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Hekluhestar Ride

Iceland 2025

Join a 5-day horseback ride through the magic and folklore of Iceland, guided by an incredible family of horse trainers, while embarking on a mindful inward journey.

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About this trip

AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE

This five-day Icelandic adventure offers an enchanting blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and a deep connection with both nature and oneself through yin yoga, meditation, and somatic exercises.

 

The journey begins with a visit to the iconic Thingvellir national park followed by a meal at the Friðheimar tomato farm and an introductory horse ride. Guests will explore the Icelandic countryside on horseback, traveling through a living museum of Icelandic sagas and folklore, with stops at historical lava formations, ancient sheep houses, and a human-made cave. Riders will experience the smooth tölt gait and the traditional Icelandic way of traveling.

 

Highlights include picnics amidst nature, relaxing in local hot pools, and hikes to hidden gems with views of Mt. Hekla. Based at Austvadsholt farm, the heart of Hekluhestar’s operations, guests will bond with these remarkable horses, bred and trained to navigate Iceland’s volcanic terrain.

 

The trip concludes with visits to Hjálparfoss waterfall, the Secret Lagoon, and a return to Reykjavík, leaving participants with an immersive experience of Iceland’s mystical heritage and natural wonders.

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Highlights

  • Discover the vibrant energy of healing and mysticism while riding through the Icelandic countryside

  • Experience the joy of riding multiple Icelandic horses and discover your favorite one

  • Enjoy the ‘tölt,’ a unique four-beat gait of Icelandic horses that provides a smoother ride during fast-paced journeys

  • Experience the midnight sun and a less touristy time of year in Iceland

  • Celebrate the end of the ride with a relaxing soak in the Fontana hot spring

  • Excellent, welcoming owners/guides who both train and truly love their horses

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OUR OFFERINGS

01 Mindful Riding

Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.

OUR OFFERINGS

02 Equine Guided Empowerment®

Equine Guided Empowerment® is a unique Somatic Reprogramming® practice developed by Cassandra Ogier. This practice provides an opportunity to ground and discover your true nature through the reflection of horses. Through being led by horses as an energetic guide and dropping into Somatic Reprogramming® exercises participants are invited to deepen into their empowerment and discover their inner wisdom. By doing so, the possibilities are endless in finding connection, belonging, individuation, authenticity, healing, and purpose.

OUR OFFERINGS

03 Integrative Breathwork

The practice of breathwork is a journey of cultivating awareness in the body through the presence of breath. Practicing breathwork allows the body’s natural wisdom to cleanse, heal, and re-center the nervous system. Through the exploration of breath you can release tension and trauma that have become embedded within the body. Breathwork serves as the bridge into the present moment and into expanded states of consciousness. This practice creates new internal pathways for safety and connection, which supports you to receive life with more awareness and authenticity.

OUR OFFERINGS

04 Somatic Yin Yoga

Somatic-based yoga is an embodied and energetic practice that invites you to explore your inner environment. This practice supports you to listen to the subtle language of your body and to reconnect with the rhythm of your essence. By slowing down and synchronizing breath with movement, this integrative practice assists in letting go of physical, mental and emotional stress and conditioning. Intuitive somatic yoga regulates your nervous system, opens you to deeper meditative states and guides you to the innate wisdom that resides within.

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Join us

AVAILABLE TO INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED RIDERS

Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in
the open country. Comfortable in the saddle up to 5hrs per day.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

May 12th - 16th, 2025

PRICING

$3,995

If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on March 19th. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans available. View our terms here.

  • Price includes: meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. A bed in a shared room, and bus transport to and from Reykjavik.

     

    Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, flights to and from Reykjavik, and airport transfers. Group size: 10-12 riders

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Itinerary

Day 1:

We pick up our guests at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik at 10 o’clock. From there, we go to Thingvellir National Park, where the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen, as well as being one of the most important historic sites in Iceland. Next, we have lunch at Friðheimar, a unique tomato farm where we dine inside a lush greenhouse surrounded by thriving tomato plants. After lunch, we drive to the home of Hekluhestar, where we meet the horses and have a short introductory ride to get familiar with them. After dinner, we will enjoy a relaxing yin yoga class to unwind and settle into the rhythm of the journey.

Day 2:

We’ll begin the morning with a grounding meditation to set our intentions for the day before preparing our horses. We ride alongside the serene Ranga River, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic volcano Hekla. Our picnic stop is beside old traditional sheep houses, a place rich in history and Icelandic heritage. We continue our ride through rolling farmland and the historic lava sheep-fold Landréttir. After approximately five hours in the saddle, we reach one of our neighboring farms, where we leave the horses before driving back to Hekluhestar. There, we unwind with a soothing yin yoga class before enjoying a well-deserved dinner and restful evening.

Day 3:

We begin the day with a nourishing grounding meditation before breakfast. Afterward, we prepare our horses for another unforgettable ride. Our journey takes us toward Þjófafoss, a breathtaking waterfall on Iceland’s longest river, Þjórsá. Riding alongside the river, we immerse ourselves in the wild beauty of the landscape before entering a secluded forest, a rare and peaceful sight in Iceland. We stop for a picnic in the tranquil woods before continuing our ride to our neighboring farm, Skarð, where the horses will rest for the night. After four to five hours of riding, we return to Hekluhestar for a relaxing evening featuring a rejuvenating sauna session and a restorative yin yoga class.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 4: 

We start the morning with a grounding meditation before heading back to the neighboring farm to reunite with our horses. Our ride takes us through picturesque landscapes for about two hours until we arrive at the historic farm of Hellar. There, we explore ancient caves believed to have been carved by Irish monks before the Viking era. After a peaceful lunch at Hellar, we drive to a nearby farm for a deeply restorative yoga session in a cozy loft above a traditional sheep house. In the evening, we return to Hekluhestar, where we gather for a heart-opening cacao ceremony, followed by a relaxing sauna session before dinner.

Day 5:

We begin our final morning with a nourishing meditation, allowing us to reflect on our journey before preparing for our farewell ride. We ride from Hellar through vast, open meadows, making our way back to Hekluhestar. Along the way, we pause for a traditional picnic with our horses, savoring our last moments of connection with them. After approximately four hours of riding, we take time to express our gratitude and bid a heartfelt farewell to our equine companions. We then drive to Fontana Hot Springs and Spa, where we indulge in a well-earned soak in the soothing geothermal waters. Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, we return to Reykjavík, arriving in the early evening, filled with memories of an unforgettable journey.

End of trip

Note: This itinerary may change due to weather and trail conditions. If paths become inaccessible, we will adjust to the best available alternatives. Yoga classes are planned but may not be offered daily.

Itinerary

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Meet your guides

Aniela Gottwald, founder of Riding Wild, is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator from California, USA, with over 20 years of experience in horsemanship. Specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy, Aniela leads transformative wilderness expeditions that promote healing and environmental sustainability.

Aniela Gottwald

CALIFORNIA, USA

Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature.

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Heidrun Maria

Reyjavik, Iceland 

Heiðrún María, a gentle force of Icelandic nature who will guide you into the magical ways of unconditional love and grace. Heiðrún specializes in reclaiming connection to the self through the heart working with the spirit of cacao in cacao ceremonies, through sound and energy healings, reconnecting to our true nature with the raw force of Icelandic nature, through wholesome vibrant living and yoga. Heiðrún María is a certified practitioner of The Emotion Code ® and currently studying The Body Code™. Teaching and facilitating healing spaces since 2018. She has traveled the world to study and expand her awareness and knowledge in yoga, qi gong, sound healing, energy healing, ceremonial cacao facilitation and breathwork with respected master teachers and healers in Iceland and Guatemala.

  • HORSES

    The Icelandic horse is deeply rooted in the history and sagas of the country and its Vikings. Renowned for their unique blend of size, strength, and character, these small yet sturdy horses, averaging 13.2 hands, are sociable, energetic, and incredibly resilient. They excel at navigating Iceland’s rugged volcanic landscapes, effortlessly carrying riders with their smooth and comfortable tölt gait.

    At Hekluhestar, the horses are raised with care and respect, emphasizing strong familial and social bonds. Foals stay with their mothers for years, fostering deep herd connections. This upbringing, combined with thoughtful training, enhances their physical abilities and cultivates calm, willing temperaments, making them extraordinary companions for exploring Iceland’s wild beauty.

    MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY

    You should be a confident rider, comfortable navigating varied terrain at all gaits. Be ready to embrace the tölt—a fast, smooth gait requiring a different riding style—and prepared to maintain it athletically for extended periods. Please consult our riding ability guide here. The weight limit of our riders is 200 lbs/90 kgs.

    PACE

    The tölt and walk will be the primary gaits for this ride. In more challenging terrain, you can also expect some trots, and on good footing some occasionally canters. 

    TACKING ABILITY & PARTICIPATION

    You’ll be expected to help groom, tack, and untack your horse each day. This hands-on involvement allows you to build a closer bond with your horse and become an active part of the experience.

    TRIP CONDITIONS & REQUESTED EXPERIENCE

    You need to be fit and have good stamina to handle the long hours of riding, including extended periods of tölt—a fast but comfortable gait. The terrain can be rough, and the weather unpredictable, requiring resilience and readiness.

    While previous experience on multi-day trails is beneficial, it’s not essential. However, riders who don’t ride regularly should spend time getting back into the saddle before joining this adventure.

    EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT

    Typically, the Icelandic horses are ridden with simple snaffle bits and one-piece reins. The Icelandic saddle combines elements of dressage and endurance saddles and is used for long rides due to its comfort and stability. 

  • TRANSFERS

    Our group will be picked up at 10:00 AM from the BSI Bus Station in Reykjavik and dropped off at the same location at 5:00 PM on the final day of the trip.

    VISAS

    Most countries do not require visas to enter Iceland, please check the country you’re entering Iceland from to see the visa requirements.

    CLIMATE

    With nearly 20 hours of daylight, May offers long, mild days perfect for outdoor activities like horseback riding or hiking. It’s a vibrant time with blooming wildflowers, fewer tourists, and an awakening landscape—ideal for exploring Iceland's beauty. Dress in layers to stay comfortable in variable conditions. In May, temperatures range from 1°C to 12°C (34°F to 54°F), and you can expect a mix of sun, clouds, rain, and occasional wind. Snow may linger in the highlands but is rare at lower elevations. 

  • Hekluhestar’s guest lodge

    Guests will be accommodated in a combination of Hekluhestar’s cozy cottages and a guest lodge, featuring twin-shared rooms with made-up beds for a comfortable stay.

  • Meals are simple yet hearty, designed to provide you with energy throughout the day. Breakfast includes milk, yogurt, cereals, bread, cheeses, jams, and plenty of coffee and tea to help you start your morning. Lunch is packed and eaten while on the trail, with opportunities for breaks to enjoy water, coffee, or tea. Dinners are homemade and substantial, featuring hot meals that include meat or fish, vegetables, fruit, and dessert. Everything is fresh, wholesome, and delicious.

  • CLOTHING

    Upper body

    - long sleeved shirts (provide protection from the sun or extra warmth)

    - warm sweater (wool or fleece)

    - warm long underwear

    Lower body

    - riding pants

    - casual clothes for the evenings

    - yoga pants

    - warm long underwear

    Outerwear

    - waterproof jacket/waterproof rain pants to wear over riding pants

    - warm jacket or overcoat

    Footwear

    - comfortable riding boots (we recommend short boots with half chaps)

    - hiking boots, rubber boots (bring a pair of these in case your riding boots get wet)

    - warm socks, at least a few pairs

    Headwear

    - riding helmet

    - sunhat

    - warm hat for cold evenings

    OTHER ITEMS

    - gloves for riding

    - scarf/bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain

    - sunglasses with a cord​ attached so they don’t fly off when riding

    - swimsuit

    - towel 

    - toiletries

    - hand sanitizer

    - toilet paper

    - small plastic bags

    - pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation

    - water bottle

    - camera & accessories​

    - rechargeable power bank

    - small bag for small items when riding

    - notebook/journal

    - eye mask that can help with the 24hr daylight 

    MEDICAL KIT

    - high uv sunscreen

    - insect repellent, gnat net head coer

    - any medication you regularly take

    - band aids and second skin plasters for chafing

    - antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...

    - electrolytes 

    - ear plugs (for light sleepers)

    - water purifier or purification tablets

  • ICELAND

    - All the Horses of Iceland - Sarah Tolmie 

    - On Time and Water - Andri Snær Magnason 

    - The Little Book of the Hidden People - Alda Sigmundsdottir

    - Land of Love and Ruins - Oddny Eir

    - Icelandic Folktales - Hjörleifur Helgi Stefánsson

    The Sagas of the Icelanders - Jane Smiley 

    CLIMATE

    - All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson 

    - Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt 

    - The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
    of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas 

    - The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz 

    HORSE

    - Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov 

    - Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov 

    - Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay

    HEALING

    - Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
    - Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
    - Attuned - Thomas Hübl

    - If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
    - Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May

    - Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine

    - The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle

    - Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn

    - One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
    - The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
    - Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond Stockton

    RELATIONSHIP

    - Us - Terrence Real 

    - Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood 

    - Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick 

    - Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg 

    - The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller 

    - Eight Dates - John Gottman

    please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment

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We can't wait to meet you!

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Hekluhestar

WORLD-RENOWNED HORSE OUTFITTERS

Hekluhestar was founded in 1981 by Jón Benediktsson and Nicole Chéné, inspired by an unforgettable ride into Iceland’s highlands in 1980—just before Mount Hekla erupted. This thrilling experience sparked their dream to share Iceland’s wild beauty through guided horseback tours, a concept unheard of at the time. Drawing on Jón’s deep knowledge of the Veiðivötn region, they created stunning routes through the dramatic landscapes surrounding Mount Hekla. 

For over 40 years, this family-run company has welcomed travelers worldwide. Now led by their daughter Anita and her partner Stefnir, Hekluhestar continues to offer adventures that connect people with Iceland’s unspoiled wilderness, embodying a legacy of family, exploration, and the magic of Icelandic horses.

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