Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

Small lessons make a big difference. This 1.5-hour ride near Borgarnes gives you time to meet your horse, practice indoors, and then head into the Icelandic countryside with a guide. I like the large indoor arena, which lets first-time riders get comfortable before facing the open trail. I also like the small groups, limited to 10 people, since that gives the guide a better chance to watch how everyone is doing.

The main thing to consider is the short duration. You get a useful introduction and a scenic ride, but this is not a long expedition. Transportation is not included, and the stables sit about 15 minutes by car from Borgarnes. Wind and cold can also shape the day, so warm clothing matters.

Key points to know before you book

• The indoor prep lesson comes first: You practice with your horse in a large arena before riding outside.
• Beginners are welcome: The shorter ride is designed for all experience levels, including people who have never ridden.
• The ride follows the countryside near Hestaland: You may pass a small river, pause for photographs, and enjoy wide views across western Iceland.
• Icelandic horses may offer a special extra: With the guide’s approval and the right conditions, you might experience the tölt, a distinctive Icelandic horse gait.
• Small groups keep the outing personal: The regular tour accepts up to 10 participants, while a private ride allows more adjustment to your wishes.
• The price is $109 per person: That includes the arena preparation, trail ride, guide, and helmet, but not transportation.

Starting at Hestaland, 15 minutes from Borgarnes

You meet the guide at Hestaland, a stable located roughly 15 minutes from Borgarnes by car. Since transport is not part of the $109 price, you need to arrange your own way there and allow enough time to arrive ready for the session.

That short drive matters when planning your day. Hestaland is close enough to pair with a Borgarnes stop, but it is not a walk-up activity in the town center. If you are building a route through western Iceland, check your driving time and allow a little breathing room rather than trying to arrive at the last possible minute.

The setting is part of the appeal. This is not simply an indoor riding lesson with a quick photo afterward. The stable gives you a starting point for a ride into open countryside, where the scenery becomes part of the experience.

The provider offers English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. That is useful if you want instructions in one of those languages, especially during the safety and riding preparation.

Meeting your horse before the trail

The first real step is getting acquainted with your horse. You meet the animal at the stable and have time to become comfortable before going outside. One account describes brushing the horse before the ride, which is a pleasant way to learn the animal’s temperament and settle your own nerves.

That first contact is valuable for beginners. Horses can feel imposing when you are standing beside them, and the preparation gives you a chance to slow down. You can notice how the horse responds, listen to the guide, and get used to handling the reins before the countryside ride begins.

The horses have been described as calm, gentle, well cared for, and pleasant to ride. Those details matter more than fancy equipment or a long list of route claims. A relaxed horse and a patient guide can make the difference between a tense first ride and a happy one.

The experience also includes a helmet. You should still bring comfortable clothing, warm layers, and suitable shoes. Icelandic weather can turn a pleasant outdoor activity into a chilly one quickly, and one ride was made less comfortable by strong wind. That is not a fault in the stable, but it is a practical part of riding in western Iceland.

Why the indoor arena is so useful

Before you leave the stable, you receive a preparation lesson in a large indoor arena. This is the best feature for a first-time rider because it gives you a controlled place to learn the basics.

You can get used to mounting, holding the reins, following instructions, and responding to the horse before the trail starts. The indoor space also offers shelter if the weather is poor. Several first-time riders found that the practice made it possible to enjoy the ride from the beginning rather than spending the whole outing trying to understand what to do.

I like this format more than a quick safety speech followed by an immediate departure. The arena gives the guide time to see how you handle the horse. It also gives you a chance to say if you feel unsure. One guide, Bára, was praised for explaining things clearly, checking that beginners felt safe, and asking during the ride if everything was going well. Another guide, Juna, was praised for her competent introduction and friendly approach.

The lesson is not meant to turn you into an experienced rider in 20 minutes. You will still need to listen carefully and follow the guide’s directions. But it removes much of the fear that can come with a first attempt.

Riding beside the river and across open country

Once everyone is ready, you leave the arena for the scenic trail ride. The route described by riders leaves the farm and follows a small river, with broad views across the surrounding countryside. There is also time for a photograph stop.

The scenery is a strong reason to choose horseback riding here. From a car, you see western Iceland through glass and move past it quickly. On horseback, the pace is slower. You have time to notice the changing weather, the open ground, and the feeling of moving through the countryside under your own control.

The ride is still only 1.5 hours, so keep your expectations in proportion. You are getting a compact introduction rather than an all-day wilderness outing. That makes it easy to fit into a busy Iceland itinerary, but it also means you should not book it expecting hours in the saddle.

For beginners, the shorter format is sensible. You get enough time to learn, ride outside, and enjoy the setting without committing to a long session that could leave you sore or overwhelmed. If you already ride often, the short tour may feel brief, particularly if the group needs to stay at a gentle pace.

The Icelandic horse and the chance to tölt

Icelandic horses are famous for their smooth tölt, and this ride may give you a chance to experience it. The guide decides what is suitable for the group, and you should not assume that every departure will include faster riding.

Some riders were able to tölt several times, while one person with previous riding experience enjoyed a tour adjusted to their level, including plenty of tölt and some galloping after discussion with the guide. That is a useful distinction: the standard short ride is beginner-friendly, but an experienced rider may receive more if conditions, horse, and group ability allow it.

You should treat any tölt or gallop as an extra, not a promise. The guide’s first job is to keep the group and horses comfortable. If you are new to riding, the simple pleasure may be walking through the countryside and learning to sit securely, not trying every gait.

If a particular riding style or pace matters to you, the private option makes more sense. You can explain your wishes in advance and have a better chance of receiving a ride suited to your level. The full-day, five-hour option is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders, but it is a different product from this 1.5-hour outing.

Regular group or private ride?

The regular tour is limited to 10 people. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large stable operation, while still keeping the price at $109 per person.

A group ride works well if you are a beginner, traveling with family, or simply want a straightforward introduction. The guide can keep the pace appropriate for the group, and you do not need to know exactly what kind of riding experience you want.

A private ride is better when you have specific preferences. You might want more attention, a route tailored to your ability, or a pace that fits your previous experience. Private also makes sense if one person in your party is a confident rider and another is just starting out, although you should confirm the exact arrangement when booking.

There is a tradeoff. A group tour may not give an experienced rider as much freedom because the guide must consider everyone. A private ride should offer more flexibility, but the supplied price is for the standard activity, so do not assume the private supplement or final price without checking availability.

What $109 includes, and what it does not

At $109 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend 90 minutes in Iceland. Still, the price covers more than a basic saddle rental. You receive the indoor prep lesson, a guided trail ride, a helmet, and the support of a small group.

For a first-time rider, that package has clear value. The preparation reduces anxiety, the guide handles the route and group, and the stable experience gives you a meaningful introduction to Icelandic horses. You are paying for instruction and supervision as much as for the ride itself.

The value is less obvious for a confident rider who wants a long outing. The duration is short, and transportation is extra. You may find the five-hour day tour more satisfying if you already know you enjoy riding, though that longer outing is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders and includes lunch.

Do not expect lunch on this 1.5-hour tour. Lunch is included only with the five-hour day tour. That distinction is easy to miss when comparing options, so plan food separately if the ride falls during mealtime.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland route is still changing. These policies add useful flexibility, particularly when weather and driving plans can shift.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This tour suits you best if you want a manageable introduction to riding in Iceland. It is especially good for:

• First-time riders who want instruction before going outdoors
• Families with children aged 6 and older
• Couples or solo visitors looking for a small-group activity
• Riders who want countryside views without giving up half a day
• People interested in Icelandic horses and the possibility of trying the tölt
• Anyone who would value a private ride tailored to a specific skill level

The activity is not suitable for children under 6 or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those limits are important for safety, horse welfare, and equipment fit, so check them before booking.

Experienced riders should think carefully about the length. You may enjoy the horses and scenery, but 1.5 hours may not provide enough time for a substantial ride. The longer five-hour option is aimed at intermediate and advanced riders.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you need a particular type of assistance or have questions about how accessibility works at the stable, contact the provider before arriving, since the supplied details do not explain the exact arrangements.

Practical preparation for an Icelandic ride

Wear warm clothing that allows you to move easily. Comfortable clothes and shoes are required in practical terms, and layered clothing gives you the best chance of staying comfortable if the wind picks up.

Do not wear anything that restricts your legs or makes mounting difficult. You do not need to bring a helmet because one is included. Smoking is not allowed during the activity.

I would also plan your day around the weather rather than treating this as a fully sheltered attraction. The prep lesson takes place indoors, but the main event is outside. A calm forecast can still turn windy, and even an enthusiastic rider may find strong wind unpleasant.

If you have never ridden, arrive ready to listen. The arena lesson is there to help, but the horse still responds to your posture, hands, and confidence. Ask for clarification if you are unsure, and tell the guide if you feel uncomfortable.

The stable atmosphere may include more than horses. A friendly hall dog named Tófa and a young foal were part of one visit, adding a pleasant farm touch. These details are not guaranteed, but they show why this can feel like a visit to a working stable rather than a quick ride staged only for photographs.

How the experience handles beginners

The strongest pattern in the feedback is the care given to people with no riding background. Beginners were able to take part after the indoor introduction, and guides were described as patient, clear, and attentive.

That does not mean the ride is risk-free or effortless. You still need to follow directions, maintain your balance, and tell the guide if you are uneasy. The benefit is that the activity does not assume you already know how to control a horse.

The guide can also watch the group and adjust the outing. On a group ride, that may mean keeping the pace gentle. On a private outing, it may mean offering more tölt or galloping for a capable rider after agreeing on it first.

There was one concern about a horse that appeared to be limping. It was raised as a welfare observation rather than a broad judgment of the activity, but it is fair to keep horse care in mind. If your assigned horse seems uncomfortable, tell the guide right away. A good riding experience depends on the horse being fit and at ease as well as the rider.

Is the Borgarnes horseback ride worth booking?

Book it if you want a short, well-supported first ride with Icelandic horses and countryside views. The indoor arena, small groups, patient guides, and beginner-friendly format make this a sensible choice for people who would not feel ready to ride straight out onto a trail.

I would also choose it if you are staying near Borgarnes and want an outdoor activity that fits neatly into a larger driving day. The chance to follow a river, stop for photographs, and possibly try the tölt gives the 90 minutes real character.

Think twice if you are an experienced rider seeking a long or demanding outing. The standard tour is brief, transport is not included, and the group may need to ride at a beginner-friendly pace. In that case, ask about the private option or consider the five-hour tour, which is intended for intermediate and advanced riders.

For most first-timers, $109 is a fair price for the instruction, helmet, guide, and trail ride. Just arrive at the right stable, dress for wind, and remember that the best part may be learning to feel comfortable with the horse before the countryside ride even begins.

FAQ

How long is the Borgarnes horseback riding tour?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the preparation lesson and scenic trail ride.

Where does the horseback riding experience begin?

It begins at Hestaland, which is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

Is transportation from Borgarnes included?

No. Transportation to and from Hestaland is not included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The shorter trail ride is suitable for all experience levels, including people riding for the first time.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a prep lesson in a large indoor arena, a scenic trail ride, a guide, and a helmet.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English, Icelandic, German, and Danish.

Are children allowed to join?

Children under 6 years old are not suitable for this activity.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.