Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

Iceland looks even better from horseback. This 1.5-hour outing at Hestaland gives you a calm introduction to Icelandic horses, starting with a prep lesson in a large indoor arena before heading into the countryside. I like the thoughtful setup for beginners and the small groups, limited to 10 people, which gives the guide room to keep an eye on everyone.

I also like the chance to experience the famous Icelandic tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that several riders managed during the short ride. The main consideration is the weather. Strong wind can make an otherwise lovely outing feel chilly, so warm clothing is not optional here.

The tour costs $109 per person, with a helmet, guide, arena lesson, and trail ride included. You need to reach Hestaland yourself, about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes. The short ride suits first-timers, while the longer five-hour option is intended for intermediate and advanced riders.

Key points to know before you book

• A proper indoor prep lesson: You get time to meet and handle your horse before going outside, a real help if you have never ridden.
• Beginner-friendly countryside ride: The 1.5-hour outing is designed for all experience levels, including complete beginners.
• A chance to try the tölt: With the guide’s approval and the right conditions, you may ride this distinctive Icelandic gait.
• Small groups of up to 10: The guide can check that you feel safe and understand the instructions.
• Private rides are available: Choose this option if you have specific wishes or want the pace adjusted more closely to your riding level.
• Easy access from Borgarnes: Hestaland is roughly 15 minutes by car, but transportation is not included.

Arriving at Hestaland from Borgarnes

Hestaland is in western Iceland, a short drive from Borgarnes. The stated travel time is about 15 minutes by car, so you should allow for your own transportation when planning the day. The activity does not include pickup or drop-off.

That location works well as a short stop during a drive through western Iceland. The ride lasts 1.5 hours, leaving you time to continue exploring the region afterward. It is also short enough to fit into a day when you do not want a full riding expedition.

The stable is the starting point for the whole experience. You meet the guide, get introduced to your horse, and prepare before the group moves into the arena. The setting feels practical rather than rushed, especially for people who need a little time to get comfortable around a horse.

You should arrive in comfortable clothes and shoes, with warm layers ready for the outdoor portion. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and one rider found the outing quite windy even though the organization and horse were both good. Smoking is not allowed.

The indoor arena gives beginners room to breathe

The best feature of this short tour is the prep lesson in the large indoor arena. Instead of putting you straight onto a horse and sending you outside, the staff gives you time to understand the basics in a controlled space.

You get to know your horse and check that you feel comfortable. The arena also gives the guide a chance to explain how to sit, steer, stop, and respond to the horse before the trail ride begins. For a first-time rider, that can change the whole mood from nervous to excited.

Several complete beginners found this preparation especially useful. One group with no riding experience was able to enjoy the ride from the beginning after a clear introduction. Another rider appreciated being able to check that everything made sense before leaving the arena.

You may also have time to help prepare or brush the horse. That small task is worth taking seriously. It gives you a chance to notice the horse’s temperament and become less of a stranger to the animal before you climb aboard.

The stable setting can include more than horses. One outing featured a friendly indoor dog named Tófa and a five-day-old foal. Those details are not guaranteed, but they show the kind of farm atmosphere you may encounter before the ride starts.

Meeting an Icelandic horse

Icelandic horses are compact, sure-footed, and known for their distinctive gaits. The tour lets you experience these horses in a direct, hands-on way instead of simply seeing them from a roadside fence.

The horses used on the ride have been described as calm, gentle, well cared for, and pleasant to ride. That matters greatly for beginners. A quiet horse lets you focus on the guide’s instructions and the scenery instead of worrying about every movement beneath you.

You should still remember that a horse is an animal, not a sightseeing vehicle. Listen closely during the prep lesson and follow the guide’s directions. If you are anxious, say so early. The small-group format makes it easier for the guide to adjust the introduction and monitor how you are doing.

The weight limit is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Children under six cannot take part. These restrictions are important for the safety and comfort of both rider and horse, so check them before booking.

Following the river into the countryside

Once everyone is ready, the ride leaves the arena and follows a trail through the countryside. The exact views depend on the day and route, but the experience includes wide views, open Icelandic scenery, and a ride beside a small river.

That river section gives the outing a clear sense of place. You are not circling an exercise ring or riding around a crowded attraction. You are moving through the countryside with the horse’s rhythm under you and open views around you.

A photo stop may be included along the way. Guides can also take pictures for you, which is useful because holding a phone while riding is a poor plan. One guide, Bára, was particularly praised for checking often that everyone felt safe and for taking attractive photos during the trip.

The pace is guided and controlled. The shorter ride is suitable for all levels, so you should not expect a long, fast gallop. Riders with some experience may get more from the outing by asking in advance about the pace and the possibility of tölting or galloping.

The tölt is the memorable Icelandic touch

The tölt is one of the reasons many people choose an Icelandic horse ride. It is a smooth gait specific to certain horses, and it can feel very different from an ordinary walk or trot.

Riders on this outing managed to tölt several times, sometimes up to four times during the ride. One more experienced rider was able to include plenty of tölt and some galloping after discussing it with the guide. That is a good example of how the experience can change with the group’s ability and the day’s conditions.

Do not assume you will gallop. The 1.5-hour ride is open to beginners, and the guide’s priority is keeping the group comfortable and safe. If you have experience and want a faster ride, a private trail ride is the better choice because the guide can shape the outing around your ability.

The tölt is best treated as a possible bonus, not a promise. Weather, horse, group mix, and safety all affect what the guide can offer. Even without it, the ride through the countryside is the main event.

A closer look at the 1.5-hour schedule

The activity is short, but it includes more than 90 minutes of simply sitting on a horse. Your time generally breaks into three useful stages.

First, you meet the guide and horse at the stable. This is when you can ask questions, listen to safety instructions, and begin getting comfortable around the animal.

Next comes the indoor prep lesson. The arena is especially valuable for first-time riders because you can practice before facing uneven ground, wind, or the distractions of the open countryside.

Finally, you head outside for the guided trail ride. The route offers countryside views and may include a river section, photo stop, and opportunities to try the tölt if the guide agrees.

The short length is both an advantage and a limitation. It fits easily into a busy day and does not demand a full commitment from a nervous beginner. If you already ride regularly, though, you may find it too brief, especially if you want a long trek or extended time at faster gaits.

Hestaland also offers a five-hour day tour, which includes lunch. That longer option is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders. It is not the right substitute for this short beginner ride if you are looking for a gentle first experience.

Group ride or private outing?

The standard tour is a small group with no more than 10 participants. That is a sensible size for a riding lesson and trail outing. You get the shared feel of a group activity without being lost in a large procession.

The guide can check on riders during the trail and ask if everyone feels secure. That attention was a recurring strength of the experience. For people who have never ridden, regular check-ins can make the difference between enjoying the scenery and worrying about losing control.

A private ride costs more than the standard option, but it may be worth considering if you have specific requests. You might want a slower pace, extra help as a beginner, more tölt, or a ride matched to your existing experience.

Private is also the smart choice for a mixed-ability party. One confident rider and one nervous beginner may not want the same pace. A private guide can work more closely with the group instead of following a fixed rhythm set by other riders.

What $109 includes, and what it does not

At $109, this is not Iceland’s cheapest short activity. The value comes from the combination of instruction, horse preparation, equipment, and a guided ride rather than from the trail time alone.

Your fee includes the indoor prep lesson, scenic trail ride, guide, and helmet. You are not paying extra for the most basic safety equipment, and the lesson gives real value to anyone who needs instruction.

The tour also avoids a common problem with short riding experiences: rushing beginners straight outside. The arena time means part of the fee supports preparation, which is exactly what you want if you have limited or no experience.

You must pay for your own transportation to Hestaland. Lunch is not included with the 1.5-hour tour. Lunch is included only with the five-hour day tour, so do not plan on a meal as part of this shorter outing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can shape this experience more than any other practical detail. A calm, clear day will make the trail ride feel open and easy. Wind or rain can make the same route much less comfortable.

Wear warm clothing in layers. Comfortable clothes matter because you will be seated on a horse and moving outdoors. Comfortable shoes are required, and you should choose footwear that feels secure rather than fashionable.

The helmet is included, so you do not need to bring one. You should still dress for the weather rather than relying on the helmet and a jacket alone. One ride took place in strong wind, and the rider found the conditions uncomfortable even though the horse and guide were excellent.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. You should still confirm the arrangements for your particular needs before booking, since the activity includes moving between the stable, arena, and trail.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This is a strong fit for you if you are new to horseback riding and want a structured introduction. The indoor lesson, calm horses, small group, and short duration remove much of the pressure from trying something unfamiliar.

It also suits families with older children, couples, solo riders, and people who want a countryside activity that does not take an entire day. Children must be at least six years old.

Riders with some experience can enjoy it too, especially if they choose a private ride or clearly explain their ability and preferences. The standard outing may allow tölting, and in some cases galloping, but the group’s needs come first.

You may want a different option if you are seeking a long-distance trek, a full day in the saddle, or guaranteed fast riding. The five-hour tour is the better match for intermediate and advanced riders, though it is a separate, longer experience.

Should you book Hestaland?

Book this tour if you want a well-prepared first ride in Iceland, especially near Borgarnes. The indoor lesson is the key reason to choose it. You get time to understand the horse and instructions before meeting the open countryside, and the guides appear attentive to comfort and safety.

The tour is also a good value for a short activity because the fee includes the horse, helmet, guide, arena preparation, and trail ride. Just budget for transport, dress warmly, and keep your expectations realistic about speed.

I would choose a private ride if you have clear riding goals or a mixed-ability group. I would choose the five-hour option if you already ride and want more time, with the reminder that it is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders. For a gentle, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses, the 1.5-hour Hestaland outing is an easy one to recommend.

FAQ

Where is Hestaland located?

Hestaland is in western Iceland, about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The short horseback riding experience lasts 1.5 hours, including the prep lesson and scenic trail ride.

Is the tour suitable for complete beginners?

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

What happens during the prep lesson?

You meet your horse and practice getting comfortable with the horse in a large indoor arena before heading out on the trail.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is included in the activity.

Can I choose a private horseback ride?

Yes. You can choose between a regular group tour and a private trail ride. A private ride is recommended if you have specific wishes or preferences.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants, making it a small-group experience.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides may speak English, Icelandic, German, or Danish.

Are transportation and lunch included?

Transportation to and from Hestaland is not included. Lunch is included only with the five-hour day tour, not the 1.5-hour ride.