Horse Riding Tour in Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley)-All Riding Levels

Icelandic horses are known for a fifth gait, the smooth, distinctive tölt, and this ride gives you a chance to feel it for yourself in the countryside near Reykjavik. You do not need riding experience, and children from age 9 can join.

I like two things here: beginner-friendly instruction makes the ride approachable, while the chance to try a five-gaited horse gives it a local character beyond a standard trail ride. The short drive from Reykjavik also makes it easier to fit into a day of sightseeing.

One consideration: the ride is slow for much of its duration, and parts of the route may follow a road shoulder. Insect swarms can also be a nuisance in some conditions, so ask about helmet bug nets before you set out.

Key points

• The tölt is the special feature: You may get a chance to try the Icelandic horse’s fifth gait.
• New riders are welcome: Guides provide help, and no previous riding experience is required.
• Plan for roughly two hours: The ride itself is described as about 1.5 hours, with the overall tour listed at around two hours.
• You need to reach the meeting point: Hotel pickup is not included. The starting point is in Reykjadalur, near Hveragerði and about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
• Gear is provided: Helmets and weather clothing are included, along with coffee or tea.
• Check the group cap: The tour details give two different maximum group sizes, 14 and 18.

Riding an Icelandic horse in Reykjadalur

This experience is less about covering ground quickly and more about getting comfortable in the saddle, seeing the countryside from horseback, and learning what makes an Icelandic horse different. The horses are five-gaited, and the tour may include a chance to try the tölt, a distinctive gait that is often the detail riders remember most.

You can join as a first-time rider or with more experience. The route is described as gentle, and the horses are known for being well-behaved and responsive to simple guidance. That makes the outing a sensible choice if you are curious about riding but do not want a demanding lesson or fast-paced trail.

The ride takes place in Reykjadalur, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. That proximity is useful if you want an outdoor activity without giving up a full day to travel. The meeting point is Sólhestar Horse Rental Reykjadalur, at Reykjadalur 9, 810 Hveragerði. You return to the same place at the end.

What the ride is like from the saddle

The ride itself is described as about 1.5 hours, while the overall activity is listed at approximately two hours. Allow for the longer figure when planning your day, and check your confirmation for the exact schedule.

Expect a largely relaxed pace rather than a long stretch of fast riding. A gentle walking pace is the norm for much of the outing. The route may include fields and river terrain, and some riders have crossed low rivers. These details can make the ride feel more varied than a simple loop, though the exact route and conditions can change.

You may also ride along a road shoulder for part of the way. That is a practical drawback to keep in mind if you picture an uninterrupted trail through open countryside. The surroundings can still be attractive, but a road-adjacent section is less peaceful than riding entirely off-road.

The pace is not necessarily the same for every group. Some riders have experienced a few faster stretches, while others describe a very slow ride. If you are an experienced rider hoping for a brisk outing, ask the operator what pace is likely on your date. This tour is best approached as a scenic, introductory ride, not a guaranteed gallop.

Trying the tölt

The Icelandic horse’s fifth gait is one of the main reasons to choose this ride. The tölt is a distinctive way of moving, and getting a chance to try it adds a specifically Icelandic element to the experience. It is not just a ride on a horse you could meet anywhere.

Do not assume you will spend the whole tour tölting. The overall pace is usually gentle, and the opportunity to try the gait depends on the group, the horses, and the conditions. For a first-time rider, even a short introduction can be a memorable part of the outing. If you already ride, the chance to feel the gait may be the main draw.

Guides provide instruction and support, which matters when you are learning a new horse and a new gait. No guide names are provided, but the experience is offered in English. If you have a particular riding concern, such as being a complete beginner or wanting more time to try the tölt, tell the guide before departure.

How beginners and families are accommodated

You do not need prior experience to take part, and the tour is suitable for adults and children aged 9 and older. The horses are described as gentle and well-trained, and the guides help riders learn how to manage them with simple guidance. That combination makes this a reasonable introduction for families with older children and adults who have only ridden once or twice.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean there is nothing to consider. You will be outdoors and on horseback for a substantial part of the activity, and the countryside can bring changing weather and insects. A child should be comfortable following the guide’s instructions and sitting on a horse for the ride.

There is also a maximum rider weight of 110 kg. If you are close to that limit, contact the operator before booking rather than leaving the question until arrival. The stated minimum age is 9, and the activity is described as suitable for most people, but no further mobility or accessibility details are provided.

Small group support and the group-size question

A smaller group can make a real difference on a beginner-friendly ride. Guides have more opportunity to give practical help, check that people are settled, and adjust their instruction to riders with different levels of confidence. The tour is described as a small-group experience.

There is, however, an inconsistency in the stated maximum size: one detail gives a maximum of 14 participants, while another says the group can accommodate up to 18. Do not assume the group will be at the lower number. If group size is important to you, ask the provider to confirm the cap for your date.

The quality of the guidance is one of the strongest reasons to consider this ride. Friendly, patient instruction can help a new rider relax, and experienced riders still get the pleasure of handling Icelandic horses. The tour is offered in English, which makes it accessible to many international visitors.

Weather, clothing, and insects

The provider supplies helmets, winter jumpsuits, and rain clothing. That is useful in Iceland, where you should be ready for wet or cool weather even when the forecast looks manageable. You do not need to pack riding rain gear, though you may want to wear comfortable clothing under the supplied layers.

Insect protection deserves a separate check. In some conditions, swarms of flies can make a ride unpleasant, especially around the face. Bug nets for helmets are not clearly listed as standard equipment, although they may be available. Ask the operator whether nets will be provided on your date, and bring your own if you have suitable protection and the provider permits it.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $126.50 per person, this is a paid activity rather than a cheap add-on. The price covers the horse ride, guides, helmet, winter or rain clothing, and coffee or tea. For a visitor without riding gear, the included clothing removes the need to buy or pack specialist equipment for a single outing.

The value depends on what you want from it. If trying an Icelandic horse and getting outdoors near Reykjavik are high on your list, the price buys a distinctive activity with practical support included. If you mainly want fast riding or a long, remote trail, the slow pace and possible roadside section may make it less compelling.

Lunch and hotel pickup are not included. You will need to arrange your own transport to the Reykjadalur meeting point and plan food separately. The drive from Reykjavik is about 45 minutes, so account for travel time on both ends when deciding what else to schedule.

Is this Reykjadalur ride worth booking?

I would choose this tour if you want a gentle introduction to horseback riding, are curious about Icelandic horses, or would like to try the tölt without committing to a full-day excursion. The short distance from Reykjavik, included weather gear, and support for beginners make it easy to fit into a broader visit.

I would pause before booking if you are an experienced rider looking for sustained speed, dislike riding near roads, or are sensitive to flying insects. Ask about the route, expected pace, helmet nets, and the group-size cap before paying. At an average booking lead time of 38 days, it is sensible to reserve ahead if the date matters, while keeping the weather-dependent cancellation terms in mind.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The overall activity is listed at approximately two hours. The riding portion is described as about 1.5 hours.

Do I need riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders, and no prior experience is required.

What is the minimum age?

Children can participate from age 9.

How far is the meeting point from Reykjavik?

The tour takes place about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Hotel pickup is not included.

What equipment is provided?

Helmets, winter jumpsuits, and rain clothing are included. Coffee or tea is also provided.

Is the tölt guaranteed?

The tour offers the chance to try the Icelandic horse’s fifth gait, the tölt. The information provided does not guarantee that every rider will try it.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum rider weight is 110 kg.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.