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 facing Icelandic weather and open trails. That matters if you have never ridden before, or if your last horseback ride was a long time ago.

I like the small group size, limited to 10 people, and the gentle way the ride can be adjusted to your ability. Guides such as Juna and Bára have helped beginners feel at ease, while more experienced riders have been able to tölta and even gallop when conditions and skill allowed. The main drawback is the short 1.5-hour length: you get a taste of Icelandic riding, not a full day in the saddle.

Key points to know before you book

• The indoor arena comes first: You can practice and gain confidence before going outside.
• The route reaches real countryside: Expect open views, a small river, and a photo stop rather than a simple ride around the stable.
• Beginners are welcome: The shorter tour is designed for all experience levels, including first-time riders.
• Experienced riders have options: Private rides can be shaped around your ability, and some outings include tölting or galloping by agreement.
• Hestaland is outside Borgarnes: Allow for a 15-minute drive to the stable and arrange your own transport.
• Weather affects comfort: Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are essential, since wind can make even a good ride feel chilly.

Starting at Hestaland, 15 minutes from Borgarnes

Hestaland is in Iceland’s Western Region, a short drive from Borgarnes. The activity does not include transport, so you need to reach the stable yourself. That is easy enough if you have a rental car, but it is an important detail if Borgarnes is only a stop on a bus route.

Once you arrive, you meet the guide and your horse. The experience is built around Icelandic horses, famous for their steady nature and their extra gait, the tölt. You should not assume you will tölta simply because you book this ride. It depends on your ability, the horse assigned to you, and the guide’s judgment. Still, the chance to feel this smooth, distinctive gait is one of the special reasons to ride in Iceland.

The stable setting also gives the outing a more personal feel than a ride where you simply climb on and follow a line of horses. One account describes brushing the horse before departure, a useful way to learn the animal’s temperament and become comfortable handling it. You may also see stable life around you, including the resident dog Tófa and, at one point, a very young foal.

The indoor lesson makes this a good first ride

The large indoor arena is the practical heart of the experience. Before you head outdoors, the guide helps you get comfortable with your horse and explains the basics of riding. You have space to check that you understand how to steer, stop, and manage your position without the pressure of a narrow trail.

I especially like this arrangement for families and first-time riders. A beginner can discover in the arena whether the horse feels manageable and whether the instructions make sense. If you are nervous, this is the moment to ask questions and find your balance. It is much better than trying to learn while riding behind a group in open country.

The prep lesson is not just a safety formality. It lets the guide see how the group rides and adjust the pace. Bára has been praised for explaining things clearly, checking often that riders felt safe, and keeping an eye on everyone during the outdoor section. Juna has also guided beginners through the basics before leading them along the route.

You should still arrive dressed for Iceland, not for an indoor riding school. Wear comfortable trousers and shoes that stay secure on your feet. Warm layers are the smart choice, since the arena may feel sheltered while the trail can be windy.

A short trail ride with wide views and a river

After the arena lesson, you ride out into the countryside. The route has included a small river and broad views across the surrounding scenery, with a photo stop along the way. This is not a packed sightseeing circuit with a long list of named stops. Its appeal is the simple pleasure of moving through open Icelandic country on horseback.

The scenery changes the feel of the ride. From the saddle, you notice the wind, the scale of the country, and the quiet rhythm of the horse beneath you. The ride gives you a different view than you get from a car, where the countryside passes in quick frames through a window.

The photo stop is a welcome touch. It gives you a chance to pause, take in the setting, and get pictures without trying to hold a phone while riding. Guides may also take photos for you, as Bára did for one group. That is useful because handling a camera on horseback is not a good idea, especially for a first-time rider.

Keep your expectations in proportion to the 1.5-hour duration. Time is shared between meeting the horse, preparing indoors, and riding the trail. You will get a scenic introduction rather than hours of uninterrupted riding. For many people, that is the right length, especially if they are unsure how their legs and back will feel afterward.

What the ride feels like for beginners

This is one of the stronger choices near Borgarnes if you have no riding background. The indoor lesson gives you a controlled start, and the short trail keeps the commitment manageable. Calm horses and patient instruction can make the first outing feel approachable rather than intimidating.

The group format also helps keep the activity organized. With no more than 10 participants, the guide can watch the riders more closely than on a large commercial ride. That does not mean you receive a private lesson, but it does give the guide a better chance to notice if someone is struggling or needs a slower pace.

You should tell the guide about your experience and comfort level at the start. The outing can include several beginners, and the pace needs to suit the least experienced rider. If you have never ridden, do not feel embarrassed about asking for another explanation in the arena. This is exactly what the prep time is for.

Families can consider this tour, but children under 6 are not accepted. The activity also has a maximum rider weight of 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those limits are practical safety requirements, so check them before paying.

What changes for confident riders

If you already ride, the 1.5-hour group outing may feel restrained, depending on the group. Its main benefit is the scenery and the chance to ride an Icelandic horse, not a long training session or a fast-paced trek.

A private ride is the better choice if you have specific goals. You can ask for a more tailored outing, and the guide can shape the ride around your experience where possible. One solo rider with previous experience was able to tölta and gallop after discussing it with the guide. That does not promise the same program for everyone, but it shows why a private booking makes sense for riders who want more than a basic walking ride.

The longer, five-hour option is intended for intermediate to advanced riders. Lunch is included with that full-day outing, but not with this 1.5-hour experience. If you are new to horses, do not book the long tour simply because you want more scenery. The short ride is the safer match for beginners, while the longer option is for riders who are already comfortable in the saddle.

Horses, handling, and the importance of speaking up

The horse is not just transportation here. You get time to meet it, and you may help groom it before riding. That small amount of hands-on contact can make the experience more meaningful, particularly if you have always wanted to interact with Icelandic horses rather than simply photograph them.

The horses used for the outing have been described as attractive, calm, well cared for, and pleasant to ride. That said, one rider felt that a horse seemed to be limping. It was presented as a concern rather than a judgment on the whole operation, but it is a useful reminder: pay attention to the horse you are riding.

If something feels wrong, tell the guide immediately. A horse that seems uncomfortable, a saddle that does not sit right, or a pace that feels too fast should be addressed at once. The guides are there to manage the ride, and clear communication helps them do so.

The chance to tölta is a highlight for riders who can handle it. Several riders on one outing were able to tölta during the trail ride, while a more experienced solo rider also galloped after discussing the plan. These moments are not guaranteed and should never be treated as the main promise of a beginner tour. The real value is learning to ride safely, enjoying the horse, and seeing the countryside.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the wind is the main comfort issue for this activity. One experienced rider found the ride less comfortable because of strong wind, even though the horse and organization were fine. A warm base layer, an insulating outer layer, and clothing that lets you move freely will serve you well.

Wear comfortable shoes, as requested by the operator. You do not need to dress like a professional rider, but avoid loose clothing that could catch on equipment. Warm, comfortable clothes are more important than looking polished in photos.

Smoking is not allowed. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the experience itself involves mounting a horse and riding. If accessibility is important for you, contact the provider before booking to confirm how the stable and riding arrangements match your needs.

Is $109 a fair price for 1.5 hours?

At $109 per person, this is not a cheap way to fill an afternoon. The value comes from more than the trail time. Your price covers the indoor prep lesson, horse, helmet, guide, and scenic ride, with a small group capped at 10 participants.

For a beginner, that preparation adds real value. You are not simply placed on a horse and sent outside. You get a chance to learn the basics, test your comfort, and ask for help before the trail begins. That can make the experience worth more than a longer ride that offers little instruction.

For a confident rider who mainly wants time in the saddle, the price may feel high for 1.5 hours. In that case, compare the private option or the longer ride, keeping in mind that the five-hour outing is recommended for intermediate and advanced riders. For a first ride in Iceland, the shorter tour is a reasonable way to try it without committing to half a day.

The flexible booking terms also help. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Starting times vary, so check availability against your driving plans in western Iceland.

The small details that improve the experience

A few practical choices can make this outing go better:

• Arrive ready to ride, with warm clothes and comfortable footwear.
• Tell the guide if you are a complete beginner or an experienced rider.
• Use the indoor arena to ask questions rather than pretending you understand.
• Take advantage of the photo stop, since it is safer than trying to take pictures while moving.
• If you want a faster gait or a route shaped around your ability, ask about a private ride.
• Leave enough time for the 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

The available guides speak English, Icelandic, German, and Danish. That is helpful if you want riding instructions in one of those languages. The warm, patient approach associated with guides such as Juna and Bára is especially useful for first-timers, but the exact guide depends on the day.

Who should book this Hestaland ride?

I would choose this tour if you want a short, scenic introduction to horseback riding in Iceland and do not have much experience. The indoor lesson, calm setting, helmet, small group, and gentle trail make it a sensible first step.

It also suits a family with children old enough to ride, a couple looking for a countryside activity near Borgarnes, or an experienced rider who wants to meet Icelandic horses without giving up an entire day. The private option is worth considering if you care about pace, tölting, or a more personal route.

I would look elsewhere if you want a long wilderness ride, guaranteed galloping, or a full day on horseback. I would also reconsider if you dislike wind, cannot arrange transport to Hestaland, or need a ride for a child under 6.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The standard activity lasts 1.5 hours. This includes the prep lesson in the indoor arena and the scenic trail ride.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is transportation from Borgarnes included?

No. Transportation to and from Hestaland is not included.

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.

Are helmets included?

Yes. A helmet is included with the ride.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is offered as a small group with a maximum of 10 participants.

What languages can the guide speak?

Guides are available in English, Icelandic, German, and Danish.

Are children and people over 110 kilograms allowed?

Children under 6 are not suitable for the activity. The maximum listed rider weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Should you book it?

Book this Hestaland ride if you want a well-supported first taste of Icelandic horseback riding. The indoor lesson is the key advantage, and the combination of patient guidance, open countryside, a small group, and a short route gives you a manageable outing.

Choose a private ride if you already ride or have particular wishes. Choose the five-hour option only if you are intermediate or advanced and want a much longer day. For everyone else, $109 buys a focused, scenic introduction that balances instruction with a genuine ride through the Borgarnes countryside.