Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

The best part of this Hestaland outing is the indoor prep lesson. You get time to meet your horse, settle into the saddle, and practice before heading outside, which makes a real difference if this is your first ride. Then you follow a guide through open countryside, with views toward a small river and plenty of room to enjoy Iceland’s wide skies.

I like two things here: the calm start in the arena, and the small-group format, limited to 10 people. Guides such as Bára and Juna have helped beginners feel at ease, while stronger riders have had the pace adjusted for tölting or even galloping when conditions and ability allowed. The main drawback is time. At 1.5 hours, this is a friendly introduction, not a long expedition.

Key points

• Indoor lesson first: Practice handling and riding in a large arena before going onto the trail.
• Beginner-friendly route: The shorter ride suits first-time riders and people with little experience.
• Icelandic horse experience: You may get to try the famous tölt, depending on your ability and the guide’s judgment.
• Small groups: Groups are limited to 10 participants, with private rides available for more personal attention.
• Easy Borgarnes add-on: Hestaland is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes, but transport is not included.
• Weather matters: Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are essential in western Iceland, even for a short ride.

Starting at Hestaland, 15 minutes from Borgarnes

Hestaland is close enough to Borgarnes to fit neatly into a day of sightseeing in western Iceland. The stable is about a 15-minute drive from town, so you will need your own transport or another way to reach the activity site. Pickup is not included.

That short drive is worth noting when you plan your day. Do not treat the meeting point as if it were in central Borgarnes. Allow time to arrive, find the stable, and get ready without rushing.

The setting gives you a quick change from town to open countryside. Instead of spending the whole activity in an enclosed riding school, you begin indoors and then head outside for scenery, fresh air, and a more traditional Icelandic riding experience.

The group size is capped at 10 people. That is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on first-timers, though the exact feel will depend on how many people book your departure. If you want the most individual attention, a private ride is the better choice.

Meeting your horse in the indoor arena

The first part is not filler. You meet your horse and get comfortable before the group leaves the stable. You may help prepare the horse, including brushing, which gives you a useful moment to get used to its size and behavior.

Then comes the prep lesson in a large indoor arena. Here you can work through the basic movements and get a feel for steering, stopping, and staying balanced. If you have never ridden before, this is the point where you can ask questions and discover how the horse responds before the route begins.

I consider this the strongest feature of the tour. A first ride can feel intimidating if you are placed straight onto a trail with no practice. The arena gives you a controlled place to find your balance and check that you understand the guide’s instructions.

The indoor space also helps when Iceland’s weather turns unpleasant. Wind and rain can make a short ride feel much longer, so having the lesson indoors provides a more comfortable start. You still need warm clothes, since the outdoor portion can be cold even when the day looks mild.

A helmet is included. Wear clothes that let you move freely, along with comfortable shoes. The activity does not allow smoking, and children under 6 are not permitted. There is also a weight limit of 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Riding out through western Iceland

Once the guide is satisfied that everyone is ready, the group leaves the arena for a scenic trail ride. The route passes through the countryside near the stable, with broad views and, on one described outing, a small river along the way.

This is not a fast-paced riding challenge. The shorter route is designed for all experience levels, including people trying horseback riding for the first time. The guide sets the pace and keeps the group together, so you can focus on the views instead of worrying about navigation.

For beginners, that steady approach is a major advantage. You have time to get used to the horse’s movement and to look around without being asked to perform complicated riding skills. The open setting adds a sense of freedom, but the guide remains responsible for directing the group.

A photo stop may be part of the outing. Bára has taken photos for riders during the ride, which is helpful because taking your own pictures while mounted is not always easy. Do not assume every departure will include the same exact stop or photo service, but the format allows for pauses when the guide thinks they make sense.

The scenery is the main reward. You ride among the open fields and distant views rather than simply circling a riding ring. On a clear day, the combination of Icelandic horses, open sky, and quiet countryside can make this short activity feel much bigger than its clock time suggests.

Tölt, pace, and what beginners should expect

The Icelandic horse is known for the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel different from an ordinary walk or trot. On some rides, participants have been able to try tölting several times after the guide judged that they were ready.

That possibility adds character to the experience, but it should not be treated as a guarantee. Your time in the tölt depends on your riding ability, the horse, the route, and the guide’s decision. Safety and control come first.

One experienced rider had the ride adjusted to include a lot of tölting and some galloping after discussing it with the guide. That is useful information if you already ride regularly. The standard short outing can offer more than a simple walking tour, but you need to communicate your experience clearly before the ride begins.

For a first-time rider, the goal is different. You are there to learn the basics, stay comfortable, and enjoy the horse and scenery. The guide’s job is not to turn a beginner into an advanced rider in 90 minutes. It is to make the first experience manageable and enjoyable.

The full-day option is aimed at intermediate and advanced riders. It is a different commitment from this shorter tour and should not be confused with the beginner-friendly ride. Lunch is included only with the 5-hour day tour, not with the 1.5-hour experience.

Guides who keep the ride personal

The quality of the instruction matters more than fancy equipment on a short horseback tour. Bára and Juna are two guides connected with especially personal outings. Their approach has included clear explanations, patient help for beginners, repeated checks that riders feel safe, and adjustments based on ability.

That kind of attention is valuable when the group includes mixed experience levels. A confident rider may want to try tölting, while a nervous beginner may still be learning how to guide the horse. A careful guide can give each person the right amount of help without making the outing feel like a formal lesson.

The available languages are English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. If you are more comfortable receiving riding instructions in one of those languages, check the option when booking.

A private ride is worth considering if you have specific wishes. It can give you a more tailored pace and a quieter setting, though the supplied price of $109 per person refers to the advertised activity and may not represent the cost of a private arrangement. Ask about the private option before you commit if customization is important.

What the $109 price gets you

At $109 per person, the value depends on what you want from a horseback ride. You are paying for more than a short trail loop. The price includes the indoor prep lesson, the guided outdoor ride, and a helmet. You also get the convenience of having the horse and route organized for you.

The 1.5-hour length keeps the price and physical demand below those of a half-day or full-day ride. That makes it easier to fit between other stops around Borgarnes. It is also a sensible way to test horseback riding if you are not sure how your back, legs, or confidence will respond.

The tradeoff is that the experience ends just as you may be getting fully comfortable. If you already ride often and want a substantial day in the saddle, this short route may feel limited. The full-day ride is better suited to intermediate and advanced riders, but it requires more time and stamina.

Lunch is not included in this short outing. Plan to eat before or after, especially if you are building a full day around Borgarnes. Transportation is also separate, so include fuel or other transport costs in your budget.

The booking terms add useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before shaping the rest of your day.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and horseback riding leaves you exposed to wind even when the temperature seems reasonable. Bring warm clothing and wear comfortable clothes that will not restrict your legs or catch on the saddle.

Comfortable shoes are listed as essential. You do not need to arrive with specialist riding gear, since a helmet is included, but sensible footwear and warm layers will make the experience much easier.

Wind was a drawback on one outing, not because of the organization or the horse, but because outdoor riding in strong wind is simply less pleasant. Keep that in mind when judging the activity. The stable cannot control the weather, and a beautiful route can feel very different on a cold, wet day.

The horses are described as calm and friendly, which is reassuring for beginners. Still, you are dealing with animals, not machines. Pay close attention during the arena lesson and tell the guide if you feel unsure, uncomfortable, or unable to control your horse.

One family outing even included a look at a very young foal and the stable dog, Tófa. Those details may vary by date, but they show that the stable setting can offer a little more animal contact than the trail ride alone.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits you best if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses without spending half a day in the saddle. It is a good match for first-time riders, families with children aged 6 and over, couples, and people fitting a short outdoor activity into a larger western Iceland itinerary.

It also works for solo riders. One solo participant found the ride flexible and personal, with the pace adjusted to existing riding experience. A private booking may be better if you have particular goals or want a quieter, more tailored outing.

You should look elsewhere if you want a long wilderness ride, a guaranteed gallop, or a full day with lunch. The short tour is deliberately accessible. Its strength is the combination of instruction, a gentle route, and a manageable time commitment.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but horseback riding itself can involve mounting, dismounting, and sitting in a saddle. If accessibility is important for your booking, confirm the practical arrangements with Hestaland before paying.

Should you book the Hestaland ride?

I would book this if you are near Borgarnes and want a well-organized first taste of riding in Iceland. The indoor lesson, patient guide support, helmet, and small-group format give beginners a safer and more comfortable start than a ride that sends you straight onto the trail.

Book the private option if you have strong preferences, mixed riding abilities, or a specific interest in tölting. Choose the longer day tour instead if you already ride confidently and want substantial time with the horses.

For most people, the $109 price is fair for a 1.5-hour introduction that includes both preparation and a scenic ride. Just plan for the drive from Borgarnes, dress for wind and cold, and remember that the experience is a short countryside outing, not a full-day riding adventure.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the prep lesson and scenic trail ride.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Hestaland, about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes in western Iceland.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The shorter trail ride is suitable for all experience levels, including people riding for the first time. A prep lesson takes place in a large indoor arena before the group goes outside.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is included in the activity price.

Can I book a private horseback ride?

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

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. Smoking is not allowed, children under 6 cannot participate, and the maximum listed weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.