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Activities : Horseback riding in South Iceland

For centuries, the plains and mountains of Iceland have served as a major breeding center for one of the world's most unique animals, the Icelandic Horse. A purebred descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Some of the worlds best riders and breeders are located close to Hotel Ranga (Oddholl).

Horseback riding is an all year activity

www.hestheimar.is                          www.eldhestar.is                

Sturdy but gentle & friendly, small yet surprisingly strong, these animals served as Iceland's sole means of land transport until the advent of motorized vehicles 60 years ago. Workhorse, packhorse, laborer, food source, and equine jack-of-all trades, this friendly animal is today prized for its temperament, riding qualities, and five gaits; the walk, trot, gallop, skeið (pace) and tölt (running walk).

Their two unique gaits, the tölt and the pace, provide a remarkably smooth way to travel over rugged terrain, making long hours in the saddle more comfortable. The tölt is what makes riding Icelandics such a pleasure, with its flowing 4-beat gait providing the sensation of floating while being seated firmly in the saddle.

Horseback riding is an integral part of the traditional Icelandic scene and the naturally gentle Icelandic horse provides excellent riding opportunities — especially through the wild and otherwise inaccessible areas of Iceland. It is also an activity loved by people of all ages.

Horse shows are also frequent events in Iceland. The famous Landsmót takes place every four years in Hella (and every other two years in the north of Iceland) and is a great festivity and display of this magnificent animal. The festival takes place in Hella next time in the first week of July 2008 – so be sure to book your rooms in the area if you plan to attend as all occupancy is always booked up to a year beforehand!

For groups we can arrange exclusive horse riding trips from the hotel. Otherwise - we use several different trusted professional companies in the area for riding tours to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. These companies include Hestheimar (about 15 minutes west of the Hotel Ranga), Miðhus (just outside Hvolsvöllur) and Skalakot (under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier).

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