Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

An Icelandic horseback ride is a fine way to see the countryside at a slower, more human pace. At Hestaland, you begin with a prep lesson in a large indoor arena, so first-time riders can learn how to sit, steer, stop, and feel comfortable before leaving the stable.

I especially like the small groups of up to 10 and the patient approach of guides such as Juna and Bára. The horses are described as calm and well cared for, and the route can include a small river, wide views, a photo stop, and, when conditions and ability allow, the famous Icelandic tölt.

The main drawback is the short length. At 1.5 hours, this is an introduction rather than a full riding day, and wind or rain can affect your comfort. You also need to arrange your own transport from Borgarnes, about a 15-minute drive away.

Key points to know before you book

• Indoor practice comes first: You get time to meet your horse and learn the basics before heading outdoors.
• Beginner-friendly route: The shorter ride is designed for first-time riders as well as people with some experience.
• Icelandic horses and the tölt: You may get to try the smooth four-beat tölt if your guide feels it is suitable.
• Small river and open views: The ride passes through quiet countryside rather than a busy visitor attraction.
• Private rides are available: Choose this option if you want the pace and riding level adjusted more closely to your needs.
• Plan for Icelandic weather: Warm clothing and comfortable shoes matter, even on a short outing.

Arriving at Hestaland from Borgarnes

Hestaland is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes in western Iceland. Transportation is not included, so you need to reach the stable on your own and allow enough time for the drive.

That short distance makes the ride an easy add-on to a Borgarnes stop, but it is not a walk-up activity from town. I would put the address into your navigation before leaving, especially if you are fitting the ride between other stops in the western region.

The setting is part of the appeal. You are leaving town for open Icelandic countryside, where the views are not framed by roads, shops, or crowds. The stable becomes your base, and the experience begins by getting to know the horse rather than by rushing straight into a saddle.

Hestaland also offers a small-group format limited to 10 people. That number is useful for a riding lesson. Your guide has a better chance of checking each rider, keeping the line together, and adapting the pace when someone is new to horses.

Meeting your horse and learning inside

The indoor arena is one of the best features of this experience. Before setting out, you meet your horse and get comfortable around it. Some rides also include time to groom the horse, which gives you a practical way to become familiar with the animal before mounting.

The prep lesson is especially valuable if you have never ridden. You can practice the basic controls in a contained space, where the guide can explain what to do and correct small problems early. That is much less stressful than receiving a quick briefing outdoors and then trying to keep up with the group.

First-time riders have been able to enjoy the route after this introduction, and the guides are used to explaining things clearly and patiently. Bára, for example, is noted for checking that beginners felt safe and understood what to do. Juna has also guided newer riders through the basics before heading out.

You should still be honest about your riding experience. Tell the guide if you have never been on a horse, if you are nervous, or if you have ridden before and want a little more activity. A private ride is the better choice if you have specific wishes about pace, instruction, or the type of outing you want.

The supplied information gives a minimum age of 6 and a maximum rider weight of 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Children under 6 cannot take part.

The 1.5-hour route through the countryside

Once the group is ready, you leave the arena for a guided ride outside. The route passes through countryside near the stable, with broad views and a small river mentioned as one of the scenic features.

This is not a sightseeing circuit packed with famous landmarks. Its pleasure comes from the change of pace. From horseback, you notice the open ground, the weather, the sound of the horse, and the shape of the countryside in a way that can be easy to miss from a car.

The ride is suitable for all experience levels, including complete beginners. That means the pace is intended to remain manageable for the group, rather than being built around fast riding. If you are hoping for a long gallop, this short regular tour may not be the right product.

Riders with more experience can ask about a private outing. One experienced rider was able to take part in more tölt and some galloping after discussing it with the guide. That example should not be treated as a promise for every departure, but it shows why the private option makes sense for confident riders who want more than a basic walk.

A photo stop may be included along the way. Guides have also taken pictures for riders, which is helpful because handling a phone while mounted is not a good idea. The exact views depend on the route and the weather, but the ride is designed around the surrounding countryside rather than a formal show.

Why the Icelandic horse adds something special

Icelandic horses are known for their compact build, sure footing, and additional gaits. The gait that many people hope to try is the tölt, a smooth four-beat movement that can feel different from an ordinary walk or trot.

You should not expect to tölta simply because you book this ride. The guide decides what is safe for the group, and beginners first need to feel steady at the basic pace. Still, the shorter tour can sometimes include a few moments of tölt once the guide sees that riders and horses are comfortable.

That possibility gives the ride a little more character than a simple farm loop. Several riders were able to try the tölt during their outing, while one more experienced rider had a faster, more tailored ride. It is a pleasant bonus, not the central promise.

The horses are described as gentle, calm, attentive, and pleasant to ride. At the start, you may also get to take part in grooming, which helps you see the animals as individual horses rather than simply as equipment for an activity.

One practical point deserves attention. One rider felt that a horse might have been limping and raised concern about its health. That was not presented as a general problem, but it is a fair reminder to pay attention before and during the ride. If your horse seems uncomfortable or moves unevenly, tell the guide at once.

How the guide shapes the experience

A good horseback ride depends as much on the guide as on the scenery. You need clear instructions, calm handling, and regular checks once the group leaves the arena.

The guides on this experience receive strong praise for being friendly, patient, and flexible. Bára is noted for asking several times if riders felt safe and for keeping watch over the whole group. Juna helped beginners settle in and made the introduction easy to follow.

The language options are English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. That gives you a useful choice if you are more comfortable receiving safety instructions in one of those languages.

I like the balance between structure and personal attention. You begin with a set lesson, but the guide can still respond to the riders in front of them. A nervous beginner may need a slower explanation, while a returning rider may be ready to try more.

Private rides cost more than the listed $109 regular experience, but they may be worth considering if you have a strong preference. The private format is particularly sensible for riders with different experience levels, people who want extra instruction, or confident riders hoping to include more tölt.

Is $109 good value for 90 minutes?

At $109 per person, the price is not cheap for a 1.5-hour activity. Icelandic tours often carry higher operating costs, and horseback riding requires trained animals, stable staff, safety equipment, and a guide for a small group.

The value is strongest if you are a beginner. You are not paying only for time in the saddle. The experience includes meeting the horse, a lesson in the arena, a guided countryside route, a helmet, and supervision from the stable team. The indoor preparation also reduces the chance that your first attempt will feel rushed or uncomfortable.

For an experienced rider seeking a long outing, the value is weaker. A 90-minute ride may feel brief, especially after driving to Hestaland and getting ready. The full-day option is aimed at intermediate and advanced riders, and lunch is included with the 5-hour day tour. That longer choice makes more sense if riding is one of your main reasons for visiting the area.

For a first taste of Icelandic horses, I find the shorter option easier to justify. You get a clear introduction without committing a whole day, and you can decide afterward if you want a longer ride on another trip.

Clothing, comfort, and weather

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the ride takes place outdoors after the indoor lesson. Wind was a problem for at least one outing, making the ride less comfortable even though the organization and horse were not at fault.

Dress for the temperature you feel outside, not just for the time spent in the arena. Layers are practical because you may warm up while preparing the horse and then cool down once you are moving through open country.

A helmet is included. Smoking is not allowed.

You should also think about your comfort around horses. The stable setting may include extra animal encounters, such as a friendly hall dog or a very young foal, but those details are not guaranteed parts of the tour. The main activity remains the guided ride.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information provided does not explain the exact arrangements for mounting, transfers, or riding independently. If you need specific assistance, contact Hestaland before booking so the stable can confirm what is possible.

Regular or private ride?

The regular tour is the sensible choice for most people. It suits beginners, families with children aged 6 and older, and anyone who wants a short introduction to Icelandic horseback riding.

Choose a private ride if you have particular goals. It can give you a more personal pace and a better chance of discussing your riding ability before setting out. It is also the safer planning choice for a mixed group, where one person is new to riding and another has considerable experience.

Keep in mind that the regular group is capped at 10 people, so it is not a large coach-style activity. Still, the group format means the guide must plan for the least experienced rider. Experienced riders should not expect the group tour to become a fast ride.

How this fits into a western Iceland itinerary

Borgarnes makes a useful base or stop in western Iceland, and Hestaland is close enough to pair with other sightseeing in the region. The 1.5-hour duration leaves part of the day free, but you need to include driving time, arrival, preparation, and the return trip.

I would book this early in the day if possible, then continue with other plans afterward. That gives you room if weather affects the start time or if you want to take your time at the stable.

The activity also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, plus a reserve-now and pay-later option. Those terms are useful in Iceland, where weather can affect road plans, but you should still check the exact departure time and cancellation conditions when booking.

Who should book this ride?

This experience fits you best if you want to try horseback riding without giving up a full day. It is particularly good for first-timers who value a proper indoor lesson before going outdoors.

Families can consider it for children aged 6 and older, provided each child meets the stated requirements and is comfortable around horses. Couples and solo riders can also fit in easily, with the small-group setup offering more personal attention than a large commercial ride.

Experienced riders should choose carefully. The short group ride may feel too gentle if you want sustained speed or technical riding. A private outing or the 5-hour day tour is the better match, with the longer tour recommended for intermediate and advanced riders.

Should you book Hestaland?

Book it if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses, open countryside, and the chance to try the tölt without signing up for a full day. The indoor lesson, calm horses, small group, and patient guides make this a strong choice for beginners.

Skip it if you want a long, fast ride, if the $109 price feels high for 90 minutes, or if arranging your own transport from Borgarnes is inconvenient. For confident riders, ask about the private option or the longer tour before settling on the short group ride.

For most first-time riders, I would choose the 1.5-hour experience and arrive prepared for changing weather. It gives you enough time to learn the basics, enjoy the countryside, and decide if Icelandic horseback riding deserves a longer place in your plans.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

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

Where does the ride start?

The ride starts at Hestaland, which is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The shorter trail ride is suitable for all experience levels, including people riding for the first time. You begin with a lesson in a large indoor arena.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes the indoor prep lesson, guided scenic trail ride, guide, and helmet. Lunch is included only with the 5-hour day tour.

Can I book a private ride?

Yes. Private trail rides are available for a more personal experience and can suit riders with specific preferences or different ability levels.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. Outdoor weather can affect your comfort, especially in windy conditions.

Are there age and weight limits?

Children under 6 cannot take part. The maximum listed rider weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.