Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Icelandic horses give this outing its real character. You are not simply plodding along a fenced trail: after a short lesson, you ride through volcanic ground shaped by ice and fire, with mountains and open countryside around you. I especially like the careful horse matching and the chance to try the tölt, the breed’s smooth extra gait.

I also like the personal scale. Groups are limited to eight, and guides such as Begga and Sveinn have been praised for patient instruction, humor, and taking photos so you can keep both hands on the reins. The main drawback is that the riding portion lasts only about one to one and a half hours, and cold, rain, mud, or passing traffic can affect the outing.

Key points to know before you ride

• The stable is only about 10 minutes from Reykjavík, making this an easy half-day addition to a city stay.
• Beginners receive a proper riding briefing before meeting their horses, rather than being sent straight onto the trail.
• The Icelandic horse’s tölt is the star feature, offering a distinctive, often smooth ride.
• Each horse is matched to your experience level, with calm, well-trained horses available for first-time riders.
• Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are provided, a major help in Iceland’s changeable weather.
• The group limit is eight people, which allows for more useful coaching than a large trail ride.

From Reykjavík to the Redhill riding grounds

This tour works well when you want a taste of Icelandic nature without giving up most of your day. The stables are roughly a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík, so you spend little time getting there and more time with the horses.

At the parking area, look for the boom barrier and the horse trailers. You are asked to wait there until the gate is opened. It is a simple meeting arrangement, but it is worth knowing in advance so you do not wonder if you have arrived at the wrong place.

The setting is the Iceland Redhill area, with volcanic ground, mountain views, and broad open country. The scenery is not a polished park or an urban riding arena. It is the kind of stark Icelandic terrain that makes the horse useful as a way to see more of the countryside at a slower pace.

This is also a practical choice for a short Reykjavík visit. You do not need to commit to a full-day excursion, and the two-hour schedule leaves room for museums, swimming pools, food, or another city activity.

The first lesson: meeting your horse and learning the basics

The tour begins with instruction at the stables. Allow about 10 minutes for the drive to the riding center, then expect a briefing on how to handle and communicate with your horse.

That opening lesson matters most if you have never ridden. The guides explain how to sit, how to use the reins, and how to give simple signals. They also introduce the Icelandic horse and explain how it differs from horses you may have ridden elsewhere.

Begga has been especially associated with clear instruction, humor, and a warm approach. Sveinn has also been praised for giving practical riding tips during the outing. The important point is not the exact personality of one guide on one date, but the teaching style: you receive help before the ride and continued advice once you are on the trail.

The horse assignment is based on your riding ability. First-time riders can be paired with a steady horse, while experienced riders may receive a horse with more energy. That does not mean you should treat the ride as a free-for-all. The horses are living animals, and the safety briefing asks you to avoid shouting, sudden waving, sharp movements, and other behavior that might startle them.

You must be at least 12 years old. You also cannot take part while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. If you have an illness or health concern, tell the company before riding so the staff can assess the situation.

Why the Icelandic horse changes the experience

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for their extra gait, the tölt. Most riders spend much of the outing at a relaxed pace, but the tölt gives you a chance to feel something different from an ordinary walk, trot, or canter.

The tölt is a four-beat gait that can feel smooth when the horse is moving well. For a first-time rider, it is an exciting introduction to Icelandic horsemanship without requiring advanced riding skills. Experienced riders may appreciate the chance to feel the breed’s special movement in its home country.

The horses are assigned with care, and many of the comments about this experience focus on their calm temperaments and good training. That is useful information for nervous riders. You should still listen closely and follow instructions, but you are not being paired with a random animal and left to work things out alone.

I also like that the tour treats the horses as part of the experience rather than as transport. The guides explain their background, answer questions, and help you communicate with your mount. This makes the ride more interesting for someone who wants to understand Icelandic horse culture, not just take a short horseback trip.

Riding through volcanic country for 1 to 1.5 hours

Once everyone is mounted and comfortable, the group rides into the surrounding countryside. The full activity lasts two hours, with the actual ride lasting between one and one and a half hours.

The route passes through terrain shaped by glaciers and volcanoes. You can expect mountain views, open wilderness, and the unusual colors of Icelandic ground. The appeal is not a long list of stops. It is the steady change of view from the saddle, where the low height and moving pace give you a close look at the ground beneath you and a wide view across the mountains.

The pace is relaxed. That suits beginners and mixed groups, since people with very different riding backgrounds can take part together. Experienced riders should not book this expecting a fast or highly technical riding lesson. The value is the Icelandic setting, the horses, and the chance to try the tölt.

Guide support continues during the ride. You can ask questions, receive corrections, and get help if your horse needs a different approach. Several guides have been praised for being patient with riders who had little or no experience.

One useful detail: some guides take photos and videos during the outing. That means you can focus on your balance and the horse instead of trying to take pictures while riding. This is not guaranteed as a formal package detail, so bring your phone only if you can keep it secure and follow the stable’s instructions.

Weather, clothing, and the realities of riding outside

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and this is an outdoor activity with little shelter once you leave the stables. Rain has not stopped past outings, but it can make the ground muddy and the ride colder.

The company provides riding gear, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. That is a meaningful part of the $200 price, since suitable outdoor riding clothing can be awkward to pack for a short city break.

Still, wear comfortable layers underneath. Provided rain gear helps with wet weather, but it does not turn a chilly day into a warm one. Your clothing may also pick up mud or the ordinary smells of a working stable, so this is not the time to wear your best dinner outfit.

Weather can also affect the booking. The operator may cancel or change the service when conditions are unsafe. That is frustrating if the ride is a central part of your schedule, but it is the sensible policy for horses and riders in exposed country.

A past ride was affected when a horse reacted to a loud passing vehicle and a rider was unseated. That is a useful reminder that even gentle, trained horses remain animals. Keep your movements controlled, listen to your guide, and do not assume that a calm horse is entirely predictable.

How much value is there at $200?

At $200 per person, this is not a bargain activity. The ride itself lasts up to 1.5 hours, not the full two hours, so the price should be judged against the quality and setting rather than raw riding time.

The value improves if you are new to horses. You are paying for the briefing, the horse match, equipment, guide supervision, and access to a distinctive Icelandic breed close to Reykjavík. A large share of the appeal comes from the care taken before and during the ride.

The small group also matters. With no more than eight participants, a guide can spend more time helping an uncertain rider or correcting posture. That is a better arrangement than a crowded trail ride where everyone simply follows the horse ahead.

For experienced riders, the decision is more personal. If you want a long day in the saddle, galloping, or challenging mountain routes, this may feel short. If you want to ride Icelandic horses, try the tölt, and see volcanic country without spending a full day away from Reykjavík, the price is easier to justify.

The provided gear adds value, especially if you are visiting in shoulder season or winter. The personal instruction and photos can also make the outing feel more complete than a basic horse rental.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This tour suits beginners, casual riders, couples, families with children aged 12 and older, and experienced riders who want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses. It is particularly useful for a mixed group because the pace and horse assignments can accommodate different levels.

It also works well for a special occasion. One couple on their honeymoon received a horseshoe for good luck, a small gesture that shows how the guides sometimes add a personal touch. Do not count on that exact gift, but the outing can suit birthdays, anniversaries, or a first shared riding experience.

Horse lovers will likely get the most from the stable time and explanations. You can ask about the breed, how the horses are handled, and the meaning of the tölt.

You should think twice if you dislike rain, mud, or being outdoors in cold weather. You should also avoid booking if you want to ride independently or at speed. The guide controls the group for safety, and the outing is built around a steady pace.

Practical details that make the day easier

The tour is in English and is led by a live English-speaking guide. The group is capped at eight participants, though the exact group size can vary.

Bring a willingness to follow instructions. Do not drink alcohol before the ride, and avoid sudden noises or movements around the horses. If you have a medical issue, tell the operator before mounting.

The booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available time before building the rest of your Reykjavík schedule around it.

The tour operator may change or cancel the service because of weather or other necessary conditions. Keep a little flexibility in your itinerary, especially if you are visiting during a season when wind and rain are common.

Should you book the Reykjavík horse riding tour?

I would book this if you want a short, well-supported outdoor activity close to Reykjavík and the Icelandic horse is part of the appeal. The combination of volcanic scenery, a small group, careful horse matching, and a chance to try the tölt gives the outing a clear identity.

I would skip it if you want a long, fast ride or a full-day wilderness trip. The riding time is limited, the weather may be rough, and horseback riding always carries some risk.

For most first-time riders, though, this is a sensible way to try Icelandic horses. You receive equipment, instruction, a calm pace, and access to striking countryside without losing an entire day. At $200, it is a considered purchase, but the personal attention and unusual breed make it more than a routine trail ride.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The total activity lasts two hours. The riding portion lasts between one and one and a half hours, with the remaining time used for arrival, preparation, and instruction.

How far is the stable from Reykjavík?

The stables are about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík.

What is the meeting point?

At the parking area, look for the boom barrier and the horse trailers. Wait there until the gate is opened.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. You receive a riding briefing, and horses are assigned to suit each person’s experience level. Past participants with little or no riding experience received instruction and support during the ride.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

Can I ride if I have a health problem?

Tell the company about any illness or poor health before riding. The staff will evaluate the situation and decide whether it is suitable for you.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The operator may cancel or change the service when necessary, including because of weather conditions. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available for a full refund.