Borgarnes: Horseback Riding Tour with Prep Lesson

Iceland looks different from horseback. This 1.5-hour ride at Hestaland gives you a useful indoor prep lesson before heading into the countryside, so you can settle in before the scenery starts moving past. I especially like the patient instruction for first-time riders and the chance to experience the famous Icelandic horse at a sensible pace.

The ride costs $109 per person, which is fair for a small-group activity with a guide, helmet, arena lesson, and trail ride. My main caution is the short duration: you get a pleasant introduction rather than a long day in the saddle. Wind and cold can also affect your comfort, so warm clothing matters.

Key points to know before booking

• The indoor lesson comes first: You can meet your horse and practice before leaving the stable.
• Beginners are welcome: The shorter ride is designed for all experience levels, including people who have never ridden.
• The ride leaves Borgarnes behind: Hestaland is about a 15-minute drive from town, and transportation is not included.
• Small groups keep the instruction personal: The group is limited to 10 people, with private rides available.
• Icelandic horses may offer a special gait: With the guide’s approval and suitable riding ability, some riders get to try the tölt.
• Weather is part of the package: Bring warm, comfortable clothing and shoes, since wind can make the ride feel much colder.

Arriving at Hestaland, 15 minutes from Borgarnes

Your meeting point is Hestaland, a horse farm about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes in western Iceland. You need to arrange your own way there because transportation to and from the stable is not included.

That short drive matters when planning your day. If you are staying in Borgarnes, Hestaland is easy to add around other stops in the Western Region. If you are driving a longer route, allow enough time to arrive without rushing into the saddle.

The stable welcomes a mix of riders, but the activity has clear limits. Children under six cannot participate, and the maximum rider weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those rules are practical safety measures, not minor details to discover at the last minute.

At the stable, you meet the guide and get acquainted with your horse. Some rides begin with grooming, which is a fine way to get comfortable with the animal before mounting. It also gives you a chance to notice how the horse responds to you without the added pressure of riding right away.

The horses are repeatedly described as calm, friendly, and pleasant to handle. That helps, especially if you are new to horses or have only ridden a few times. You are not simply handed a horse and sent off. The first part of the visit is meant to make the ride feel manageable.

The indoor arena makes the first ride less stressful

The best feature for beginners is the prep lesson in Hestaland’s large indoor arena. Before you head outdoors, you can practice the basics in a controlled setting and check that you understand the guide’s instructions.

This is valuable in Iceland, where the weather can change quickly and an open trail may not be the best place to figure out your reins, balance, or stopping technique. The arena gives you room to get your bearings without having to deal with uneven ground or a moving group.

The lesson is not presented as a full riding course. It is a practical introduction before the trail ride. You should expect basic guidance rather than advanced instruction, but that is enough for the short outing and suits the activity’s relaxed purpose.

People with no riding background have managed to enjoy the trail after this preparation. Guides have been praised for explaining things clearly, checking that riders understand, and adapting their approach to nervous or inexperienced participants.

I like this setup because it protects the fun part of the outing. Instead of spending the first few minutes outside worrying about every movement, you can use the arena to build confidence. If you already ride, the indoor section may feel brief, but it still gives you time to meet the horse and understand how this particular ride will work.

You also receive a helmet. Bring comfortable shoes and clothing that allows you to move easily. Avoid dressing as if you are only sightseeing from a car. You will want clothes that stay comfortable while seated and warm layers that can handle Icelandic wind.

The 1.5-hour trail follows the countryside near the farm

After the prep lesson, you head outside for the scenic trail ride. The route passes through the countryside near Hestaland, with broad views and a small river among the features described by riders who have taken the shorter outing.

This is not a city tour with a few horses added for decoration. The appeal is the quiet setting and the chance to see western Iceland from a lower, slower viewpoint. You hear the horse, feel its movement, and watch the open countryside change as you ride.

The guide controls the pace and keeps the group together. For beginners, that creates a reassuring structure. You can focus on sitting comfortably and enjoying the surroundings instead of trying to find your own way.

A photo stop may be included during the ride. Guides have also taken photographs of riders, which is useful because taking your own pictures while handling a horse is not always sensible. You should still listen to the guide’s directions before reaching for a phone.

The route is scenic, but the outing lasts only 1.5 hours, including the prep lesson. That makes it a good fit for a first ride, a family activity with older children, or a traveler who wants to try Icelandic horseback riding without committing half a day.

If you are an experienced rider looking for a long open-country ride, you may find this version too short. Hestaland also offers a longer five-hour day tour, but that option is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders. Lunch is included only with the five-hour tour, not with this shorter activity.

Icelandic horses and the chance to try the tölt

The horses are Icelandic horses, a breed known for its smooth extra gait called the tölt. The short ride may give you a chance to experience it, but this depends on your ability, the horse, and the guide’s approval.

That distinction matters. You should not expect to tölt simply because you book the ride. Several riders with some experience were able to try it, and one rider with suitable ability also had the chance to gallop after discussing it with the guide. For beginners, the priority is safe control and comfort.

If you have never ridden, walking and perhaps a gentle change of pace are enough to make the outing memorable. You do not need to arrive hoping to gallop. In fact, the indoor lesson and quiet trail pace are the reasons this ride works well for first-timers.

If you already ride, tell the stable about your experience and what you hope to do. A private ride is the better choice if you have specific preferences or want the pace adjusted to your level. A standard small-group ride can still work well, but a private booking gives the guide more room to shape the outing around you.

The horses’ calm behavior is a major part of the appeal. A pleasant horse can make a beginner feel capable within minutes. Still, every horse is an animal, and you should follow instructions closely, especially during mounting, dismounting, and any change in pace.

Guides who watch your comfort closely

The human side of this activity receives strong praise. Guides including Juna and Bára have been noted for clear explanations, patience, and regular check-ins during the ride.

That is the sort of help you want on a beginner-friendly horse tour. A guide who asks if you feel safe can adjust the pace before a small worry turns into a real problem. It also means you can say when you need something explained again.

Bára has taken photographs, checked on riders throughout the trail, and helped beginners feel secure. Juna has guided riders along the river and across the open countryside, with opportunities to stop for pictures and try the tölt when suitable.

The activity is limited to 10 people, so it should feel more manageable than a large commercial group. A group of that size can still include different riding abilities, but the guide has a reasonable chance to keep an eye on everyone.

You can choose a private tour if you want more individual attention or have particular wishes. This is especially useful if one person in your party is an experienced rider and another is a complete beginner. A private ride can also make sense if you want to discuss pace, extra time for photographs, or the level of instruction.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $109 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Iceland. I think the price makes sense if you value the indoor lesson, small group, helmet, guide, and access to a real stable setting rather than a quick photo opportunity.

The prep lesson adds real value for beginners. You are paying for more than the time spent outside because the indoor introduction helps you use that outdoor time well. The guide’s attention also matters more here than on an activity where you simply follow a marked path.

The price includes:

• A prep lesson in the large indoor arena
• A guided scenic trail ride
• A helmet
• A guide who speaks English, Icelandic, German, or Danish

Lunch is not part of the 1.5-hour ride. It is included with the five-hour day tour only. You also need to cover your own transportation to Hestaland.

I would book this short ride if you want a compact activity that fits neatly into a western Iceland driving day. I would compare it with the longer option if you already ride and want more time in the saddle. The shorter tour is less about distance and more about getting a comfortable introduction to Icelandic horses.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can change your opinion of an otherwise lovely outdoor activity. One rider found strong wind made the ride less comfortable, even though the horse and organization were fine.

Take that warning seriously. Wear warm clothing, comfortable clothes, and sturdy comfortable shoes. The activity does not list smoking as allowed, so you should not plan to smoke during the ride.

The stable and arena offer some shelter while you prepare, but the trail itself is outdoors. A calm day can make the ride feel easy and pleasant. A cold, wet, or windy day may demand more from you, especially if you are sitting still for much of the time.

If the weather looks poor, the flexible booking terms help. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the current starting times when you book, since availability varies.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the riding portion still involves mounting a horse and following the stable’s procedures. If accessibility is important for your party, contact Hestaland ahead of time to confirm what assistance is available for the exact booking.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This activity suits you best if you are:

• Trying horseback riding for the first time
• Looking for a short outdoor activity near Borgarnes
• Interested in Icelandic horses and the tölt
• Traveling with older children who meet the minimum age
• Comfortable with a guided pace and a small group
• Interested in a quiet countryside setting rather than a fast ride

It is less suitable if you want a long ride, a guaranteed gallop, or a full-day horse trek. Experienced riders should look at the five-hour tour or ask about a private ride if they want more freedom.

Families can enjoy the outing, especially because the arena gives beginners a chance to practice first. Keep in mind that children under six are not allowed, and the activity is not designed as a casual pony ride for very young children.

Solo riders can also fit in well. A one-person booking has been handled with flexibility, and the ride can be adjusted to suit the rider’s ability when possible. If you have a particular goal, such as more tölt or a different pace, private booking is the safer choice.

Should you book the Hestaland horseback ride?

I recommend this tour if you want a friendly, low-pressure introduction to horseback riding in Iceland. The indoor prep lesson, calm horses, helpful guides, and small group make it a strong choice for beginners.

Book it knowing that the actual outing is short and weather can shape the experience. For $109, you receive a well-structured introduction rather than a long expedition. If that matches your plans, Hestaland offers a practical way to trade a few hours in the car for fresh air, open countryside, and the steady rhythm of an Icelandic horse.

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 activity last?

The shorter horseback riding activity lasts 1.5 hours, including the prep lesson and trail ride.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

What happens before the trail ride?

You meet your horse and take part in a prep lesson in a large indoor arena before heading outdoors.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is included with the ride.

Is transportation from Borgarnes included?

No. You need to arrange your own transportation to and from Hestaland.

Can I book a private ride?

Yes. Private trail rides are available for people who want a more personal outing or have specific preferences.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

Children under six cannot participate, and the maximum listed rider weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.