Winter Workshops

Hestaland’s Winter Workshops are fitting for those who are serious about taking their riding level and training skills to the next level. Riders of all levels will have the rare learning opportunity to be a supervised, assistant trainer at our 37-horse training operation for one week.

Student trainers will train independently but alongside and under the supervision of Gudmar and Vibeke, who will be training simultaneously and give you tips and feedback as needed. At the same time, you’ll be given the space to figure some things out for yourself. This experience is ideal for independently minded and inquisitive riders, as our student trainers often learn the most by asking questions.

When you are not training, you’ll have the chance to observe and experience our daily training work, watch everything that goes on, and help with whatever needs to be done. The Hestaland training station will be in full gear, and you’ll become a part of it.

Student trainers will receive two daily riding lessons, 2 project horses (including tack), lodging at Hestaland Guesthouse for 6 nights, and daily lunch with the Hestaland staff.

Your 2 assigned horses will match your experience level and interests, such as working with a young or stiff horse. On Monday morning, you’ll get a lesson on each horse and then one lesson every day (you can choose on which horse you take the lesson). You will train each horse 2 times a day alongside the Hestaland trainers.

  • Group size: 2–3 students trainers max, per week
  • Timing: Workshops will be set up in 5-day, Monday–Friday blocks and offered all winter long (you can do one more than one block at a time if you like)
  • Breakfast and dinner: You’re on your own, although you will have access to the guesthouse kitchen
  • Transportation: We can help arrange transportation to/from the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik on an individual basis at mutually agreed upon times.We can pick you up in Borgarnes at any time on Sunday or Monday morning. Please be in contact with us if you need help in this regard. 
  • Sunday: Winter workshop students typically arrive at the farm and get settled in.
  • Monday morning: Report to the barn at 9 am. You will be assigned at least 2 project horses to work with and spend the morning evaluating them.
  • Monday afternoon: Recieve a lesson on each one and make training plan.
  • Tues-Friday: You will continue to work with your project horses, recieving a lesson on each horse in the mornings and working independently but under supervision in the afternoons. 
  • Friday: We will reevaluate the progress of your project horses together.
  • Weekends: Off
  • Pace and intensity: Each rider controls the intensity and pace of their training schedule and is welcome to take some time off as needed.  
  • Pricing: $2,450 for a 7-day/6-night block* (Sunday arrvial (3 pm check in), Mon-Friday workshop, Saturday morning departure (11 am check out)).

Due to high demand we have decided to add fall dates as well to our Winter Workshop series. Please note that we have limited availability for each set of dates so please contact us sooner rather than later if you are interested in reserving spots at the Winter workshop this season.

October 2024
October 28–November 1

November 2024
November 18–22 
November 25–29

December 2024
December 2–6
Decemeber 9–13 

January 2025
January 20–24 (sold out!)
January 27–31

February 2025
February 10–14
February 17–21 (sold out!)

March 2025
March 3–7
March 10–14
March 24
–28

April 2025
April 7–11
April 28–May 2 

In order to secure a spot, please email Christina  ([email protected]) and let her know your preferred date.