About this trip
AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE
This five-day journey through southern Iceland offers a powerful blend of adventure, healing, and presence — where vast volcanic landscapes meet quiet inner reflection. Combining horseback exploration with yin yoga, meditation, and somatic practices, guests are invited to move at the pace of nature and connect deeply with both the land and themselves. The adventure begins with a visit to Thingvellir National Park and a greenhouse lunch at the beloved Friðheimar tomato farm before continuing to Hekluhestar — a family-run farm and the heart of this experience. Here, guests settle into the rhythm of Icelandic country life, surrounded by mountains, open plains, and the calm, grounding presence of the horses.
Over the following days, riders journey through meadows, rivers, and lava fields shaped by the eruptions of Mount Hekla, crossing glacial streams and passing cascading waterfalls that reveal the raw beauty of Iceland’s ever-changing terrain. For two unforgettable days, the group rides alongside a loose herd of 15–20 free-running horses — a breathtaking and rare experience that captures the essence of Icelandic horsemanship: freedom, trust, and harmony between human and horse. Each day offers a balance of movement and stillness, with somatic and breathwork practices grounding the body after hours in the saddle. Evenings invite rest and integration through yin yoga, nourishing meals, and time in the sauna or outdoor hot tub, both at Hekluhestar and at the welcoming Hotel Lækur — where guests can unwind beneath wide Icelandic skies.
Co-facilitated by Heidrun, a local Icelander whose grounded presence and quiet sense of magic bring depth to the journey, this experience offers an authentic immersion into Icelandic culture and its deep relationship with nature. The trip concludes with a restorative soak in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon before returning to Reykjavík — leaving guests renewed, centered, and woven into the quiet, mystical beauty of Iceland’s living landscape.
Highlights
-
Discover the vibrant energy of healing and mysticism while riding through the Icelandic countryside
-
Ride alongside a loose herd of 15–20 free-running horses for two unforgettable days
-
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 smooth and flowing ride during faster paces
-
Co-facilitated by Heidrun, a local Icelander whose presence and connection to the land bring depth and magic to the journey
-
Experience the magic of the midnight sun and a quieter, less-traveled time of year in Iceland
-
Guided by excellent, welcoming hosts who both train and truly love their horses
-
Celebrate the end of the journey with a deeply relaxing soak in the warm geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon
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 Horse Guided Somatic Healing®
We offer horse-guided somatic healing through present-moment connection, guided meditation, and attuned observation—inviting deep embodiment, spiritual remembering, and intuitive healing alongside horses. Inspired by Equine Guided Empowerment®—a unique approach developed by The Reflective Horse®—this work honors the horse as an energetic mirror and guide. Through relational presence and the healing energy of horses, participants are gently led back to their innate wisdom, authentic connection, and a sense of grounded wholeness.
OUR OFFERINGS
03 Trauma Informed Breathwork
Ceremonial, trauma-informed breathwork, drawing inspiration from Taren Maroun’s teachings, integrates the science-backed benefits of breathwork with the depth of a spiritually grounded healing journey. Guided by her shamanic studies and rooted in her Celtic (Irish) and Phoenician (Lebanese) ancestry, this practice invites profound transformation by releasing stored energy or trauma within the body, restoring emotional resilience, and opening pathways to expanded states of consciousness. Through the rhythm of intentional breathing, the body’s innate wisdom is reawakened, guiding you into deeper connection, and the emergence of your authentic self. It is within this sacred integration of body, mind, and spirit that true healing unfolds.
OUR OFFERINGS
04 Somatic Yin Yoga
Somatic Yin Yoga is a trauma-informed, embodied practice that reconnects you with the body’s innate wisdom. Rooted in nervous system regulation and somatic awareness, this slow, intuitive approach supports the release of tension, emotional stress, and energetic blockages. Through long-held postures and deep listening, it nourishes connective tissues, enhances flexibility, and fosters resilience. Its meditative quality soothes the mind and strengthens the body's capacity for deep repair, renewal, and integration.
Join us
Available to strong intermediate - advanced riders
Must be 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 18th - 22nd, 2026
PRICING
$4,650 / (€3,960)
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on January 1st, 2026. 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, admission to secret lagoon hot springs, and bus transport to and from Reykjavik.
Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, flights to and from Reykjavik, and airport transfers. Group size: 12 riders. Weight restriction: For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 190 lbs (85 kg) for riders.
Itinerary
Day 1:
We’ll pick you up at 10 a.m. from BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík and begin our journey toward the countryside. Our first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge meets Iceland’s storied history. From there, we visit a nearby waterfall before continuing to Friðheimar, a family-run tomato farm, where we’ll enjoy a unique greenhouse lunch surrounded by thriving tomato plants. In the afternoon, we arrive at Hekluhestar farm, home to our beloved horses. Here we’ll share a slow introduction to the herd, learning the rhythm of the Icelandic tölt through a short, easy ride across the meadows. As evening settles, we gather for a nourishing dinner followed by a restorative yin yoga practice — a gentle invitation to release travel tension, attune to the land, and arrive fully in body and breath before our first night at the farm.
Day 2:
After breakfast, we begin the morning with a somatic grounding meditation — connecting to the breath, the body, and the landscape that surrounds us. We then prepare our horses for a beautiful three-hour ride through the meadows surrounding Hekluhestar farm toward the Rangá river accompanied by 15-20 freely running horses. We'll cross the river and ride through rolling farmland and past Landgræðslan, Iceland’s historic Soil Conservation Service, where the land itself tells stories of renewal and resilience. We end the day at the welcoming country retreat, Hotel Lækur. After settling in, we gather for a gentle yin yoga session to unwind and restore balance to the body. The evening opens into quiet reflection — time to soak in the outdoor hot tub or relax in the sauna, surrounded by the vast stillness of the Icelandic countryside before sharing a nourishing dinner together.
Day 3:
We begin the morning with a somatic horse meditation, taking time to connect through presence, breath, and subtle communication before mounting. After breakfast, we meet our horses and set out on a two-hour ride, accompanied by 15–20 free-running horses, to Foss — an old farm nestled by the river Rangá Eystri beneath the mountain Thríhyrningur. We pause for lunch at Foss before continuing with a gentle afternoon ride, exploring nearby waterfalls and quiet valleys where the rhythm of the land slows everything down. As the day softens, we return to Hotel Lækur for another cozy evening. Before dinner, we gather for a guided breathwork and somatic meditation journey — a grounding practice that helps us unwind, release the day, and attune more deeply to the shared heartbeat of horse and land.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 4:
We start the morning with a slow somatic meditation, orienting to the breath and to the quiet strength of the Icelandic landscape before preparing for our ride. Today’s 4–5-hour journey takes us to Rjúpnavellir, crossing the Rangá Ytri river and traversing ancient lava fields shaped by Mount Hekla’s eruptions. We pass by traditional Hekla farms and open volcanic plains that reveal the raw and untamed beauty of the region. Our horses will stay at Rjúpnavellir while we drive back to Hekluhestar farm for dinner. Before the meal, we'll gather for a yin yoga and yoga nidra session — a deeply restorative practice that guides the body into rest and the nervous system into calm integration after a long day in the saddle.
Day 5:
We begin our final morning with a horse meditation — grounding together in stillness, feeling the quiet exchange of trust and connection before our farewell ride. We'll reunite with our horses for a four-hour journey back to Hekluhestar farm, following the banks of the Rangá Ytri river and passing the old sheep-rounding pen at Réttarnes. We'll close with heartfelt gratitude, honoring the horses and the journey we’ve shared. Afterward, we visit the Secret Lagoon for a slow, restorative soak in the geothermal waters — a final gesture of release and renewal before returning to Reykjavík around 18:00, filled with memories of our unforgettable journey together.
End of trip
Please note: This itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions. If certain routes become inaccessible, alternative paths will be chosen for the best experience. Yoga sessions are planned but may vary day to day.
Itinerary
Meet your guides
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. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.
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.
GETTING THERE
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.
You’re welcome to bring anything else you feel called to — though we always suggest keeping things simple and packing light.
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
- toiletries
- hand sanitizer
- pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation
- water bottle
- camera & accessories
- rechargeable power bank
- notebook/journal
- eye mask that can help with the 24hr daylight
MEDICAL KIT
- high uv sunscreen
- aquaphor (for dry lips)
- insect repellent, gnat head cover
- 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 StocktonRELATIONSHIP
- 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
We can't wait to meet you!
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.