Horse Riding Tours
Ride the Icelandic Horse across lava fields or into the Highland on a Horse Riding Tour in Iceland. Available from Reykjavik, Akureyri, Egilsstadir & South Iceland.
About the Icelandic Horse
The Icelandic horse is a unique breed of horse, brought to this country by the Viking settlers over a thousand years ago. Since then, it has developed without contact with other horse breeds into the small, hardy, long-lived, and friendly creature we see today.
Icelandic horses are pony-sized, though they are registered as horses, not ponies. This makes them a great companion for first-time riders.
Another thing that makes the Icelandic horse unique is that it displays two more gaits than other breeds. Aside from the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop, Icelandic horses also show tölt and flugskeið or “flying pace”. More experienced riders can often try tölt on their riding tours.
About Horse Riding Tours
Horse Riding Tours are available all over Iceland, including Reykjavík, Akureyri, Vík, and Egilsstaðir.
Horse Riding Tours vary in length, with some lasting only an hour and others a few days. The shorter ones are perfect for those with little to no experience and those who only have a little time to get to know the Icelandic horse. Some horse riding experience is required on longer tours.
What’s Included in a Horse Riding Tour
Included in Horse Riding Tours are the use of a horse throughout the tour and the guidance of an experienced, English-speaking guide. All equipment is also provided, such as a saddle and harness for the horse and a helmet and warm overalls for you. For overnight tours, accommodation is also included.
Frequently asked questions
Before the tour begins, the guide will have a little talk with all the guests so they can get to know them better. The guide knows the horses very well, so after these first impressions, they can pair you up with a horse that matches your experience (and personality).
The maximum weight for a rider is 110kg (242lb).
Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Also, a thin hat to wear under your helmet and gloves or mittens.
Bringing your own riding gear is not recommended. Due to strict importation regulations regarding Icelandic horses, the horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad.
For most tours, you do not need any riding experience. If a tour requires previous riding skills, it will say so in the description of that tour.
The minimum age varies from tour to tour. However, for most shorter tours, the age limit is 7-8 years old.
Tours are generally not cancelled due to rain or snow. However, in case of extreme weather (such as storms), the provider might cancel the tour. In that case, we will try to reschedule for another day.
For most tours, you will travel at a walking or trotting pace. However, if the group is made of experienced riders or if the group is confident enough, the guide might offer you to try the unique tölt.
