Horseback in Iceland hits different.

This 2-hour Reykjavík tour takes you out of town for a relaxed ride through volcanic terrain, with chances to feel the Icelandic horse’s signature gait. Before you mount up, you get a real briefing so you’re not just guessing with the reins.

My favorite part is how the crew matches your horse to your experience level, then keeps coaching you so you feel in control instead of stuck. I also love that you can count on a small group (up to 8), which means more attention and less “herding” energy during the ride. One consideration: if you’re expecting a long, wild adventure hour after hour, this is a short tour by design, so the riding time is about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on how the day runs.

Key things to know before you saddle up

• Icelandic horses with a special gait (tölt): you’ll be guided on how to enjoy it instead of just enduring it.
• Short instruction first: you’ll start with a briefing so you know how to handle your horse safely and comfortably.
• Best-fit horse for your level: the team assigns horses based on riding experience, not just random availability.
• Volcanic Redhill area views: you’ll ride through dramatic ground shaped by glaciers and volcanoes.
• Gear is handled for you: rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes are provided, which matters in Iceland.
• Small group format: up to 8 participants helps you get answers fast and feel less rushed.

Getting from Reykjavik to the stables fast

The tour meets you at a parking area about a 10-minute drive from Reykjavik. When you arrive, there’s a boom barrier gate and lots of horse trailers—just wait there until they open it.

I like this setup because you’re not spending half the day on a coach. You get the “real activity” part quickly: arrive, get briefed, then ride out into open terrain without a long, drawn-out transfer.

Also, because the ride starts close to Reykjavik, it works well even if your Iceland day is already full—Golden Circle tomorrow, Blue Lagoon later, and this horse ride as your morning reset.

The pre-ride briefing: how you actually learn to ride

Before your mount, you’ll do a short briefing session focused on handling your horse. The point here isn’t to turn you into a trainer—it’s to help you feel steady in the saddle. Your guide will explain what to do, how to respond, and what to avoid so the ride stays fun and safe.

A bunch of people are first-timers, and the team seems built for that. In past tours, you may hear instruction in a “riding school” style—Begga and Sveinn (owners of Islenski Hesturinn) are specifically mentioned as giving clear, friendly coaching, including how Icelandic horses differ from other horses. Other guides named in experiences include Christian and Inga, and the consistent theme is the same: you get practical steps, plus time for questions.

One smart thing to plan for: the safety rules require you to follow staff directions closely. No sudden noises, no screaming, no waving your hands, and no sudden movements while mounted. It’s not there to kill the vibe; it’s there because horses react fast.

How they match you with the right Icelandic horse

This tour assigns Icelandic horses to best fit each participant’s level. That matters more than people expect. Icelandic horses can be calm, but they’re also individual. When a horse is chosen for your comfort and ability, you spend less time white-knuckling the reins and more time enjoying the ride.

In the experiences shared, the horses are repeatedly described as well cared for and well trained, with guides checking in so you stay comfortable. Some horses are easier and steadier for beginners, while others give experienced riders a bit more personality to enjoy. Either way, you should come away feeling like your ride matched you, not the other way around.

The riding itself: relaxed pace and the tölt moment

The ride time is typically between 1 and 1.5 hours, with the full tour running 2 hours. You’ll ride at a relaxed pace, and the guides will help you stay safe and comfortable the whole time.

The big star is the Icelandic horse’s special gait—often described as tölt. You don’t just look for it on your own. Your guide will show you how it feels and how to work with it. Once you experience it, it’s one of those Iceland-only sensations that’s hard to compare to other riding styles.

If you’re a nervous rider, this tour format is helpful because it’s paced and coached. If you’re an experienced rider, you still get value from the match-making and the guidance—especially if you’ve never ridden Icelandic horses before.

Redhill and volcanic country: what the scenery is really like

You’re riding in the Iceland Redhill area around Reykjavík, in dramatic ground carved by glaciers and volcanoes. Translation: you’ll see wide-open terrain, rock and color that look shaped by big forces, and mountain views that feel closer than you expect from a “near Reykjavik” activity.

From the saddle, you get a perspective you can’t get on foot and usually can’t get from a bus. It’s not about hiking to a viewpoint. It’s about moving through the terrain as the terrain moves past you.

Now, a practical note: Iceland weather can change fast. Rain doesn’t automatically cancel your plans, but you might ride in cooler, muddy conditions depending on the day. The good news is you’ll be wearing provided rain gear and warm overalls, so you’re not stuck in soaked clothes.

Gear and comfort: rain layers and gloves that matter

All riding gear is provided, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes. That’s huge value in Iceland. If you’ve ever tried to “improvise” cold-weather clothing for an outdoor activity, you know what a pain that becomes once the wind shows up.

This gear setup also helps you focus on the ride instead of managing discomfort. The guides can concentrate on safety, instruction, and helping you enjoy the tölt—rather than watching you shiver and tighten your grip every ten minutes.

If you wear anything sensitive to wet weather, I’d still plan like it might get damp. Iceland rides often mean you dress for the weather you have, not the weather you hoped for.

Photos, videos, and why it changes the vibe

One of the better surprises in these tours is that the guides often take lots of photos and even videos of you, your horse, and the surroundings. That means you can keep both hands where they belong and still get memories you don’t have to shoot yourself.

In some experiences, guides also add small personal touches when the moment fits—like thoughtful keepsakes. Those extras aren’t guaranteed, but it’s clear the team cares about making the experience feel special, not just transactional.

Safety rules you should take seriously (and why they make sense)

Horseback riding isn’t risk-free. The tour emphasizes safety with practical rules:

• You must use a riding helmet (and follow staff guidance).
• Tell the company about illnesses or bad health before you ride.
• Don’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Follow staff instructions and avoid sudden noises or sudden movements while mounted.

I appreciate this approach because it sets expectations. You can still have fun, but you’re doing it with a safety mindset. Also, the staff evaluates situations, which is important in Iceland where weather can affect traction, visibility, and comfort.

If you’re bringing a child: there’s a strict 12 years age limit.

Who should book this Reykjavik horse riding tour

This tour is a great fit if you want an authentic Iceland experience without committing to a full-day expedition. I think it works especially well for:

• First-time riders who want instruction and a horse matched to their comfort
• People who want the Icelandic horse experience, especially the tölt
• Anyone who prefers a small group and a guided experience over a long DIY day

It’s also ideal if your Iceland trip has a packed schedule and you want a strong memory you can fit into a short window near Reykjavik.

Value check: is $200 per person fair?

At around $200 per person for a 2-hour experience, this isn’t a budget activity—but it’s not priced like a luxury fantasy ride either. You’re paying for several real things:

• A live English-speaking guide
• A small group format (up to 8)
• Icelandic horses matched to your level
• Included cold-and-wet weather riding gear (rain clothes, overalls, gloves, shoes)
• Instruction before you mount

When you add it up, the value comes from the combination: horse care and training, safety coaching, and a ride that’s long enough to feel meaningful but short enough to be practical.

If you’re the type who hates wasting time, this tour makes sense because you don’t need a long commute to get to the riding.

If you want hours and hours of pure trail riding with no instruction, you might find this format feels brief. But for most people, the coaching + tölt + volcanic scenery in a near-Reykjavik window is exactly what they came for.

Should you book this horse tour?

Yes, I’d book it if your goal is to ride Icelandic horses safely with solid coaching and actually enjoy the tölt, not just sit there. The small-group size, the matching of horses to skill level, and the inclusion of warm riding gear make it feel like a well-run experience, even on a rainy day.

Skip it only if you’re looking for a long multi-hour trek and nothing else. For everything short and sweet near Reykjavik, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour?

The total experience is about 2 hours. The actual time riding is typically between 1 and 1.5 hours.

What’s the group size?

The tour is limited to a small group of up to 8 participants.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. The tour has a minimum age of 12 years.

What riding gear is provided?

You’ll be provided with riding gear, including rain clothes, overalls, gloves, and shoes.

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

No. The guides assign Icelandic horses to best suit each participant’s level, and you’ll get a briefing on handling your horse so you feel comfortable.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the parking place with many horse trailers. When you arrive, wait at the boom barrier gate until they open it.

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