At Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm, the horses are as much of a draw as the trails. Icelandic horses are one of the oldest breeds in the world, small, sturdy, and famously friendly, and they’re known for the tölt, a four-beat gait so smooth that it feels more like gliding than bouncing. The farm sits in the hills above Waitsfield in the Mad River Valley, where half-day and full-day trail rides wind through forest and open meadows. Riders who want a bigger adventure can book a trek of two to six days. Owner Karen Winhold has run the farm since the 1990s, and her herd and her knowledge of the breed have drawn riders from around the country.
The farm is about 45 minutes from Topnotch, and every ride requires an advance reservation, so check the farm’s website for current rides, seasons, and rider requirements before you go. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes with a small heel, and expect to fall a little in love with a horse whose name you can’t quite pronounce. On the drive home, Route 100 passes right by the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury, and back at Topnotch, the indoor jacuzzi will be very kind to muscles you forgot you had.
North Fayston Road 05660 Moretown United States