Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

The special pleasure here is the Icelandic horse and its tölt, a smooth extra gait that feels different from an ordinary walk, trot, or canter. You ride through volcanic country near Reykjavík, with glacier-shaped valleys, colorful mountains, and wide-open Icelandic scenery around you.

I like the careful horse matching and the patient riding lesson, especially for first-time riders. I also like that guides such as Begga and Sveinn often take photos and videos, so you can keep your hands on the reins and pay attention to the ride. The main drawback is that the actual time in the saddle is about 1 to 1.5 hours within the two-hour booking, and poor weather can mean mud, cold, or a changed schedule.

Key points to know before you ride

• The tölt is the star: You get a chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s distinctive smooth gait.
• A good choice for beginners: The guide explains basic handling, pairs you with a suitable horse, and offers tips throughout the ride.
• Close to Reykjavík: The stable is about a 10-minute drive from the city.
• Small groups matter: The tour is limited to eight people, allowing more individual help.
• Weather is part of Iceland: Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and riding shoes are supplied, but you should still expect changeable conditions.
• The minimum age is 12: Children younger than 12 cannot join this outing.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride special

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and known for a calm nature. Their size can make them feel less intimidating to a first-time rider, though you should not mistake a gentle horse for a toy. You are still handling a living animal, and the guide’s safety instructions deserve your full attention.

The big attraction is the tölt. This is a four-beat gait that can feel unusually smooth because the horse keeps a steady rhythm with little bouncing. You may not master it immediately, but even a short attempt gives the ride a distinctly Icelandic character.

I like that the tour treats the horses as part of the experience, not just as transport. Guides explain how to communicate with your horse and how Icelandic horses differ from other breeds. That small lesson adds meaning to the ride, especially if you have ridden elsewhere and want more than a slow circuit around a paddock.

The horses are assigned according to your riding background. Beginners receive a steady mount and extra help, while experienced riders can still appreciate the animals’ personality and movement. You should tell the staff honestly about your experience, confidence, and any health concerns before setting out.

Starting at the stable near Reykjavík

The stable is about 10 minutes from Reykjavík, making this one of the easiest riding options to fit into a city stay. You do not need to spend a full day driving into the countryside to get open volcanic scenery.

When you arrive, you may find a boom barrier at the parking area, often marked by several horse trailers. Wait there until the gate is opened. This is a small but useful arrival detail, since it prevents confusion if the stable itself is not immediately obvious.

The total booking lasts two hours. Allow time at the start for the introduction, safety briefing, horse assignment, and mounting. The riding portion lasts between one and 1.5 hours, so compare the tour with longer countryside rides if your main goal is several hours in the saddle.

The riding lesson comes before the scenery

The first part is not filler. You receive basic instruction on handling the horse, steering, stopping, and riding safely. The guide also explains how to sit and communicate with an Icelandic horse, giving nervous riders a chance to settle down before leaving the stable.

Begga is especially associated with cheerful, clear instruction, and Sveinn is often praised for offering practical riding tips during the outing. Other guides have also been described as patient and entertaining. The exact guide may vary, but the format is designed to support mixed groups of beginners and experienced riders.

I appreciate this approach because a short lesson can make the rest of the outing far more enjoyable. You are less likely to spend the whole ride worrying about the reins or wondering how to slow down. You can look around, listen to the guide, and pay attention to the horse beneath you.

The instruction is not a substitute for riding experience. You still need to follow directions, keep a calm body, and avoid sudden movements. Do not shout, wave your hands, or make sharp noises around the horses. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you should tell the operator about illnesses or poor health before riding.

Riding through Redhill and volcanic country

Once the group sets off, the scenery becomes the main event. The Redhill area offers mountains with changing colors, open wilderness, and ground shaped by both volcanoes and glaciers. From horseback, you move slowly enough to notice the broad shapes of the terrain rather than simply passing them in a vehicle.

This is not a sightseeing coach trip with a long list of viewpoints. The appeal is the pace. You are close to the ground, aware of the horse’s steps, and moving through a setting that feels far removed from Reykjavík even though the stable is nearby.

The scenery can change with the weather. On a clear day, the mountains and open spaces provide the strongest visual reward. In rain or wind, the same ride may feel rougher and more elemental. One rider described a rainy outing as muddy and cold but still enjoyable, which is a fair warning about Icelandic conditions.

The operator may cancel or alter the service if weather creates unsafe conditions. That is sensible for horseback riding, but it means you should avoid making this your only fixed activity on a short visit. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible.

What the ride feels like for a beginner

You do not need extensive riding experience to join. Many first-time riders have found the calm horses and clear instruction reassuring, and the staff take time to pair each person with an appropriate mount.

Still, a beginner should expect to take part actively. You will need to hold the reins, respond to instructions, and maintain a balanced seat. The guide stays involved throughout the ride, but this is not a passive pony ride.

I would choose this tour for a first riding experience if you are comfortable around animals and willing to listen carefully. If you are nervous, say so at the start. The staff can use that information when choosing your horse and deciding how much help you need.

The group moves together, so the pace is likely to suit a range of abilities rather than advanced riders looking for a fast, demanding session. Experienced riders may find the outing short, but the chance to try the tölt and ride a breed developed in Iceland gives it a clear purpose.

What makes the small group useful

The group limit is eight people. That number is small enough for the guide to notice individual problems, answer questions, and correct your position during the ride.

Small groups also help with horse matching. If you are the only beginner in a large riding group, you may receive little personal attention. Here, the guide can spend more time helping you find a comfortable rhythm and reminding you how to handle your horse.

The group size does not guarantee complete privacy. You will still ride as part of a group, and the pace will be shared. If you want a private ride, confirm that option separately, since it is not included in the information provided here.

Guides sometimes take photos and videos during the outing. That is a welcome touch because handling a phone while riding is awkward and can distract you. Do not assume every outing includes the same number of photos, but the practice has been part of the experience for many groups.

Clothing and comfort in Icelandic weather

The operator supplies riding gear, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. That removes much of the hassle of packing specialist riding equipment, especially if horseback riding is only one small part of your Iceland trip.

You should still dress for cool, wet conditions beneath the supplied gear. Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement, and avoid bringing valuables that could be damaged by rain or dropped from the saddle. The supplied equipment helps, but it does not turn an outdoor activity into a weatherproof one.

Mud is possible after rain. Wind can also make the ride feel colder than the temperature suggests. I would treat the weather as part of the Iceland experience, while being honest that this may not suit someone who wants a polished, indoor-style activity.

The horse’s comfort matters too. Follow instructions about mounting, spacing, and movement. Sudden gestures, loud sounds, or careless handling can startle an animal, even one with a calm temperament.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes more sense if you value the short transfer from Reykjavík, the small group, the guide’s instruction, the riding equipment, and the chance to experience the tölt on an Icelandic horse.

You are paying for more than a basic horse ride. The staff provide a lesson, select a horse for your ability, supply rainwear and riding gear, and guide you through volcanic scenery. The experience also gives you access to a specialized Icelandic tradition that is difficult to replicate outside the country.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long ride. With 1 to 1.5 hours actually riding, the time in the saddle is modest for the price. A serious rider comparing several Icelandic excursions should check the riding duration first, not just the total tour length.

For a once-in-a-trip introduction to Icelandic horses, I think the price can be justified. It is especially appealing to couples, families with children aged 12 or older, and first-time riders who want strong guidance rather than a more independent outing.

Who should book this horseback tour

I would recommend it to you if you want an outdoor activity close to Reykjavík and enjoy learning about animals as much as taking photographs. It works well for mixed-experience groups because the horses are matched to riders and the guides provide help along the route.

It is also a good choice for anyone curious about the tölt. You may not become an expert in one outing, but you will get a clear introduction to what makes Icelandic horses different.

Horse lovers should appreciate the focus on the animals’ care and temperament. The staff are described as attentive to the horses, and the guides explain how to work with them rather than simply telling you to sit back and hold on.

I would hesitate to recommend it to you if you dislike rain, mud, cold, or unpredictable outdoor conditions. I would also look elsewhere if you want a long, fast ride or a highly technical lesson. This is a scenic introduction, not an advanced riding clinic.

Practical details that affect your day

The tour is conducted in English and led by a live guide. It is limited to eight participants and has a minimum age of 12.

You meet at the stable parking area. If the boom barrier is closed, wait there until staff open it. The stable is about 10 minutes from Reykjavík, but the supplied details do not include a transfer service, so check your own transport arrangements before booking.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting. Weather can cause the operator to cancel or change the service, so keep your schedule flexible.

Safety comes first. Horseback riding carries some risk, even with a steady horse and an attentive guide. Wear the riding helmet provided or required by the stable, disclose health concerns, stay sober, and follow instructions throughout the outing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-supported introduction to Icelandic horses, a taste of the tölt, and open volcanic scenery without leaving Reykjavík for a full day. The small group, thoughtful horse matching, and patient instruction give beginners a solid foundation.

Think twice if $200 feels high for roughly an hour to 90 minutes of riding, or if you want a longer route through remote country. For most visitors, the strongest reason to book is not the duration. It is the chance to ride an Icelandic horse in Iceland, with guides who make the activity approachable and personal.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The riding portion lasts between one and 1.5 hours, with the remaining time used for arrival, instruction, horse assignment, and preparation.

How far is the stable from Reykjavík?

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

What type of horse will I ride?

You will ride an Icelandic horse. The staff assign horses according to each participant’s riding experience and ability.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is a special gait of the Icelandic horse. The tour gives you a chance to experience this distinctive way of moving.

Is the tour suitable for a first-time rider?

Yes. The guide provides a riding lesson before the outing and offers help during the ride. You should still be comfortable following safety instructions and handling a horse.

What equipment is included?

Riding gear is included, along with rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

How many people can join the group?

The tour is limited to eight participants.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

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