Horses and sheep in iceland

Sheep Round-Up

On this unique horse-riding tour, join farmers in Iceland as they gather thousands of sheep from the mountains where they have spent the summer on grazing grounds. Riding Icelandic horses, you take part in this unique adventure and practice your team work skills! You will drive sheep across the black sands of Mt Hekla, the rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar or along mighty glacier rivers, depending on your selected date. Wherever you go, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and an experience riding holiday with a purpose.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Cattle Drive
6, 7 or 9 days
From £1,470
  • Sheep round up event in Iceland
    Celebrate the annual sheep round-up in Iceland
  • Riders driving sheep through the mountains of Landmannalaugar in iceland
    An extraordinary cultural and equestrian experience
  • Riders riding icelandic horses in Iceland
    Discover the beauty of the Icelandic landscapes on horseback
  • Sheep parked in a paddock during an Icelandic sheep round up
    Help local farmers during their traditional sheep round-up
  • Rider riding a horse and helping out at a sheep round up event
    Help bring sheep down from their summer grazing to their winter pastures
  • Riders roundin up stray sheep in iceland
    A riding holiday with a purpose in Iceland
  • Silhouette of horses and their riders in Iceland
    Experience the wild, rugged beauty of Iceland on horseback
  • Gathering cattle by  a beautiful lake on horseback in Iceland
    A unique riding holiday in Iceland
  • Icelandic farmers gathering sheep from the mountains
    Join farmers in Iceland as they gather thousands of sheep from the mountains
  • Landmannaafréttur sheep round up
    Landmannaafréttur sheep round-up in southern Iceland

Itinerary

Highlights

- Join an annual tradition wih real sheep farmers and be involved in their daily life, bringing sheep down from their summer grazing to their winter pastures
- Ride with a maximum of 8 guests (plus a number of local farmers and guides)
- Enjoy the stunning Icelandic countryside
  • Day 1 1: ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK - No riding

    Fly from to Reykjavik. Spend a night at a hotel in Reykjavik - these services are not included, but easily booked upon request. Please contact us. Dinner to your own account.

    Your tour will begin the following morning.
  • Day 2 2: REYKJAVIK TO LOCAL FARM

    Pick up between 8:30:00 – 10:00 depending on your chosen tour, from the BSI (central bus station). Please come dressed already in riding clothes. Transfer to the farm before meeting your guides and horses. Today is your first ride in Iceland, and will be kept short and sweet for you to get used to the land and your horses' paces.

    Depending on your chosen dates, the duration and location of the round-up will vary. Landscapes are also different.
    With this sheep round-up, plunge into the life of the Iceland farmers. Please note that you need to have a good level of fitness to cope with long hours in the saddle, under sometimes unpredictable weather conditions. As participants, you are joining an annual tradition and not a customized riding tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work as a team are essential. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, be prepared to pull your weight each day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those participating.

    PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES

    > Melrakkaslétta - 4 riding days

    There is a lot of diversity on this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord. The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Gather the sheep from Núpasveitafréttur and Melrakkaslétta peninsula and drive them into Katastaða communal sheepfold so the farmers can sort out their flock and take them to their farms.


    > Rangarvallaafrettur - 6 days riding
    Ride across Mælifellssandur, a large area of sand and stones north of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, between the mountains Einstigsfjall and Brattháls. Gather the sheep at beautiful Lake Álftavatn before riding through the area of Sultarfit and Rangárbotnar, through Reiðskarð Mountainpass and Laufahraun Lavafields.


    > Reykjarettir - 3 riding days

    From Kálfhóll Farm we head off through fertile farmland and enter the beautiful trail along mighty glacier river Thjórsá. The ride continues towards the herd of sheep that are herded down from the highlands in tenth of thousands. When we meet the herd we will herd them for the rest of the way to Reykjaréttir (Reykja Coral) where all the sheep farmers come together to collect their sheep from the herd.


    > Landmannaafrettur - 6 days riding

    On this special tour you join the farmers in South Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. Help gather the sheep into the Landmannaafréttur communal sheepfold close to the famous Landmannalaugar geothermal area. The yellow, reddish and greenish hue of the rhyolite mountains give this area a magical touch.
  • Day 3 3 TO DAY 4 OR 6

    You ride out on your first round-up. This is a day filled with emotions and a real immersion intot the Iceland culture. Riders and farmers work together to make sure that no sheep is left behind.
  • Day 4 5 OR 7

    Today is your last ride in the beautiful and wild Icelandic countryside. You are transferred to Reykjavik (BSI) at the end of the day. You settle into your hotel (not included) where you are free to make your own plans for the night or take your flight home.
  • Day 5 6 OR 8 - HOME

    If you have chosen to stay in Reykjavik last night, self-transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on riders sharing communal rooms. There is no single supplement and you must be willing to share.

- Groups are comprised of 5-12 international riding guests plus guides depending on your chosen dates.

- Transfers from the airport to Reykjavik are not included, but are included from Reykjavik to the farm. See https://www.re.is/tour/flybus/ for more info on how to get from the airport to the city centre.

- Accommodation in Reykjavik is not included but easily booked upon request.

- Vegan and/or Gluten Free diets will incur on an extra supplement of around £90/€100/$110 per person.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 english speaking horse guide since Reykjavik
2-4 assistants in charge of the free herd.
2 local horse guide, horses owners

Logistic

2-3 horses per rider equipped with saddle and bridle
1 vehicle and driver
1 cook

Inland transports

Minibus

Accommodation

Mountain Huts, dormitory style

Meals

Full board during the ride

Extra equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra
2 free dinner in Reykjavik (£28-36 each meal)
Special diet supplement - please see above

Transports

Transfers between Keflavik airport to Reykjavik
International flights

Extra

Tips to local team
Touristic sites fees not already included on the program

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Accommodation in Reykjavik

Extras

Trip extensions or additional activities
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    04/09/2024 09/09/2024 £1,470 €1,690 $1,823
    Open
    Book now
    12/09/2024 20/09/2024 £2,506 €2,882 $3,107
    Open
    Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The Icelandic horse is a part of the history and saga of the country and its Vikings. It is characterised by it's extra pace - the tölt, which is fast and very comfortable. Some are also capable of an additional Flying Pace, which is similar to trot, but much faster and used for racing. Icelandic horses are small, sociable, comfortable and energetic. Icelandic tack consists of simple snaffle bridles, often with drop nosebands and straight cut saddles similar to English style.

Guide & local team

You will be assisting local farmers who know the land very well. You may be split into small groups, and sent in different directions to find sheep all over the mountainsides, but there will always be someoneto point you in the right direction.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You should be a confident rider, capable of riding over varied terrain at all paces. You should be open to learning a new style of riding - the tölt (fast pace and normally comfortable) and fit enough to maintain this pace for long periods.

Rider weight limit is 110kg/17,3 st/242lb

Pace

The pace on this ride is moderate. The tölt, used most of the time, is a specific pace likened to a very fast walk which you sit to. Over technical terrain the horses will walk or trot. There can be long periods of walk or even standing around waiting for the sheep.

Tacking ability and participation

You will be expected to assist with grooming and tacking up your horse (guidance is available) and to help with meal preperations.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be physically fit for some very long hours in the saddle (8-10 hours). The terrain is varied to include steep ascents/descents, rocks/lava fields and there may be holes to avoid. You should also be prepared for the changeable weather. The climate is temperate (12°c - 16°c during the day) but the temperature can change suddenly with strong winds and rain always possible. As this is Autumn you may also experience early snow flurries.

Having previous experience of riding a trail of several days in Iceland would be an advantage but it is not compulsory. Only guests who ride regularly and are fit are able to join the round-up rides. It is of particular importance to ensure you are comfortable and balanced when riding at speed across rough terrain and open spaces for long hours in the saddle.

All participants join an annual tradition and not a customized riding tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work hand in hand with others is required. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, required to fulfil your duty every day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those participating in this great adventure.

Equestrian equipment

Saddle bags are provided, as are rain coats.

Hard hats are mandatory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

On the ride the accommodation is basic and you stay in mountain cabins which are communal and equipped with bunk beds. Some of the larger cabins may have more than one room, whilst other smaller cabins are dormitory style. It is not possible to request single accommodation and so you must be prepared to share with the other guests and the farmers. There are usually toilets available, but warm showers are not possible at all locations. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

On some dates, accommodation is provided in more comfortable lodgings and you will not need a sleeping bag. Please contact us for details.

Please understand that accommodation in the highlands is always basic, with little privacy, small rooms and limited showers.

Meals

Lunches are simple picnics; dinners are generous and hearty.
You prepare your own picnic lunch at breakfast time.

Vegan and Gluten free diets can be accommodated at an extra cost.

Climate

Contrary to popular belief, the general climate in Iceland is temperate and cool with extreme cold temperatures only recorded in winter. In summer the average temperatures are 10-12c but can be as low as 5c and as high as 25c. You should be prepared for both sun and rain and dress in layers. The round-ups occur at the end of the season and so you are heading into autumn and the temperatures can be lower.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel is appropriate and you are comfortable with.

Packing list

There are some important packing considerations for a riding holiday in Iceland. The Icelandic horses have had no contact with other equine species and are not vaccinated. They do not have any resistance to diseases which are common elsewhere in the world and so it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of infections.

- You should NOT take the following products into Iceland: saddles, bridles, halters, saddle pads, whips, brushes or any leather products which have been in contact with a horse.

- Your riding clothes must be thoroughly cleaned at least 5 days before departure (riding breeches, jumpers, coats, gloves) and should be washed in temperatures of at least 40c.

- Items which cannot be washed at 40c, such as riding hats or leather boots must be thoroughly disinfected at least five days before departure:
1. Wash in detergent.
2. Dry thoroughly
3. Spray with a 1% solution of Virkon detergent (10g per litre of water)

For more details please visit the Icelandic veterinary authority website: www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import/ridingequipment

Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- A flyhat to wear over your helmet may be a good idea in the summer months, when flies can be be an issue
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain
- Warm hat for cold evenings/days

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- Down jacket or gilet for cold evenings
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared. In the mountains the weather can change quickly

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub. Take two pairs
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal trousers

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged. Boots should be waterproof as river crossings are a possibility.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Sandals/flipflops
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Sleeping bag with a minimum comfort rating of minus 5, although you may find minus 10 more comfortable
- Sleeping bag liner (silk/cotton/fleece) to add extra comfort and warmth
- A small camping pillow
- Slippers (you will have to remove your shoes inside the accommodation)
- An eye mask can help with the 24hr daylight

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for hot tubs
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Icelandic sheep is a special breed that has been isolated since the island has settled and is now protected. There are over 30 natural sheep colours including yellow, black and rust brown, but the vast majority are white.

Icelandic sheep are free to roam the mountains and valleys for the whole of the summer and every autumn Icelandic farmers and shepherds ride into the mountains to collect their sheep. The sheep round-up is called Rettir and is one of the most important events in the Icelandic country calendar. 

Farmers herd their sheep down the mountains into the valleys, and into a circular wooden sheepfold (called a ‘dilkur’). Sections are labelled with farm names and all of the farmers and their helpers identify and seperate the sheep according to their ear markers. The unlucky ones goes to market and the rest spend their winters in the lower lying valleys where they can be fed and checked regularly. The traditional “réttarsúpa” (coral soup - a traditional Icelandic soup with meat and vegetable) is usually eaten after the round-up at a local pub, which normally also leads to traditional dancing! 

By joining the farmers on this annual ritual, you can really get involved and experience a riding holiday with a purpose.

 

On the blog

Equus rider Brooke has visited Iceland not only once, but twice, to participate in the annual sheep roundup. And as this post is being published, she is about to embark on her third trip! Here is a little glimpse of her riding adventures in Iceland... See more on the blog. 

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • JOANIE aged 32 La Chaux-de-Fonds 1 trip
    September 2023
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide