húnavatn.  We also look at the remarkable stone church at Þingeyrar built in 1877. After this cultural stop, we continue our ride on lowland countryside to Sveinsstadir farm where the horses rest overnight.
Riding approx. 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur farm

Optional (not included in the tour price): Réttardansleikur dance at a nearby community center, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful roundup. On special occasions like this, our guide and farmer, Haukur, put his best dancing shoes on!

Day 4: Sveinsstaðir to Þingeyrar
Today is our last riding day and of course, we finish the tour in style!  We ride from Sveinsstadir towards Lake Hóp (one of the biggest lakes in Iceland).  On our way we pass the historical place, Þrístapar,  where the last execution in Iceland took place in 1830. Haukur will tell us the dramatic story which will leave no one untouched.  We then ride alongside the lagoon Hóp. The black sand at the beach is ideal for riding tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic horse as well as feeling the joy in the horses when they are running in the shallow water. The view and the movement of the horses give us an unparalleled sense of freedom.
We spend the last evening at Hvammur farm enjoying good food and of course, we sing along and share entertaining stories of men and horses.
Riding approx. 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur farm

Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, we say goodbye and hop on the bus that will take us back to Reykjavík.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Shepherd's Trail

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: BSÍ Bus station or at Reykjavik official bus stops
Airport: Keflavík International Airport
Transfer: BSÍ Bus station or at Reykjavik official bus stops

Climate:
                                            Akureyri area