Black Saddle Advanced Iceland Ride · South Iceland, Iceland
A highland Iceland ride for confident riders, with a free-running herd
A highlands riding trek in Iceland for fit, confident riders, sold through the specialist agent Black Saddle. From the farm of Minnivellir in the south, you ride through ash-fertilised fields below the Hekla volcano and up into the Landmannalaugar highlands, moving with a free-running herd of Icelandic horses and changing mounts through the day. Nights are split between the farm guesthouse and simple off-grid mountain huts, with all meals, horses and a luggage vehicle included.
This is a demanding highland ride for fit, experienced riders who are secure at all paces, comfortable with the fast Icelandic tolt and canter, and happy riding long days and crossing rivers with a herd of loose horses. It is not suitable for beginners or occasional riders.
Sure-footed, five-gaited Icelandic horses, ridden in rotation from a free-running herd so each has a rest.
Days are spent riding through the changing landscapes of the south and highlands, moving with the loose herd and swapping to a fresh horse partway through. A support vehicle carries the luggage between the farm at Minnivellir and the mountain huts at Landmannahellir, where nights are simple and off-grid.
A mix of a comfortable farm guesthouse at Minnivellir and simple off-grid mountain huts with bunk beds in the highlands.
All meals and soft drinks are included, cooked and shared at the farm and the huts.
Best months: July and August
The highland riding season is short, mainly July and August, when the mountain routes and huts are open.
Nearest airport: Keflavik (KEF); the ride starts from Minnivellir, about 1.5 hours from Reykjavik
Transfers: Transfers between the Reykjavik bus stop and the farm are included in the ride
Fly to Keflavik and stay in Reykjavik before the transfer to the farm.
