W
hat’s your idea of freedom? Traveling 450 kilometres with a herd of 50 horses
across the Icelandic Highlands might be the closest I ever got to mine. Sounds like your idea of heaven? Then let me take you on an eight day journey across the land of fire and ice – through the ears of a courageous and spirited Icelandic horse. We arrived at Hekluhestar on a bright summer day. Located two hours south of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, this second generation family farm is home to over 80 horses and spans hundreds of acres. Our accommodation for the duration of the adventure is in various traditional Icelandic shepherd huts, and we’ll be sharing this once-in-alifetime experience with a group of 15 experienced riders. At dinner, each person is matched with three horses who will carry them throughout the journey. In this part of the world, the sun doesn’t set in summer, which makes anticipation for the start of the adventure the following day even more exciting. For many, riding an Icelandic horse is a new experience and a chance to discover the tölt, a naturally fluid lateral pace where at least one of the hooves is always in contact with the ground. This comfortable gait, which our horses generously give us over long distances, makes the start of the trip remarkably smooth. Agile and strong, Icelandic horses are sure footed and confident
T R AV E L
even over rough volcanic terrain. These little pocket rockets can cross rivers,
Across the Icelandic Highlands
climb mountains, and gallop around glaciers and volcanoes while effortlessly carrying their riders. As we cross shallow rivers and ride through grass fields, leaving the farm behind, we catch a glimpse of the stratovolcano Hekla, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Iceland.
If the idea of a Nordic adventure on horseback sends excitement singing through your veins, MATHILDE GREGOIRE has the perfect holiday for you.
Riding in its direction, the herd senses the excitement and picks up the pace. The more experienced horses lead the way – they know what awaits them: lush
