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 For
nine years now there has been a steady growing herd of Icelandic Horses in the Mad River
Valley of central Vermont. They are right at home with the mountains, waterfalls, crisp
mornings, snowy winters and the luscious green of Vermont summers.
We like to share with you the unique Icelandic Horse in
the magnificent landscape of Vermont. You will be exploring the beautiful
Mad River Valley nestled in the Green Mountains. You will ride smooth,
gaited Icelandic Horses from one country inn to the next. Ride through
green valleys, quiet meadows, forests, and of course along Vermont's
famous dirt roads. You will be greeted by rivers and streams cut into the
mountains and on warm days you are welcome to take a swim. We want to
introduce travelers to a very special place in conjunction with the unique
Icelandic Horse. The Icelandic horse is extremely hardy and tolerant, but
what makes them so special is the fact that they control five gaits. The
fourth gait, called the "Tolt", is a very smooth four-beat
running walk. The smoothness of the tolt is very characteristic of the
Icelandic Horse, whose movements are much less jolting than those of any
other horse. The combination of the horse's smoothness and the
comfortable Icelandic saddles, designed for many hours in the saddle,
ensure a comfortable ride. In addition to breathtaking views and unique
horses, the trip boasts quaint charming inns and wonderful food.
 All horses used are imported,
purebred, carefully selected Icelandic Horses. The breed is famous for stamina, gates
(horses are 4 or 5 gated), pronounced homing instinct and gentle disposition. These horsed
are small, about 13-14.2 hh, but do not have any trouble in carrying an ordinary sized
rider up to 250 lbs. long distances. Riding Icelandic is certainly a unique experience and
one never to be forgotten.
 The Icelandic’s that are used are well trained, willing, and can tolt beautifully.
The tolt is a smooth four – beat galt appreciated by long distance riders. Saddles
are English Style with special tolting saddles available. Almost all groups end up doing
some walking, mostly tolting and a bit of cantering. Groups are kept small,
2-8 riders
plus guides. Pace and distance ridden in one day (there are alternate routes) is decided
by the riders. The horses are kept at the inns each night.
Tack and Equipment:
The Horses are ridden
in equipment traditionally used in Iceland. The Saddles are
quality English saddles made for Icelandic horses and are comfortable for the horse as
well as the rider. Bridles have snaffle bits with drop nosebands. Saddlebags and water
bottle are available. Helmets are required and are available for those who do not have
their own.
 A Smooth Ride
One thousand years of isolation have preserved in the Icelandic Horse
traits once common to all European Horses. Among these are two unique
gaits, the Tolt (running walk) and Skeid (flying pace), in which the rider
experiences the sensation of floating over the countryside in a way that
must be experienced to be understood. Accomplished equestrians are
intrigued by the stamina and speed of the breed and challenged to master
the different gaits. Less experienced riders appreciate them for their
smooth gaits, sure footed way of traveling, and their level headed
temperament.
The Climate:
 May and June: days are warm with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, sometimes
80’s.
Nights are cooler (50’s). July and August are usually warm and occasionally hot
(90’s).
In September and October you will find warm days, mornings and evenings are cool, sometime
as low as 30’s and 40’s.
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