Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

Wind in your face, Iceland on horseback. This Borgarnes horseback tour starts with hands-on training in a large indoor arena, then sends you out onto countryside trails with a real sense of Iceland blowing right through your layers. I especially like the way the lesson builds confidence fast, and I also like that you may get chances to ride the Icelandic way of moving, including tölt, if your guide thinks you are ready.

The main thing to plan for is weather. Even when you are in great company, strong wind can make the ride feel a lot colder and louder, so warm clothing matters more than you think.

Quick hits before you saddle up

• Indoor arena prep first, so beginners can get comfortable before the trail
• Small groups up to 10 for a calmer experience and more guide attention
• Helmet included, plus a guide who keeps an eye on everyone out on the route
• Guides like Juna and Bára are known for being patient with first-timers
• Trail moments for photos, with scenic stretches along the countryside
• Private option available if you want a more tailored ride

Horseback Riding From Hestaland, about 15 Minutes from Borgarnes

This ride is based at the stables in Hestaland. It is roughly a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes, which is useful if you are planning a day around that town or using it as your base in Iceland’s west. The activity itself runs about 1.5 hours, and the provider keeps the group size limited to 10 people, so you are not lost in a giant herd of tourists.

If you are coming from Borgarnes, plan on handling transportation yourself. The tour does not include pickup or transfers, so you’ll want to drive, arrange a ride, or fit it into a broader itinerary with your own transport.

One more practical point: the tour is described as wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility needs, it is worth contacting the operator ahead of time to confirm what that means on-site, given that you will be dealing with stable surfaces and boarding the horse.

The Indoor Arena Prep Lesson That Actually Helps

The heart of this experience is the prep lesson in a large indoor arena before you head out. That setting matters. You get instruction when you do not yet have the chaos of open weather, uneven ground, and moving scenery around you.

In real terms, this is where you learn how to:

• get comfortable with how the saddle and tack feel
• follow the guide’s cues without guessing
• understand basic riding posture and control

For beginners, this is the difference between feeling like you are simply sitting there and feeling like you can participate. For people with some experience, it is a quick reset so you and the horse start the ride on the same page.

A detail I really like from the way this tour is run is the built-in confidence check. Guides such as Bára are described as patient and clear with new riders, and that matters because Iceland horses can feel different from what many people expect. Even if you are nervous, you have time to watch, ask, and get your bearings before you roll out onto the trail.

Meet Your Horse, Get Set, Then Head Out on the Trail

Your tour starts at the stables. You meet your guide there, then you meet your horse. The ride is designed so you can take a moment to get comfortable, not just rush straight onto the horse and go.

Once everyone is ready, you move from the indoor arena to the countryside route. The trail riding portion is the scenic payoff. Expect views of rural Iceland and plenty of open air. You’ll also likely have at least one pause for photos, because guides want to capture the scenery and your ride without forcing you to stop abruptly while everyone is adjusting in the saddle.

One thing to know about Icelandic riding: if conditions allow and your guide feels you are comfortable, the tour may include a switch to tölt. Riders who were already familiar said they could be encouraged to ride in that faster, smoother Icelandic gait, and beginners also described getting to experience tölt at least briefly. Think of it as the chance to ride like Iceland does, not just as a slow walk for everyone.

What the 1.5-hour timing feels like

In a 1.5-hour experience, the schedule is tight. You will spend enough time in the arena to learn the basics, then you get a solid chunk of time on the trail for the views. If you want more trail time, consider the longer full-day option mentioned by the operator, since that is where lunch is included and where the route is better suited for intermediate to advanced riders.

How Wind, Rivers, and Icelandic Air Affect Your Ride

This tour is all about being outside, so weather will shape the experience. One rider noted it can be very windy on certain days, which makes the ride feel less cozy even if you are dressed well. This is not a reason to skip the tour, it is just a reason to pack smart.

Aim for warm layers you can move in. Comfortable clothing matters here, not just for warmth, but because you might be shifting your posture while you get used to the horse’s rhythm. The tour provides helmets, but you still bring the comfort.

If you are sensitive to cold, you might want to think about gloves and a hat, even though the tour lists general warm clothing rather than specific accessories.

As for the scenery itself, the ride is described as countryside riding with beautiful views and stretches along water. One rider specifically mentioned riding from the farm along a small river with wide-open views. That kind of route is great because it gives you both movement and visual payoff without feeling like you are stuck in a narrow corridor.

Regular vs Private: Getting More Personal or Keeping It Social

You have two main options: a regular group tour or a private tour. With a maximum of 10 participants, the standard option already feels fairly personal, but private is for when you want more control over pacing and attention.

If you have:

• limited time and want the ride tailored to your comfort level
• a stronger interest in learning technique
• specific goals like more tölt time or extra confidence-building

…private can be a good fit. Reviews also highlight that solo riders were surprised by how flexible and personal the experience could feel, with the horse and route adjusted to the rider’s level.

For couples and friends traveling together, private can be the calmest choice if you do not want to share cues and focus with others. For families or groups, the small-group regular tour is often easier logistically, but note that children under 6 are not suitable.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This is where the tour description gets very practical.

Shorter 1.5-hour ride

The shorter ride is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners and first-time riders. The indoor prep is a big part of why it works for newcomers. You are not expected to know how to ride before you arrive.

Longer full-day riding

The longer, full-day tour is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders. That usually means you’ll be on the horse longer and doing more riding work. If you are unsure where you land, the safest approach is to start with the shorter ride unless you already feel confident sitting upright, responding to cues, and staying comfortable with the horse’s gait changes.

Weight and age limits

This is not a universal activity. It is not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg), and children under 6 years old are not suitable.

If you are close to either limit, double-check before booking so you do not end up disappointed.

What to Bring, What’s Not Allowed, and Small Safety Notes

The tour lists a simple packing checklist. You can keep it easy, but do not treat it casually in Iceland weather.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• warm clothing
• comfortable clothes

Not allowed:

• smoking

Helmet is included, which is great because it reduces what you need to pack. Still, think about fit. If you have a head-size issue, it may be worth contacting the operator in advance.

And here is one balanced safety consideration. One review raised a concern that a horse might have been limping. That kind of situation can be scary, and you should not ignore it. If you ever notice a horse seems off, tell the guide right away. A good operator will take concerns seriously and assess the horse quickly.

Price and Value for a 1.5-Hour Iceland Ride at $109

At $109 per person for 1.5 hours, this price makes sense when you look at what you receive, not just the time. You get:

• an instructor-led prep lesson in a large indoor arena
• a guided scenic trail ride
• a helmet included
• a small-group setup limited to 10 participants

In Iceland, horses are not like renting a bike. You are paying for trained staff, animal care, tack, and the guide’s work of keeping everyone safe on the trail. The indoor arena lesson is part of that value, because it reduces your stress and improves your ability to enjoy the ride.

Also, you have two “value levers” that can make the experience feel worth it even more:

• The prep lesson gives you a better chance to enjoy the ride instead of just enduring it.
• The small group size helps the guide notice if you need more help with cues or balance.

If you are deciding between a short ride and a longer day, consider how much riding you actually want. The shorter option is a good way to try horseback riding in Iceland without committing to a full day, especially if you are a first-timer.

Languages, Pace, and What You’ll Hear Along the Way

The guide can speak English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. That matters if you want clear instructions and quick feedback, especially in the arena.

Pacing tends to be calm and guided. Guides are described as checking in frequently with beginners, watching everyone’s comfort, and keeping control while still letting you enjoy the scenery.

If you want more movement and gait variety, private can help, and intermediate riders may do more riding work on longer routes. For the 1.5-hour ride, the focus is on comfort and enjoying the Icelandic countryside.

Best Time to Book and How to Plan Around Iceland Weather

Because wind can be a factor, I’d plan your ride with layers ready no matter the season. On cold or windy days, the indoor arena prep feels even more valuable because you are warming up and learning the basics before your body gets hit by the elements.

If you are visiting during the winter months, expect cold air and strong gusts. If you are visiting in warmer months, the ride can still feel chilly without the right clothing, because Iceland weather changes quickly.

Also, since this is based in Hestaland and about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes, you can build it into a broader itinerary without losing half a day to transfers, as long as you handle transport on your own.

Should You Book This Borgarnes Horseback Riding Tour?

Book it if you want:

• a beginner-friendly way to ride Icelandic horses
• an actual prep lesson in an indoor arena
• a guided scenic ride with a small group atmosphere
• the option to upgrade to private for more personalized coaching

Think twice if:

• you are over 243 lbs (110 kg) or traveling with kids under 6
• you want a totally carefree, hands-off experience with no instruction. This tour is built around learning.
• you are extremely sensitive to wind chill and cold. You can dress for it, but it will still be outside.

If you are on the fence between a short ride and a longer day, the 1.5-hour tour is a smart starting point. It’s long enough to feel like you rode Iceland, but structured enough to keep beginners comfortable from the first minute at the stables.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour from Hestaland?

The ride lasts about 1.5 hours.

What is included in the 1.5-hour experience?

You get a prep lesson in a large indoor arena, a scenic trail ride with a guide, and a helmet.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

The shorter 1.5-hour trail ride is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners and first-time riders. The longer full-day tour is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders.

Can I book a private tour instead of a group ride?

Yes. You can choose between a regular tour and a private tour for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring with me?

Wear comfortable shoes and plan for warm clothing and comfortable clothes.

Where is the stables location, relative to Borgarnes?

The provider is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

Are there age and weight limits?

Yes. It is not suitable for children under 6 years old, and it is not suitable for people over 243 lbs (110 kg).