Deacon Horse Riding Tour

The special thing here is the chance to leave the roads behind and ride through meadows, woods, and mountain country near Akureyri. Icelandic horses are short, calm, and sturdy, which makes them a friendly choice for a first ride, while experienced riders may get chances to tölt, their smooth extra gait.

I like the small-group feel and the careful matching of horses to riders. I also like the warm finish: coffee, water, and sometimes homemade cake after the ride. The main consideration is pace. Much of the outing is a steady walk, and riders hoping for a long gallop may find the 1.5-hour ride too gentle or too short.

Key points to know before you book

• A real country ride: Follow trails through meadows and wooded sections, cross a small bridge or stream, and reach open viewpoints with mountain scenery.
• Good for first-timers: Guides provide an introductory lesson and pair beginners with patient horses.
• Tölt is part of the fun: You may have several chances to try the Icelandic horse’s distinctive smooth gait.
• Small groups matter: The advertised group size is small, though the maximum is listed as eight and one busy day reached 12 riders.
• A friendly finish: Coffee and light refreshments, including homemade cake on some rides, follow the horseback portion.
• Plan for a farm meeting point: You meet at Ytri Bægisá on Þelamerkurvegur, outside Akureyri, and return there afterward.

Why this ride feels different from a road tour

From Akureyri, it is easy to spend your Iceland visit looking through a bus window. This ride changes the scale of the countryside. You hear the horse’s steps, feel the ground change beneath you, and move at a pace that lets a stream, birch trees, or a distant mountain register as more than scenery flashing past.

The setting around Ytri Bægisá gives the ride variety. You might follow a dirt or gravel road for part of the route, then move into meadows and wooded trails. A small bridge, rushing water, and hillside viewpoints add interest without turning the outing into a demanding mountain trek.

I would set your expectations carefully. The phrase horseback riding in the mountains sounds grand, but this is not a hard climb into remote high country. Much of the route stays on practical riding tracks and roads with mountain views nearby. That is useful for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a calm introduction to Icelandic riding. It may disappoint you if you want a fast, wild ride over open slopes.

Meeting the Icelandic horses at Ytri Bægisá

The ride begins at Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland. The stable is outside central Akureyri, and the activity finishes at the same place. Give yourself time to find the entrance and parking area. One rider specifically found arrival instructions unclear, so it is wise to confirm exactly where to park and enter before setting out.

At the stable, the guides help match you with a horse. This is more important than it may sound. A nervous first-time rider needs a patient, steady horse, while a confident rider may be more comfortable with a horse suited to a livelier pace. The horses are described as well kept, calm, and well trained, with names such as Gunnvör and Leikur appearing in riders’ memories of the outing.

If you have not ridden before, you are not expected to arrive knowing how to mount, steer, or stop. The guides provide a short lesson, often in a pen, before heading onto the trail. Riders returning after 10 or 15 years away from horses can also expect support while they find their balance again.

The Icelandic horse itself helps. It is not as tall as many riding horses, so getting on and off feels less intimidating. Its famously smooth tölt can also be easier on your body than a regular trot, though not every rider will spend much time at that gait.

The first 90 minutes on horseback

The mounted portion lasts about an hour and a half, within an overall activity time of roughly two hours and 15 minutes. That extra time allows for getting organized, riding instructions, horse matching, and refreshments.

The first part is likely to be the quietest. You settle into the saddle, learn how your horse responds, and follow the guide along the farm routes. This is when the ride works best for beginners. The guides can watch your position, help with reins and pace, and make small corrections before you feel overwhelmed.

As you gain confidence, the route opens into more varied country. You may pass through meadows, wooded trails, and a stream area. One particularly memorable route included a bridge, forest, open pasture, and a hillside stop for photos. Short pauses give you time to take pictures, breathe, and enjoy the view without trying to handle a camera while riding.

The horses are the focus, but the surroundings do plenty of work. Rushing water and trees create a change from the broad, treeless views often associated with Iceland. Mountain backdrops remind you that you are in north Iceland, even when the trail itself stays moderate and accessible.

What the tölt feels like

The tölt is the Icelandic horse’s signature gait, and this tour gives you multiple chances to try it. It is a smooth, four-beat movement that can feel surprisingly comfortable once you and the horse are ready.

Do not assume that every ride will include long stretches of speed. The guides put safety and comfort first, and the usual rhythm is a walk with a little faster work when conditions and rider ability allow. Some outings may include a short tölt, while more experienced riders have sometimes reached a trot or gallop.

That variation is one reason to be honest about your riding background when you arrive. If you are a beginner, a gentle walking ride is a good result, not a lesser version of the tour. If you are an experienced rider, tell the guide what you can handle and what you hope to try. The actual pace depends on the group, horses, trail, and weather.

The ride is best for people who want contact with Icelandic horses and a scenic country outing. It is less suitable for someone choosing a tour mainly for speed.

The small-group advantage, with one caution

The advertised experience is designed for a small group, with the main description naming a maximum of six and the additional information listing a maximum of eight. Small numbers can make a big difference. The guide has more time to help a nervous rider, explain the tölt, stop for photos, and respond to different ability levels.

Some outings have been especially intimate, with only two riders. That can feel almost like a private lesson and makes it easier to set a pace that suits everyone. A group of six can still feel personal, though the ride may move more slowly if abilities vary.

There is one practical caution. On one busy day, 12 riders arrived, creating a wait while horses and saddles were matched. That does not fit the advertised small-group promise, but it is useful information to keep in mind. A short delay may happen when the stable is making sure each rider has a suitable horse and properly fitted saddle. If a very small group is essential to your plans, confirm the expected number before booking.

Guides who make beginners feel at ease

The stable team includes Anna María, Amelie, Lara, Berber, Marta, Monica, Britt, and others. The exact guide depends on the day, but the consistent strength is personal attention. Amelie has helped riders returning after many years away, while Lara has been singled out for her care with beginners. Guides also make the ride interactive, offer photo stops, and keep an eye on individual comfort.

This matters because horseback riding has a short learning curve. The first few minutes can feel awkward, especially if you are whispering instructions to your horse and wondering if it understands you. A calm guide can turn that nervous moment into a pleasant one.

The horses also seem to be treated as working animals rather than props. The guides focus on finding an appropriate match and keeping both horse and rider comfortable. That approach may mean a slower pace or a brief wait, but it is the right trade for a safe ride.

Coffee, cake, and the human side of the outing

After you return to the stable, you are invited inside for coffee and light refreshments. Water and tea may also be available, and homemade cake has been served on some days. One popular treat is happy marriage cake, a traditional Icelandic-style oat and rhubarb cake.

This small finish adds real value. You have time to warm up, talk with the guides, and enjoy the stable atmosphere instead of simply climbing off and leaving. It also gives first-time riders a chance to process what they have just done.

The refreshments are not a substitute for lunch, so do not plan on them as a full meal. Think of coffee, cake, and a friendly farewell after the ride.

Price, timing, and what you are really paying for

The listed price is $160.57 per person. For about two hours and 15 minutes, that is not a cheap quick activity, but it is fair if you value the horse, guide, scenic setting, introductory instruction, and small-group attention. The ride itself lasts about 90 minutes, with the remaining time covering preparation and refreshments.

I see the price as strongest for beginners and casual riders who want a well-supported Icelandic horse experience. The guide’s help and horse matching can save you from booking a cheaper ride that feels rushed or impersonal.

The value is less clear if you are an experienced rider seeking a long, fast outing. Several riders wanted the ride to last longer, and one hoped for more speed. In that case, ask whether the day’s route and group can accommodate more tölt or faster riding. Do not assume the standard tour will become a full afternoon in the saddle.

The tour is listed as available from February through October. Weather can affect the schedule, since the ride requires suitable conditions. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted, and a minimum number of riders is required for the tour to operate.

Transport and cruise-day planning

The meeting point is not in central Akureyri. You are responsible for reaching Ytri Bægisá unless you arrange a pickup option separately. Port pickup and return have been available for an extra charge, and riders have found that useful when visiting Akureyri from a cruise ship.

If you book transport, leave enough time for the ride back to the ship. The stable has returned riders to the port on time, but your own schedule should still allow a buffer for weather, traffic, or a delayed start.

Because the activity ends where it begins, a private car or prearranged taxi is the simplest plan for many people. Check the exact arrival instructions in advance, since parking and entry are the areas most likely to cause confusion.

Who should book this ride

I would choose this tour if you want:

• A first Icelandic horse ride with patient instruction
• A scenic outing close to Akureyri
• A small-group setting rather than a large ranch operation
• A chance to try the tölt
• A gentle activity that still gives you access to woods, meadows, water, and mountain views
• A memorable option for a family or mixed-ability group

I would pause if you need a long gallop, a demanding mountain route, or a guaranteed private ride. The pace can be gentle, the route can include roads and gravel tracks, and group size may vary on busy dates.

You should also have a moderate level of physical fitness. Riding is not passive. Even a relaxed walk uses your legs and core, and mounting, dismounting, and staying balanced require some effort.

Should you book the Deacon Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if your idea of a good Icelandic outing is a calm horse, a thoughtful guide, mountain views, and time to enjoy the countryside without a bus window between you and the scene. Beginners are especially well served, and the coffee and cake afterward make the experience feel personal.

Choose another ride if speed is your top goal. For most people, the real value here is not covering huge ground. It is learning the feel of an Icelandic horse, trying the tölt, and spending 90 quiet minutes in north Iceland’s open country.

FAQ

Where does the Deacon Horse Riding Tour start?

It starts at Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Ytri Bægisá.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about two hours and 15 minutes, including preparation and refreshments. The horseback ride itself lasts about one and a half hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $160.57 per person.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. All riding levels are welcome, including beginners. An introductory lesson is provided, and horses are matched to riders.

Can experienced riders join?

Yes. Expert riders are welcome, and there may be chances to tölt. Faster riding depends on the group, horse, trail, and conditions.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is a distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse. The tour includes multiple opportunities to try it when appropriate.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour is advertised as a small-group experience, with a maximum of six in the main description and a maximum of eight in the additional information. One busy outing reached 12 riders.

Is the tour available all year?

No. The listed operating season is February through October.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.