Riding With the Herd: Iceland On Horseback (AWARD WINNING)

Join me for the ultimate equestrian adventure and go horseback riding in Iceland! In this award winning international travel documentary, ride with a herd of horses, explore the magical highlands of Iceland and discover the Amazing Icelandic Horse.
🎬DiscoverTheHorse is an equine education project, equestrian vlog and adventure series that documents my journey to ride every horse breed. 🐎 Ride along with me and meet amazing horses from around the world!
➪ Send in a Horse Breed or Filming Suggestion: www.discoverthehorse.com/sugg...
➪ Help Others Learn About Horses and Become a Part of My DiscoverTheHorse Team on Patreon: / discoverthehorse
▶︎ A Big Thank You to Íslandshestar for inviting us on the tour! / islandshestar
▶︎ Loved our riding gear from Hrímnir! / hrimnircollection
FILM GEAR USED IN THIS EPISODE ↓↓↓
GoPro - amzn.to/3hcHJOl
Sony Vlogging Camera - amzn.to/3kVcfNS
Big Camera - amzn.to/3BTCyej
Tripod - amzn.to/2X1oHDP
Microphone - amzn.to/3n7dpbP
Mavic Drone - amzn.to/3h91rKS
00:00 An Epic Equestrian Adventure
00:35 About Icelandic Horses
01:10 Heading to the Farm
02:38 Getting ready + Riding Icelandic Horses
03:25 Icelandic Horse Breed Facts
03:46 What kind of tack do we ride in?
04:01 Icelandic Horse Gaits (Tolt and Flying Pace!)
05:26 Switching Horses
06:59 Riding with a Herd of Loose Horses!
12:32 Tolting through Lava Fields!
16:40 Living in a Mountain Hut + A True Iceland Experience
19:44 Landmannalaugar Rainbow Mountains
24:35 How to Groom a Horse While in Iceland
26:11 What is it like to go horse riding in Iceland?
29:38 Game of Thrones
30:40 Final Ride of the Horse Trek!
Thank you for joining me on this fun equestrian travel vlog!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#iceland #horses #IcelandicHorse

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

😍Anyone else in love with Iceland?!

[@hestarice]

For sure 😍 My dream would be to go there and meet some ponies too ^^

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

I highly recommend a trip someday!

[@MayaraSilva-fb4ny]

@@hestarice g5r69

[@kerstin.jitschin5861]

Yes 👍 it’s definitely me ❣️😎❣️

[@psychotichare957]

@@DiscoverTheHorse wwààá video is

[@ninakaiser2930]

A Dream for every rider! Don’t wait too long and grab the opportunity! I always wanted to go but work came first. Then, 2 1/2 years ago I landed in the wheelchair after an emergency back surgery. And now I can’t go anymore. So don’t wait too long for your dream!

[@marymaccurdy8735]

All the best. Life is short. It’s a fortunate person who has funds, time and drive to fulfill such a dream. Even with injury, use your imagination to get you there while you do the hard PT. Assess your risks and keep on going. Sometimes miracles happen.

[@ninakaiser2930]

@@marymaccurdy8735 Exactly! And I am dreaming about my Shetland pony team for a carriage ☺️

[@irishkazolotse]

Nina, I hope you are well enough to go and enjoy your dream, this is beautiful, i never knew about this experience until i watched the video, best of health and best of luck Nina!!! My grandmother was Nina too 🤗

[@marymaccurdy8735]

I have similar story but am still walking, Just slowly. It would be high risk if I fell off. There are many facilities who help rehab by putting people on horseback. It promotes balance, proprioception and confidence. And personally I think leads to oxytocin release (bonding and ‘love”, feel-good hormone) like holding/ rocking a baby. Not the same as riding freely but it’s about dreaming, doing what you can and teaching your body to remember it’s capacities when the mind can’t. And being grateful for the times movement was easier. Be well and take care. Similarly, getting in the pool ( safety, with a companion) also gives one certain movements and freedoms that are impossible in a bed, chair or on land. If you can float or hold yourself up, it’s like flying.

[@ninakaiser2930]

@@marymaccurdy8735 So,so beautifully said! That´s exactly how it feels. Riding therapy can help the physical, emotional and mental body. I believe that´s what makes it so special!

[@plambourne]

Two weeks ago I returned home from my sixth horse trek in Iceland with Saltvik Riding Tours on the north coast at Husavik. Each trek has covered different trails, different scenery, different riders, but the strength and comfort of the Icelandic horses is the same each trip. I’m already planning for a trip in 2022.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Awesome!! I bet each trip is special in it's own way! I'm already ready to go back for another one. :)

[@driekieventer2242]

What does it cost?

[@thedivinemirror9411]

Sounds amazing! How is the food at Saltvik Riding Tours?

[@patricelambourne]

@@thedivinemirror9411 The food is excellent. It is freshly prepared, using fresh local ingredients. With prior notice Saltvik is able to accommodate a variety of special dietary needs. I’m currently planning my return trip for 2023, following our delightful trip in July 2022. The motto of Saltvik Farm is: Passion for horses, nature, and food.

[@blossomslife1200]

That would be a dream. I know some people get offended when finances get brought up. It’s not like anyone is asking how much they make a year lol. But how much does a trip like that cost and how long does the riding trail go for? Sorry, I’m asking these questions before watching the video.

[@lindsey2025]

Alyssa, every time I look at videos of horses, breeds, rare breeds, or exotic breeds, I see you in the videos. You are everywhere. It's so much fun watching you in these videos on the amazing horses you ride.

[@luv2rackon]

Those horses really seem to have good care and welfare. I like the fact that you change horses frequently so you minimize stress from saddles that don't fit and riders that are unbalanced. I would love to do this ride!

[@maryanndauria6611]

I have taken 3 riding vacations in Iceland. I even brought a group of students and families from my Therapeutic Riding Program.. Everyone has a great time.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Awesome!!

[@Cwgrlup]

Having virtually zero animal disease is awesome 👏🏻… after riding ex- racehorses all my life I would love to do this!!!! If I did this on my horses there would be some bucking involved with the herd running! Lol…I also love how they switch out the horses and don’t override them!!! The author’s huge smile says it all!! I’m going to look into this!!! Thank you so much for posting!!!

[@chellefell1331]

Aww I had an ottb too!!! But my heart horse was my morgan.... I loved her to my soul.... she also had an extended trot for driving ;)

[@barbmorton4835]

In my 68th year I got to experience my first short trek on the wonderful islandic horse. Absolutely life changing. I hope to go back for a longer trek.

[@abbykoop5363]

Thank you for your comment. I am almost 61 and thought....I am too old for this now.... Maybe not? 🤔

[@jacquelineauld1036]

After watching this I could pack and give up everything to work with these beautiful animals in a natural world. 🙏

[@lisaloewenberg944]

I have ridden 17 tours in Iceland with RIDING ICELAND at Saltvik. Love LOVE ICELAND

[@janiseturso673]

My daughter rides and Icelandic horse for therapeutic purposes and I vacationed in Iceland back in 2002 so this was a real treat! Thank you for posting this amazing video.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋how are you doing?

[@wellnone9367]

I had no idea Iceland was so beautiful - wow. And the horses - what darlings, so able and willing. Just lovely to watch, and travel vicariously with you. Thank you.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for watching and joining me on the adventure! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@morganbeasley]

You will be amazed how fast and energetic they are. You can come ride them in Alaska too

[@derrickjenniferwatkins1394]

This would definitely be the ride of a lifetime!

[@kimhollenbeck6954]

Wow riding the beautiful Icelandic horses for 6 days is amazing,beautiful scenery in Icelandic

[@archangel807]

So many well behaved, loving horses....must have always been treated with kindness...

[@cordywitt6400]

Wonderful filming, thank you for taking us to Iceland 💋💋💋

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for joining me! 🐴

[@therotundhound2354]

Utterly stunning. How wonderful to ride with the herd and never have to worry about traffic. Iceland is a fabulous place and I love the horses; such characters

[@vroomlucas]

"Iceland does things a little differently!" [ASSERTIVE SCREAMING]

[@debshio1]

Looks amazing! You did an amazing job describing the trip and those lovely horses. Islandhestar is a 5 star company!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thank you so much!

[@alboyer6]

I've only been on horses a handful of times but riding on Icelandic horses is as experience I will never forget. Between the horses and scenery.. a perfect combination.

[@Ida-fz3ir]

since I was born, I adored each horse, even it was destined to pull a rubish wagon...I lived after ww2 in a city of Germany, and my parents had no sense for my wish... then, about 10 years old, I had a class mate, living outsides, and having Islander ponies,...and so I started my first riding on 'Heidjer'...she was my teacher and adored horse, so gentle in all situations!...it made my high life time of my youth.. Heidjer looked the same like the last one You rode... makes me feeling good, watching You! thanks!

[@debramaertens893]

What a great video! You had this huge smile the whole time and I could tell it was a really awesome experience for you. It’s definitely on my bucket list.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks Debra!! It was such an amazing trip, I'm so glad you enjoyed riding along with me!

[@marymaccurdy8735]

When I play this in the background, my and 3 years grandkids love it as much as I do. They ride the rocky horse as you tolt. Watching, I feel like the girl I was 60 yrs ago. Thank you

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Aww, this makes me so happy to hear! So glad you are all enjoying it, thanks for watching!

[@eden19966]

I love Iceland! I was happy to live there from 1992-1995. That´s also were I learned to ride

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

It is such a beautiful country! Do you have a favorite place from your time living there?

[@eden19966]

@@DiscoverTheHorse I have last 20 years mostly been riding at Eldhestar, since one of my best friends is a GP in Selfoss, so it´s very close.But when I came to Iceland in the first place, my first job was cleaning a horse stable in Mosfellsbær for 5 months. There were appr 30 horses and I knew very little of horses then. But I learned a lot. I was allowed to ride as much as I wanted for free. Mostly bareback, so I have mainly been "trained" bareback. (Without helmet, of course....different times then).Believe it or not...last year, at the age of 50, I for the first time in my life went to a riding school for 20 classes! I have never learned to ride "properly", I am only self taught in Iceland. But last year me and my husband decided to learn from a real teacher, and then on other, bigger horses, Fun, but scary! Big horses are SO powerful. I still prefer icelanders since I love the tölt.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

That is one of the things I love about being an equestrian! The journey is so different for each rider and it is a life-long journey of learning! I love to ride bareback as well. :) That is so fun that you and your husband decided to take lessons. What a fun thing to do together!

[@bmt-zo1ue]

I can't get over the clarity of the images - so beautiful.

[@pieragade6]

AMAZING!!! I definitely need to experience this one day! I love horses, but since it's too expensive for me to keep one, I used to have riding lessons since I was 7. Show jumping is nice, but my favorite part was simply being close to the horses. Last year I got injured after falling (not first time I fell but the first time I actually got injured, haha), and broke a vertebrae. Luckily didn't need surgery and I'm doing very well. :) Still didn't get the chance to ride again but I certainly will. Breaking such precious bone was a very scary experience and I'll probably think about it everytime I ride or go on any random adventures, but this fear won't stop me. I'll keep riding, being careful as always, and hopefully can go on this ride with icelandic horses someday (and hopefully won't fall there xD)! This video made me feel emotional. You are such an incredible person and I love your energy and smile! Also, seeing so many horses together and how nice people are to them and to each other, the friendships you can make there, the adventure you go on together with everyone, the beeautiful landscapes, even imagining the reasons why each person decided to go on this ride, everything is beautiful and kinda makes me wanna cry, hahah! I still can't go on a trip like this bc of covid and money too, but I felt like I went to this ride with all of you. Thanks a lot for this video and for all the other videos you make! Your channel is perfect! Greetings from Brazil

[@chickenfranzi3177]

I have Icelandic horses for 17 years in Germany and never actually went to Iceland. I really need to do this, it looks sooo fun :D

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

You would absolutely love it!!

[@bonniemott9119]

Absolutely amazing I enjoyed that so much it was just beautiful I can't believe the landscape is just so different and oh those beautiful horses so many different colors and just look so easy just riding alone it's just amazing but if I were younger I would certainly want to do it but thank you for taking us along it was so much fun I really enjoyed it and I do appreciate it so much thank you

[@denisejackson3341]

Soooo amazingly beautiful! They love their horses.

[@tracyramos1019]

Beautiful landscape and cute horses. Love clicking sounds of horse hooves.

[@vickypos6]

No wonder you were grinning for ear to ear through this, so jealous of the trip! It will be hard to top this experience. Rode as a child but developed an allergy to horses so your film is wonderful to watch. thank you.

[@tamihart7414]

A fantastic video. Yes, I love Iceland, the horses and Alyssa. A wonderful magical equestrian travel log. Thank you for producing the video.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Awww, thank you Tami! 🤗 I'm so glad you enjoyed the video, it was such a special experience! 🥰

[@eveogbornnash1464]

ive riden through all these places! its so nice to see them again

[@pglen6042]

An amazing, fascinating video. Riding with a loose herd of horses has to be an unique experience to say the least! Loved this visual experience. Iceland is an amazing country.

[@hufpflegeplus]

If I would go there I would never leave...but as I cannot take my horses with me...I stay home;-)) But thank you for that trip!

[@glendacisneros982]

Such a beautiful video! I watched it first with cc to make sure I didn't miss a word that you said. Then watched again for the beauty of the ride. Looks like something that I would love to do!!❤

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Awww, thank you Glenda! So glad to hear you enjoyed it! I would highly recommend a visit and doing a ride there someday. It is such a great adventure! 😊💜

[@Greentrees60]

what was the thing that was served with the blue glove?

[@orinobrien6955]

this is so beautiful -- I wish I could do the same thing, ride horses in Iceland!! Gorgeous to see and admire.....

[@dorothiehaygood5339]

This is a dream of mine but if I am too old, this video has made me feel great. Thank you.

[@allsortsacresfarm]

I first encountered the Icelandic in person at the Royal Agricultural Fair in Toronto at around 10 years old and was mesmerized. When I finally rode one I was hooked! Just love the stocky, powerful nordic northern horses!

[@moonwatcher4047]

Sweden: *herds horses with nice sounding singing calls* Iceland: *yelling*

[@adamboylan2307]

What a wonderful experience that must have been. I absolutely love how happy and positive you are. You are a real breath of fresh air in this world. Thank you just for being the way you are.

[@kimhollenbeck6954]

I love your video and I enjoyed watching it.The Icelandic horses are beautiful

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks Kim! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@bright-eyed5830]

Amazing. I’m in awe of the horses, the people, and the nature 💙

[@marcinturski6873]

Absolutely beautiful video and fantastic adventure! Thanks for sharing.

[@noninoni9962]

Although, their gates look impressively smooth, from experience of owning and riding a similar size breed, a "Welsh Pony-Horse" (not directly from Wales) I had at age 12 (and outgrew quickly), no matter the gait, it still feels like you're getting vibrated to death -- from the inside out! My "upgrade" to a "regular" size horse was a very much welcome relief to my spine... In fact, it felt like I was riding in slow-motion in comparison... lol However, the hospitality, the country, the location, the beautiful scenery, and the long history of the breed, would make for an awesome and very memorable day!!

[@Vbluevital]

True, a bumpy amazing ride. I feel for them being a small stature with a demanding ride. Obviously they're well cared for and sturdy.

[@Pampnaylor]

That was amazing!!

[@KarlKingz]

Absolutely amazing! Must do!

[@carolbulmer8253]

That was so AWESOME! Thank you for filming your Icelandic adventure❤️👏👏👏👏👏

[@soulstarreiki8889]

This episode was so amazing.. thank-you!. Very emotional watching this journey but heart warming and inspirational ❤️

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@marysheehy4733]

Loved this. Thank you

[@julesmarwell8023]

Again, thank you for taking us along

[@Oktopia]

That looks so wonderful!

[@sidilicious11]

Such a wonderful adventure!

[@faithboldi1396]

It was already amazing to watch, it must been even more amazing to be there.

[@hannahwebb4846]

Looks like my kind of vacation. Only problem is, I can't bring my pet Sheltie along. These horses remind me of what Shelties would be like if they were horses.

[@robinroberts2803]

Well this is on my bucket list now♥️ thank you

[@aldapp5519]

Thanks for sharing views & horses. My favorite one of your videos so far.

[@lisaedwards9597]

What an amazing experience 😎😎😎

[@lindadewalt8449]

Have so enjoyed watching these videos with each horse breed and different places and adventures . In my younger years I rode. Thank you and your filming crew for taking us along. 😊👍🙋🏻

[@samd8631]

Iceland is stunning, as are the horses!!!!!

[@elainezaricor2599]

Perfect vacation to personally get to know the Icelandic breed, share the love of horses, and and a phenomenal cultural experience!❤

[@cb8682]

With your beautiful video it is like being a little bit in Iceland. Quality time looking this. Greetings from Germany 😊

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@klutzerfellfressen2422]

Great! Thanks for taking us with you 🤠

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for riding along!

[@rosaliebeard4614]

Thank you! What a wonderful experience!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for riding along with me Rosalie! 😊

[@gusgus8134]

#1 on my bucket list!

[@tiffanycoleman6947]

Thanks for sharing this was a beautiful video.

[@MrPerry61]

This may be my fav episode

[@TrishCanyon8]

Just amazing to watch. I wish I could do this.

[@Robin-sb7vu]

WOW!!! This was amazing!!!! Loved everything about the ride!!!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks Robin!! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@KatandDogs]

Great video. It looks like such an amazing trip!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks Kat! It was a blast!

[@Heatherbonser1]

Wow, that was fabulous! Thank you!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for joining me on the adventure, glad you enjoyed it!

[@derekedwards5561]

Awesome!!!

[@sunnyruth8575]

Awwwwsome thanks for sharing 🌹

[@Debleves]

I love these horse's , they look awesome

[@dinamonaghan7524]

Yeah, I am. Let's go!

[@yulietmoreno689]

As a plus size woman weighing 250 lbs I was wondering if I’m too heavy to ever ride a horse but it looks like a beautiful experience loved the video

[@jennapayne4964]

You ain’t too heavy. Some horses are very strong. Just make sure to ride them first before buying or using them for lesson just in case to make sure they can carry you comfortably and safely. I’m been taking horse lessons for few months and already love it. My lesson horse is a Belgian horse, one of strong horses that can carry my own weight(370lbs). I’m sure you will find your special horse who will love you for YOU.. horses don’t care how light or heavy we are, they’re just simply bred to carry humans for centuries of years

[@francescocorrias6180]

Simpaticissima!!!

[@abdullahaljabri8196]

How much i love horses 🐴🐴🐴 so ur video is just perfect wonderful 👍,

[@jacquelineauld1036]

Beautiful documentary by a beautiful Soul sharing a pure way of how animals should live. 🙏Thank you. Free and in a natural environment I Am going to dream of doing!!! One Day 🙏 Love the Icelandic Look!!! 😎

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

So glad you enjoyed it, Jacqueline! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@garyhammond2213]

Beautiful horses.

[@dlmalley8639]

Bucket list 👌 ✨ 😍 🙌 🐎👏 💯 🐎

[@SybalJanssen]

I rodé Islandic horses at Solvang in California. They were bred by a Danish woman on her ranch Viking Saga. Fell in love with the breed. Being only an adequate rider at best, I am very comfortable with them. The ones I rode were very smart; you could feel their busy little brains. I love these animals. I get no joy from the big Warmbloods etc,

[@DogDaysohlala]

Headed to iceland tomorrow, I wish I knew that as I use to live in Solavng! Would have been a fun introduction

[@shirleyrice7093]

My favorite in this series is the Icelandic horse for their size and gaits and the land they live in.

[@gudmundursteinar]

How many babies did you need to sacrifice to odin to get weather that good?

[@percymcnabb4746]

amazing

[@amybaum3971]

I'm doing a 4 day ride with Islandshestar next July and I can't wait. Your video was beautiful and helped to keep my level of anticipation and excitement going!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Aww, Thank you! I'm so excited for you, you will absolutely love it!

[@Anna-pj8te]

What was it like?

[@amybaum3971]

@@Anna-pj8te it was absolutely amazing. I had a smile on my face the entire time and could only wonder why everyone doesn’t choose to see Iceland this way. Great people and amazing horses, loved every minute!

[@nwsun99]

Thank you for sharing your amazing trip.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for watching!

[@lisabek72]

Man, you gotta be really fit for that trip! Amazing!

[@dianaimpossible7196]

Hi! You did a wonderful job with this film! I'm totally amazed by this trek 😍 I immediatly checked the website but there are so many trips I cannot tell which one is it 😅 Could you tell me what's the trek's name? ❤️

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks Diana! 🥰 I did the Landmannalauger My Hekla tour. Here is the link: islandshestar.is/tour/landmannalaugar-mt-hekla/

[@ms.angiesclassroom3189]

I think I'm in love!!!

[@michelewhite4262]

So wonderful to go with you,thank not you for sharing...

[@charchessloscaballos]

Beautiful🐎🌄

[@sunnyruth8575]

This is awesome

[@nancyhenderson-korpi2065]

Iceland is amazing!

[@sarajanesmith3892]

Another one for my bucket list!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

🙌

[@helainemcmaster1999]

love all what u do loved watching u ur amazing and a Beautiful person

[@profchitra3084]

See you tomorrow ... feeling sleepy ..gud night 😄😀😃💕💕💕😘

[@DreamGrazersAcres]

You are officially my new hero 🥰🌼

[@david57238]

This looks absolutely amazing. I have never been to Iceland. I am from California but that sounds great. Enjoy your trip.

[@cirkle862]

I’m going to start saving now. Wow I wanna do that