TRAINING WORKSHOP · NOV – APR

Winter Workshops

Every rider is a trainer. Spend a week as an assistant trainer inside Hestaland’s professional training stable, working alongside Guðmar Pétursson with two project horses of your own.

PER WEEK

$2,700 USD

DURATION

7 Days / 6 Nights (Sun – Sat)

SKILL LEVEL

Motivated, independent riders

PROJECT HORSES

2 per rider, 2 lessons daily

GROUP SIZE

Max 3–4 per week

Every Rider Is a Trainer

Whether you’re an experienced competitor or a recreational rider, every ride shapes the horse beneath you. Our Winter Workshops are designed for riders who want to deepen their understanding of horse training and develop the skills to ride with greater purpose, feel, and confidence.

This is not a traditional riding holiday, but a rare opportunity to step into the daily life of Hestaland’s professional training stable and experience what it is like to work as an assistant trainer for one week.

Created and led by internationally respected trainer Guðmar Pétursson, the program is built on developing thoughtful, independent riders and trainers. You’ll work alongside Guðmar and Hestaland trainers, gaining firsthand insight into the methods, decision-making, and philosophy behind a successful professional training stable.

You will be entrusted with two carefully selected project horses that match your experience level and training interests — whether that means developing a young horse, improving a stiff horse, or another suitable training project. Every morning, each rider receives a lesson with Guðmar or Vibeke, after which you’ll continue training independently under their supervision. This approach encourages you to develop your own feel, judgment, and problem-solving skills while receiving expert feedback throughout the process.

Outside of your own riding, you’ll become part of the rhythm of our training stable. Observe the daily work, ask questions, and take part in the routines. Winter is our busiest training season, giving you an authentic behind-the-scenes experience of a working Icelandic horse training operation.

Is this workshop for you?

This workshop is particularly well suited to curious, motivated, and independent riders who enjoy learning by doing.

Think like a trainer

Our most successful assistant trainers actively observe, ask thoughtful questions, and embrace the opportunity to think like trainers rather than simply follow instructions.

Ride independently

Afternoons are spent training your project horses on your own, under supervision. You should be comfortable riding and working with horses without constant instruction. Each rider controls the intensity and pace of their own schedule and is welcome to take time off as needed.

Prepare with Guðmar’s Patreon

Many participants are members of Guðmar’s Patreon community, where hundreds of training videos explore the same methods and philosophy. Guests use the videos to prepare before arriving and to revisit concepts after returning home.

Your Week as an Assistant Trainer

Sunday: Arrival

Arrive at the farm and get settled into Hestaland Guesthouse (check-in from 3 pm). We can help arrange transportation from the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavík at mutually agreed times, or pick you up in Borgarnes on Sunday or Monday morning — just get in touch.

Report to the barn at 9 am. You’ll be assigned at least two project horses and spend the morning evaluating them. In the afternoon you receive a lesson on each horse and make a training plan for the week.

Continue working with your project horses — a lesson on each horse in the mornings with Guðmar or Vibeke, and independent training under supervision in the afternoons. Lunch is shared daily with the Hestaland training team. On Friday afternoon we reevaluate the progress of your project horses together.

Check out by 11 am. Weekends are off — if you’re staying for a second block, you’ll have Saturday and Sunday to rest, explore the area, or simply enjoy the guesthouse.

What’s Included

  • Lessons: Two daily riding lessons (one on each project horse)
  • Project Horses: Two carefully selected horses, including tack
  • Training: Independent daily sessions under professional supervision
  • Accommodation: 6 nights at Hestaland Guesthouse
  • Lunch: Daily lunch with the training team (Mon – Fri)
  • Stable Access: Full access to observe and take part in the daily life of the training stable

What’s Not Included

  • International flights to/from Iceland
  • Breakfast and dinner — you have full access to the guesthouse kitchen
  • Transfers to/from BSI Terminal (arranged individually on request)
  • Personal travel & health insurance (strongly advised)
  • Riding boots, helmet and winter riding gear

Dates & Availability

Each workshop has only 3–4 spaces. If you’re interested in joining us this season, we recommend reserving your spot as early as possible. You can also combine two or more consecutive blocks.

2026

Nov 9 – 13 1 SPOT LEFT

Nov 23 – 27 SOLD OUT

Nov 30 – Dec 4

Dec 7 – 11

2027

Jan 4 – 8

Jan 18 – 22

Jan 25 – 29

Feb 8 – 12

Feb 15 – 19

Mar 1 – 5

Mar 8 – 12 1 SPOT LEFT

Mar 15 – 19 2 SPOTS LEFT

Apr 5 – 9 1 SPOT LEFT

Apr 12 – 16 SOLD OUT

PRICE

$2,700 USD / week

7-day / 6-night block: Sunday arrival (3 pm check-in), Mon–Fri workshop, Saturday departure (11 am check-out). Airfare and insurance not included.

Season 2026 – 2027

Weekly blocks, Nov 9 – Apr 16

See all dates and availability in the list to the left. Multiple consecutive weeks can be combined.

Only 3–4 assistant trainers per week. Email Christina with your preferred date to secure your spot.

Prepare before you arrive

Hundreds of training videos on the same methods you’ll experience at Hestaland.

Guðmar’s Patreon

Have questions?

Not sure if this is the right workshop for you? Contact Christina directly.

christina@hestaland.net

Inside the Training Stable