Goal 4: Horsback Riding Accomplished!

I went on my very first horseback riding trip!!

Not only was it amazing, but at the end of it, I felt like I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Icelandic Horses on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Perhaps the best way to start, perhaps the easy way out: for my first ever horseback ride/trail ride I was on Icelandic horses, which are significantly smaller than standard horses. It is harder to be intimidated by horses that are so cute. They almost felt cartoonish. Though as we repeatedly learned - they are not ponies.

Verena, the woman who runs Viking Horses, the horseback riding company. We chose Viking Horses, because they were based near Reykjavik, the resounding positive reviews on Trip Advisor, and because they seemed like a smaller, more personal horseback riding experience. It was without a doubt, absolutely the right choice! Verena from Viking Horses picked us up at our lodging, making it already feel luxurious. We had no worries about getting lost, getting turned around, or accidentally driving into a ditch and missing the ride.

Right away, it was clear that Verena is super kind and gentle as a person - which is just what you want in your instructor. She is from Bavaria (Germany) and spoke about how Iceland felt like home. I have to say, I completely understand how that could be true. Iceland seemed very Pacific Northwest in a lot of ways: rustic, a bit less urban - even in the urban center, coffee shops everywhere, mountains. Things I miss.

Phoebe from the UK, our riding buddy

We arrived to find that we were riding with only one other person - a lovely young British woman, Phoebe, who adventured to Iceland solo. Phoebe was a delightful and sparkly person - providing interesting discussion, thoughtful questions, and generally just loving Iceland and the whole experience.

So, we were three riders. Two had previously ridden (Lauren a couple times a long time ago, Phoebe quite a bit a super long time ago) and me. Thankfully we were all either rusty and/or slightly apprehensive - a well matched group. Viking Horses provided all sorts of gear for us - gloves, jackets, cover pants, and bandana-like hair covers. We now looked the part.

We had introductions to the horses in the corral, and got to know our horses a little bit. Christina, an assistant, was also helping keeping us and the horses calm as we got to learn how to lead them, talk to the them, and ride them. The instructions were brief, but very spot on. I felt like I was getting all the information I needed without extra distracting fluff to get lost in. They told us about how to use our tones of voice and remain calm to keep the horses calm.

Photo Credit: Lauren Charles

At this point, the reality of what I was doing starting sinking in with each instruction. Momentary panic was likely represented by blood draining from my face because Christina started telling me that I was going to be fine. I was picturing the fall from the horse - if I could find a way to get on in the first place (where was the step stool to get us up there?). I took deep breaths and tried to remain as calm as possible - as Verena was reminding us that horses can sense our tension.

The moment arrived to mount the horses. Of course, Phoebe was up in the blink of an eye. Then Lauren went up a hair slower, but it looked like it happened in one smooth swoop. Just no problem - up and on the horse. "Okay, I can do this!" Leg in stirrup. Got it. Then.... I looked around. No idea what happened next. How am I supposed to get myself up? Honestly, I'm still unclear about this. I tried at least 3 times, and was dismal in my attempts. My visions of being a natural-born horsewoman - crushed!

Photo Credit: Lauren Charles

Christina kindly offered her (very tiny) thigh and let me use her as a step stool. After reassurances that I would not crush her, up I went! Not smooth, not remotely elegant, but on the horse!

Photo Credit: Lauren Charles

We practiced riding around the corral to get for the horses and ourselves to get a feel for each other and the ride about to come. We learned how to stop, turn, and go quicker. Verena and Christina were supportive, but didn't coddle us. They patiently told us how to do it, and then expected us to do our part. It was a welcome change from the often over-accommodating American way, and just what I needed.







Let me tell you about my horse! Apparently good for beginners, a follower, named "Sprinter." Go figure. Christina assured me this must have been a joke by the first owners, he was slow - I shouldn't worry. Um... okay.

It became clear to me over time that he likely got that name by sprinting for treats - as he loved to snack every chance he got - meaning trees and bushes along the way. He clearly had favorite spots and would speed up to get there for a nibble.

Honestly, he was a very understanding and forgiving horse - letting me stumble through everything and have spikes of anxiety.

"I trust my horse, I trust my horse, I trust my horse" was my riding mantra.  And worked every time. Even on the very steep, very icy hills. I trusted my horse and we did very well. Well, we didn't fall or slip.


We had plenty of time to get acclimatized and used to the whole set up, and then off we went! Adventuring.

We went through snow & ice up and down hills, and the horses dealt with it beautifully. I suppose Icelandic horses would, but I was endlessly impressed. Sprinter preferred new snow to ice, which I appreciated.

After going for quite a while, I was pretty sure we were winding down. And then we ducked below a road through a tunnel - and we went over a cute mostly frozen creek into old lava beds. As seemed typical in Iceland - turning a corner brought all new vistas and an entirely new terrain. Just stunning!! We got to ride quite a bit longer and it was all I could have hoped for and more.

We learned the Icelandic Horses gait and special trot (which I had nothing to compare it to, but found it delightful to go fast - even if I felt the impact for the next few days - worth it!). Lauren's horse was a little reluctant to speed up, whereas Sprinter was more than happy to not be left behind.

I was surprised and really enjoyed getting to know the personalities of the horses. They were very social and clearly had relationships with each other. There was some friendly competition as they'd occasionally decide who wanted to be in the lead or cut each other off to get ahead. It felt like bumper-horses more than once. I think we were all careened into the (very small) bushes and trees at least once. We may have trusted our horses a little too much. But we all laughed through it all.

At the end we were taken back to home base, Verena's home, and were provided with traditional Icelandic treats. Skyr - in the yogurt family, but so good, covered with cream and blueberries. Absolutely delicious. We also tried flatbread, cheese, and ham. And Icelandic chocolates. Yum.



They have summer rides at night which sound incredible. I'd love to come back and do summer ride, or a northern lights night ride or really any ride. It was just wonderful.

I also wish I was a little less afraid of taking my hands of the reins so I could have taken more/better photos. Next time!

Already looking forward to trying a full size horse sometime! I still have no idea how to get on. Plenty more to learn! But I feel a bit more prepared should I ever find myself at the end of the world with only horses to escape the apocalypse.

Best of all - I love that the standard for my vacations has been risen!