Tuesday, Nov 05, 2024

The Awkward Moments Series: An Embarrassing Tale of Horseback Riding in Iceland

The Awkward Moments Series: An Embarrassing Tale of Horseback Riding in Iceland

The Odyssey. A tale of one man dickin’ around the seven seas, trying to avoid his wife for an absurd amount of time. The moral of the story? According to my ninth-grade honors English teacher, it was to be aware of hubris, or excessive pride.

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Odysseus and the boiz

That’s what all the other kids learned, anyway. I spent my time blowing off classes, getting into trouble, and doing the bare minimum needed to move on to 10th grade.

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If I had taken the class more seriously, perhaps I wouldn’t have wound up in the precarious and embarrassing situation central to this blog post. Yes, perhaps, I would have avoided falling danger to my own horseback-riding hubris.

In third grade, I took two years of horseback-riding lessons. And honestly, I think I did OK. I got as far as learning to trot. I really liked the experience of riding horses, and even went trail riding every once and again for fun in childhood.

That said, I haven’t seriously studied the equestrian arts since I was, let’s say, 12 years old. The next time that I would go riding would be in 2016 in Iceland. And here, dear reader, is where life goes quickly downhill.

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When my Icelandic, no-nonsense horseback-riding instructor said, “Only people with five or more years of experience should ride this horse,” it seemed natural that I, 26-year-old Stephanie with no experience since childhood, was the person most fit to volunteer. #Hubris

Besides, once you ride a horse, you never forget (is a saying I made up in my head the day I went horseback riding in Iceland). As far as I was concerned, I knew everything there was to know about riding a horse. So, why couldn’t I ride this one? Climb on, hold the reins, and steer. Maybe throw in a click click with my tongue to look legit. The point being, I got it, bro. I’ve done this before.

The Viking-esque, Brunhilde instructor looked me in my lying eyes and said with furrowed brows, “I want to reiterate. You need to have ridden horses for five years to handle this horse. You have this level of experience, yes?” An audience of other riders looked on to see how I would respond. Well, I didn’t exactly have five entire years, or advanced experience, but I COULD RIDE A HORSE. Truth be told, I remembered being pretty freaking good at horseback riding.

“Yeah, for sure,” I answered with confidence. She nodded and pulled out a smallish guy from a stall. (All Icelandic horses are very small, and I was at my heaviest, five feet two inches, and weighing 170 pounds. Please keep this in mind as you read.)

The World’s Worst Horse

I scoffed and walked over to meet the, as I saw him, toddler-sized horse. Brunhilde (not her real name) told me my horse’s name in Icelandic. I didn’t understand the name then, but looking back, I think his name translated into English had to have been “Biggest Asshole and Piece of Shit Ever.” I led him out to the horse playpen, where the other riders were, eager to show him who was boss.

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Actual footage of my horse leaving the stable

“I’m assuming you can use the stirrups to get yourself up,” declared the instructor. Psh. Piece of cake. Nottttt! If only I hadn’t eaten so much cake in my lifetime, maybe I could have mounted my horse with ease. I pretty much just choked the horse to death by pulling on his reigns to hoist myself up. Meanwhile, my foot got caught in the stirrup, and he started sauntering around in circles with my foot still stuck. I just hopped behind him on one leg until someone came to rescue me.

stirrups
Me, an expert, mounting my horse

“Are you sure you can handle this horse?” the now-concerned instructor asked again. Hubris swelled through my veins. “I said yes,” I answered. “You know, maybe you should offer a step stool to your riders. Anyone would have trouble climbing onto a horse with no step.” I held the reins, as I was taught a decade ago, and put my feet in the stirrups. (In a way, which, unbeknownst to me, signaled for my horse to walk.)

A Horse That Short-Circuits

I asked my husband to take a photo of me, as it would look really cool on my Instagram. However, the horse again began to walk in small circles as if he were short-circuiting. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get him to stop, and now people were starting to look at us.

A selfie while horseback riding in Iceland
Seconds before my horse short-circuited

He made small, careful circles, nose to tail. Every time Arthur tried to snap a photo, he was facing the wrong way, due to his incessant circling, of course. Joined by her friend, the instructor came out to explain the rules of ridin’. Thankfully, my asshole horse stopped before she could see that,  much like a parent on the Dr. Phil show, I had zero control.

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My horse short-circuiting in the stable pen

Unplanned Escape

Asshole’s compliance lasted all of 30 seconds before he found an opening in the gate and just walked out, with me on his back. “Hello! Ma’am, excuse me! Please come back, we need to go over the rules before we take off,” yelled Brunhilde. I faked a laugh as if I planned the departure, because really, I felt both embarrassment and rage.

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My horse taking off with gusto as my fat ass sits on his tiny back

“Let’s fucking go. Walk back,” I whispered in the horse’s ear. He was now walking further away from the gate to wherever the spirit moved him. “Ma’am, you need to come back,” Brunhilde shouted angrily. “Right now.”

“Oh, yes, we’re coming! Here we come!” I waved confidently to her and my fellow riders as the horse continued walking further away, at an embarrassingly slow pace, as if he were dying under the weight of my body.

I pulled the reins because I remembered it was a means of getting him to walk in the opposite direction of where he was currently heading. No use. It was as if the reins weren’t even attached — zero effect.

“I’m not fucking kidding, let’s go,” I whispered again to Asshole. He snorted and stopped abruptly, probably short-circuiting again. He began trotting around the horse playpen, where one of the instructors had to come and rescue me and bring us back to safety.

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Me whispering to my horse

On the Path

First, we started in a single-file line out of the gate. My horse and I were maybe the sixth duo back. Well, he apparently felt far superior to sixth place, and so, walked off the line and sidled up to Brunhilde and her buddy’s horses in the front. Repeatedly.

With complete frustration she directed, “Please control your horse. He needs to be back there.”

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Picture a person repeatedly trying to join a conversation they have been shunned from, as the speakers grow more and more angry each time the shunned person arrives. Whenever the instructors thought they’d gotten rid of us, they would commence their joking and chatter only for us to arrive again at their side.

My horse, with me on his back, left the line and reappeared nonchalantly by their side four more times. Four more fucking times he ran up to the front, and stuck his big beak right in between the two women as they spoke. I could only smile politely because I was utterly unable to control him.

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Me, unwanted, sallying up next to our guides

The alleged issue was that my horse was an alpha and didn’t like walking in a line behind other horses. Brunhilde and her buddy put Asshole (and me) in the front of the line because he needed to feel like the leader. And then, the leader (my horse) thought it would be funny to buck wildly and do strange things with his body.

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LITERALLY MY HORSE FOR NO REASON AT ALL

Breaking Point

Again, for the 100th time that day, I was scolded for not controlling my horse. Brunhilde, sensing that I was, you know, a fucking liar, grew furious. The two instructors began to talk shit about me in Icelandic.

I completely admit I did wrong from the get-go by fabricating my level of experience when it comes to horseback riding. However, this horse had clearly never been ridden before. It was literally as if they had scooped him from the wild 15 minutes before I walked into the stable. Nothing about his demeanor suggested anyone had broken in, trained, or ridden him. The whole group was made to stop as the instructors discussed what to do with me and Asshole: The Poorly Behaved Pony. I looked at him with rage in my eyes.

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Me ready to kill my horse and turn him into glue

“At this point, ma’am, you need to get off the horse. You aren’t good for him, and we need to bring you a new horse.” I got down from my horse (with help) and whispered that I hated him as I passed him. The look in his eyes told me he felt the same way.

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My horse ready to kill me and throw me into a ravine and not even catch a charge

My husband laughed, and exchanging looks, we agreed we’d catch up with each other later. Brunhilde announced that everyone would go on ahead, and I would wait with the other instructor for a new horse.

The two of us waited in the freezing cold for 30 minutes for a third instructor to come retrieve my stupid horse, lock him up, and bring another one. I felt deeply embarrassed but happy to see him go.

Horseback Riding in Iceland (The Right Way)

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Luckily, the instructor who waited with me wound up being incredibly kind without Brunhilde breathing down her neck. She was super understanding and was not an Iceland native, but instead, came from Hamburg, Germany.

After that, I was honest with her. I told her that I did have experience, but from years ago. I said that I felt deeply embarrassed. However, I stressed that I didn’t think it was fair that my few years in riding equated me to having zero years of experience. I didn’t want to have to repeat lessons I had already grasped.

Horse, Hoseback Riding in Iceland
My new, super well-behaved horse who I loved a lot

She agreed and noted that anyone who claims to have experience at that stable receives a brand-new horse to break in. After commiserating, she shared stories of her favorite rides, horses, and her passion for horseback riding. She mused over her week-long rides with co-workers during the Icelandic summer. They ride into the nothingness of nature where everyone gets super drunk, rides bareback, and usually gets thrown off their horses. Damn, those Viking genes run strong! Many of the horses just run away after bucking their riders off. The Icelanders never worry, however, because the horses always run all the way back to their barn.

Horseback Riding in Iceland
A real professional, starting with those sneakers.

The third instructor brought a new horse, and I actually began to feel very lucky. I was able to have a private experience on a much kinder horse who I fell in love with (not in a weird way.) We rode at my preferred pace, and I got to kind of make friends with my instructor. Afterward, we reached the barn ahead of everyone. As a result, I got the opportunity to take photos and feed the horses who were hanging out in the playpen.

Horses in Pen, Horseback Riding in Iceland
The Icelandic horses enjoying some free time after a long ride

Damn My Hubris

Experienced in my world would mean, “Have you done this before ever?” Experienced, when horseback riding in Iceland, apparently means, “Do you feel willing and able to assist in breaking in this soulless beast who has a reckless hatred toward all humanity?”

Horseback Riding in Iceland
All smiles because I finally got to ride a better horse

Yes, I should have clarified instead of jumping to show off the skills I thought I had. I feel that I missed some opportunities during the excursion while waiting for my next horse, such as laughing and being with my husband. However, I also gained a private experience tailored to my needs and an opportunity to ride amidst the complete serenity and vastness of Iceland with just myself and guide — which I think wound up being incomparable.

Icelandic Horse, Horseback Riding in Iceland
Courtesy: Getty Images

In the end, I found a sweet horse I loved riding. I returned earlier than the others because we had cantered through the fields which was such a thrill. Upon my return, I got to interact with many other horses, learn more about the uniqueness of the Icelandic horse in particular, and hear more about adapting to Icelandic culture from my new friend.

Basically, horseback riding in Iceland didn’t turn out to be such a disaster after all.

Icelandic Horse, Horseback Riding in Iceland
Courtesy: Unsplash

Much like Odysseus, my journey separated me from my spouse and felt like it went on for an eternity. I endured my journey in an unpredictable, feckless, and horrid vehicle (my horse), just as Odysseus had. If, like me, your teachers forced you to read The Odyssey, and you didn’t learn a damn thing from Odysseus’ inability to check his hubris — please, learn from mine.

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Riding through the vast land with just my guide proved a truly unforgettable experience
Enjoyed my tale of horseback riding in Iceland? Check out the other installments in my Awkward Moments Series! You’ll get a few lessons and a few laughs.

40 comments

  • Webb of Learning Saturday, March 30th, 2019 21:20 PM

    I find it so strange that they offered that horse to anyone. It isn’t your job to train a horse. I would have been so frustrated!

    Reply
    • whatilearnedis Saturday, March 30th, 2019 21:24 PM

      I was! That combined with the fact that I was constantly being made to feel like a nuisance, when I really pretty much feel like the horse was the bigger problem LOL.

  • Cynthia Mackintosh Sunday, March 31st, 2019 08:01 AM

    Wow! What an experience you had! I've ridden horses only twice and they were slowpokes. I think I'm glad I had slowpokes now that I hear your story. lol

    Reply
    • Angelica Sunday, March 31st, 2019 09:37 AM

      Hahaa this story is hilariously told, but the place seems a little sketchy. At least you have a fun, beautiful, and totally unique memory from Iceland!

    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 11:51 AM

      Cynthia! Thanks for your support! I wish the horse was slow, or at least nice, LOL. I wonder if the people on my tour tell stories around their dinner tables about the epic showdown between me and that horse! So awkward!!

  • Gracia Harrison Sunday, March 31st, 2019 15:21 PM

    Wow, this is wild! And a little ridiculous they gave you a horse that was seemingly green! I'm glad you got to have a better experience with the second horse!

    Reply
  • Debbie Preston Monday, April 1st, 2019 19:20 PM

    That was quite the story! I can almost see it happening but hoping that it won't. It was fun and what a great memory to take home with you! Love the pics.

    Reply
  • Stephanie Monday, April 1st, 2019 20:44 PM

    This is hilarious! I love your sense of humor!

    Reply
  • Kristin Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 20:21 PM

    This was so funny, you're a great writer! Definitely a good story to tell haha

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 11:53 AM

      You've made my day! Thank you so much for your support. Sometimes I wonder if people tell that story around their dinner tables from time to time...about the girl and her wayward horse on their tour LOL!

  • itsasweetsweetworld Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 23:26 PM

    Haha! I was laughing while reading it. I've always been scared of riding horses. Now I know why!

    Reply
  • Lisa Thursday, April 4th, 2019 13:43 PM

    That was hilarious, what an experience you had in Iceland! I guess Hubris really wasn't the horse for you lol! It's great you managed to have a positive experience overall. I wish I could've seen that IG shot your husband took of you! Don't worry, I'm terrible on horses too!

    Reply
  • Jane Dempster-Smith Thursday, April 4th, 2019 21:21 PM

    I was laughing at your article but understand completely how you felt. I rode a lot when I was young as well and now if we go horse riding I always state that I don't have any experience, you just never know what sort of horse they will give you. I am glad that you had a positive experience at the end.

    Reply
  • Bhushavali Friday, April 5th, 2019 01:58 AM

    Oh my dear Lord.... Hahahahaha... I'm really trying to control my laughter sitting next to my sleeping baby.... Oh dear Lord. That's one heck of an experience. 'Hubris (Houston), we have a problem'!!!

    Reply
  • whereivebeentravel Friday, April 5th, 2019 14:43 PM

    So funny! I live in the Horse Capital of the World and horseback riding is one of my least favorite things. They are beautiful animals but I prefer to admire them for afar.

    Reply
  • Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad Friday, April 5th, 2019 19:18 PM

    "His English translated name was biggest asshole and piece of shit ever" hahahaha!! That's crazy that they let tourists ride a horse like that, but then I guess he might be alright for really experienced riders. I'd probably have a go on him, haha!

    Reply
  • LE Travels Saturday, April 6th, 2019 00:14 AM

    Wow! That as quite the experience and story. But I’m so glad that you ended up having a great experience in the end. Those pictures you got were incredible! Here, I’ll make you feel better. I was paragliding in Switzerland and the instructor I flew with told me to put my feet out at landing. So I did that but apparently not the right way and we both came crash landing down in wet grass. It’s all on video too! So embarrassing. We all have those stories, but hey, they make great blog posts ;)

    Reply
  • Speck on the Globe Saturday, April 6th, 2019 01:44 AM

    This was so entertaining and I can totally relate! My years at horseback riding in Girl Scout camp obviously make me a skilled equestrian haha. Thanks for sharing & not taking yourself too seriously to pass along a good travel story :)

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:53 PM

      Girl Scouts! So many great memories, I actually have a post featuring those memories coming out soon, be on the look out and tell me if you have the same ones! Thanks for all the love!

  • Eva Saturday, April 6th, 2019 03:11 AM

    Okay I haveto admit I laughed. Sorry. I feel it must have been pretty embrassing, but when you described how the horse just walked away when the instructor was telling you to get back in made me laugh pretty hard. Thus said, I should shut up. I know nothing about horses as they scare me. I got to ride a horse twice as a little girl because apparently all little girls go through a horse phase in their lives and I was no exception. But never took upthe sport seriously and later in life I started being actually afraid of horses. Icelandic horses though are less terrifying. They're chunky and hairy, which makes them look cute. ell, but I guess that even among cuties there are bastards, lik the horse you had to deal with. So glad I did not go for any horseback riding while in Iceland ;D

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:51 PM

      Eva! Thanks so much for such a genuine interaction with my writing, you are indeed, the real MVP. Don't shut up, I'm so happy my post brought you laughter! Horses are hard to read, they seem personality-less but get BIG personalities once you climb on their back. Maybe I'd be kind of a dick too though if people just climbed on my back and rode me around all day though??

  • Susan Moore Saturday, April 6th, 2019 12:05 PM

    Wonderful storytelling! So, at least you had a truly unique experience in Iceland hahaha! I have zero experience horseback riding, except for the one time in Hualtulco Mexico, one hour ride to the beach, when my horse liked to sit down, with me on the saddle, um WTH?!?! I love horses but I don't love being on a horse LOL

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:50 PM

      Susan!! Thanks for showing some love! Bahaha, what do you even do in that situation when the horse sits down? I'm cracking up!

  • thatanxioustraveller Saturday, April 6th, 2019 13:44 PM

    This made me laugh so much; I love that you called him Dickbag!! Love your writing style! And I love the photos of those happy ponies rolling in the snow!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:49 PM

      You know...I was hoping that just one person would find my calling him Dickbag as amusing as I did. This comment...it's everything to me. Thank you for enjoying how I write, I know it's not to everyone's taste. All the love to you!

  • umiko Saturday, April 6th, 2019 14:58 PM

    This is hilarious! I'm picturing the whole situation in my mind now. Haha... Do you think it's part of their tour to offer that horse? Supposedly to make it fun in the beginning? And your short clips that went along with the situation were soo funny!!

    Reply
  • Amanda Williams Saturday, April 6th, 2019 17:44 PM

    Lol! I know I probably shouldn't laugh, but I'm laughing! (Then again, memes.) Icelandic people are super blunt and straightforward (this is true of people in most Scandinavian countries), and I'm also convinced that guides there don't consider much to be "dangerous" after various experiences I've had (which have included letting people walk on glacier in Ugg boots, and acting like driving off a small cliff into a snow bank and breaking the steering column on a Jeep is no big deal). Hey, at least you have a good story from it!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:48 PM

      Amanda! Thanks for stopping by! I really tried to find the perfect memes to illustrate this experience. I do like that about the Icelanders though, everyone isn't so coddled. It's a very straight forward and practical society!

  • Kate Saturday, April 6th, 2019 20:03 PM

    Even though you got off to a rough start, it sounds like the horseback riding experience ended up quite rewarding! I'm so surprised that 'experienced' meant breaking in a new horse, but I agree that culture definitely plays a role in the interpretation. And, I'm glad you ended up waiting with the nice Icelander instructor.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:46 PM

      I was surprised to, none more surprised than the people in my group who didn't know I'd be putting on a comedy show for them. UGH lol. Thanks so much for reading, Kate!

  • Medha Verma Sunday, April 7th, 2019 10:01 AM

    Haha, firstly I love all the gifs you've used, they really make your post more expressive and I can totally imagine what your experience would've been like. I'd love to experience riding those Icelandic horses but I don't have any experience at all and from your post, I can see that it wouldn't be the most sensible thing to do to pretend that I do ;) I'm gonna have to make do with just watching people ride them I guess.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:45 PM

      Medha, thank you SO much for reading! You should so do horseback riding, just be honest that you have no experience and you will be more than fine. My problem is that I wasn't so honest...womp! Enjoy your day!

  • Martha Monday, April 8th, 2019 16:03 PM

    My belly hurts from laughing so hard at this post! When I was Iceland, I forewent riding the horses, but I sorta regretted. Your post made me realize that maybe that's OK, ha! I'm not a great rider, but this story is hilarious. Definitely a memory to remember!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 13:43 PM

      Martha, you have made my day. Thank you for stopping by, I'm so happy that my humor resonated with you!

  • Will van der Walt Thursday, April 11th, 2019 07:15 AM

    A fascinating blog. The horse story is truly amazing. Thank you so much for the support. It is appreciated. All the best in your learning, Will

    Reply
  • Deze @bydeze.com Saturday, April 13th, 2019 09:00 AM

    Omg this is SUCH a great post. I laughed and chuckled all the way through. I love your writing style and overall sense of humor. Thanks for giving me something funny to start my Saturday!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Saturday, April 13th, 2019 12:19 PM

      THANK YOU so much! You made my day!

  • Basic Brit Thursday, April 18th, 2019 01:10 AM

    Hahahaha! The placement of Michael Scott gif cracked me UP. Perfect.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Amb Saturday, April 20th, 2019 14:53 PM

      I love Michael Scott! Thank you for your support, I appreciate it more than you can imagine!

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