Deacon Horse Riding Tour

Tölt under open skies is pure Iceland magic. On the Deacon Horse Riding Tour in north Iceland, you ride Icelandic horses into the countryside for about 1.5 hours, with multiple chances to practice the tölt, that famously smooth gait. I love the calm, hands-on way the guides work with riders of all experience levels, and I also love the end of tour touch, with coffee and light refreshments. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the ride may start on dirt and gravel tracks with a great mountain backdrop, so it is not a nonstop, steep trail trek the whole time.

What makes this feel “small town Iceland” instead of big-bus tourism is the group size. This tour runs as a small group (up to 8 riders), and on some days it is as small as two people, which means you get more attention while mounting, learning cues, and getting good photo stops. The main drawback for some riders is simple: the ride pace is designed to keep everyone safe and comfortable, so if you want a super fast, long gallop, you might have to compromise a bit on speed.

Key highlights you will feel from the saddle

• Icelandic tölt practice: you get real opportunities to try the gait that makes these horses special
• Small group, up to 8 riders: less waiting, more coaching, and a more personal rhythm
• Photo-friendly moments: you stop to take pictures during the ride, not just at the start
• Homemade treats at the end: coffee or tea plus cake, sometimes homemade snacks like happy marriage cake
• All skill levels welcome: short instruction in the beginning, even if you have never ridden before

Why Icelandic tölt feels different from regular riding

If you have only ridden a traditional horse, tölt is the first thing that can surprise you. It is a unique gait, and on this ride you get multiple chances to “find” it under you. The magic is not just that you are moving differently. It is that the Icelandic horse gait tends to feel steadier and smoother, especially when the guide cues you and watches your balance.

I like how this tour treats tölt as a learning moment, not a stunt. You are not expected to already know every cue. Instead, you ride long enough to build confidence, then you get chances to try faster or more energetic movement near the end, depending on how the group is doing and what the horses and conditions allow.

And because you are in north Iceland, the ride has a sense of space. You are not boxed into a parking lot loop. Even when you are on a dirt or gravel road at first, you still have open countryside and mountain views around you, so it feels like you are getting real Iceland out of the session.

From Ytri Bægisá to your first cues in the saddle

Your tour starts and ends at Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland. Expect a short setup period where you get matched with a horse and get basic guidance before you head out. Riders who are new to horseback riding often say the beginning is manageable, because you get lessons right away, including how to handle your body as the horse moves.

One practical tip I would give you from the experience I see reflected in the overall feedback: plan to ask about where to park and where to enter. A couple of people noted that arrival details were not obvious, and a quick question on the ground saves you stress. If you are driving yourself, you might also want to arrive early, just to give yourself slack while you find the right spot.

Fitness level matters, but not in a scary way. The requirement calls for moderate physical fitness, which usually means you should be comfortable sitting on a horse, moving in and out of the saddle, and staying steady for the ride. If you have medical concerns, I would still treat this as an active horseback experience and check with the provider before you book.

The real route: wooded trails, water crossings, and mountain views

You are out for about 2 hours 15 minutes total, and the riding portion is around 1.5 hours. That is a sweet spot. Long enough to feel like you left the farm, short enough that beginners still finish without dread.

What you might see along the way, based on how the ride is described: wooded trails, open meadows, and countryside with mountain backdrops. Some rides include streams and rushing water, and you may cross a small bridge during the route to get into the forest. You can also expect a hillside or scenic stop where the guides help with photos, so you are not just bouncing along without a chance to breathe.

Now, here is the balanced part. The description leans toward mountains in north Iceland, and you will see the mountains. But the route may include stretches along dirt and gravel tracks, even if the views are still excellent. In other words, it is not a rugged all-day mountain hike. It is a countryside ride that uses the terrain wisely, with safer footing and a steady progression from the farm area into the best scenery zones.

Also, pace can vary. People mention that there is often a mix of slower walk and some faster movement later, including tölt. If you want more speed, say so during the instruction phase. The guides are attentive, and they can adjust within safety limits.

Small-group size that actually changes your experience

This is one of those tours where “small group” matters because the work is physical. When the group is tight, the guide can watch you, adjust your position, and keep things calm as you move through different terrain.

The tour caps at up to 8 travelers, which is a big reason so many people report feeling supported. In practice, you are less likely to get lost in the shuffle when horses are being assigned, when you have a question, or when you need a slow moment to settle your nerves.

I also like that the experience is offered in English, so you get coaching and guidance without language stress. You should expect guides to be interactive, and many riders specifically mention that the staff are patient, helpful, and very supportive.

Guide names show up often in the positive feedback, including Anna María, Lara, Amelie, Monica, Britt, and Berber, with different guides leading different groups. That matters because it signals consistency in how the team works with riders, not just one magic individual on one perfect day.

Coffee, light refreshments, and the homemade cake finish

After the ride, you are invited to coffee and light refreshments. This is not just a nice touch. It is where the experience turns from “activity” into “memory.”

People mention tea and delicious cake as part of the wrap-up, and some specifically call out homemade cake, including happy marriage cake. Whether you are coming in cold from north Iceland weather or you are just mentally exhausted from learning a new gait, a warm drink and a sweet snack is a smart way to end.

It also gives you time to ask questions while you cool down. You can compare notes on what you felt during tölt, what worked for you, and what you want to try next time you are on Icelandic horses.

Price and value: what $160.57 buys you in Akureyri

The price is $160.57 per person, and it may feel steep until you break down what is included. You are paying for:

• Icelandic horses that are chosen for your skill level
• instruction and coaching at the beginning
• about 1.5 hours riding (the part most people came for)
• a guided route that gets you into varied countryside
• end-of-tour coffee and light refreshments

Add in that the tour is offered in English and typically runs as a small group, and the value story gets clearer. You are not paying only for “time on a horse.” You are paying for a structured experience that prioritizes safety, comfort, and matching riders with horses that suit them.

One note if you are connecting from a cruise or using transport services. Some riders describe extra charges related to port pickup and, in one case, needing a taxi to reach the stable even after transport was arranged. I cannot tell you exactly what will be true for your day, but I would treat it like a checklist item: confirm how you get from your arrival point to Ytri Bægisá, and what is included versus optional.

When this tour runs and how weather changes the plan

This experience is available in summer, roughly February to October. It also requires good weather, meaning if conditions are poor, your tour may be canceled and you will be offered another date or a full refund.

I like this approach because it keeps the horseback side realistic. Iceland weather can turn fast, and horses also need workable ground. If you are booking near the edge of forecast windows, build in flexibility. If you are trying to fit it into a packed itinerary, you risk losing the day if rain or wind is too strong.

If it helps, book with the assumption that your day depends on conditions, and plan a “Plan B” activity nearby. The overall setup is meant to keep the experience enjoyable for riders and safe for the horses.

Also, cancellation is straightforward: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That makes this easier to gamble on when weather forecasts still look uncertain.

Who should book this riding tour, and who should skip it

This is designed for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. If you are new, you will likely start with instruction in a pen or beginning area, then move out into trails and countryside. Multiple riders mention they felt safe and secure, even with little or no prior experience, largely because the guides are patient and give hands-on support.

If you are an experienced rider, you still might appreciate the structure and the chance to experience Icelandic horses at a gait that feels different. People who ride often mention it is a highlight of the trip, with some getting opportunities for trot and more energetic movement later in the session.

Where it might not fit as well:

• If you have serious mobility limitations, because the requirement is moderate physical fitness and you spend meaningful time on horseback
• If you want a long, high-speed ride only. This tour aims for safety, group comfort, and the Icelandic horse experience. Speed is not the main selling point

If you love animals, open countryside, and a guided session that leaves room for photos and a relaxed pace, this is a very solid pick.

Making the most of the ride on arrival

To get the best start, show up early enough to handle a quick arrival question. People have said the only real confusion was figuring out where to park and enter on arrival. A quick check with the team helps you get on a horse faster and keeps nerves low.

Also, go into the tour expecting coaching. Even if you are a confident rider, Icelandic horses and Icelandic trails require a different feel. You will enjoy it more if you listen, adjust, and let your guide set the pace based on the group.

Finally, if you want more speed later, ask clearly during instruction. Many riders say they would have liked the ride faster, which suggests that the guides can calibrate pace a bit. They also have to keep everyone comfortable and safe, so be direct about what you want.

Should you book Deacon Horse Riding Tour in Akureyri?

Yes, if you want a high-value Icelandic horse experience that is comfortable for beginners, not just for seasoned riders. The combination of tölt practice, a genuinely small group, and a warm refreshment finish with homemade cake is a recipe that consistently earns strong ratings, including a 4.9 out of 5 score.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you need nonstop rugged mountain riding at full speed. This is a guided countryside ride with some road segments and a pace built for safety and comfort. If you go in with the right expectations, you will get what matters most: Icelandic horses, open north Iceland scenery, coaching you can trust, and a great ending at the farm.

FAQ

How long is the Deacon Horse Riding Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours 15 minutes overall, with roughly 1.5 hours riding time plus time for finishing touches like refreshments.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need riding experience?

No. The tour welcomes all skill levels, including beginners through expert riders, with instruction at the start.

What is tölt and will I get to try it?

Tölt is a special gait of Icelandic horses. The tour description notes multiple opportunities to tölt your horse during the ride.

Is there food or drinks included?

Yes. At the end of the tour, you are invited to join for coffee and light refreshments.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum group size of up to 8 travelers, which keeps the experience more personal.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

When is the tour available?

It runs in summer, listed as February to October.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the local start time.