Deacon Horse Riding Tour

An Icelandic horse can make a first ride feel far less daunting. These compact, steady horses take you from the Ytri-Bægisá farm into meadows, wooded trails, across a stream, and toward the mountains outside Akureyri. You may also get to try the tölt, the breed’s smooth four-beat gait.

I like the small-group feel and the patient instruction for beginners. I also like the simple ending: coffee, light refreshments, and sometimes homemade cake in a warm, friendly setting. The main consideration is pace. Most of the ride is calm and controlled, so experienced riders hoping for long stretches of speed may find the 90-minute outing too gentle or too short.

Key points to know before you book

• Icelandic horses: Ride a short, sturdy breed known for its calm manner and special tölt gait.
• Scenery beyond the bus window: The route can include meadows, forest paths, a bridge, a stream, and mountain views.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: New riders receive an initial lesson and are matched with suitable horses.
• Small groups: The tour is promoted as a personal experience, with a maximum listed as six in the highlights and eight in the additional details.
• A sociable finish: Coffee and light snacks are served after the ride, with homemade cake appearing often.
• Moderate activity: You need a reasonable level of fitness and enough comfort to sit on horseback for about 90 minutes.

Riding from Ytri-Bægisá into North Iceland’s open country

The tour starts at Ytri-Bægisá on Þelamerkurvegur, about 604, Iceland. This is a farm-based experience rather than a city departure, so allow time to find the entrance and parking. One useful tip is to confirm exactly where to park and where to enter before you arrive. That detail has caused some confusion.

After meeting the team, you get acquainted with your horse and receive basic riding guidance. First-time riders are not expected to arrive knowing how to mount, steer, or stop. The guides have worked with people who had never ridden before, as well as riders returning to the saddle after 10 or 15 years away.

Horse selection matters here. A calm Icelandic horse can help settle your nerves, while a more responsive horse may suit someone with stronger riding skills. The staff has been praised for matching horses to riders, and guides including Anna Marie, Berber, Lara, Amelie, Monica, and Britt have been singled out for being friendly and supportive. Guide assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: instruction and reassurance are part of the experience.

Once everyone is mounted, the group leaves the farm at an easy pace. The riding portion lasts about one and a half hours, while the full visit is listed at roughly two hours and 15 minutes. The extra time covers preparation, mounting, pauses, and the refreshments afterward.

What the route offers beyond the road

The strongest part of the outing is the change in viewpoint. From horseback, you move through places that a large bus cannot reach. The exact route depends on conditions and the group, but the experience can include grassy meadows, wooded paths, a small bridge, a rushing stream, and a hillside stop with broad mountain views.

Some descriptions present this as a ride into the mountains. That wording should be understood with a little care. One route stayed mainly on a dirt and gravel road with mountain views rather than climbing deep into high country. You can still expect striking scenery, but this is not a rugged mountain expedition.

The forest section adds variety. A short bridge crossing and tree-lined trail make the ride feel more like an outing through the countryside than a simple circuit around a riding arena. The stream and open fields offer good changes in scenery, while the mountain backdrop provides the larger Icelandic setting.

Photo stops are built into the rhythm of the ride. These pauses are useful for beginners, who may appreciate a moment to relax and adjust, and for experienced riders who want pictures with the horses and scenery. You will not be rushed from one viewpoint to the next.

The route is also shaped by safety. This is a group ride with riders of mixed ability, so the guide sets the pace. Expect walking for much of the outing, with opportunities to try the tölt and, for suitable riders and conditions, possibly a faster pace. Do not book it assuming you will gallop for 90 minutes.

The tölt, and how fast you are likely to go

The tölt is one of the main reasons to ride an Icelandic horse. It is a distinct gait that feels smoother than a regular trot because the horse keeps more consistent contact with the ground. For someone new to horses, it can be an enjoyable introduction to a famous part of Icelandic riding culture.

You may have several chances to try it during the tour. The phrase may matters. The guide decides what is suitable based on the ground, weather, horses, and the group’s ability. One rider described a mostly slow ride with a little tölt near the end and wished for more speed. Another experienced rider had the chance to trot and gallop and still felt the ride was too short.

That difference tells you what to expect. Beginners will probably value the controlled pace and calm horses. Strong riders should speak with the guide at the start and explain what kind of riding they hope to do. The team may be able to match you with a more suitable horse, but nobody should expect a private high-speed ride on a shared excursion.

Why beginners often feel at ease

I would recommend this tour most readily to someone who wants to try horseback riding without committing to a full day. The horses are not as tall as many common riding breeds, which can make mounting and handling feel less intimidating. Their calm temperament also helps when you are still learning how your movements affect the horse.

The first part in the pen is important. You get basic instructions before heading onto the trail, rather than being sent out with only a quick introduction. Guides have been praised for being patient with nervous first-time riders and for supporting people returning to riding after a long break.

You still need moderate physical fitness. Sitting in a saddle for 90 minutes can be tiring, and you need to be comfortable mounting, riding, and staying balanced. The experience is not described as suitable for every physical condition, so contact the operator if you have concerns that are not answered in the booking information.

Families and mixed-ability groups can work well here. One family of four enjoyed being assigned well-trained horses and receiving a friendly welcome. Another group of six found the staff accommodating. The important point is that your group’s pace will be shaped by the least experienced rider, which is normal for this kind of outing.

The horses and the human side of the visit

The horses are a major part of the appeal, not just transportation. They are described as beautiful, well kept, patient, and well behaved. Individual horses named in the feedback include Gunnvör and Leikur, and one first-time rider formed a particularly strong bond with Gunnvör.

That personal connection is one reason the tour can feel more memorable than a standard sightseeing stop. You are not simply sitting on an animal for a photo. You learn enough to guide it, notice its reactions, and share the trail with it. The experience is still structured and guided, but there is room to appreciate the horse’s character.

The team also seems to put effort into the finish. Coffee, water, tea, and cake have all been part of the welcome after the ride. Homemade cake, including a traditional Icelandic-style happy marriage cake, has been served on some visits. These details do not add riding time, but they make the farm visit feel personal rather than rushed.

This is also where the tour’s small scale matters. A group of two can receive more individual attention than a large horseback procession. The advertised group size is small, though the details are not perfectly consistent: one section lists a maximum of six, another lists eight, and one account describes 12 people on a particularly busy day. I would confirm the expected group size if this is important to you.

Price, timing, and practical value

The listed price is $160.57 per person. That is not a bargain-priced short activity, but the value depends on what you want from your Iceland trip. You receive a farm visit, horse preparation, roughly 90 minutes of riding, instruction, scenic pauses, and coffee with light refreshments. For a first ride in Iceland, that is a fair package if the personal attention and setting matter to you.

The price looks less attractive if you are an experienced rider mainly seeking long stretches of fast riding. In that case, the short riding time and group pace may leave you wanting more. One experienced rider described the horses and scenery as excellent but wished the ride had lasted for hours.

The tour is available from February through October. Weather can affect the schedule, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund. Icelandic weather can change quickly, so keep some flexibility in your plans if this ride is a priority.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The activity also needs a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation by the operator is possible if that number is not met.

Transportation is not clearly included in the basic meeting-point information. Some riders paid separately for pickup from the port, while others arranged their own taxi. If you are arriving by cruise ship, ask about port transfer before booking and allow enough time for the drive to Ytri-Bægisá and back.

The small drawbacks to weigh

The arrival instructions deserve attention. Confirm parking, the entrance, and the exact meeting location in advance. A smooth start matters, especially if you are coming from a ship or working around a tight sightseeing schedule.

Group size may vary more than the headline suggests. The tour is presented as a small-group ride, but the maximum figures conflict, and one busy day had 12 people. That does not mean every departure will be crowded, but it does mean you should ask if a private or especially small outing is important to you.

The description can also sound more rugged than the actual route. You may ride on a gravel or dirt road with mountain views rather than through remote mountain terrain. The scenery can still be excellent, with woods, fields, streams, and hills, but set your expectations correctly.

Finally, the ride is short for anyone who already loves horses. The social coffee and cake are pleasant additions, yet they do not replace saddle time. Ask the team at the outset about tölt, trotting, and the pace likely for your group.

Who should book this ride

I think this is a strong choice if you are new to riding, returning after years away, or looking for an easy half-day activity near Akureyri. It suits people who care about calm horses, thoughtful guides, mountain scenery, and a friendly farm setting more than maximum speed.

It also works well for a mixed group. A beginner can ride alongside someone with more experience, provided everyone accepts a shared pace. The guides have experience helping nervous riders, and the horses are selected for different ability levels.

I would hesitate if you want a serious riding workout, a long backcountry route, or guaranteed galloping. I would also check the group size and port transfer details before paying if you are on a tight cruise schedule.

Should you book the Deacon Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a gentle, personal introduction to Icelandic horses with attractive countryside, useful instruction, and a warm cup of coffee afterward. The horses, scenery, and guides are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Go in expecting a scenic walking ride with some chances to tölt, not a fast riding expedition. Confirm the meeting instructions, ask about the expected group size, and arrange transport if needed. With those details settled, the Deacon Horse Riding Tour offers a friendly way to experience North Iceland from the saddle.

FAQ

Where does the Deacon Horse Riding Tour start?

The tour starts at Ytri Bægisá, Ytri-Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity finishes back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about two hours and 15 minutes. The horseback riding portion is approximately one and a half hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. All riding levels are welcome, from beginners to expert riders. Beginners receive instruction and can be matched with suitable horses.

Do I need to be physically fit?

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. You will be in the saddle for about 90 minutes and need to manage the physical demands of horseback riding.

How many people can join the tour?

The highlights describe a maximum of six people, while the additional details list a maximum of eight. Since the information differs, confirm the expected group size when booking.

Is the tölt included?

The tour provides multiple opportunities to try the tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic horse. The pace remains subject to the guide, horses, weather, trail, and group ability.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity may be canceled in poor weather. You will then be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.