Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

The best part of this Icelandic horseback ride comes before you reach the trail. At Hestaland, you first get comfortable with your horse in a large indoor arena, so you are not trying to learn the reins while crossing open countryside. Then you ride beside a small river and through broad western Icelandic scenery, with time for photos and, if the group and horses are ready, a little tölt.

I like the calm start and the small groups of up to 10 people. I also like that guides such as Juna and Bára adjust their help to beginners rather than assuming everyone already knows how to ride. The main consideration is the short 1.5-hour format: it gives you a useful introduction, but experienced riders may want the longer private or full-day options.

Key points to know before you ride

• The indoor lesson matters: You learn basic riding skills and check your confidence before leaving the arena.
• The ride is beginner-friendly: The shorter tour suits first-time riders and people with little experience.
• Icelandic horses add a special touch: You may get to try the smooth tölt, depending on your ability and the guide’s judgment.
• Hestaland is outside Borgarnes: Allow for a 15-minute drive to the stables, since transportation is not included.
• Private rides allow more flexibility: Riders with experience or specific wishes can request a more personal outing.
• Dress for Iceland, not the calendar: Comfortable clothes, warm layers, and sturdy comfortable shoes are the practical choice.

Starting at Hestaland, 15 minutes from Borgarnes

Your meeting point is Hestaland, a horse farm about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes. You need to arrange your own way there, since hotel pickup and return transportation are not included. That short drive is easy to overlook when planning a day, so build it into your schedule rather than treating Borgarnes as the actual starting point.

The setting gives you a good change of pace from driving Iceland’s roads and stopping at viewpoints. Here, you are not simply looking at the countryside through a car window. You are moving through it at horse pace, with more time to notice the river, open fields, weather, and wide views.

You meet the guide and get acquainted with your horse at the stables. One especially useful part of the preparation can be grooming the horse together. It gives you a moment to learn the animal’s character and handle the horse before you climb on. For a first ride, that small step can make the whole experience feel less intimidating.

The large indoor arena gives beginners a safe start

The prep lesson takes place in a large indoor arena. This is one of the strongest features of the tour, especially in Iceland, where wind and rain can arrive without much warning. An indoor start lets you focus on the basics instead of immediately dealing with the full force of the weather.

You learn how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to simple instructions. The guide can check that you understand how to control your horse and that you feel secure in the saddle. If you have never ridden before, this is the point where you discover how much help you need before heading outside.

I would not treat the lesson as a formal riding course. It is a practical introduction designed to get you ready for a short trail ride. Still, that preparation has real value. A rushed mounting process and an immediate departure can make a first horseback outing stressful. Here, you have time to get your balance and ask for clarification.

The arena also gives the guide a chance to see how the group is doing. Families and mixed-ability groups benefit from this, since not everyone begins with the same level of confidence. Children under six cannot join, and riders over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, are not suitable for this activity.

Meeting the Icelandic horses before heading outdoors

The horses are Icelandic horses, a sturdy breed closely associated with the country. The experience is not just a standard horseback ride with a scenic backdrop. You get time to meet the horse, learn how it responds, and begin building trust before following the guide outside.

The horses used for these rides are described as calm, friendly, and well cared for. That matters most if you are new to riding. You still need to listen closely and follow the guide’s instructions, but a steady horse gives you room to enjoy the setting instead of worrying about every movement.

I like the personal touch of learning about your horse before the trail. One rider with prior experience was able to spend time grooming the horse and then ride at a pace suited to that ability. Another first-time group found the horses gentle and the preparation especially helpful.

You should still remember that horses are animals, not sightseeing equipment. Your guide decides what is appropriate for the group and the horses on the day. If you have a specific wish, such as more tölt or a faster pace, a private ride is the better choice because the guide can discuss what fits your experience.

Riding beside the river through western Iceland

After the arena session, you head onto the trail for the scenic portion of the tour. The route passes through the countryside near Hestaland, including a small river and open views across the surrounding Icelandic landscape. The scenery is broad and uncluttered, with the sort of quiet that is hard to find on a busy sightseeing stop.

The short ride gives you enough time to settle into the rhythm of the horse. At first, you may spend more attention on your posture and reins than on the view. Once those basics feel natural, you can look up and enjoy the countryside properly.

A photo stop is part of the experience. That is useful because horseback photos are not easy to arrange while the group is moving. The guide may also take pictures of you during the outing, as Bára did for one group. Do not treat that as a guaranteed professional photo service, but it is a welcome bonus when it happens.

The ride is scenic rather than an intense riding challenge. You should book it for the chance to experience Iceland from the saddle, not for a long-distance trek or advanced training session. The 1.5-hour duration works well as a first taste, especially if you are fitting the activity between other stops in western Iceland.

Tölt, pace, and what experienced riders can expect

The tölt is one of the most appealing details for people curious about Icelandic horses. This distinctive gait can feel smooth and comfortable, and some riders on the shorter outing were able to try it several times after the initial instruction.

That does not mean every participant should expect a fast or technical ride. The guide has to keep the group together and match the pace to the least experienced rider. A beginner group may spend most of its time at a calm walk, with a chance to try tölt when everyone is ready.

Riders with experience have more room to request an outing suited to their level. One solo rider with riding experience had a more flexible ride that included plenty of tölt and some galloping after discussing it in advance. This is exactly where a private trail ride can be worth the extra cost, though the price for that option is not specified here.

The full-day tour is intended for intermediate to advanced riders. It includes lunch and lasts five hours, but it is not the same product as this 1.5-hour introduction. If you are a confident rider looking for a substantial day in the saddle, ask about the longer option rather than assuming the short tour will provide the same pace or mileage.

Friendly instruction and a personal feel

The guides are a major part of the experience. Juna and Bára are specifically associated with patient, clear instruction and close attention to rider comfort. Bára, in particular, checked repeatedly that beginners felt safe and understood what to do. That sort of steady supervision is exactly what you want when riding in an unfamiliar place.

The activity is offered in English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. That can make the prep lesson easier to follow, particularly when you are learning physical commands rather than simply listening to sightseeing commentary.

The small-group limit of 10 helps the guide keep an eye on each rider. It does not guarantee a private experience, and the atmosphere will depend on the people booked that day. Still, 10 is a manageable number for a beginner ride and much more appealing than being one person in a large line of horses.

You can also choose a private tour. I would consider that option if you are traveling alone, have a noticeable difference in riding ability within your group, or want to discuss a specific pace. It is also the sensible choice if you have particular wishes that may not suit a mixed group.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and wind is the main comfort issue to take seriously. One experienced rider found a very windy day unpleasant, even though the horse and organization were not at fault. A warm layer and weather-ready outer clothing can make a big difference.

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Comfortable shoes are required, and you should choose footwear that feels secure rather than delicate city shoes. A helmet is included, so you do not need to bring one.

The indoor arena gives you some shelter at the start, but the trail is outdoors. Dress for the conditions you may meet, not just the conditions outside your hotel when you leave. Avoid smoking, which is not allowed during the activity.

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to the activity information. If you need specific assistance, it is still wise to confirm the details before booking, since horseback riding involves transfers and time around horses.

Is $109 a fair price for 1.5 hours?

At $109 per person, this is not a cheap quick activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the indoor prep lesson, horse, helmet, guide, and scenic trail ride. You are paying for a structured introduction, not just saddle time.

For a complete beginner, the lesson is important value. You are not expected to arrive already knowing how to handle a horse, and the guide has time to help you before the trail. The small group also adds value because instruction is more personal than it would be on a large commercial ride.

The calculation is less favorable for an experienced rider who wants several hours outdoors. In that case, the shorter tour may feel limited, especially after travel time to Hestaland. Compare it with the longer five-hour option or ask about a private ride if riding is one of the main purposes of your day.

The reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting. You can reserve a place without paying immediately, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Check the exact booking terms at the time you reserve.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This is a strong match for first-time riders, families with children aged six and up, and people who want a gentle outdoor activity between sightseeing drives. It also suits riders who have been away from horses for a while and would appreciate a refresher in a controlled setting.

It works well for a mixed group when one or two people are beginners. The guide can provide clear support, and the short format keeps the commitment manageable. The indoor arena is especially helpful for anyone nervous about mounting or controlling a horse.

Experienced riders should be more selective. You may enjoy the Icelandic horses and scenery, but the standard short ride is built around beginners. Ask for a private option if you want to set the pace, ride more tölt, or discuss faster work. The full-day tour is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders, with lunch included.

This is not suitable for children under six or people over 110 kilograms. Transportation is also not included, so you need a car or another way to reach Hestaland from Borgarnes.

Should you book the Hestaland ride?

Book it if you want a friendly first introduction to Icelandic horses, a useful indoor lesson, and a scenic countryside ride without giving up half a day. The guides’ patient approach, calm horses, and small-group size make the activity particularly appealing to beginners.

Think twice if you are an experienced rider seeking a long or demanding trail outing. The 1.5-hour version may leave you wanting more. Choose a private or full-day ride instead, and make your riding level and wishes clear before you start.

For most visitors, the best reason to book is the balance: enough instruction to feel secure, enough time outdoors to enjoy the countryside, and a manageable duration for a busy Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

The tour starts at Hestaland, which is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

How long does the standard tour last?

The standard 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.

Are children allowed to join?

Children under six years old are not suitable for this activity.

What is included in the price?

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

Is transportation to Hestaland included?

No. Transportation to and from the activity location is not included.

Can I book a private horseback ride?

Yes. You can choose a private tour if you want a more personal experience or have specific riding wishes.