Ride Your Worries Away In Denmark

A steed named Fagur and gourmet picnics on a horse-riding holiday in Denmark. Here's a photo series that will make you want to go there right this instant
To pass below the overhang of the cliff, we had to dismount and lead our frightened horses across during the few seconds reprieve between two waves
To pass below the overhang of the cliff, we had to dismount and lead our frightened horses across during the few seconds reprieve between two waves
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The t&oumllt is the characteristic ambling gait of Icelandic horses, the unique breed you find in Scandinavia. I had the opportunity to experience their unexpectedly smooth motion on my horse-riding trip in northwest Denmark. These pony-sized horses&mdashwho are surprisingly strong for their stature&mdashwere brought to Scandinavia by the Vikings, and bred in isolation for over a thousand years.

My steed was named Fagur&mdashhis name meant picture and he truly was a picture-perfect Icelandic his coat was a seal brown colour and his mane thick and long, falling so densely over his eyes it was a wonder he could see. For four days we rode on windswept moors, over heather-clad dunes, along wild North Sea beaches and through sun-dappled forest trails. Fagur loved speed. He would t&oumllt or canter if I gave him the slightest sign&mdasha gentle squeeze with my ankles. And the moment we were on smooth terrain, he would break into a gallop&mdashand sometimes even the flying pace, the other unique gait of Icelandic horses. He would go so fast, his legs would become a blur.

I was on a luxury horseback holiday organised by Jesper Finderup. In the mornings, we would explore different paths and trails. We would stop at forest clearings where Jesper&rsquos wife Rikke, a gourmet chef, would meet us with delectable picnic lunches.

Back at Jesper&rsquos farmhouse, the evenings would begin with champagne, wine and sumptuous snacks. We would sit out on the patio drinking, nibbling and chatting until we were called inside for a delicious candlelit dinner. The day would end with a trip to the beach for dessert, topped by a late-hour sunset. The Finderups truly gave us a taste of hygge (or fun) and Nordic luxury&mdashwith generous helpings of friendship.

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