Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

Iceland by saddle is pure wind-in-your-face. This Borgarnes horseback riding tour starts with a hands-on warm-up in a large indoor arena, then moves you out into the open countryside for a guided trail ride. Guides like Bára and Juna are known for patient instruction, which matters a lot when you’re figuring out steering, balance, and what your horse is doing under you.

What I like most is the clear step-by-step start: you get a prep lesson so you’re not just dropped onto a trail. I also love the small group feel, limited to 10 riders, which makes it easier for your guide to keep an eye on everyone. One possible drawback: on windy days, the ride can feel a bit drafty, and you should dress for real weather (warm layers beat a cool outfit).

Key Things to Know Before You Saddle Up

• Indoor arena prep first: you’ll practice basics before heading out on the trail
• Small group, max 10: easier pace and more personal attention
• Helmet included: you don’t need to source one on your own
• Scenic 1.5-hour countryside ride: guided, with time to enjoy the views
• Tölt moments are common: your guide may help you experience Icelandic gaits depending on your comfort

Hestaland in Borgarnes: Where the Tour Starts and How It Runs

This experience is based at Hestaland, about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes. That’s a nice setup if you’re using Borgarnes as a home base while exploring Iceland’s Western Region. The timing is short—just 1.5 hours on the schedule—so it works well as a fun break between road trips, waterfall stops, and cafe stops.

When you arrive, you’ll meet your guide at the stables, get introduced to your horse, and get time to settle in. This is not a “walk out and figure it out” kind of ride. Instead, you start with the horse right there, which helps you understand one key truth about riding: you’re not just controlling a vehicle. You’re working with an animal that has its own rhythm.

The tour also keeps things practical: helmet included, a live guide, and a small group size. Your guide works in English plus Icelandic, German, and Danish, depending on availability. That language flexibility is more useful than it sounds, especially if you’re nervous or you want to clarify something quickly.

The Indoor Prep Lesson: How Beginners Get Comfortable Fast

The biggest value here is the indoor arena prep lesson before you go outdoors. Icelandic horseback riding can look relaxed from the ground, but once you’re on board, balance and steering become real. The arena gives you a controlled place to learn without worrying about uneven ground, wind gusts, or distractions on the trail.

You’ll typically start by getting comfortable with your horse—how it stands, how it reacts when you move, and what your body cues do. Then you’ll practice the basics that let you enjoy the ride instead of white-knuckling it. For first-timers, that order matters. You learn enough to feel in control, then you get rewarded with the views outside.

One detail I especially like is that this prep also helps you check your understanding. If something doesn’t click right away, you can observe and adjust before the group heads out. That’s a big deal when you’re juggling the basics while also trying to relax.

If you’ve got more experience, you still benefit from the warm-up. It helps you sync with a specific horse and understand what your guide expects from you on the trail.

The Trail Ride Itself: 1.5 Hours of Guided Icelandic Country Air

Once the prep is done, you head out for the scenic ride through the countryside. The duration is about 1.5 hours, guided the whole time. You’re not out there alone with a route map; your guide manages the pace and keeps the group moving safely.

The ride is designed to be enjoyable, not punishing. The schedule is long enough to feel like a real experience, but short enough that most riders don’t get completely exhausted. That balance is part of what makes this a strong option if you’re fitting Icelandic riding into a busy itinerary.

There’s also a “you’re on this trip, not just passing through” rhythm to it. You’ll ride along paths that give you open sightlines and chances to take photos. In one case, a photo stop was part of the plan, and you may find moments where your guide slows down so you can capture the scene without leaning over in awkward positions.

And yes—wind can change the vibe. One rider noted it was very windy that day, which can make you feel a bit chilled even when you’re moving. The guide wasn’t the problem. It was the weather, so dress like Iceland will be Iceland.

Gaits and Confidence: What to Expect About Tölt and Pace

Because you’re riding Icelandic horses, tölt is a big part of the fun. The ride can include tölt moments, and the guide may encourage it once they feel you’re comfortable. If you’re new, you can still hope for those extra-gait moments, but your guide will prioritize your comfort and safety first.

If you have some riding experience, you might be able to tailor the ride more to your level—especially on a private tour. In at least one case, a solo rider got multiple tölt opportunities and even talked about going faster, with adjustments made based on agreement and comfort.

That’s worth remembering when you’re choosing your style of tour. A group ride can be a bit more standardized. A private ride gives your guide more flexibility to match what you want—within reason and with the horse’s capabilities.

Group vs Private Tour: When Small Gets Personal

This tour offers two ways to ride: the standard group option and a private tour. Both are guided, both include the prep lesson and the helmet, and both are centered on a 1.5-hour ride. The difference is how much attention your guide can give and how much your pace can match your preferences.

In the standard version, the group is kept small, limited to 10 participants. That’s a sweet spot. Large groups tend to stretch riders out and slow down the instruction. With fewer people, your guide can spot who needs help sooner and keep the group from turning into a slow line of confusion.

If you want more personalization—like focusing on control skills, practicing more transitions, or simply avoiding group pacing—private is the better match. If you’re traveling as a couple, or you want your guide to adapt your experience level more directly, private can turn this into a more memorable session rather than a “check the activity box” stop.

What’s Included for $109: Real Value, Not Just a Price Tag

At $109 per person for the 1.5-hour tour, you’re paying for three things that matter in Iceland: trained guidance, a proper setup for beginners, and Icelandic horse time with a meaningful view payoff.

Here’s what you get in the core experience:

• Prep lesson in a large indoor arena
• Scenic trail ride with a guide
• Helmet included
• Time with your horse before you head out

Lunch is only listed as included on a longer 5-hour day tour option, not on this 1.5-hour format. So if you’re just looking for the short ride, you’ll want to plan food outside of the activity.

Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need a car or a separate transfer plan. The good news is that it’s close to Borgarnes, so it’s not a long haul to reach the stables.

If you’re deciding whether this is worth it, the key is the “prep before trail” structure. That setup reduces stress and increases your odds of enjoying the ride rather than struggling through it.

Packing List: What to Wear So You Actually Enjoy Yourself

Horseback riding is mostly about comfort and warmth. Here’s what to bring, based on the activity requirements:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Comfortable clothes

You should assume you’ll feel wind. Even if you start the day hopeful, Iceland can change quickly. Layering is your best friend. Also remember: no smoking.

If you have long hair, tie it back so it doesn’t end up in your face every time you move. Small things like this can prevent you from fidgeting the whole ride, which helps your horse and helps you.

Safety and Fit: Weight Limits and Age Rules

This ride has limits for both safety and horse comfort:

• Not suitable for children under 6
• Not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg)

It’s also wheelchair accessible, but the data doesn’t explain how on-horse support is handled. If you’re using a wheelchair, it’s smart to ask ahead so you understand exactly how the staff will manage boarding.

For rider skill levels, the information is clearly split:

• The shorter 1.5-hour ride is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners.
• A full-day tour is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders.

So if you’re brand new, this short option makes the most sense.

Who Should Book This Borgarnes Horse Ride (and Who Should Skip It)

You should book if:

• You want Icelandic horses with real instruction, not just a casual ride
• You’re nervous about learning basics and you like the idea of practicing in an indoor arena first
• You want a guided scenic horseback experience that fits into a tight schedule

You might skip or choose a different format if:

• You’re over the weight limit
• You’re traveling with very young children
• You hate cold wind and won’t dress in layers (this is Iceland; warmth isn’t optional)

Should You Book? My Quick Decision Guide

If you want a confident start, you should. The structure—prep lesson first, trail ride second—is the whole point, and it’s built for first-timers as much as for experienced riders. Add the small group cap and helmet included, and the value starts to make sense quickly.

If you care about getting more ride variety (like more tölt time) and you have experience, consider a private tour. It’s the best way to ask for what you want without the group pulling you into a one-size pace.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour from Hestaland?

The ride is about 1.5 hours.

Is a prep lesson included before going outside?

Yes. You get a prep lesson in a large indoor arena before the scenic trail ride.

Do I get a helmet?

Yes, a helmet is included.

What language is the guide available in?

The live guide is available in English, Icelandic, German, and Danish.

Is this tour offered in a group or can I book it privately?

It’s offered as a group tour, and you can also choose a private tour for a more personalized experience.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet your guide at the stables in Hestaland.

How far is Hestaland from Borgarnes?

It’s about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

What should I wear?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and comfortable clothes.

Are there age or weight limits?

Yes. It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old, and the maximum weight is 243 lbs (110 kg).

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only for the 5-hour day tour option, not for the 1.5-hour experience.