Welcome to the Adventure!
Namaste and Welcome
As a retreat leader, my aim is to create a supportive, inclusive, accepting, drama-free, non-competitive retreat environment; creating a safe container where each participant can fully be themselves, having the space to share freely and participate in heart-centered conversations to their comfort level. We lift each other up and shared experiences are all the richer!
Because of our diverse schedule, the aspects of Body, Mind, Equine, and Yoga for Riders will be creatively worked around our activities. So, we may just find ourselves doing yoga or a meditation session by a waterfall or on a black-sand beach 😊 But, hey, yoga is all about flexibility, physically and metaphorically, so though there are distinct learning topics that will be included, we’ll somewhat be, going with the flow with some creative workarounds, which will make our retreat as unique as each participant.
We will begin each morning with a collective, group intention for the day. Mindfulness will be the theme of our experience, whether it’s being fully present with the magical Icelandic horses to taking in the incredible sights of the Icelandic countryside.
You’re welcome to reach out to me with any questions. I am truly grateful to be taking this journey with you and am counting down the days till we gather at this stunning destination and experience the fellowship of like-minded women traveling together.
Happy Trails & Namaste,
Cathy Woods
FINAL ITINERARY
Balances have been paid and the details are ready for you.
Horses and Yoga, 5 days 4 nights itinerary
8/31/23 Meet and Greet
Midgardur by Center Hotels, ReykjavÃk, 3PM.
9/1/23 Day 1- Golden Circle
Meet in hotel lobby at 9 AM.
We will visit Þingvellir, Laugarvatn and Geyser on the Golden Circle.. After lunch, we will go horseback riding to Gullfoss (Golden waterfall). Yoga and dinner at Boutique Hotel Anna.
9/2 Day 2 - South Coast
8 AM yoga session.
Breakfast.
Walk to horse farm for tour to a private waterfall from Skálakot.
Lunch
Afternoon hike to the waterfalls.
Gourmet dinner at hotel.
9/3 Day 3 - Glacier and Black Sand Beach
Yoga
Breakfast
Morning trip to glacier.
Lunch
Drive to the South Coast and ride the black sand beaches.
Walk the basalt columns.
Gourmet dinner at hotel.
9/4 Day 4 - Hidden Gems Adventure
Yoga
Breakfast
Horse riding in the morning.
Lunch
Afternoon to hike waterfall.
Gourmet dinner at hotel.
9/5 Day 5 - Crater lake, Lava tube cave and ReykjavÃk city
Yoga
Breakfast.
Crater and lava tube cave tour.
Special stop at a local Icelandic swimming pool.
Short introduction of ReykjavÃk as we return to the city.
Return to Midgardur by Center Hotels.
Included:
Five days of guided tour where the guide and co-hosts stay at the same hotel four nights. Four nights in boutique Hotel Anna with breakfasts and gourmet dinners (lunch is not included but will be available each day).
Guided Horse tours 1-2 hours over four days in different locations in Iceland.
Guided cave exploring in Raufarhólshellir.
Thermo bottles for the pure Icelandic tap water.
Info on horseback riding: Overalls and rain gear will be provided if necessary, helmets will be provided.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We will be setting intentions each morning before our day begins. This itinerary of experiences is detailed but due to the nature of travel, please be patient if we decide while there that morning yoga would be best delayed until evening (or even done while hiking at the waterfalls!).
An Experience As Unique As You Are.
HOTEL ANNA
Country Hotel Anna
A small, family-run country hotel at the Moldnúpur farm, furnished in a romantic, old-fashioned style by the southern foothills of Eyjafjallajökull in South Iceland. Next to the hotel is Country Hotel Anna Apartments. A cosy, peaceful abode in the beautiful countryside. Hiking trails. Nearby are exceptional natural treasures and places renowned for their beauty.
RESTAURANT
At Hotel Anna or "Önnuhús" (‘Anna’s house’) is a charming restaurant in an old, renovated dairy that sits 45 people. There is an emphasis on fresh local produce and dishes based on traditional Icelandic recipes. Delicous continental style breakfast and during the day, light meals, cakes, coffee and other beverages are available, while dinner for hotel guests and walk-ins is served from 18:30 – 21. Vegan options are available.
Service and Recreation
Hiking trails in the vicinity of the hotel and in the region beyond. Horse riding tours from the nearest farm, Skálakot (800 m / 2,624 ft.) where we will meet some of the horses and tour the countryside. There is also a horse-breeding farm at Moldnúpur.
‘A Dairymaid Travels the World’
Hotel Anna bears the name of SigrÃður Anna Jónsdóttir, who moved to Moldnúpur with her parents in the year 1901 when she was a few months old. She grew up there and called herself ‘Anna of Moldnúpur’. She was a self-educated commoner, workwoman, dairymaid and weaver who, at the age of nearly 51, went travelling solo around several countries in western Europe and finally to the United States in her sixties. She wrote, among others things, five self-published books about her travels. One of these, A Dairymaid Travels the World, was translated into English. The hotel has an exhibition about the life and writings of SigrÃður Anna, who passed away in 1979.
The CUISINE
You may be surprised to find that Iceland is a foodie's paradise. As an island, there is ample access to fresh seafood. But there is more! This island is known for their clean energy and farm-to-table fare from beef and sheep to cultivated greenhouse tomatoes. The word of the day: FRESH.
Try the Icelandic lobster from the Arctic Ocean, hothouse tomatoes, freshly-baked breads, and their famous hot dogs....yes! You read that correctly. While in Reykjavik make sure to try one of the many hot dog stands throughout city centre- you won't be disappointed.
In a nutshell, the food is phenomenal. Bring your stretchy pants for this trip, especially because Hotel Anna is known for its 5-star cuisine! Want to see a sample menu? Are you vegan? Don't worry! Iceland is known to be one of the most vegan-friendly countries in the world. From ice cream parlors to fast food joints, vegan lovers can find it all in the land of fire and ice. Please let us know ahead of time so we can inform our host hotel in advance.
DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER
Iceland has a unique weather system situated as it is in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Due to the Gulf Stream coming from Africa, it never truly gets hot even in August and September. Expect the temperature to be in the high 40's at night and in the 50's during the day.
Keep in mind that because the Gulf Stream brings milder air from the Atlantic Ocean in contact with colder Arctic air, the skies are frequently overcast with wind and periodic rain—you might just experience four seasons in one day!
Layer, layer, layer.
We planned this retreat in the hopes the skies will be clear enough in the evening to view the Northern Lights! This time of year the sun sets around 9:45 PM so you will have to stay up late to get a peek. That is, if you aren’t already tired from being in the fresh air all day.
Because of ever-changing weather we recommend packing base layers and waterproof pants and jackets. Heather highly recommends the coveralls by Redingote Equestrian as a one piece option to keep the chill away, as well as wool sweaters and socks. *If you arrive early it’s a great time to stop in and purchase some wool socks or sweaters to help stay warm and dry!
RIDING WEAR
Helmets will be provided for riding but a ball cap with visor is a great idea underneath your helmet to keep any rain off your face also. For riding, we will be provided waterproof outerwear by the horse owners. Because of the Icelandic horses are protected and isolated from equine illnesses, we will be expected to wear only clothing that has never been used on horses before to prevent any contamination or contagion, or that has been strictly sanitized according to their guidelines. The guidelines can be found here: https://www.mast.is/en/import-export/import-of-riding-equipment . Due to the amount of walking and riding we’ll do, Heather highly recommends Ariat Terrain H20 boots, favored by endurance riders and of which she can personally testify are comfortable for all day wear in a variety of terrains.
*Of course, don’t forget to pack your yoga wear with a foldable mat, and a bathing suit or two for geothermal bathing and the hotel hot tub!
FLIGHTS AND ARRIVAL
Iceland is a quick flight from the east coast but some of you will have a little more time in the air. Get those travel points on your favorite airline! Our retreat will meet the late afternoon of Thursday, August 31st. We recommend arriving at least the prior day to assimilate to the time change and explore the downtown at your leisure.We recommend arriving 8/30/23 (Wednesday) and flying home on Wednesday, September 6th. Keflavik airport is on a peninsula about 45 minute from Reykjavik. But…make sure to arrange for your transportation from the airport to our hotel in Reykjavik in advance or contact the hotel to see if they have a shuttle service. The Gray Line Bus is a wonderful option!
REYKAVIK HOTEL
We’ve secured a beautiful hotel in downtown, within walking distance of Rainbow street, the main shopping area, and of course the harbor!
The hotel in Reykjavik is not included in the tour cost. We have a reduced rate at Midgardur by Center Hotels located at:
Laugavegur 120, 101 Reykjavik Iceland
The block is from Wednesday 8/30/23 through our retreat departure on 9/1/23 and also available for our return evening on 9/5/2023, where our tour will end. Included in the amenities are free WiFi, breakfast and taxes. We recommend booking your return flight on 9/6/23 or later as our tour ends on the 5th. Of course you are welcome to stay as long as you like!
This is a spa hotel and we highly recommend taking advantage of the beautiful accommodations to pamper yourself.
To book your room:
Stay dates: 30.08.2023 - 01.09.2023 and 05.09.2023
Promo code: Horse&yoga2023
Hotel: Miðgarður
Discount: 15%. Included is a free welcome drink, free early check in and free late check out, WIFI, taxes, fees, and breakfast each day.
The booking link: https://centerhotels.direct-reservation.net/en/accommodation?promo=Horse&yoga2023
*PLEASE NOTE OUR TOUR WILL BEGIN AND END FROM THIS HOTEL.
MEET AND GREET
We will schedule a ZOOM call for us all to meet and discuss any last minute questions one month prior to the event.
We will meet you IN PERSON on the afternoon of Thursday, August 31st (time 3:00 PM but subject to change) in a conference room at our hotel. During this time we will introduce ourselves in person, discuss the Body, Mind, Equine goals and talk about our intentions for the week as well as answer any questions you may have upon arrival. This is a requirement of the tour before we begin our travels the following morning. After our official meet & greet, join us for a Dutch-style casual dinner at the hotel restaurant to get to know each other a little better. Don’t stay up too late, we’ll want to save our energy for the next morning and the adventures to come.
A Note From Heather
Hello Ladies!
My name is Heather, I’m your co-host for Iceland and I could not be more excited to experience this journey together. I traveled to Iceland with my husband in 2020 and immediately knew I needed to return to spend more time exploring with the horses. Luckily, my friend Cathy had always dreamed of doing the same so we put together a unique experience to see the iconic landscapes and experience the culture, while combining our love of horses, yoga and mindfulness for riders.
A little about me
I am a returning adult equestrian, who bought her first horse at the age of 40. I’ve ridden for several decades all in and the only thing I love more than horses is to travel the world and experience other cultures. My father was in the Air Force and I’ve been exploring other countries since before I can remember. My most bold adventure was spending two consecutive Augusts in Mongolia with the nomads!
In the end while I’m bold as a person, I am a timid rider. I have ADHD and anxiety, so tend to overthink most situations when it comes to safety and horses. Despite that, my natural gift with animals, which I use in my bodywork practice, is also my greatest strength: my ability to communicate with horses on a deep level, read their subtle body language and form a relationship of trust and partnership on the ground.
As co-host of this retreat I will be there to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, experience a culture through open eyes, and be a little bit bold along the way! I will help you to connect with the horse you ride that day, help you feel secure in the saddle and out, and document the entire journey through my lens, whether my Nikon or GoPro so you can remember and cherish each moment.
Contact me at any time with questions or to get to know me a little better! I look forward to making lifelong memories with you all.
Be Bold, Heather
A Note from Cathy
A Little About Me
I like to call myself a born Yogini; Oddly, as a young child, I'd had an interest in yoga, long before I even knew it was yoga. As I matured, I nurtured this interest, diving into it more formally, and ultimately creating it into a lifestyle. I’ve been teaching for 32 years; I genuinely enjoy practically sharing yogic teachings, and authentic yoga (beyond just postures) with fellow sojourners, and seeing how it enriches lives.
I’ve always been an animal lover and an animal advocate and especially enjoyed horses! I am not a professional rider or trainer but have been a horse owner for decades and am an avid, backcountry trail rider in the Smoky Mountains. Additionally, I love to travel and enjoy exploring the natural world from the back of a horse!
Fifteen years ago, my passions for yoga and horses organically converged; I formed my Body, Mind, Equine program, which I now lead internationally. My work teaches equestrians of all types, how to use the whole of yoga to improve horsemanship from ground to saddle, and how to become a more mindful equestrian. This work helps horse lovers improve their connection with themselves, their horses, and with the world around them in a deeper way. In
addition to retreat and clinic leading, my work is shared through my book, Yoga for Riders, and a variety of online platforms.
I am honored and excited to share this work with you on our Icelandic journey!
~ Yogini, Cathy Woods
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