European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 14, 1995, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Iceland icelandic horses Good Way to see the sights by Nancy l Torner . Bureau renting a horse to traverse Iceland in t just fun it s a smart Way to travel although smaller than Ordinary horses Iceland s sure footed and robust Breed is particularly suited for the country s rugged terrain. And while there s something wild about them As they Gal lop around pastures with  Manes flying in the wind they re extremely docile Well trained animals. Johanna Asgeir Dottie and Agnar Gestsson have about 60 horses on their farm in by Sucholl just North of the Mam Road on the South Side of the snarf Elsnes Peninsula. Horses can be rented for As Short As an hour or for As Long As overnight All riders Are accompanied by a guide. Asgeir Dottie said she can always spot someone from the states even before they speak because All the americans try to turn the horses with one  icelandic horses Are trained to turn right when the right rein is tugged and left when the left rein is tugged. The horses Don t understand the one handed american approach Asgeir Dottie said people Aren t afraid of them the horses Gestsson said because of their Small size and gentle faces. But learning to ride them gracefully can be a Challenge even for experienced riders. The horses have five gaits and generally they have three feet on the ground at All times. This makes the animals very sure footed Gestsson said but it also can mean a bumpy ride for people who Are unaccustomed to the rhythm this creates. Like any new sport learning to ride properly takes practice. Rental costs about $20 an hour at most Riding places and overnight trips can run More than $100. Is Dave Casey a group Tours the Peninsula on horseback above. Five icelanders walk across a Field to a skating site a popular pastime in the country left. If you re going to drive anywhere in Iceland other than on the main ring Road buy a Good map. Cheap maps run about $3, but Lack detail. Good maps can run As much As $20. Most signs on roads and buildings arc in icelandic but most people speak English. Some useful words to know include pc Roslun Means supermarket i