All About Icelandic Horses- riding tours and fun facts

Riding horses is something I rarely do on vacation.  It seems silly to pay all this money to go ride a school-broke lesson horse that usually involves 95% walking on a dirt path with 20 other people who have never ridden a horse before.  BUT, Iceland was going to be an exception to this rule.  Icelandic horses are so unique, and the countries landscape so insanely beautiful, that I couldn't pass the opportunity to tolt (more on that later) around the Icelandic countryside, taking in the views of Iceland from the saddle.  If I go back to Iceland, I would certainly sign up for one of the more advanced overnight tours instead of the 2 hour session open to all groups.  I have so much to tell you about our tour, who we used, how much we paid, and why we went riding but first, it's time for some fun facts.

Newport International Polo Series

A Saturday at the Newport Polo Fields has been on my list for a few summers. The horse lover and obvious Newport lover in me was excited to spend a Saturday summer evening in my favorite state, sipping on wine and enjoying a New England summer day.  I knew that polo was cheap (12$ for general admission), BYOB (yes please), and you could bring your own picnic.   Also, I read that dogs were allowed and it was a casual low key scene away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Newport.  

 BYOB, Dogs and Boozey Picnic? I knew I needed in. 

A day at the Belmont Stakes

If you follow the blog, you probably know by now that I am a horse person. If not, welcome to today's revelation and post about horse racing. Although my love for horses has brought me to a lot of horse shows and horse related events, I have never been to any of the bigger horse races (excluding watching a quick race at Saratoga in New York about 6 years back). 

Belmont Park

As far as horse races go here in the states, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes are the biggies, all with the three races for three year old thoroughbreds that make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. To have a Triple Crown Winner, you need the same horse to win all three races in one season- this feat being one of the greatest accomplishments in thoroughbred horse racing.

The Belmont is held 5 weeks after the Kentucky Derby, and 3 weeks after the Preakness Stakes. I knew the Kentucky Derby was obviously in Kentucky, and assumed the other famous horse races that make up the Triple Crown were somewhere far far away as well. Little did I know that the last, longest and toughest race of the Triple Crown Series, the "Test of the Champion" and "Run for the Carnations", was held right here in the northeast- on Long Island. Jump in the car and in about a 2 hour drive, you can be trackside watching the Belmont Stakes.

Clubhouse Seats