Abstract
The geological aspects of tourism are much more extensive than just places to be viewed and/or experienced. The terrain traveled is also a geological phenomenon and an attraction in itself. For a hiker or a rider the type of trail is important. Features of the trail such as the gradient, altitude, the soil qualities, the length and the vistas it affords are important geological considerations. The trail as an experienced geological attraction, or should we say, the foundation for horse based tourism, particularly long rides, is the topic of this paper. The research is based on different sources. Existing data from earlier research on the Icelandic horse industry and equestrian tourism are used, as well as eight interviews conducted for this study. Further, the authors use their personal experiences as riders and horse tourists to reflect on the topic. Findings indicate that the riding trail and its surroundings can be defined as geosites and equestrian tourists as casual geotourists. The trails as geosites have different values for its stakeholders. The trails seem to have values such as scientific/educational, cultural/heritage, scenic and touristic values, just as other geosites. Furthermore, we argue that riding trails do have an economic value, as well as an emotional/romantic value.
Highlights
Riding, as other modes of traveling, has impacts that various stakeholders interpret differently.To a rider, the existence and condition of the trail signals whether the terrain is passable, it suggests the speed and gait that the horse can maintain, the distance that can be traveled without rest and the need for shoeing the horses
We argue that in horse tourism attention must be paid to geosite conservation and attraction
One of the quality aspects we have investigated in horse tourism is what attributes of trails the horse tourist in Iceland prefers
Summary
The existence and condition of the trail signals whether the terrain is passable, it suggests the speed and gait that the horse can maintain, the distance that can be traveled without rest and the need for shoeing the horses. It is an important issue in horse tourism, to know what kind of trails riders prefer and to have access to trails that are both desirable for horses and people, as well as being sustainable from a conservation point of view. Horse farmer, accredited trainer and hobby rider 8 of 16
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
