Ride one, part three

At the end of our first ride in Iceland, we loaded the horses into the trailer, then climbed into the truck, expecting to go straight back to Eldhestar. Instead, our guide pulled out two thermoses - one with coffee, the other with hot water for tea - and a two tupperwares - cookies and fruit - and we enjoyed a nice little post ride meal right there in the cab of the truck.

While we were eating, Karin quizzed us one by one, asking which horse we'd liked best and why. My answers were, Salvör and because he was the most comfortable. When pressed to rank the other two, I paused - Vaskur already seemed like ancient history - and said, "I guess Vaskur and then Grettla."

"Why didn't you like Grettla?"

"I liked her!" I protested. "but she was very bouncy."

"She has more motion to her tölt," Karin told me scoldingly. "Needs more help from the rider to be smooth."

I shrugged. I have no doubt Grettla would be better with a better rider. And, of course, I want to be a better rider. I have spent the last forty four years trying so hard to be a better rider, but this was a short trip. I was unlikely to improve a lot in just a few days, so no more Grettla, please.

After the meal and horse quiz was completed, we drove back to Ölfus.

Rainbows were everywhere. We were delighted.

Karin didn't share our enthusisam. "September is rainbow season in Iceland," she said with a shrug.

Upon arrival, the horses directly out into their pasture.

The saddles, bridles and rain gear went back in our box, and then, the first ride was officially over.

We were tired, but jubilant. We'd survived!

Over dinner, we discussed the day's events. I was surprised and comforted to learn that everyone's experience was similar to my own. It had looked like everyone was riding well, but in fact, we'd all struggled with tölt, we all worried we might be the worst rider in the group and - except for Johan - we all wished we'd brought better bras.

It was a very good day, and the best was yet to come.