Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Iceland’s famous horses are the real stars here. You ride through the volcanic Redhill area near Reykjavík, with glacier-carved mountains and open wilderness around you. I love the careful horse matching and the chance to try the Icelandic horse’s special gait, the tölt, rather than simply plodding along a trail.

I also like the warm, personal instruction from owners Begga and Sveinn, who explain both riding technique and the horses themselves. The main consideration is weather: rain, wind, mud, and cold are all possible, and the actual ride lasts about one to one and a half hours within the two-hour visit.

Key points to know before you book

• The stable is only about 10 minutes from Reykjavík, making this an easy half-day addition to a city stay.
• Begga and Sveinn match each rider with a suitable horse, including complete beginners.
• You receive a riding briefing before setting out, with guidance throughout the ride.
• The ride crosses volcanic Redhill scenery, with mountains, open wilderness, and terrain shaped by ice and fire.
• You can try the tölt, the distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse.
• The small group is limited to eight people, so the guides can give more individual attention.

Why this short ride feels distinctly Icelandic

Horse riding is offered in many countries, but Icelandic horses give this outing a clear sense of place. These compact, sturdy animals are part of Iceland’s rural identity, and the experience introduces you to them before you head into the countryside.

The setting helps, too. This is not a fenced arena or a short ride beside a busy road. From the stable, you head into volcanic scenery around Reykjavík, where mountains and wide stretches of open ground reflect the forces that shaped Iceland. The view is not about one famous waterfall or a single dramatic viewpoint. It is about seeing a broad piece of the country slowly, from horseback.

You should also expect a genuine riding lesson, not simply a seat on a horse while somebody leads the way. The first part covers how to handle the reins, communicate with the horse, and stay comfortable in the saddle. That matters if you have never ridden before, and it also helps experienced riders adjust to a different breed and the tölt.

Arriving at the stable near Reykjavík

The stable is about a 10-minute drive from the capital. At the parking area, look for the boom barrier and the many horse trailers. You are asked to wait there until the gate is opened, so do not assume you have arrived at the wrong place if the entrance is closed.

Once inside, you receive riding equipment. Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are provided, which is valuable in Iceland’s changeable conditions. You should still dress sensibly underneath, since the supplied gear protects you from the weather but does not replace warm layers.

The visit lasts two hours, but the mounted portion is usually between one and one and a half hours. The remaining time covers arrival, changing, the riding briefing, meeting your horse, and getting settled. If you are comparing this with longer countryside rides, keep that timing in mind. It is a compact introduction rather than a full-day expedition.

Learning the basics before meeting your horse

The briefing is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Begga has been praised for explaining how Icelandic horses differ from other horses, while Sveinn gives practical riding tips once the group is on the trail. The tone is friendly, but the safety information is taken seriously.

You learn how to sit, guide, and handle the horse before setting out. Beginners are not expected to arrive with riding skills, and the horses are selected to suit each person’s ability. That matching is important. A nervous first-time rider needs a calm, manageable horse, while an experienced rider may want a little more energy.

The guides continue to help once the ride begins. You can ask questions along the way, and they make adjustments to help you stay comfortable. Small groups of up to eight people make this easier than a large line of riders. You are not left to work everything out alone.

The horses are also a large part of the appeal. Many riders have found them gentle, easy to manage, and well cared for. The care shown toward the animals is noticeable in the way the staff talk about them and prepare them for the ride.

Meeting the Icelandic horses and learning the tölt

After the introduction, you meet your assigned horse and have time to get acquainted. This pause is useful. You are not immediately sent into the countryside without knowing how your horse reacts or how to ask it to move.

The distinctive feature is the tölt, the special gait associated with Icelandic horses. It gives the ride a character you will not get from an ordinary walking trail horse. The guides introduce it at a suitable pace, and you receive advice on how to stay balanced and work with the horse.

Do not expect every moment to be fast or dramatic. The ride is described as relaxed, and the main goal is to enjoy the horse and the scenery safely. Still, the tölt adds a memorable change from a standard walk. Even riders with very little experience have been able to enjoy it with instruction.

Experienced riders should adjust their expectations as well. This is not presented as a demanding riding clinic or a chance to gallop across open country. It is a guided outing designed to bring a mixed-ability group together. That makes it accessible, though riders looking for speed or advanced training may find it gentle.

Riding through volcanic Redhill

The mounted ride takes you through the Iceland Redhill area, a volcanic setting close to Reykjavík. You see mountains, broad open ground, and scenery shaped by both glaciers and volcanoes. From the saddle, the scale of the country becomes easier to appreciate. You move slowly enough to notice the colors and contours rather than passing them through a vehicle window.

This is a good choice if you want nature without committing to a long drive from the capital. The scenery gives you a taste of Iceland’s wilderness while keeping the outing short. You can fit it into a Reykjavík itinerary alongside other activities.

The ride is especially attractive to people who enjoy animals and quiet outdoor time. You are not rushing from one photo stop to another. You spend much of the visit focused on your horse, the ground beneath its feet, and the changing view ahead.

Weather can alter the feel of the route. One rider described enjoying the experience in rain, while another found a wet day muddy and cold. The staff continue in less-than-perfect conditions when it is safe to do so, and the supplied rain gear helps. Even so, you should be ready for the scenery to look very different on a clear day than on a gray, wet one.

What the guides add to the experience

Begga and Sveinn are owners as well as guides, and that personal connection comes through in the way the outing is run. Begga has been praised for combining clear instruction with humor and for answering questions about Iceland, riding, and the horses. Sveinn is described as patient and encouraging, especially with riders who have little experience.

You also receive more than basic riding directions. The guides explain aspects of Icelandic horses and the country’s physical geography, giving the ride some useful context. That makes the experience more worthwhile than simply sitting in a saddle for an hour.

Photography is another thoughtful touch. The guides may take photos and videos of the riders, horses, and scenery, allowing you to concentrate on handling your horse. This is particularly helpful because taking a phone out while mounted can distract you and may not be practical in poor weather.

The small group helps preserve the personal feel. With a maximum of eight participants, the guides can watch how each person is riding and offer individual corrections. If you are anxious about being lost in a large group, this limit is a meaningful advantage.

Safety, comfort, and the honest drawbacks

Horse riding always carries some risk. You are expected to wear a riding helmet and tell the company about illnesses or poor health before riding. Staff assess the situation, and you must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

You also need to follow calm-horse behavior. Sudden shouting, waving, screaming, or other abrupt movements are not allowed. This protects you, the other riders, and the horses. One past incident involved a horse reacting to a loud vehicle, a useful reminder that even calm animals can be startled.

The guides work to reduce risk, but they cannot remove it. If you are uncomfortable around horses or have serious concerns about balance, ask the operator about your situation before booking. The age limit is 12, so this is not an outing for younger children.

The other drawback is time. The advertised duration is two hours, but only one to one and a half hours are spent riding. That is enough for a meaningful introduction, especially near Reykjavík, but it may feel short if horseback riding is your main reason for visiting Iceland.

Is the $200 price good value?

At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: an Icelandic guide, riding equipment, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes, plus a small group and hands-on instruction.

You are paying for more than a basic trail ride. The horse matching, safety briefing, explanation of the tölt, and guidance during the ride all matter, especially for beginners. The close location also saves time and transport effort compared with an outing farther from the capital.

Still, value depends on your priorities. If you only want a short scenic ride and are comparing prices with simple stable visits, $200 may feel high. If you specifically want to ride Icelandic horses in Iceland, try the tölt, and receive careful help from an experienced team, the cost is easier to justify.

The strongest value comes for first-time riders and visitors who want a well-supported introduction. Experienced riders may prefer a longer or more demanding route, but the chance to ride this breed in its home country remains a special reason to choose it.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it for:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Experienced riders curious about Icelandic horses and the tölt
• Couples and families with children aged 12 or older
• Animal lovers who care about how horses are treated
• Reykjavík visitors who want countryside scenery without a long transfer
• Small groups who prefer personal guidance over a large stable operation

You should think twice if you dislike cold, rain, mud, or uncertain weather. You should also skip it if you want a fast, athletic ride, since the outing is relaxed and designed for riders with different skill levels.

The ride suits people who want to slow down and pay attention. The scenery, horse, and guide all matter more than speed.

Booking details worth knowing

The tour is conducted in English and has a maximum of eight participants. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

The operator may cancel or change the service because of weather or other necessary conditions. That is not unusual for outdoor activities in Iceland, but you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

At the meeting point, wait by the barrier at the parking area until staff open the gate. Do not arrive intoxicated, and tell the company about relevant health concerns before you ride.

Should you book Reykjavík Horse Riding Tours?

Yes, if you want a personal introduction to Icelandic horses rather than a quick ride with little instruction. The close-to-Reykjavík location, small group, careful horse matching, and chance to try the tölt make this a strong choice for beginners and curious experienced riders alike.

The $200 price is substantial, and the ride may feel brief to serious equestrians. But if the idea of riding through volcanic Redhill with a calm Icelandic horse appeals to you, this outing offers a practical way to do it without giving up a full day.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The full activity lasts two hours. The actual mounted ride usually lasts between one and one and a half hours, with the rest used for arrival, preparation, instruction, and meeting your horse.

How far is the stable from Reykjavík?

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

Is the experience suitable for beginners?

Yes. You receive a riding briefing before setting out, and the guides assign horses according to each rider’s experience and ability.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is the special gait of the Icelandic horse. The guides introduce you to it during the ride and provide advice on how to handle it.

What riding equipment is provided?

The activity includes riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. You should still wear suitable warm clothing underneath.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

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