Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Iceland’s special tölt is the star of this ride. It is a smooth four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses, and feeling your horse shift into it gives this outing something you will not get from an ordinary trail ride. The route moves through volcanic terrain near Reykjavík, with glacier-carved mountains and wide open views all around.

I like the careful horse matching and the warm, hands-on teaching from guides such as Begga and Sveinn. I also like the small group size, which gives you a better chance to ask questions and receive riding tips. The main thing to consider is the weather: rain, wind, cold, and mud are all possible, even with the supplied clothing.

Key points to know before you ride

• The tölt is the special treat: Learn and feel the Icelandic horse’s smooth signature gait.
• Beginners are welcome: You receive basic instruction before mounting, and horses are matched to your riding level.
• The ride is close to Reykjavík: The stable is about a 10-minute drive from the capital.
• Expect 1 to 1.5 hours in the saddle: The full activity lasts two hours, including preparation and instruction.
• The group is limited to eight people: That makes this a more personal outing than a large stable ride.
• Weather can change the plan: The operator may cancel or alter the activity in poor conditions.

Meeting Iceland’s small, sturdy horses

The Icelandic horse is not simply a smaller version of a familiar riding horse. It is a distinct breed, and the guides explain how to handle it, how to give clear signals, and how the tölt differs from a walk, trot, or canter.

You begin at the stable, roughly 10 minutes from Reykjavík. At the parking area, you will find a boom barrier and often several horse trailers. Wait by the barrier until the staff opens it. This is a practical detail, but it prevents confusion when you arrive and find the gate closed.

The first part of the tour is a short riding-school session. Plan on about 10 minutes for the initial briefing, though the total preparation time can feel longer as the staff assigns horses and gets everyone ready. You learn how to sit, steer, stop, and respond to your horse before heading into the open country.

That introduction matters most if you have never ridden. Several participants with little or no experience found the instructions easy to follow, and the guides took time to settle nervous riders. At the same time, experienced riders are not ignored. The instruction covers the basics, but the guides also offer small adjustments to help you ride more comfortably and safely.

Begga has been praised for explaining the horses with humor and patience. Sveinn has helped riders with practical tips during the outing. The exact guide can vary, but the operator uses English-speaking guides and places clear emphasis on instruction.

Choosing the right horse for your ability

The staff assigns each person a horse suited to their experience and comfort level. This is one of the most important parts of the tour. A first-time rider needs a calm, responsive mount, while an experienced rider may appreciate a horse with a little more energy.

The horses are described as gentle, well-trained, and easy to manage. That does not make horseback riding risk-free. Horses can react to sudden noises or unexpected movement, and one participant was thrown when a horse became frightened by a loud passing vehicle. The incident is a useful reminder to keep your hands steady, listen closely, and follow the safety guidance.

You should not ride if you are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Do not scream, wave your hands, make sudden noises, or make abrupt movements while mounted. You should also tell the company about any illness or poor health before riding, so the staff can assess the situation.

A riding helmet is an important safety measure. The operator supplies riding gear, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. You should still dress for Icelandic weather underneath the supplied layers. Warm, comfortable clothing is more useful than stylish clothing here, and you should expect your outer layers to get muddy.

The tour has a minimum age of 12. That makes it suitable for older children, teenagers, and adults, but not for younger children.

Riding through Iceland’s Redhill terrain

Once the horses are assigned and everyone is comfortable, the group heads out for roughly 1 to 1.5 hours of riding. The scenery around the Iceland Redhill area is shaped by volcanic activity and glaciers. You see mountains, open wilderness, and broad stretches of dark volcanic ground from the saddle.

This setting gives the ride its character. You are not just following a fenced-in path beside a stable. You are moving through terrain that helps explain Iceland’s unusual appearance: mountains carved by ice, ground shaped by fire, and very little to interrupt the view.

The pace is relaxed. That works well for mixed groups, since first-time riders and experienced riders can stay together. You have time to focus on your seat, watch your horse, and take in the scenery rather than worrying about keeping up.

The route may feel muddy or cold after rain. One outing in wet weather was still enjoyable, but conditions clearly affected the ride. I would treat the weather as part of the Iceland experience rather than expect a polished, dry trail every time. Still, poor visibility, strong winds, or unsafe footing can lead the operator to cancel or change the activity.

The scenery is a major reason to book this ride, but keep your expectations in check. This is a two-hour experience based close to Reykjavík, not a full-day expedition into remote Iceland. If you want hours in the saddle or a long backcountry route, you will need a different kind of riding trip.

Feeling the tölt for the first time

The Icelandic horse’s tölt is the most memorable feature of the outing. This gait allows the horse to move quickly while keeping the rider’s seat relatively steady. You may feel a gentle, gliding rhythm instead of the bounce associated with a trot.

The guides introduce the tölt when the group is ready. You do not need advanced riding skills to appreciate it, but you do need to pay attention to your posture and the horse’s movement. Follow the guide’s instructions and do not push for speed on your own.

The experience is especially rewarding if you have ridden before and want to learn something specific to Iceland. For a first-time rider, the tölt adds a sense of discovery without requiring a full riding lesson. You get a taste of what makes these horses different, rather than simply sitting on a horse while it follows the one ahead.

The ride is not designed as a competitive lesson. The goal is a safe, enjoyable outing where the group can move together and everyone can get comfortable. That balance is good for couples and families with mixed riding backgrounds.

A small group makes a real difference

With a maximum of eight participants, this is a relatively intimate stable experience. A small group allows the guide to watch how each person is handling the horse and step in with advice when needed.

That individual attention is useful at three points: during the first lesson, when horses are assigned, and when the group begins riding outside. If you are nervous, you can ask questions without having to shout across a large group. If you are experienced, you can still receive suggestions rather than being left to follow along silently.

The group size also affects the pace. A large procession can feel impersonal, while eight riders is small enough for the guides to maintain contact with everyone. It does not guarantee that every moment will be private, but it improves the odds of a more tailored outing.

Begga and Sveinn have also taken photos and videos during rides. This can be a useful bonus because handling a phone while riding is awkward and can distract you from your horse. Do not assume you will receive a particular number of images or that photography will happen on every departure, but the guides have made a point of capturing riders, horses, and scenery so people can focus on the experience.

What the $200 price really buys you

At $200 per person, this is not a budget activity. The ride itself lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, while the entire visit takes two hours. If you judge the price only by minutes on horseback, it may seem high.

The value improves when you count what is included: an English-speaking Icelandic guide, the riding lesson, horse assignment, helmet and riding equipment, rain clothing, overalls, gloves, and shoes. You are also paying for a small group, staff supervision, and the chance to ride a specifically Icelandic gait in volcanic terrain close to the capital.

For someone who has always wanted to ride an Icelandic horse, the price is easier to justify. The experience combines animal handling, local geography, and a distinctive form of riding. It is also a practical choice if you have limited time in Reykjavík and do not want to spend a full day traveling to a remote stable.

I would be more cautious if horseback riding is only one of many similar activities on your trip. Iceland has expensive tours, and a short ride may compete with whale watching, hot springs, or other outings for your budget. Book it because you want the horse, the tölt, and the close contact with the terrain, not simply because you need another way to see scenery.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and this ride is outdoors from the moment you leave the stable. Rain clothing, overalls, gloves, and shoes are provided, which takes some pressure off packing. Even so, wear warm layers and clothing you do not mind getting dirty.

Wet ground can make the route muddy. Wind can make an otherwise pleasant day feel cold. The operator reserves the right to cancel orders or change the service if weather conditions create a safety problem. That policy is sensible for a horseback activity, though it means you should avoid building an overly tight schedule around the ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Iceland plans depend on weather and changing tour schedules.

The tour does not permit intoxicated participants. This is not a minor rule. A horse responds to the rider’s balance, voice, hands, and body movements, so clear attention is necessary throughout the ride.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this experience to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction and a calm horse
• Experienced riders curious about Icelandic horses and the tölt
• Couples looking for a memorable activity near Reykjavík
• Families with children aged 12 and over
• Animal lovers who want to see horses that appear well cared for
• Visitors with only a morning or afternoon available

It is less suitable if you dislike cold or wet weather, have a medical condition that affects riding, or want a fast, adventurous gallop. The pace is relaxed, and the group rides together. That is a strength for beginners, but it may feel tame if you are seeking a demanding riding lesson.

The tour can also work well for a special occasion. A horseshoe was given as a good-luck keepsake to a couple on their honeymoon. That kind of personal touch depends on the staff and the circumstances, but it reflects the friendly tone of the experience.

Final verdict: book it for the horse, not just the view

I would book this tour if riding an Icelandic horse is high on your Iceland wish list. The close location, small group, careful horse matching, useful instruction, and chance to experience the tölt add real value to a short outing.

I would skip it if you are looking for a long wilderness ride or a guaranteed dry-weather activity. The $200 cost is substantial, and the saddle time is limited. But for a well-managed introduction to Icelandic horses, with striking volcanic scenery and guides who pay attention to both rider and animal, this is a strong choice near Reykjavík.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour take place?

The tour takes place in the Capital Region of Iceland, in the Iceland Redhill area near Reykjavík. The stable is about a 10-minute drive from the capital.

How long is the activity?

The full activity lasts two hours. The actual ride lasts between one and 1.5 hours, with the remaining time used for arrival, horse preparation, and instruction.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $200 per person.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. You receive a basic riding lesson before meeting your horse, and the staff assigns horses according to each rider’s experience and comfort level.

What is the tölt?

The tölt is a special gait of the Icelandic horse. The tour gives you the chance to learn about it and experience it during the ride.

What equipment is included?

The operator provides riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. A riding helmet should be used to reduce risk.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guide speaks English.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The operator may cancel or change the activity when conditions require it. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.