vermont icelandic horse farm

I would like to reiterate the sentiments expressed by an earlier reviewer, @GJ1964. If only I had heeded that warning before coming here. I got the impression that this would be a good experience for intermediate or experienced riders, but for beginners, there was not nearly enough instruction provided for adequate safety. What's more, they clearly took out too many people at once, with a group of 9 horses total and only two "guides".On our two-hour ride, one of the guides was actually thrown from her horse, and at least two of the horses being ridden by beginners broke out into uncontrolled gallops, which the guides didn't even notice because they were too far ahead or behind to see. We had to shout for help to get them to circle around. Finally, towards the end of the ride, some unknown thing spooked one of the horses and ALL 9 horses broke out in a panic, throwing one of the other riders off into the bushes and running all over the road.I was so shaken up after this experience that I didn't even have the stomach left to ask for my money back - we just raced to our car and drove away from that place as fast as we could. I would strongly recommend any beginners to avoid this place at all costs, and find a horse farm that offers proper instruction your first time out.

Maybe the best way to convey how much my husband and I enjoyed our rides at the horse farm is to reveal that we enjoyed ourselves so much we decided to buy one of the horses that I rode during our week of riding. We are experienced riders and own other horses. However, there is something very special about Icelandics. You do not have to be an experienced rider. These horses have very smooth gaits and delightful dispositions. Karen, the owner of the stable, gives us the opportunity to each ride several different horses over the course of a week. This was a wonderful way to experience and appreciate all that is unique about Icelandics. We did not go with the intention of adding to our personal herd. We just wanted to try out a breed we had never ridden. After just a few rides on beautiful trails and hard packed dirt rodes we were hooked on Vermont and on Icelandics. We rode for 3 full days (a ride in the morning, lunch, and another in the afternoon) and 2 half days (just the morning ride). Each ride was beautiful and showed us a little bit more about why so many people love Vermont. Icelandics are small horses so if you are just a little bit nervous this size may help you feel more secure. On the other hand, if you are used to riding larger horses don't worry. Once you're on top you will feel like you're riding a large horse with all the strenght and willingness you would expect. (I normally ride a 16.2 hand 1/2 thoroughbred). The horses are responsive, well cared for, and happy. The stable is the cleanest stable I have ever been to and I've been to many, many stables. Riding is an excellent and easy way to get close to nature. I highly recommend Karen,her staff, and the horses at Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm!

If you are going for the first time to ride an islandic horse, fine, you can go and have a try here, but believe me - these horses are very lame compared to the islandic horses you get to ride in Europe. My friends and I all own islanders and we were massively disappointed as Karens horses were, for our experience, poorly ridden and all they could do was follow the horse in front of them. The second day we met Karen she was nice and helpful with was a nice change from the first day when she was exceedingly rude and yelled at us because of a simple misunderstanding. We understand that she had had a bad day as one guest had fallen off its horse and broken some ribs, but if you are going to deal with customers, its good to remember that they are, in fact, paying your bills, and act accordingly towards them.

Beautiful farm, horses in great shape; enjoyed a scenic two hour ride on a nice little gelding chosen for my level of experience.

Beautiful setting, trail rides on dirt roads and through wooded trails, all on the backs of gorgeous Icelandic horses. Smaller than many other breeds, but sure-footed and spirited. Best thing about it? Yup, "tolting", which is riding their unique "tolt" gait. Sort of like a fast seated trot, only with lateral movement vs. bouncing up and down. Nice people as guides, rides geared to the level of the guests. Take on the TOLT, and you will be glad you did!

Got to the farm and from the first second fell in love with the horses. They're awesome and have great personalities!!!!! This was the first time I had ever rode English and felt extremely comfortable!!!!! The gaited "tolt" that the do is unbelievably smooth. Our guides and the scenery was amazing. I highly reckoned coming here.

Karen and her horses are amazing. We were not disappointed. The horses were so well matched to each riders skill level we all enjoyed the ride. The scenery was breathtaking. Can't wait to visit again.

The scenes during the trail rides were beautiful, and riding the Icelandic horses was a great experience. I 'tolted' on a horse for the first time.

We have ridden horses all over the world and I must say, riding these where the most fun! They are really little (13.1 hands or so) and technically ponies. Just don't tell that to a 6 foot 5 in Viking or he will step on you. They are very strong forward gaited horses and the tolt was just wonderful.We did two 5 hour days of riding and the Karen was just wonderful. She sized up everyone and gave out just the right horses. Would recommend this place for any riding ability.

Riding at the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm is a wonderful experience. Owner, Karen, her Mom, June, and daughters Isabelle and Amily ensure everyone, incuding each and every horse is happy and comfortable. Dad and Inn Keeper, Luc, back at the Mad River Inn, keeps the place spotless and prepares the most wonderful breakfasts to start off the day. The Icelandic horses are small but have huge hearts and Tolting is the most comfortable equine gait ever! It is a purely joyful ride. It is obvious that the horses are loved and cared for beautifully. The barn is clean and the Icelandic tack is well-cared for and comfortably authentic. The trail guides ensure that everyone has a safe, but exciting ride, through the miles of trails and dirt roads with unbelieveable views, and plenty of photo-ops. I am a riding instructor and have been riding for over 50 years - I highly recommend this adventure!

I have dreamed and thought about riding an icelandic horse for many years. Having owned a welsh mountain pony, managed a show barn and rode for many years -- I had not ridden in awhile until this incredible experience. These amazing horses made me feel as though I had never stopped. I was completely comfortable in the saddle and felt as though I was riding a cloud. They are full of goodness and are at the center of all things beautiful. It was a breathtaking ride through the Vermont countryside and I felt relaxed, comfortable and just happy to be able to have the opportunity to be with this amazing horse. These Icelandic horses touched me deeply. I was moved by their trust and their simple unconditional relationship with humans. I plan on returning in August.

I travel frequently for riding vacations and this was one of the best trips I have taken. The accommodations at Mad River Inn (also belonging to the owners of the farm) were quaint and comfortable and the food was wonderful. I felt like I was eating in a five star restaurant. The farm was beautiful and well kept. The horses were friendly, gentle and very responsive. In fact, these charming Icelandics and their famous tolt have quickly made them one of my favorite breeds. I found the staff friendly and very helpful. They wanted to make sure their guests had a good time. Their care and concern for their horses was commendable and nice to see. I can't wait to go back again.

Last week three friends and I had the experience of a lifetime on a 4 day riding trek at the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm.. Karen her mom and all the staff at the horse farm were great. Although we all were experienced horsemen we had never ridden Icelandics and what a treat! We rode thru beautiful countryside and learned to Tolt, which we did a lot, thru the meadows and dirt roads. We topped off our rides by staying at Karen and her husband Luc's beautiful Mad River Inn. Great rooms, great food in the most picturesque place you could imagine. We'll be back (hopefully in the fall for the foliage) Thanks Karen Luc, and the girls for a great time.

I was able to ride two days back-to-back for 1.5 hour rides each day. June set me up with the same horse the second day, which was great! The first day I rode with Shirley and the next day three of us rode with two guides. Each time I was treated courteously, allowed to ride to my skill level, had great tolts, trots, and even a short canter. These horses are not nose to tail, and the rides were great. Couple of cautions - I didn't dress warmly enough the first day, so bring warm socks, and weather proof jacket if the weather is anything but sunny. I came up from much further south and didn't realize that spring hadn't sprung! And as I learned on the first day, if you are wondering about something, ask! Stirrup lengths are different on Icelandic saddles, but once I asked, we got that figured out. Again, great staff, great horses,and and an experience you will not get anywhere else.

As a recent rider at this farm, I must speak in defense of the horses and the staff who handled my ride. I will admit that Karen doesn't seem to be very organized in her management of the rides. But I was much more focused on riding these unique and very amenable horses, a rare treat in the U.S. I came to this region of VT only to ride the Icelandics. When I arrived in the morning for a scheduled 3-hr ride, Karen was planning to spend the day shopping with her girls in Burlington. But two guides were arranged within a matter of minutes with help from her mother June and I enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing, safe and companionable ride with Shirley in the lead and Patricia, a horse owner who was there on the weekend. Regardless of what I perceived as a potentially serious glitch in arrangements, all turned out fine. I will ride again this week and I am certain I will be welcomed and handled with care.As far as the money: I was told that I could pay for the first ride and the next ride when I returned. This is most trusting and accomodating regardless of the reason. These horses are worth any amount of snafu, believe me!