Icelandic Horse Riding Tour & Pickup Option from Reykjavik

Icelandic horses are the star here. They carry you across old lava fields and green hills just outside Reykjavik, giving you a close-up view of Iceland’s volcanic ground without putting you behind a bus window. The special Icelandic gait, the tölt, is smooth and distinctive, and experienced riders may get a chance to try it.

I like the careful horse matching and the way the group splits after the opening section. I also like that Íshestar supplies warm overalls, rain gear, boots, and helmets, which saves valuable suitcase space. The main catch is Icelandic weather: even with good clothing, hands and feet can get very cold, especially in winter.

Key points at a glance

• Ride across lava fields near Reykjavik: Íshestar’s stables in Hafnarfjörður are about a 20-minute drive from the city.
• Groups are adjusted to ability: Beginners stay at a calm walking pace, while experienced riders may trot, tölt, or sometimes canter.
• The horses are matched to you: Staff consider your riding background and aim to pair you with a suitable mount.
• Warm riding gear is provided: You receive a helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, and either warm clothing or overalls.
• The ride lasts 1.5 to 2 hours: Add about two hours if you use the optional round-trip pickup.
• This suits families and first-time riders: Children must be at least 7, and all riders must mount without assistance from a mechanical lift.

A close look at Iceland from horseback

A horse is a fine way to see Iceland’s volcanic ground. From a vehicle, lava fields can look like a dark, rough mass beside the road. From the saddle, you notice the shapes more clearly: odd rock formations, low plants, open stretches of moss, and paths winding between the black stone.

The ride takes place around Hafnarfjörður, south of Reykjavik. The area combines green hillsides with old lava fields, so the scenery changes without requiring a long journey into the countryside. You get a genuine taste of Icelandic nature while staying close to the capital.

That location is a big part of the tour’s value. If your Iceland itinerary is already packed with waterfalls, hot springs, and long drives, this gives you a different kind of outing without taking up a full day. The riding center is roughly 20 minutes from Reykjavik, depending on traffic and your starting point.

The horses add something a bus tour cannot. Icelandic horses are small compared with many riding horses, but they are sturdy, calm, and bred for Iceland’s conditions. Their extra gait, the tölt, can feel remarkably smooth. You may not ride it during a beginner outing, but experienced riders may have the chance after the group divides.

What happens at Íshestar Stables

Your visit begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður. If you drive yourself, the stable is easy to reach from central Reykjavik, with the trip usually taking around 15 to 20 minutes according to the supplied directions and rider experience.

If you choose pickup, collection begins about an hour before the ride. The stated examples are 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM tour and 1:00 PM for a 2:00 PM tour. Pickup is available from selected hotels and main guesthouses, not every private apartment. If you stay in a private flat, the operator sends you the nearest pickup point by email.

At the stable, you leave bags and backpacks behind. You cannot carry them while riding, but the riding center provides storage during the tour. This is worth remembering if you are coming straight from sightseeing with a daypack.

The changing room is set up for visitors. You receive a helmet and rubber boots, plus warm clothing or rainwear in your size. The supplied outerwear is especially useful in winter, when a sunny start can turn cold and wet within minutes.

Bring warm base layers anyway. Several riders found that hands and feet were the first parts to feel the cold, even when the provided overalls kept their bodies comfortable. Extra socks and hand warmers can help, though no clothing makes Icelandic wind disappear.

The first 10 to 15 minutes on horseback

The opening part of the ride is about getting comfortable. You receive instructions on basic riding and safety, then join the horses on the trail. The guides keep an eye on how everyone is managing, which matters if you have never ridden before or feel nervous about mounting.

You must be able to mount the horse using your own strength. Staff can offer instruction and practical help, but the tour is not suitable for someone who cannot get into the saddle independently.

The initial group can be fairly large. That may sound less personal than a small private ride, but the format has a sensible purpose. Everyone starts together, receives the same basic guidance, and gets time to settle before the guides assess the group.

This first section is usually at a walking pace. It allows you to learn how your horse responds and gives the staff a chance to spot riders who need a quieter pace. Horses can be friendly and curious, and some may try to stop for a snack or wander toward something interesting, so listen to the guide and keep your attention on the reins.

The horses are matched according to riding experience. That does not guarantee a perfect personality match, since horses have their own ideas, but it gives beginners a well-trained mount and lets experienced riders choose a more active option when possible.

Two riding groups, two different experiences

After roughly 10 to 15 minutes, the group generally divides. One group continues at a slower walking pace for beginners and anyone who wants a relaxed ride. The other group is for riders with enough experience to handle more speed.

This split is one of the strongest features of the outing. A first-time rider can enjoy the scenery without feeling pressured to trot. An experienced rider does not have to spend the whole tour at a walk.

The faster group may trot and practice the tölt. Some rides also include a canter, but you should treat that as a possibility rather than a promise. It depends on the group, the guide’s judgment, the horses, and trail conditions. Small groups of experienced riders have sometimes had more room to enjoy faster riding, while a busy or mixed group may stay more restrained.

The tölt is the special Icelandic gait many riders hope to try. It is a four-beat movement with little bounce when performed well. You will need enough riding experience for the guide to decide it is suitable, and not every tour will include extended tölt work.

If your main goal is speed, this may not be the right riding holiday. The tour is designed first for safety and a good mixed-group experience. If your main goal is to meet Icelandic horses and see the countryside from the saddle, the arrangement works very well.

Lava fields, green hills, and unusual rock shapes

The route passes through lava fields and along green hillsides. You can look for different rock forms in the lava, along with local plants and signs of animal life. The scenery is not a polished park or a manicured riding arena. It feels open, raw, and shaped by volcanic activity.

The horses follow established riding paths, which keeps the outing manageable for newer riders. You are not scrambling over loose rock or trying to navigate an unmarked route. The result is a ride that feels adventurous without asking you to be an expert.

Guides explain the horses and the surrounding area during the outing. They can answer questions about the animals and point out features along the route. Photo stops may be included, and guides have taken pictures of riders during the activity, but you should not expect a full sightseeing commentary at every turn.

The scenery changes with the season. Summer brings longer daylight and more color in the fields. Autumn can feel crisp and open. Winter offers a stark, dramatic setting, but the cold becomes a serious factor. Spring conditions can be changeable, so waterproof clothing remains useful even when the forecast looks mild.

The ride is a good match for anyone who wants to see Iceland at a slower pace. You hear the horses’ movement, feel the changing ground, and have time to notice small details. That is a different experience from rushing between major sights.

Horse welfare and the feel of the stable

The care of the horses is an important part of the experience. Íshestar has extensive facilities, and the horses appear central to the operation rather than treated as simple equipment for a tourist ride.

The horses are described as well cared for, calm, friendly, and in good condition. Staff take pride in matching horses with riders, and the guides check on comfort during the ride. That matters when you are placing your safety and confidence in an animal you have just met.

You may have a horse that is affectionate, playful, or a little cheeky. One rider found that a mount briefly left the route to scratch itself, while another noted that horses may test whether they can stop for a snack. These are small reminders that you are riding a living animal, not operating a machine.

The stable also offers a chance to warm up afterward with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. There is a gift shop, and you may have a little time around the facility, though this is primarily a riding tour rather than a long horse-visit program. If you love horses, you may wish the post-ride time were longer.

Is $135 a fair price?

At $135 per person, this is not a budget activity, but it is a reasonable price for a two-hour guided ride close to Reykjavik. The fee includes the riding session, helmet, rubber boots, rainwear or warm riding clothing, and an English-speaking guide. German and Icelandic guidance are also available.

The gear makes a difference to the value. You do not need to pack riding boots or a full waterproof riding outfit, and that is useful for a short Iceland trip. The stable’s facilities, horse matching, safety briefing, and group management are also included in the price.

Pickup costs extra, since return transfer is optional. I would choose it if you are staying in central Reykjavik and do not want to deal with driving, navigation, or arranging a taxi. If you have a rental car, driving yourself is more efficient and gives you control over your timing.

For a family, the cost adds up quickly. Still, the tour can cover several interests at once: animals, Icelandic nature, a light outdoor activity, and a convenient half-day outing. Families with children aged 7 to 13 have used it successfully, while younger children cannot join.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction with patient instruction
• Horse lovers who want to meet Icelandic horses in their home country
• Experienced riders who want a chance to trot or try the tölt
• Families with children aged 7 and older
• Visitors with limited time who want nature close to Reykjavik
• Couples or friends looking for an activity different from the usual sightseeing route

You should think twice if you dislike cold weather, cannot mount independently, or weigh more than 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Pregnant people cannot take part.

This is also not an ideal choice if you want a private ride with complete control over the route and pace. The outing is guided, and the final speed depends on group ability and safety.

Practical ways to enjoy the ride

Wear layers beneath the provided outerwear. Choose warm socks, gloves, and clothing that allows you to move easily. Do not assume a mild forecast means the trail will feel mild, since wind and rain can change the experience quickly.

Avoid bringing a backpack onto the horse. You can store it at the riding center, but it is simpler to arrive with only what you need before and after the ride.

Tell the staff about your riding background honestly. If you are a beginner, there is no prize for joining the faster group. The slower group is not a lesser experience, and you will have more time to enjoy the scenery and learn how your horse moves.

Experienced riders should ask what speed will be possible on the day. Tölt and canter opportunities vary, and a group with mixed ability may spend more time walking. Think of faster riding as a welcome extra, not the central promise.

Allow two to four hours in total. The ride itself takes 1.5 to 2 hours. With transport, changing, and the transfer back to Reykjavik, the outing takes longer, so avoid scheduling a tight connection or another activity immediately afterward.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Iceland plans depend on weather or changing road conditions.

Should you book the Íshestar ride?

Book it if you want a well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses, scenic trails close to Reykjavik, and the option to ride at a pace suited to your ability. The horse care, supplied clothing, and group split make this more welcoming than a basic pony ride.

Experienced riders should book with realistic expectations. You may trot, tölt, or canter, but the tour does not promise a long fast ride. Beginners should feel reassured: the horses are selected for suitability, guides provide clear instruction, and the slower group lets you enjoy the outing without pressure.

The only serious drawback is the weather. Cold hands, wet clothing, and wind can affect your comfort, especially from November through winter. Dress properly, accept that the day may be brisk, and you get a memorable way to see Iceland that does not require a full-day excursion.

FAQ

How long does the horse-riding tour last?

The riding portion lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. The total outing takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether you use the optional transfer.

Where does the tour take place?

The ride begins at Íshestar Riding Tours in Hafnarfjörður, in the Capital Region of Iceland. The stables are about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavik.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is available as an optional extra from selected hotels and main guesthouses. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure. People staying in private apartments receive the nearest available pickup point by email.

What riding gear is provided?

The stable provides riding helmets, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm clothing or overalls for the ride. You should still bring warm layers, gloves, and extra socks.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour welcomes beginners, and the group usually divides so less experienced riders can continue at a slower pace. The guides provide basic riding and safety instructions.

Can experienced riders trot or try the tölt?

Experienced riders may be placed in a faster group where trotting and the tölt are possible. A canter may also occur, but the speed and gait depend on the group and conditions.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least 7 years old to participate.

Who cannot take part in the ride?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people weighing more than 243 pounds or 110 kilograms, or anyone unable to mount a horse using their own strength.