Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

The best part of this Borgarnes outing is the indoor prep lesson. You get time to meet your horse, settle into the saddle, and practice before facing Icelandic weather and open country. That makes this a friendly first ride, not a quick climb onto a horse followed by nervous guessing.

I like the calm, patient approach and the chance to ride beside a small river with wide views. I also like that guides such as Bára and Juna adjust their help to the rider in front of them. The main consideration is time: 1.5 hours passes quickly, and the short ride may feel too brief if you already ride regularly.

Quick take on the Hestaland ride

• Practice comes first: You learn in a large indoor arena before heading outside.
• Good for first-time riders: The shorter route is designed for all experience levels, including people who have never ridden.
• Icelandic horses add character: Experienced riders may get the chance to tölt, a distinctive Icelandic gait.
• Small groups keep the ride personal: A maximum of 10 people means the guide can keep an eye on each rider.
• Private rides offer more control: Choose private if you have specific wishes or want the pace matched to your ability.
• Borgarnes is close by: Hestaland is about a 15-minute drive from town, and you need to arrange your own transport.

A gentle introduction to Iceland on horseback

Hestaland gives you a look at western Iceland from the saddle, but the appeal is not only the scenery. The real strength of the experience is the way it lowers the pressure for beginners.

You meet your guide and horse at the stable, then spend time getting comfortable indoors. This can include learning how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to simple instructions. It is also a chance to find out how you feel around the horse before the group leaves the yard.

That setup matters. Horseback riding can look simple from the ground, but a first outing involves several new things at once: balance, steering, speed, and reading the animal beneath you. A proper prep period lets you deal with those basics one at a time.

The indoor arena is especially useful in Iceland, where wind and rain can change the feel of an outing. You are not trying to learn while also coping with cold fingers or a gusty trail. Once you are ready, the guide takes the group outside for the scenic portion.

The ride itself follows the countryside around Hestaland. The route includes broad views and, according to the supplied ride details, a small river. You might also stop for photographs. The setting is open and quiet, with the sort of wide Icelandic scenery that feels very different from seeing the country through a car window.

What happens during the 1.5-hour visit

The published schedule is simple: start at Hestaland, complete the horse ride, and return to the stable. The short duration includes the preparation as well as the outdoor ride, so do not expect 90 full minutes on the trail.

At the start, you get acquainted with your horse. One useful touch reported from the experience is grooming the horse before riding. That gives you a few calm minutes to handle the animal, notice its size and temperament, and build some trust.

You then move into the large indoor arena. For a beginner, this is the most valuable part of the visit. You can test whether you understand the guide’s instructions and get used to the basic movement of the horse while the guide remains close.

Once outside, the pace depends on the group and the ability of the riders. Beginners should expect a controlled outing rather than a fast ride. With an experienced rider on a private or suitably matched tour, the guide may offer more opportunity for tölting or even a short gallop, but that is not something to assume on the regular beginner-friendly departure.

The return route brings you back to Hestaland. The entire experience is compact enough to fit into a busy day of sightseeing around Borgarnes, but it still gives you time to connect with the horse instead of treating the stable as a simple pickup point.

Why the indoor lesson matters

I would not treat the prep lesson as filler. It is the part that makes the shorter tour workable for people who are unsure about riding.

A first-time rider can learn the feel of the reins, check the fit and comfort of the helmet, and practice basic control before the group leaves. If you are nervous, you can ask questions while standing in a sheltered arena instead of trying to speak over wind on an open trail.

The lesson also gives the guide a chance to see how the group is doing. Bára is described as patient and clear with beginners, while Juna helped inexperienced riders enjoy the outing from the start. That kind of attention is more important than fancy equipment or a long route.

The indoor space is also useful for families and mixed groups. A household can include one confident rider and several people with no experience at all. The guide can get everyone started at a similar level before taking the group outdoors.

You should still arrive ready to listen and follow directions. A prep lesson does not turn a non-rider into an advanced equestrian in 20 minutes. It simply gives you the tools to take part with more comfort and less fuss.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are a major part of the charm here. Icelandic horses are compact, sure-footed animals with a distinctive character, and the experience gives you time to get to know one before setting off.

The supplied riding details describe the horses as calm, friendly, well cared for, and pleasant to ride. One outing included time to groom the horse, which I consider a real plus. It makes the ride feel like contact with an animal rather than a theme-park circuit.

Some riders may have the chance to experience the tölt. This is a smooth, four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses. On one ride, beginners were able to try it several times after the guide judged that they were ready. For experienced riders, the guide may include more tölt and possibly some galloping when conditions and ability allow.

That said, do not book the 1.5-hour ride solely for speed. The standard outing is built around comfort and scenery, not a long stretch of fast riding. The route and pace must work for the least experienced person in the group.

There is also a welfare point worth keeping in mind. One rider felt that a horse might have been limping and raised concern about closer checks of the animals. This was not presented as a general problem, but it is a fair reminder to tell the guide immediately if a horse seems uncomfortable or moves unusually.

The countryside near Borgarnes

Hestaland is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes, placing the stable close enough for a simple half-day plan. You will need your own way there because transport to and from the activity is not included.

Once on horseback, the focus shifts from road connections to the open country. You ride along a small river and take in broad views across the surrounding area. A photo stop may be included, giving you a chance to pause, look around, and take pictures without trying to manage a horse at the same time.

The scenery changes with the weather. On a clear day, you may get crisp views across the countryside. On a windy or wet day, the ride feels more rugged and exposed. One rider found strong wind made the outing less comfortable, though the horse and organization were not at fault.

That is normal for Iceland, but you should prepare for it. Wear warm layers and comfortable clothes. Comfortable shoes are requested, and you should avoid arriving in clothing that restricts movement or leaves you cold after a few minutes outdoors.

The stable setting may offer small extras that are not part of the formal route. The riding area has a friendly stable dog named Tófa, and one visit included a very young foal that was only five days old. These details are not guaranteed, but they show the working farm character of Hestaland.

Regular group or private ride?

The regular tour is the sensible choice if you are a beginner, traveling on a budget, or simply want a short introduction to riding in Iceland. Groups are limited to 10 people, which is small enough for the guide to monitor the riders and answer questions.

A regular group also works well for people with different levels of experience, as long as everyone understands that the pace will be set for the group. The guide may offer a little more riding variety when conditions permit, but the main goal is a safe and enjoyable outing for all.

A private ride costs more than the standard $109 per-person option, but it can be worth considering if you have clear preferences. You might want more time with the horses, a pace that matches your experience, or extra opportunity to tölt. The supplied details specifically recommend a private ride for riders with particular wishes.

Private does not automatically mean a longer ride. Ask what is included in the option you select, especially if you are hoping for more outdoor time rather than simply a more personal group arrangement.

The longer five-hour tour is aimed at intermediate to advanced riders and includes lunch. It is not the natural upgrade for a first-timer. If you have never ridden before, the shorter trail ride is the better fit.

Who will enjoy this most?

This is a strong match for:

• First-time riders who want instruction before going outdoors
• Families with children aged six or older
• Couples looking for a quiet countryside activity near Borgarnes
• Riders who want to try an Icelandic horse without committing to a full day
• Experienced riders who choose a private option and want more control over the pace

Children under six cannot take part, and the listed maximum rider weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those limits are practical safety rules, so check them before booking rather than assuming the stable can make an exception.

The tour is also marked wheelchair accessible. Since horseback riding involves mounting and riding a horse, contact the provider before arrival to confirm how the accessibility arrangements apply to your particular needs.

I would be cautious about choosing this if you want a long, fast ride. The short route is built for access and comfort. It gives you an enjoyable taste of riding, not a full equestrian expedition.

Is $109 a fair price?

At $109 per person, the value depends on what you want from a riding experience. You are paying for more than time in the saddle: the horse, helmet, guide, indoor preparation, stable setting, and short scenic trail are included.

For a complete beginner, the prep lesson makes the price easier to justify. You are not left to work out the basics alone, and the guide can help you feel secure before leaving the arena. The small group size also gives the outing a more personal feel than a large commercial ride.

For a confident rider, the value is less obvious if you book the regular short tour and receive a mostly gentle pace. In that case, a private ride or the longer five-hour option may better match your expectations, provided you meet the experience requirements.

Lunch is included only with the five-hour day tour, not with this 1.5-hour outing. Bring anything you need before or after the ride, and allow time for the 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

The flexible booking terms help if Icelandic weather affects your plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at once.

Small details that improve the experience

Wear warm clothing in layers, even if Borgarnes looks mild when you leave your accommodation. Wind can make horseback riding feel colder than walking, and you may spend time outside before and after the actual ride.

Choose comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Comfortable shoes are also required. Smoking is not allowed at the activity.

Arrive with enough time to find Hestaland and get settled. The stable is not in central Borgarnes, so do not treat the 15-minute drive as an afterthought if you are working around a ferry, museum visit, or meal reservation.

If you are a beginner, tell the guide clearly. That lets the staff pair you with the right horse and set an appropriate pace. If you have riding experience, explain exactly what you can do rather than simply saying you are comfortable around horses.

Ask about photographs if that matters to you. Bára took photos during one ride, but this should be treated as a helpful possibility, not a guaranteed service on every departure.

The guides speak English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. That is useful for mixed groups and for riders who would rather receive safety instructions in a language they understand well.

Should you book the Hestaland ride?

Book it if you want a short, well-supported introduction to Icelandic horseback riding, especially if you are new to horses. The indoor lesson, calm guides, small groups, and nearby countryside make this an easy activity to add around Borgarnes.

I would choose the regular tour for beginners and the private option for experienced riders with specific goals. If you want a serious riding day, choose the longer five-hour outing instead, but remember that it is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders.

The main tradeoff is simple: the short tour is accessible and friendly, but it is not long. For many people, that is exactly the point. You get the horse, the open country, a taste of the tölt, and enough instruction to enjoy the ride without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Hestaland, which is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The listed experience lasts 1.5 hours, including the prep lesson and scenic trail ride.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The shorter trail ride is suitable for all experience levels, including people trying horseback riding for the first time.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes a prep lesson in a large indoor arena, a scenic trail ride, a guide, and a helmet.

Is transportation from Borgarnes included?

No. Transportation to and from Hestaland is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport.

How many people are in each group?

The activity uses small groups limited to 10 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and comfortable clothes. Smoking is not allowed.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

Children under six cannot take part, and the listed maximum weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.