Reykjavík: Horse Riding Tours

Icelandic horses make this more than a slow ride through pretty scenery. You learn to handle a breed famous for its smooth tölt, a four-beat gait that feels different from an ordinary walk or trot. I like the careful horse matching and the small groups, limited to eight people. The guides, often owners Begga and Sveinn, give steady advice rather than simply pointing you toward a saddle.

I also like how close the stables are to Reykjavík. In about 10 minutes, you trade city streets for open volcanic ground, colored hills, and wide views. The main drawback is the price: at $200 per person, this is not a casual budget outing, and the actual riding time is closer to 1 to 1.5 hours within the two-hour booking.

Key points before you book

• The Icelandic horse is the star: You will learn about the breed and try its special tölt gait.
• Beginners are welcome: Guides explain handling and riding before you set off, then continue giving tips along the route.
• The tour stays small: A maximum of eight riders allows more personal help and easier horse matching.
• The scenery is close to Reykjavík: The stables are about 10 minutes from the capital, yet the ride reaches open volcanic terrain.
• Weather gear is included: Rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are provided, a useful detail in Iceland’s changeable weather.
• You need to be at least 12: No riding experience is specified as necessary, but intoxication is not allowed.

From Reykjavík streets to open volcanic ground

The appeal here is simple: you can reach an Icelandic riding stable quickly, spend time with a distinct local breed, and still feel far from the city. The ride takes place around the Redhill area, where mountains, open wilderness, and ground shaped by glaciers and volcanoes give you something to look at in every direction.

I like the setting because it does not demand a full day of driving. If your Iceland itinerary already includes the Golden Circle, the South Coast, or long road trips, this is a manageable two-hour activity near the capital. It also fits well on a day when you want a slower outdoor experience rather than another packed sightseeing schedule.

The terrain is the main visual reward. Expect mountain colors, broad open views, and a strong sense of Iceland’s volcanic character. You are not riding through a city park with a few distant hills. You are out in a stark, elemental part of the Capital Region, looking at scenery formed by fire, ice, and weather.

The tradeoff is that the tour is short. Riders hoping for a long backcountry expedition should set their expectations carefully. This is a compact introduction to Icelandic horses, not an all-day trek.

A useful lesson before you meet your horse

When you arrive, a barrier controls entry to the parking area. The meeting instructions ask you to wait by the gate, near the horse trailers, until the staff opens it. This is worth knowing because the stable entrance may not feel like a typical urban attraction with a clear reception desk.

The first part of the experience is instruction. You receive a briefing on how to handle your horse, how to ride, and how Icelandic horses differ from other breeds. That short lesson matters, particularly if you have never ridden before or if your past riding experience is limited to slow, guided outings.

Begga is especially associated with clear explanations, humor, and a relaxed teaching style. Sveinn also gives practical riding advice during the outing. The guides focus on helping you feel secure, but they do not treat the horses like automatic vehicles. You are expected to use the reins and your body properly, listen to instructions, and avoid sudden movements.

That preparation is one reason this tour works for mixed groups. An experienced rider can learn something about the Icelandic breed, while a first-timer gets a proper introduction instead of being placed on a horse with little explanation. The riding level of each person is considered when horses are assigned.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are chosen to suit each rider’s ability. This is one of the most important details in the whole experience. A calm, steady horse can make a nervous beginner feel comfortable, while a more experienced rider may appreciate a horse with a little more energy.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are small and sturdy, with a reputation for being friendly and manageable. You will learn about their origins and physical traits during the introduction, then get a chance to understand the breed from the saddle rather than only seeing it in a field.

I like that the tour treats the horses as working animals, not just scenery for photographs. The guides explain how to communicate with them and pay attention to the relationship between horse and rider. Several riders have found the horses easy to manage, but that should not be mistaken for a guarantee that every moment will feel effortless. Horses can react to noise, traffic, weather, or a rider’s movement.

For safety, you must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You are also told not to scream, wave your hands, make sudden noises, or make abrupt movements while mounted. These rules are sensible and especially important for first-time riders.

The 1 to 1.5-hour ride through Redhill

Once everyone is mounted and comfortable, the group heads into the surrounding area. The total activity lasts about two hours, with the ride itself lasting between one and 1.5 hours. The pace is relaxed, allowing the guides to keep the group together and help riders as needed.

You will ride through open volcanic terrain with mountains and wide stretches of Icelandic wilderness around you. The scenery changes with the weather and season. In clear conditions, the mountain colors and distant views are the focus. On a wet or gray day, the ground can feel more dramatic and raw, though it may also become muddy and cold.

Do not book this expecting a fast gallop. The emphasis is on control, scenery, and the experience of riding the Icelandic horses. The group moves at a pace that lets beginners stay comfortable and gives the guides room to offer corrections.

The special moment comes when you try the tölt. This is a distinctive Icelandic horse gait, known as a smooth four-beat movement. It can feel wonderfully steady, though your first attempt may require concentration. Your guide will help you find the right position and rhythm.

The tölt gives the tour its local character. You could ride a horse in many parts of the world, but riding an Icelandic horse in Iceland and feeling this gait beneath you is a more specific experience. It is also why experienced riders may enjoy this tour even if the route itself is not a long expedition.

Why the small group matters

The group limit is eight participants, and that number makes a real difference on horseback. A guide can watch how each rider is sitting, check that the pace is comfortable, and offer individual help without stopping a large procession.

Small groups are particularly useful when the riders have mixed abilities. The guides can pair horses carefully and spend extra time with anyone who is nervous. First-time riders have received patient explanations, while more experienced riders can ask about the tölt, horse behavior, or Icelandic riding methods.

You should still understand that a small group does not mean a private tour. Other riders will be part of the outing, and the pace must suit the group as a whole. If you want a private lesson or a fast ride designed around an experienced rider, ask about that separately before booking.

The guides also take photographs and videos during some tours. That means you may be able to focus on handling your horse instead of trying to hold a phone while riding. Do not treat this as a guaranteed professional photo package, but it is a welcome touch when available.

Clothing, weather, and comfort

All riding gear is included. The package covers rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes, which saves you from bringing specialist riding equipment. A riding helmet is also part of the safety advice and should be used.

I would still dress for Iceland rather than relying only on the supplied gear. Wear warm layers underneath, since the open terrain can feel cold even when Reykjavík seems mild. Weather can shift quickly, and rain can make the ground muddy. One outing continued in rainy conditions and remained enjoyable, but wet weather will affect comfort and visibility.

The provided clothing is most valuable because it protects against the practical problems of horseback riding in Iceland. Rainwear keeps weather off your outer layers, overalls help protect clothing from mud, and gloves improve grip and warmth. You should be prepared to return with dirty footwear or clothing, especially after a wet ride.

Tell the company about any illness or health concern before riding. Staff will assess the situation. Horseback riding carries real risk, so honest communication is more useful than trying to prove that you can manage a ride when you are not feeling well.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is a premium short activity. You are paying for the horse, guide, riding equipment, weather clothing, a small group, and access to a nearby outdoor setting. The price makes more sense if you value personal instruction and want to ride a well-cared-for Icelandic horse rather than simply sit on one for a few minutes.

The two-hour duration is also worth reading carefully. The full visit includes arrival, instruction, horse assignment, mounting, and the ride. Actual time in the saddle is usually 1 to 1.5 hours. That is a reasonable format for beginners, who often appreciate not being pushed into a long ride, but experienced riders may find it brief.

I would compare this with the cost of other Reykjavík activities, not with a cheap pony ride. The tour gives you a local breed, a chance to learn the tölt, and a guided route through open volcanic terrain. If those are priorities, the price can be justified. If you simply want a low-cost way to see the countryside, it may feel expensive.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and a reserve-now, pay-later option add useful flexibility. The operator may cancel or change the service if weather or other conditions make the ride unsuitable.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This is a good choice for adults and children aged 12 or older who want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses. It suits first-time riders especially well because the guides explain the basics, match riders with suitable horses, and continue offering help on the route.

It also works for experienced riders who want to try the tölt and spend time with a breed they may not encounter at home. The experience is less suited to anyone seeking speed, a long wilderness ride, or a private, advanced-level lesson.

Animal lovers should find plenty to appreciate. The horses are treated as an important part of the experience, and the guides’ care for them is clear in the way they explain handling and pairing. Couples may also enjoy the outing, and the staff have added personal touches for special occasions, including a horseshoe given to honeymooners.

You should be comfortable following strict safety instructions. Anyone who wants to shout, make sudden movements, or ride under the influence should not book this activity.

Practical details for a smooth visit

Plan to arrive at the stated meeting point and wait by the boom barrier if it is closed. The parking area may contain horse trailers, so do not assume you have reached the wrong place simply because you do not see a conventional entrance.

The tour is conducted in English. The group is limited to eight, and the exact start time depends on availability. The minimum age is 12.

Wear warm clothing beneath the supplied riding gear and be ready for rain or mud. Use the helmet, listen closely during the riding lesson, and tell the staff about relevant health concerns before mounting.

The activity takes place only about 10 minutes from Reykjavík, but weather can still affect operations. Keep your schedule flexible if this ride is important to your trip, especially during unsettled conditions.

Should you book the Reykjavík horse riding tour?

I would book it if you want a small-group introduction to Icelandic horses, care about good instruction, and like the idea of trying the tölt in open volcanic terrain. The close location makes it easy to fit into a Reykjavík stay, while the guides’ patient approach helps beginners feel at home.

I would skip it if $200 feels too high for up to 1.5 hours of riding, or if you want a full-day trek with more time in the saddle. For the right rider, though, this is a focused and memorable way to meet Iceland’s special horses without giving up an entire day of your itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The full activity lasts about two hours. The riding portion lasts between one and 1.5 hours.

How far is the stable from Reykjavík?

The stable is about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavík.

What is the Redhill riding area like?

The ride takes place through open volcanic terrain with mountains, broad wilderness, and scenery shaped by glaciers and volcanoes.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No specific riding experience is required. You receive an introduction to handling and riding, and horses are assigned according to each participant’s level.

What is the tölt?

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

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The tour provides riding gear, rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. Safety advice also calls for wearing a riding helmet.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age for the tour is 12.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may cancel or change the activity if weather conditions require it. Riding in rain is possible, but conditions may be cold or muddy.

Where do I meet the tour?

When you reach the parking area, wait at the boom barrier near the horse trailers until staff open the gate.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.