Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

Horseback riding in Iceland works best when you get the basics handled first, and that is exactly the trick here. You start at Hestaland near Borgarnes, learn what you need in a big indoor arena, then head out for a scenic ride with a real guide in control of the tempo.

What I love most is the prep lesson in a large indoor arena. It makes a huge difference if you are new, nervous, or just want to understand how Icelandic horses move before you go outside. I also like the small-group setup, limited to 10 people, so the guide can actually watch what you are doing.

The main drawback to think about is the weather. When the wind picks up, the ride can feel less cozy, even though it is still beautiful and the staff cannot control the sky.

Key highlights you will feel from the moment you arrive

• Indoor arena prep first, so you are not guessing once you hit the trail
• Helmet and a guided ride are included, which keeps things straightforward
• Tölt opportunities, and on some rides you may be encouraged into different gaits when you are ready
• Beginner-friendly short ride, with extra confidence-building for brand-new riders
• Guides like Bára and Juna, both known for clear, patient instruction
• On-site horse care time, including moments where you may brush or prepare your horse

Hestaland near Borgarnes: why this starting point is practical

If you are basing yourself around Borgarnes, this is a clean, low-stress way to add Icelandic horse riding without committing a full day. The stables are in Hestaland, about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes. You will still need your own transportation, though. The tour does not include getting you there, so plan on a rental car, taxi, or a local pickup arrangement you arrange yourself.

I like that the location keeps the experience focused. You are not bouncing around multiple stops trying to coordinate a bunch of logistics. You meet at the stables, get set up, get your basics, and then you ride. It is simple, and in Iceland, simple often means smoother.

The tour also gives you language options. The live guide can speak English, Icelandic, German, and Danish, which matters because good instructions on a horse are not a luxury.

And yes, this is for adults and kids in the workable range. It is not suitable for children under 6, and there is a weight limit of 243 lbs (110 kg). So check that before you book, especially if you are traveling with someone larger or traveling with a younger kid who wants to tag along.

The indoor arena lesson: your confidence insurance

The tour is built around one key idea: horses are not rides you should wing. Before you go out, you get a prep lesson in a large indoor arena. That means you practice the basics in a controlled space, without wind, uneven footing, or the distraction of open views.

What does that prep actually do for you? It gives your hands and legs a job. It also helps your brain stop treating the horse like a moving mystery. You learn how to sit, how to hold on, and how to follow the guide’s cues. For brand-new riders, that reduces the panic factor fast.

One rider highlighted that they had no previous experience, but after the instruction they could enjoy the ride from early on. Another shared that even a family group with zero horse experience still had a good time because the pace stayed beginner-friendly.

In real terms, the indoor lesson tends to pay off in three ways:

• You understand what the guide is asking for, so you are not guessing.
• You feel safer, which helps you relax, and relaxed riders tend to look better in photos.
• You learn how an Icelandic horse moves before you hit open countryside.

Also, the tour includes a helmet. That is not the glamorous part of Iceland, but it is the smart part.

If you have ever wished you could ask questions without feeling silly, this arena time is the moment. The guide can spot what you are doing, and you can correct it right away instead of hoping it works out later.

Meet your horse, brush up, and get ready to ride

After you meet the guide at the stables, you will get time to get acquainted with your horse. In some cases, this includes preparing the horse together, like brushing or getting it ready before you mount. I love this part because it shifts you from passenger mode to partner mode. You are not just climbing on and hoping for the best.

It also gives you a chance to judge how the horse seems in that moment. One review mentioned a concern that a horse might have been limped. Even when that is only a fleeting impression, it is a good reminder to keep your eyes open. If something feels off, say something calmly to the guide. Guides are there to manage the situation, and your comfort matters.

You will then practice in the arena until you feel stable. Once everyone is ready, you move on to the outdoor ride.

The 1.5-hour trail ride: views, wind, and a real Icelandic pace

Once you step outside, the ride becomes what most people picture when they think of Iceland on horseback: open air, wide views, and that unmistakable sense that the world is bigger than you are.

The ride runs for 1.5 hours, and for many riders it hits the sweet spot. You get enough time to feel like you actually did something in Iceland, but it does not swallow your whole day. It also works well if you are doing other activities that depend on weather windows.

Route details can vary, but expect a guided trail ride through the countryside around Borgarnes. You may pass along a small river, and the guide keeps you moving at a pace that fits the group.

Gait is part of the fun. Icelandic horses are known for unique movement, including the tölt. In one account, the guide encouraged riders into tölting during the ride, and another rider said they managed to tölting multiple times. If you are comfortable, you can often get more variety in what you feel under you. If you are not, you can still enjoy the scenery and the experience without forcing anything.

Weather is the wildcard. One rider specifically mentioned that it was very windy on their day and it made the ride feel less pleasant. That is worth planning for. Wear warm layers, and do not let wind ruin your attitude. Iceland horse riding is often about going with the flow. The guide can adjust, and you will still get the “I am on an Icelandic horse, in Iceland” payoff.

A note on photos and pacing

You may stop for a photo moment during the ride. One rider described a photo stop, and another said the guide even took photos for them. Do not worry about getting perfect shots while you are concentrating on balance. Let the guide handle it, and you will get pictures without feeling like you are juggling a camera while steering a horse.

Group tour vs private tour: when small size matters

This is a small-group experience, limited to 10 participants. That already helps, because you are not watching other people while you wait your turn. You also get more personal attention than on larger tours.

But you also have a choice: a regular group tour or a private tour. If you want your instruction tailored to your comfort level, private is often the best fit. It is also great if you are traveling with family, or if you have someone in your group who needs extra reassurance before heading out.

One rider who rode privately described how flexible and personal the tour felt, including adjusting to their experience level. If you already know how to ride a bit, you may ask for a more active ride. In one account, they were able to tölting and also do faster gaits like a gallop after discussing it first. That is not something you should assume. It is something that can happen when the guide and horse match up to your skills and comfort.

If you are brand-new, I would not chase speed. I would chase understanding. That first arena lesson is your path to confidence.

Who this ride suits best, and who should skip it

This short 1.5-hour ride is described as suitable for all experience levels, including beginners and people trying horseback riding for the first time. That matches what you want from a first Iceland horse experience: learn the basics, ride out safely, and still have a good time.

If you are going for more riding time, there is mention of a full-day tour being best for intermediate to advanced riders. So if you are a true beginner, I would stick to the shorter option unless you feel very confident after the prep lesson.

Skip the experience if:

• Your child is under 6
• You are over 243 lbs (110 kg)
• You do not feel comfortable being guided on horseback, even after instruction

And if you are an experienced rider, you can still enjoy the ride. Just be honest about what you can handle and what you want. The guide’s job is to make the day work for your body and your horse.

Price and value: what $109 buys you in Iceland

At $109 per person for the 1.5-hour experience, you are paying for more than just the ride. You are paying for instruction in a controlled arena, a guide to manage the horses and pacing, helmet gear, and the guided scenic time outside.

When I judge value here, I look at two things:

1. How much you get from the instruction time
2. How much stress the guide removes

The prep lesson helps even if you are nervous. It reduces the risk of your day turning into a stressful situation where you are holding on with white knuckles. The included helmet also removes one hassle.

Also, this is limited to a small group, which usually means the guide can give more attention rather than triage. That kind of guide attention is hard to quantify until you need it. On a horse, you need it.

One additional detail that can affect your budget: lunch is only included on the 5-hour day tour, not on the 1.5-hour ride. So if you plan to keep exploring right after, you will want to have a snack or plan a meal elsewhere.

What to bring (and what to avoid) so you are comfortable

This is one of the easiest Iceland tours to prepare for, as long as you dress for wind and cold.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (sturdy enough to feel safe in stirrups and on stable ground)
• Warm clothing (layers beat one bulky coat)
• Comfortable clothes (you want freedom of movement)

What not to do:

• No smoking during the tour

If you tend to run cold, dress like you are going outside for longer than you think. Horse riding may not look like a winter sport, but between wind and time outside, you can chill faster than expected.

Also, consider arriving a bit early. One rider described missing their start time but still being greeted well and moved to the next tour. That is kind and flexible, but it should not become your plan. Build in time so you can focus on the lesson instead of the clock.

Getting the most from your ride: small moves that help a lot

I have two practical goals for you. First, get comfortable quickly with the basics in the arena. Second, ask for clarity before you feel unsure.

A simple approach:

• Listen to the guide’s instructions and repeat them in your head as you practice.
• If you feel tense, stop and reset. A tense rider often makes the horse feel like everything is harder than it needs to be.
• During the ride, keep checking in with how you feel and tell the guide if you want a slower pace or less gait variety.

Also, if you are traveling with someone new to horses, you will probably see how much the guide’s patience matters. Guides like Bára and Juna were called out for being friendly, patient, and good with beginners. That is exactly what you want because a first ride should build trust, not test it.

And if you are the one who has ridden before, you can still have a good day. Just talk it through in a calm way during the prep so your experience level matches the plan for the horses and the group.

Should you book this Borgarnes horseback ride?

I think you should book it if:

• You want an Icelandic horse experience that starts with real instruction, not just mounting and hoping
• You are based near Borgarnes and want a 1.5-hour window that still feels like an adventure
• You prefer a small group and want personal attention

I would hesitate if:

• You are extremely sensitive to wind and cold, since the outdoor portion can feel less comfortable on windy days
• You or someone in your group falls outside the age or weight limits
• You expect transportation to be handled for you

If you want a first horseback memory that feels safe, guided, and genuinely Iceland, this is a strong choice. The indoor lesson does the heavy lifting, and the ride itself gives you that open-air sense of freedom that makes Iceland worth the effort.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The duration is 1.5 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet at the stables in Hestaland. It is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

What is included with the ride?

The tour includes a prep lesson in a large indoor arena, a scenic trail ride, a guide for the ride, and a helmet.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and comfortable clothes.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible, and are there age or weight limits?

It is listed as wheelchair accessible. It is not suitable for children under 6 years, and it is not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg).