Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Iceland looks different from horseback. This 2-hour ride from Reykjavík takes you into open volcanic country on a calm, sure-footed Icelandic horse, with time to learn the basics, admire glacier-shaped mountains, and try the breed’s famous special gait. I like the small group of up to eight and the careful horse matching, especially for first-time riders. I also like the warm, personal guiding from owners Begga and Sveinn, who teach rather than simply lead a line of horses.

The main consideration is the weather. Rain, wind, mud, and cold can be part of an Icelandic ride, and the scenery may feel less expansive in poor conditions. One guest also described a horse reacting to a loud passing vehicle, a useful reminder that horseback riding carries real risk even with gentle animals and skilled staff.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride begins only about 10 minutes from Reykjavík, making it an easy addition to a city stay.
• You ride for about 1 to 1.5 hours, with the full visit lasting around two hours after instruction and preparation.
• The Icelandic horse’s tölt is the star feature, a smooth, distinctive gait that gives the ride a character you will not get on an ordinary trail horse.
• Begga and Sveinn are closely involved in the experience, offering riding tips, local background, and a friendly sense of humor.
• Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, shoes, and riding gear are supplied, which matters in Iceland’s changeable weather.
• The minimum age is 12, and the tour is designed for both beginners and more experienced riders.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride special

The horse is not just transport here. It is the central part of the experience.

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famously sure-footed. The tour assigns each person a horse suited to their experience level, which takes some pressure off beginners. Several guests with little or no riding experience found the horses easy to handle, while experienced riders appreciated that the animals still had energy and personality.

The special attraction is the tölt. This is a distinctive four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses. It can feel smoother than a normal trot, and the group may practice it together once everyone is comfortable. You do not need to arrive as an expert. The guides explain how to communicate with the horse and offer corrections during the ride.

I especially like that the instruction is not treated as a rushed formality. Begga has been praised for explaining how Icelandic horses differ from other breeds, while Sveinn has offered practical tips from the saddle. That approach gives you a better chance of enjoying the ride instead of simply holding on and hoping for the best.

Arriving at the stable near Reykjavík

The stable is close to the capital, about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík. That short transfer is a major advantage if you are staying in the city and want a countryside activity without giving up most of your day.

When you arrive, look for the parking area with many horse trailers and a boom barrier gate. Wait at the gate until the staff opens it. This is a small detail, but it can prevent confusion when you first reach the property.

The tour is conducted in English, and the group is limited to eight people. That size matters on horseback. The guides can watch how each rider is doing, adjust instructions, and respond to nerves more easily than they could with a large procession.

The total visit lasts two hours. The mounted portion is generally between one and one and a half hours, with the remaining time used for arrival, equipment, briefing, and meeting your horse. At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity, but the short transfer, small group, supplied gear, and personal instruction make the price easier to justify than a basic large-group trail ride.

The first lesson: learning to ride an Icelandic horse

Before you mount up, expect a short riding-school session. The guides explain the basics of handling a horse, how to give simple instructions, and how Icelandic horses differ from breeds you may have ridden elsewhere.

This early lesson is particularly valuable for first-time riders. You learn how to sit, guide, slow down, and respond to the animal before heading into the open country. The tone appears friendly rather than stiff. Begga is known for mixing clear instruction with humor, which helps nervous riders relax.

The staff then matches each participant with a suitable horse. This is one of the most praised parts of the operation. Beginners have been paired with calm, manageable animals, while more experienced riders have still found the horses willing and spirited.

Do not expect to choose a horse based only on color or appearance. The practical match is more important. A horse with the right temperament for your ability can make the difference between a memorable outing and two hours of tension.

You should also tell the staff about any illness or poor health before riding. They may assess your situation for safety. You cannot take part while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

Riding through Redhill and the volcanic country

Once mounted, the group heads into the open area known as Iceland Redhill. The setting combines mountains, broad wilderness, and ground shaped by both glaciers and volcanoes. The appeal is not a long list of separate sights. It is the changing view around you as the horse carries you through a raw, open part of the Capital Region.

From the saddle, you are looking across the country at a slower pace than you would from a road or tour bus. The height of the horse gives you a clear view, while the steady movement keeps the outing active without turning it into a strenuous trek.

The scenery has been described as beautiful in every season, but conditions can change the feel of the ride. On a clear day, mountain colors and open views should be the main reward. In rain, you may get mud, cold hands, and less contrast in the distance. The supplied rain clothing and overalls are useful here, not decorative extras.

One guest rode in the rain and still considered the outing memorable. That says something about the experience, but it also gives you a realistic planning tip: dress for weather that may be worse than the Reykjavík forecast. The operator can cancel or alter the tour if conditions become unsafe, so the final decision is not always within your control.

The pace, the horses, and the riding itself

This is a relaxed ride, not a fast horseback excursion. You move as part of a group, with the guides watching the riders and offering tips along the way. That makes it a good choice if you want time to look around and enjoy the setting.

The mounted section lasts roughly one to one and a half hours. For an absolute beginner, that is enough time to learn without making the day feel endless. For an experienced rider, it may feel short. One skilled rider wished for a longer outing and a more scenic route, while still considering the tour a good fit for a shorter ride.

You will likely spend part of the route getting used to the rhythm of your horse. Once the group is settled, the guides may introduce the tölt. The first attempt can feel unusual, but the instruction and the horses’ training make it approachable. Some riders describe the gait as one of the most enjoyable parts of their Iceland trip.

The horses are repeatedly described as well cared for, friendly, and well trained. You can expect them to have individual personalities rather than behaving like identical machines. One guest fondly remembered an older horse with plenty of energy and a gentle nature. That personal connection is part of why the ride feels more memorable than a simple photo stop.

Personal guiding from Begga and Sveinn

The owners, Begga and Sveinn, are closely associated with the tour and are often involved in guiding. Their role gives the outing a more personal quality. Begga explains riding technique, Icelandic horses, and local geography, while Sveinn provides practical riding support and encouragement.

Both have also taken photos and videos during rides. That is a useful touch because holding a phone while managing a horse is a poor bargain. You can concentrate on your seat, your horse, and the views instead of trying to record every minute.

The guides’ enthusiasm is not limited to horse handling. You may hear about Iceland, the physical shape of the country, and the origin of the breed. The result is an activity with a bit of local context, not just a mounted loop.

The personal attention is strongest in a small group. With eight or fewer riders, a guide can notice if your stirrups, posture, or reins need adjustment. If you are nervous, say so early. The staff’s careful horse matching and steady coaching are designed to help you feel at ease.

Safety, comfort, and the limits of horseback riding

Horseback riding is not risk-free. You should wear the supplied riding helmet and listen closely to the briefing. Sudden noises, shouting, waving, or abrupt movements can frighten a horse, so calm behavior is part of your responsibility.

A guest once reported being thrown when a horse reacted to a loud passing vehicle. The staff managed incidents professionally, but the story is worth keeping in mind. Even a quiet, well-trained animal can respond unexpectedly to its surroundings.

The tour is not suitable for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should also tell the company about health problems before mounting. Staff may decide that a participant should not ride if they believe the situation is unsafe.

Comfort depends heavily on clothing. The operator provides rain gear, overalls, gloves, shoes, and riding equipment, which is a strong practical benefit. Still, Icelandic weather can be cold and wet, so wear suitable layers underneath and expect the conditions to shape your day.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavík horse ride

This tour suits first-time riders particularly well. The instruction is thorough, the horses are matched to ability, and the guides continue to help once the group is moving. Several beginners described feeling comfortable because the horses were calm and the staff stayed attentive.

It also works for experienced riders who want to try the Icelandic horse and its tölt. You may wish the ride were longer, but the chance to ride this breed in its home country is the reason to book.

The activity is also a good fit for animal lovers. The care shown toward the horses is a repeated strength, and the guides appear genuinely attached to the animals. If you prefer an experience with contact, conversation, and a strong connection to local culture, this is more rewarding than a passive sightseeing stop.

The minimum age is 12. That rules out younger children, and the safety rules mean the activity is not suitable for anyone who cannot remain calm and follow instructions around horses.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is a premium short activity. You are paying for around two hours at the stable, about one to one and a half hours in the saddle, an English-speaking local guide, riding equipment, and weather clothing.

The price makes the most sense if you value small groups and personal coaching. A large, impersonal ride might cost less, but it would not necessarily give you the same horse matching, steady corrections, or chance to ask questions. The included gear also saves you from renting or packing specialist riding clothing.

The value is weaker if you are already an experienced rider seeking a long day in the countryside. The route is relatively short, and the mounted portion may not satisfy someone looking for a full-day trek. For a first ride on an Icelandic horse, however, the combination of access, instruction, scenery, and the tölt gives the price a reasonable case.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you some protection when weather or plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule is still shifting.

Practical advice for a better ride

• Arrive at the parking barrier and wait for staff to open it.
• Wear warm layers under the supplied riding gear.
• Tell the guides your riding experience honestly so they can match you with the right horse.
• Mention health concerns before the ride begins.
• Keep movements calm and avoid shouting or sudden waving near the horses.
• Let the guides take photos and videos if that service is offered during your ride.
• Leave room in your itinerary for weather changes, since the operator may cancel or alter the activity when conditions are unsafe.

Should you book this tour?

I would book it if you want a short, well-supported introduction to Icelandic horses near Reykjavík. The strongest reasons are the gentle horses, careful matching, small group size, and the chance to learn the tölt with guides who clearly care about both riding and animal welfare.

I would hesitate only if you want a long wilderness ride, dislike wet or windy conditions, or are uncomfortable with the basic risks of horseback riding. For everyone else, especially beginners and animal lovers, this offers a personal way to see Iceland’s volcanic country from a saddle rather than through a bus window.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The full activity lasts about two hours. The actual ride generally lasts between one and one and a half hours, with the remaining time used for instruction, preparation, and meeting your horse.

How far is the stable from Reykjavík?

The stable is about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík.

What is the meeting point?

Meet at the parking area with many horse trailers. A boom barrier gate is located at the entrance, so wait there until the staff opens it.

What age do you need to be?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guides give a riding briefing before the tour and match horses to each participant’s experience level. Beginners receive help and riding tips during the outing.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is a special gait of the Icelandic horse. The tour gives you a chance to experience it during the ride.

What equipment is included?

Riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are included. A riding helmet should be used for safety.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The operator may cancel or change the service if necessary, including because of weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.