Watch our new video: Riding Icelandic horses in Iceland's magnificent Rauðhólar

On the outskirts of Reykjavík lies a place of wonder and rugged beauty – Rauðhólar. A landscape painted in hues of red and brown, dotted with enigmatic volcanic formations, Rauðhólar is a testament to nature's artistry. It's here that Horses of Iceland and

Horseday

embarked on a journey, not just through beautiful Icelandic landscape but through time itself, to capture the spirit of Icelandic horses and riders in their natural habitat.

Our quest was to showcase the age-old bond between Icelandic horses and their riders, a connection that transcends time and generations. To bring this vision to life, we assembled a team of five remarkable riders, each with their unique stories and experiences, all sharing an unshakable love for the Icelandic horse.
We spent the day prior to shooting scouting the area for the best spots, the best light and hoping the rainy clouds would leave us alone while we were filming.
Our riders, spanning a range of ages and backgrounds, brought their enthusiasm and passion, ready to be part of our exciting project. The horses - a stallion, a mare and three geldings - with their patient yet fiery spirit allied to exceptional surefootedness, were the perfect companions for the long afternoon and evening ahead of us.

As the riders weaved their way through the 5200 year old lava fields and rocky trails, the natural beauty of Rauðhólar unveiled itself with every step. The sun came out for what felt like the first and only day of the month of June and, as the day of the summer solstice went by, shadows only grew a tiny bit longer. The horses, with their manes dancing in sync with their strides, seemed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, a living testament to the harmony between nature and these majestic creatures.

Our film crew’s cameras happily captured moments of pure joy and excitement on the faces of our riders as they rode through this otherworldly yet familiar terrain. But this shoot was about more than just visuals; it was also about storytelling. Each rider had a unique tale to tell, a connection to the Icelandic horse that transcends age and backgrounds. From the seasoned equestrian with decades of experience to the little girl just beginning her journey, their narratives tell us about the bond between humans, nature and the remarkable animals that Icelandic horses are.

As the evening went by, the sun staying well above the horizon, we had not only captured breathtaking footage but also a profound understanding of what it means to be an Icelandic horse rider. It's not just a hobby; it's a way of life, a connection to nature, and a timeless tradition that continues to thrive.
On those words, we now invite you to sit back and enjoy as we embark on this visual journey through Rauðhólar, where Icelandic horse riders find themselves at one with nature, and the story of this remarkable partnership unfolds before your eyes.