Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

Icelandic horses are known for their distinctive tölt, and this short ride gives you a chance to meet the breed on its own turf. I like that you practise in a large indoor arena before heading outside, and that groups are capped at 10, so a guide can keep an eye on how everyone is doing.

The other plus is the outing’s beginner-friendly approach: you do not need riding experience to take part. Just keep in mind that transport is not included, and a countryside ride can feel chilly or uncomfortable in strong wind, so dress for the weather rather than the stable.

At a glance

• Start at Hestaland: The stable is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.
• Practise before the trail: You get an introduction in a large indoor arena before setting out.
• A short ride for beginners: The full experience lasts 1.5 hours and is suitable for first-timers.
• Ride with a small group: Tours are limited to 10 participants, with private rides available as another option.
• Watch for the tölt: With the guide’s agreement and your comfort in mind, you may have a chance to try the Icelandic horse’s distinctive gait.
• Bring warm, comfortable clothes: Helmets are included, but you’ll need to arrange your own ride to the stable.

Meet your horse at Hestaland

The experience begins at Hestaland, a riding stable about 15 minutes by car from Borgarnes. You meet your guide and horse there, then take time to get comfortable before the trail ride. That start matters: for a first-time rider, knowing how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to basic instructions can make the outing feel far less daunting.

The preparation takes place in a large indoor arena. It gives you room to practise before you have to pay attention to uneven ground, other horses, and the open countryside at the same time. If you are nervous, this is the part to use well. Ask questions, speak up if you feel unsure, and let the guide know what experience you have.

The ride is led by a guide, with instruction offered in English, Icelandic, German, or Danish. Guides Juna and Bára have led rides here, but you should not count on a particular guide being assigned to your departure. The useful thing is the format: the tour is small, limited to 10 people, and guides can check in with riders as the group goes along.

From the arena to the countryside

The full activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the preparation and the scenic trail ride. That makes it a manageable introduction rather than a long day in the saddle. You get a taste of riding in Iceland without having to commit to a full-day outing, and you can fit it into a broader visit to the Borgarnes area.

The route passes through the countryside, with a small river and open views mentioned as features of the ride. The scenery is part of the appeal, but you are not just watching it from a car window. You move through it at horse pace, with time to look around and, when conditions allow, stop for photos.

One rider’s account described a photo stop and a chance to try the tölt. The tölt is a smooth, four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses. It is not something you should assume is guaranteed on every ride: pace and activity depend on the group, the horses, the guide, and your comfort. If you have riding experience and want a more active outing, tell the provider in advance or consider a private ride.

For a complete beginner, the best outcome may simply be a calm walk and a chance to enjoy the views. You do not need to measure the success of the ride by how fast the horse goes. Getting used to the horse, following the guide, and feeling at ease on the trail are worthwhile goals on their own.

Why the indoor lesson is useful

A short lesson can make a real difference when you have never ridden before. It gives you time to get the feel of the horse and practise the basics before leaving the stable, rather than learning everything while the group is already moving outdoors. Families with inexperienced riders may find this especially reassuring.

The arena is also a practical buffer against Icelandic weather. It is indoors, so you can get started out of the elements, but the trail itself is outside. A windy day can make the ride less comfortable, as one rider found, so warm clothing is not optional advice. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in, and be ready for weather that may change.

The horses are described as calm and gentle in several accounts, and one rider was pleased to have time to brush a horse before setting out. That kind of interaction can help you build confidence, though grooming is not listed as a standard part of the activity. Your guaranteed preparation is the arena lesson, not a particular amount of time with a brush.

A helmet is included. You do not need to bring your own, but you should arrive dressed for riding and prepared to listen closely to your guide. The arena is not a substitute for following instructions once you are outside, especially if this is your first time on a horse.

Small groups, personal attention, and private rides

A cap of 10 participants keeps this from feeling like a large procession. Small groups are useful for beginners because the guide can monitor how riders are doing and explain what to do along the way. The outing may also feel more relaxed than a crowded activity, though the exact group size will depend on the departure.

A private ride is available if you want a more tailored outing. It may suit a rider with specific preferences or someone who wants more individual attention. If you are hoping to ride at a particular pace or have other wishes, discuss them before booking rather than assuming the standard group ride will be adjusted to match them.

The experience can be adapted to some riders’ ability levels. A rider who went alone and already had experience was able to discuss a more active ride, including tölt and galloping. That is not a promise that every rider can gallop, or that every departure will include it. The practical lesson is to be clear about your experience and preferences, and let the guide decide what is safe and appropriate.

The short ride is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners. The separate five-hour day tour is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders. If you are new to horses, the 1.5-hour outing is the sensible choice; do not book the longer ride just because you want more time outdoors.

What $109 buys you

At $109 per person, the price covers a 1.5-hour activity with a guide, an indoor preparation lesson, a scenic trail ride, and a helmet. The value is strongest if you want more than a quick photo beside a horse. You have time to learn a few basics, get used to your mount, and ride beyond the stable.

It is a fair price for a guided, small-group activity, but remember that the total outing cost is higher if you need to arrange transport from Borgarnes. The stable is about 15 minutes away by car, and transportation to and from the activity is not included. Plan that part before you choose a start time.

Do not expect lunch with this shorter ride. Lunch is included only on the five-hour day tour. The 1.5-hour activity is designed as a compact outing, which is useful if your schedule is tight, but it is not a full-day horseback experience.

The activity is wheelchair accessible according to its listed access information, but horseback riding involves mounting and riding a horse. If you have questions about how the access arrangements apply to your needs, contact Hestaland before booking rather than relying on the general label alone.

Who should book this ride?

This tour makes sense if you are curious about Icelandic horses but have little or no riding experience. The indoor lesson and short duration lower the barrier to trying it, while the small group gives you a better chance to ask questions and settle in. It is also a good fit for families with riders aged six or older, provided everyone meets the activity’s restrictions.

It is less suitable if you want a long, demanding ride, or if you are an experienced rider looking for a guaranteed fast pace. The 1.5-hour outing is an introduction, and what happens on the trail depends on the group and conditions. For a longer ride, the five-hour tour is intended for intermediate to advanced riders.

The activity is not suitable for children under 6 or people over 243 pounds (110 kilograms). Smoking is not allowed. Reviews currently average 4.6 out of 5 from 28 ratings, and the most consistently praised elements are the patient instruction, friendly guides, calm horses, and chance to enjoy the countryside at a comfortable pace.

Should you book?

Book this ride if you want a first taste of horseback riding in Iceland, value a proper practice session, and can make your own way to Hestaland. It offers a sensible balance of instruction and scenery in a short time, with the option of a private ride if you want a more personal arrangement.

Skip it if you need transportation included, want a guaranteed gallop, or would rather spend several hours in the saddle. Dress warmly, tell the guide honestly about your riding experience, and treat the arena lesson as part of the fun, not just a prelude. For a beginner who wants to try an Icelandic horse without signing up for a full day, this is a practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including preparation in the indoor arena and the trail ride.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Hestaland, about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

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

Is there a lesson before the trail ride?

Yes. You get a preparation lesson in a large indoor arena before heading out.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is included in the activity.

What languages can the guide speak?

Guides offer the tour in English, Icelandic, German, and Danish.

How many people can join a group?

The small group is limited to 10 participants. Private tours are also available.

Is transportation to Hestaland included?

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

Are there age or weight restrictions?

The activity is not suitable for children under 6 or people over 243 pounds (110 kilograms).