Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

An Icelandic horseback ride gives you a calm, close-to-the-ground way to see the countryside near Borgarnes. At Hestaland, you begin in a large indoor arena, where you can get used to your horse before heading outside. That extra practice matters, especially if this is your first time in a saddle.

I like the thoughtful start, and I like the small-group size, limited to 10 people. Guides such as Juna and Bára have helped beginners feel secure while still giving more experienced riders room to enjoy tölting or, when suitable, a little faster riding. The main consideration is the short 1.5-hour format: it gives you a pleasant taste of riding, but not a full day in the saddle.

Key points to know before booking

• You practice indoors first: The prep lesson gives beginners time to learn basic control before the trail ride.
• The ride is close to Borgarnes: Hestaland is about a 15-minute drive from town, and transportation is not included.
• Beginners are welcome: The shorter ride is designed for all experience levels, including first-time riders.
• You may experience the tölt: Icelandic horses are known for this smooth extra gait, and some riders were able to try it with the guide’s approval.
• Private rides offer more flexibility: A private booking is the better choice if you have specific wishes or want the pace adjusted to your level.
• Weather can shape the outing: Warm clothing is essential, since wind and rain can make an outdoor ride feel much colder than expected.

Starting at Hestaland, 15 minutes from Borgarnes

Your meeting point is Hestaland, a riding center about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes. You will need to arrange your own way there, so plan for a car or another form of transportation. The activity price covers the riding experience, but not the trip to or from the stables.

That short drive makes this a practical add-on to a day around Borgarnes. You do not need to give up a whole day of sightseeing, and the 1.5-hour ride leaves room for other stops in Western Iceland. Still, allow enough time to arrive calmly. Horse activities are more enjoyable when you are not rushing in from the road.

The setting is rural and open. You will trade city streets for broad views, a small river, and quiet countryside. The scenery is a major part of the appeal, but the horses and the preparation are just as important. This is not simply a photo stop beside a horse. You are given time to learn how to sit, steer, and feel comfortable before leaving the arena.

Meeting your horse before the trail

The experience begins with an introduction to the horse you will ride. In some cases, you may help groom the horse first, which gives you a useful chance to become familiar with the animal before mounting. That simple step can ease nerves for first-time riders.

The horses are described as calm, friendly, and well cared for, with individual personalities that make the ride feel personal. One rider particularly appreciated being paired with an attentive, pleasant horse. Another raised a concern after feeling that a horse might have been limping. That is a reminder to speak up at once if anything feels unusual. You should feel comfortable asking the guide to check the horse or adjust the plan.

Hestaland also has a sweet indoor dog named Tófa, and a very young foal was present during one visit. Those details are not guaranteed on your date, but they show that the stable is a working horse farm rather than a polished stage set. The focus remains on the horses and riding, not on a packaged show.

The indoor prep lesson makes this beginner-friendly

Before you ride outside, you will practice in a large indoor arena. The guide introduces the basic controls and gives you time to see how the horse responds. For someone with no riding background, this is the most valuable part of the booking.

You can check that you understand the instructions, find a comfortable position, and ask questions before dealing with wind, uneven ground, or the distractions of the open countryside. Families and adults who had never ridden before were able to take part because the guides kept the instruction clear and patient.

The indoor space also helps when Icelandic weather is doing its usual thing. Rain or wind may still affect the outdoor portion, but you are not starting the activity in an exposed field with no chance to practice. Bring comfortable clothing and warm layers, even if the weather looks mild in Borgarnes.

You will also need comfortable shoes. The activity does not specify special riding boots, so avoid anything stiff, slippery, or uncomfortable. Smoking is not allowed.

Riding beside the river and into open countryside

Once you are ready, the group heads out on a guided trail ride. The route described by riders follows the farm and a small river, with wide views across the countryside. The pace is intended to suit the group, so you should expect a scenic outing rather than a nonstop speed session.

The open setting lets you notice the change in perspective that comes with riding. You are not looking through a vehicle window. You are moving at the horse’s pace, with wind around you and the countryside close at hand. A photo stop is part of the experience described by riders, and the guide may take pictures for you.

The outdoor ride is also where weather matters most. One rider found strong wind made the outing less comfortable, despite enjoying the horse and organization. Icelandic conditions can shift quickly, so a waterproof outer layer and warm clothes are sensible even in summer. Gloves are also worth packing, although they are not specifically listed as required.

Guides check in with the group during the ride. Bára was especially attentive with beginners, asking if everyone felt safe and understood what to do. That kind of supervision is important because a group can include people with very different levels of confidence.

Understanding the Icelandic horse and the tölt

Icelandic horses are smaller than many people expect, but they are sturdy animals built for the country’s conditions. This ride gives you a chance to experience one of their best-known gaits, the tölt. It is a distinctive four-beat movement that can feel smooth when the horse and rider are ready for it.

Do not assume that every group will spend the ride tölting or galloping. The guide decides what is suitable based on the riders, horses, ground, and conditions. Beginners may simply walk for much of the outing, with a chance to try more only if the guide thinks it is safe and the rider feels ready.

That flexibility is a strong point. A group of complete beginners received careful instruction and still had a chance to try tölting several times. An experienced solo rider had a more active outing, including plenty of tölting and some galloping after discussing it with the guide.

If you already ride, tell the stable about your experience and expectations. A private trail ride is the best option if you want a particular pace, more time at a certain gait, or a route shaped around your ability. The full-day tour is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders, while the shorter outing is the right fit for beginners and casual riders.

Group or private ride?

The standard tour is limited to 10 participants, which keeps the group smaller than many mass-market riding activities. A smaller group makes it easier for the guide to watch each rider, answer questions, and adjust the pace. It does not mean you will receive a completely private lesson, though. The experience still needs to work for everyone booked that day.

The private option costs more in many activity settings, though the supplied price of $109 applies to the advertised experience and does not provide a separate private-tour price. You should check the current private rate before booking. For a first-time rider, the regular small group may be enough. For a confident rider with specific goals, private is the more sensible choice.

I would also lean toward private if your party has very different riding abilities. One person may want a quiet walk and another may hope to tölt. A private guide can focus more closely on your needs, while a standard group must keep a shared rhythm.

Is $109 a fair price for 1.5 hours?

At $109 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. You are paying for more than time on the trail: the horse, indoor preparation, helmet, guide, stable operation, and small-group format are included. The prep lesson adds real value for beginners because it reduces the chance that you spend the entire ride feeling uncertain.

The price makes the most sense if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses rather than a long riding holiday. You get countryside scenery and a guided experience without committing to a half-day or full-day program. It also works well in a busy Western Iceland itinerary.

The value is weaker if you already ride regularly and want several hours in the saddle. In that case, compare the longer options, keeping in mind that lunch is included only with the five-hour day tour. The full-day outing is aimed at intermediate to advanced riders, not at people trying horseback riding for the first time.

The booking terms add flexibility. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Starting times vary, so you will need to check availability for your date.

Who will enjoy this most?

This is a good match for adults, families with older children, and first-time riders who want a gentle introduction. Children under 6 are not allowed, and the weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those limits are important for both safety and horse welfare.

You should choose this ride if you want:

• A short activity that fits into a day near Borgarnes
• Clear instruction before riding outside
• A small group rather than a large stable procession
• A scenic countryside route
• A chance to learn about and ride Icelandic horses
• The option to request a private, more personal outing

It may not suit you if you want a long, fast ride or if you dislike exposed weather. The ride takes place outdoors after the indoor lesson, and wind can make the experience cold and tiring. You also need to be comfortable getting to Hestaland on your own.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the provided information does not explain which parts of the stable and riding setup are accessible. If this is important for you, confirm the practical arrangements before paying.

Languages, guides, and the human side of the ride

Guiding is available in English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. That is useful in a small group, especially during the prep lesson, when clear instructions matter more than cheerful commentary.

The guides named in the experience include Juna and Bára. Juna helped two complete beginners settle in, then led them along the river and into the open countryside. Bára was praised for patient explanations, regular safety checks, and taking photos during the ride.

That personal attention is one reason the activity works for novices. One party even missed its original start time and was kindly moved to a later tour. You should not count on that happening, but it suggests that contacting the stable quickly is worthwhile if your plans go wrong.

The strongest part of the experience is not a dramatic stunt or long list of sights. It is the steady progression from meeting the horse, to practicing indoors, to riding outside with a guide keeping watch. That is a sensible way to try horseback riding in Iceland.

My practical advice before you go

Wear warm, comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Add a waterproof outer layer because the ride is exposed to Icelandic weather. Comfortable shoes are required, and a helmet is included.

Arrive ready to listen during the arena lesson. If you are nervous, say so. The guide can only adjust the pace and instruction if you explain how you feel. Experienced riders should also be clear about their ability, since the standard ride needs to work for the entire group.

Do not treat the chance to tölt or gallop as a promise. It depends on your skill, the horse, the trail, and the guide’s judgment. The walk itself is the main experience, with the scenery and connection with the horse doing much of the work.

Bring a phone or camera if you want your own pictures, but keep your hands available for riding. Guides may take photos during the outing, though you should not assume a particular number or format.

Should you book the Hestaland ride?

I would book this tour if you want a well-paced first taste of Icelandic horseback riding near Borgarnes. The indoor prep lesson, patient guides, calm horses, river views, and small groups make it more useful than a basic photo opportunity.

I would choose the regular 1.5-hour ride for beginners, families with children aged 6 and older, and anyone fitting a horse outing into a packed road trip. I would choose a private ride if you have riding experience, want to tölta more, or need the guide to shape the pace around your party.

At $109, the price is easiest to justify for beginners who value instruction and a short, organized outing. Pack warm clothes, arrange your own transport, and keep your expectations realistic about speed. If those conditions suit you, Hestaland offers a friendly and authentic way to meet Icelandic horses and see the countryside from the saddle.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Hestaland, located about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes in Western Iceland.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

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

Is transportation to Hestaland included?

No. Transportation to and from the activity location is not included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The shorter trail ride is suitable for all experience levels, including people riding a horse for the first time. A prep lesson takes place in a large indoor arena before the trail ride.

Can experienced riders choose a longer outing?

Yes. A full-day tour is available and is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders. Lunch is included only with the five-hour day tour.

Can I book a private ride?

Yes. You can choose between a regular tour and a private tour. A private ride is recommended if you have specific wishes or want the experience adjusted to your ability.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English, Icelandic, German, and Danish.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A helmet is included in the activity.

Who cannot take part?

Children under 6 and people weighing over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, cannot take part. Smoking is also not allowed.