Wind, horses, and instant confidence. In Borgarnes at Hestaland, you start with a prep lesson in a large indoor arena and then head out on a guided trail ride through Icelandic countryside for about 1.5 hours. I love how the coaching happens before you’re exposed to the outdoors, and I love the way the scenery opens up once you’re mounted.

The main thing to plan for is the weather. Even on a short ride, Iceland’s wind can make you feel colder than you expect, so bring warm clothing and dress for wind, not just a sunny moment.

Key things to know before you go

• Indoor arena prep lesson to help you get your bearings before the trail
• Small group (up to 10) for a calmer ride and more attention from your guide
• Guided trail riding with scenic countryside views and stops for photos
• Tölt moments possible depending on your comfort and the horse/conditions
• Regular or private tour options if you want more personal pacing
• Helmet included so you can focus on learning instead of shopping

Hestaland Stables Near Borgarnes: Setting Off Into West Iceland

This ride is based at Hestaland, a stable area in the Western Region. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes, which makes it a nice add-on when you’re basing yourself in town.

You’ll meet your guide at the stables and get introduced to your horse before anything “out there” happens. That little setup time matters more than you’d think, because it turns the ride from a straight-up activity into an actual first experience with your mount.

If you’re arriving by car, you’ll want to plan for short drives rather than trying to build in big buffer time. Transportation to and from the stables isn’t included, so you’ll either handle that yourself or have a plan for how you’ll get there.

The Big Deal: The Indoor Arena Prep Lesson

Before you ride outside, you do a prep lesson in a large indoor arena. This is the practical part: how to get on, how to hold the reins, and how to coordinate your body with the horse’s movement.

I like this setup because it reduces the “figure it out while you’re moving” stress. For first-timers, the arena time gives you a chance to ask questions and watch how the guide explains things to others in your group.

You’re also given a helmet, which makes it easier to commit mentally to learning. And because the arena is indoors, you’re less at the mercy of wind while you’re still trying to understand the basics.

If you want to ride at a higher comfort level, the indoor session also gives the guide a quick read on you. On some rides, you can be encouraged toward more Icelandic gaits like tölt once you’re steady and responsive.

The 1.5-Hour Trail Ride: Views, Wind, and Feeling the Horse Move

Once you’re ready, you head out for the countryside ride. The core idea here is simple: guided horseback time with scenic West Iceland views, without turning it into an all-day project.

On past rides like this, the route often runs along natural features such as small rivers before opening into wider countryside scenery. You may also get a photo stop, which is a small touch that helps you actually remember what you saw instead of only feeling the motion.

This is the part where wind becomes real. Iceland weather can change quickly, and even a short ride can feel brisk once you’re fully exposed on the trail. If you run cold easily, you’ll thank yourself for layering.

Your guide stays engaged the whole time, checking in to make sure you feel safe and comfortable. That matters most when you’re new, because you want guidance that’s quick, clear, and frequent—not just a lecture at the start.

Tölt, Walk, and the Chance to Push Comfort (When It Fits)

One reason Iceland horse riding feels different is tölt—a smooth, fast, four-beat gait that many riders love. On these kinds of rides, you might be encouraged to try it, especially if you’re comfortable with basic control.

For some riders with more experience, guides may even discuss options to go faster, such as galloping, but only with agreement first and only when conditions allow. In other words: you’re not thrown into a thrill ride. You’re guided toward what matches your level.

The “value” here is subtle. The tour is short enough that it stays fun, but flexible enough that you may get a taste of what Iceland horses do best. That gives you a better sense of whether you want to come back for a longer ride later.

Group Size, Private Tours, and Getting Personal Attention

The tour runs as a small group, limited to 10 participants. That size is big enough to feel lively, but small enough that your guide can still notice how you’re doing—especially with beginners learning rein control.

You can also choose a private tour if you want a more tailored experience. Private riding tends to make sense if you’re bringing someone who’s nervous, if you want a slower pace for learning, or if you just prefer one-on-one guidance.

Language support is a practical plus. The guide may speak English, Icelandic, German, or Danish, so you’re more likely to get instructions in a way that clicks quickly.

On short rides, understanding matters. A small misunderstanding can turn an easy movement into a tiring one, so it’s worth feeling confident you can follow what the guide is saying.

Meeting Your Horse: Calm Handling and Real Connection

Horse riding isn’t only about the view. Your experience depends on how the horse is handled and how comfortable you feel with the animal under you.

Part of the process at Hestaland is getting to know your horse before you ride. In some cases, you may see the horses being prepared right there at the stables, and you might get involved in gentle handling steps like grooming. That kind of contact helps your brain stop treating the horse as a mysterious “machine.”

The horses should feel well cared for, with a calm temperament that makes learning less chaotic. In at least one experience, the horses were described as patient and easy to ride, which is exactly what you want when you’re new.

You may also notice small stables extras while you’re in the arena area. For example, a hall dog named Tófa and a very young foal were mentioned in connection with a prior ride experience. You can’t count on seeing the exact same animals every day, but the point is: this place can feel friendly and lived-in, not just functional.

Who Should Book This 1.5-Hour Ride (and Who Should Think Bigger)

This shorter trail ride suits a wide range of experience levels. It’s suitable for beginners and even people trying horseback riding for the first time, because you get that arena prep first.

If you’re aiming for a bigger challenge, the longer/full-day option is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders. Think of the 1.5-hour ride as your on-ramp: learn the basics, experience Iceland on horseback, and leave while it’s still exciting.

There are also clear limits. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, and it excludes riders over 243 lbs (110 kg). If you fall outside those ranges, you’ll want to look at other options to keep things safe and comfortable.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed as available. That’s a key detail if mobility needs are part of your planning.

Finally, timing matters. Since the ride is 1.5 hours, it works best when you want an experience you can fit between sightseeing stops without losing a whole day.

What to Wear: Simple Gear That Makes a Real Difference

You don’t need fancy equestrian gear for this. You do need clothing that works with wind and movement.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Comfortable clothes

Iceland’s horse trails can be breezy, and you’re sitting in motion for the ride. Warm layers beat thin outerwear every time. If you’ve ever regretted packing for a “mild day,” treat this as your reminder.

Also note the obvious but important rule: smoking isn’t allowed.

Helmet included means you can focus on dressing for comfort rather than trying to solve gear logistics on the spot.

Price and Value: Is $109 Worth 1.5 Hours?

At $109 per person for a 1.5-hour experience, you’re paying for more than just the time on horseback. You’re paying for the indoor instruction, the guide’s supervision, and the equipment basics (helmet included).

This is where value shows up for many people. If you’ve never ridden before, the prep lesson reduces risk and confusion fast. That makes the ride better, not just safer.

You should also factor in what isn’t included: transportation to and from Hestaland. If you’re already close in Borgarnes, that’s easy. If you’re farther away, the real cost becomes whatever your ride to the stables takes.

For the right person, this is strong value because the duration is short enough to keep it fun and focused, while the instruction makes it feel like a real learning experience rather than a “sit and hope” outing.

Practicalities That Matter on the Day

The ride duration is listed as 1.5 hours, and starting times vary based on availability. It’s worth checking schedules early, especially if you want to coordinate with other activities in West Iceland.

You’ll meet at Hestaland and follow your guide’s lead from there. The tour includes a guide for the ride, and the group is intentionally small.

In the background, the operator offers flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. That’s useful if weather is part of your trip planning, which it always is in Iceland.

Finally, if you’re planning around weight limits or age rules, don’t assume you can “make it work” on arrival. The tour is explicit about who it can safely accommodate.

So, Should You Book This Borgarnes Horseback Tour?

Book it if you want an easy entry into Iceland horse riding. The biggest reasons are the indoor arena prep and the guided countryside ride that’s long enough to feel memorable but short enough to stay manageable.

Choose it over a longer, advanced-focused option if you’re a beginner or just want a first real taste of Iceland on horseback. The shorter ride is built for beginners, and the arena time helps you feel steady before the trail.

Skip or rethink it if cold wind is a constant problem for you, because this is an outdoor ride that won’t be fully protected once you’re on the trail. Dress for wind, and you’ll be fine—but go prepared.

If you want more personal attention, pick the private tour. For many people, that’s the difference between a “nice activity” and a genuinely satisfying learning experience.

If you’re ready for a hands-on lesson and a scenic 1.5-hour ride near Borgarnes, Hestaland is a practical choice.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the horseback riding tour?

You meet at the Hestaland stables. The location is about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes.

How long is the ride?

The duration is 1.5 hours.

Is a helmet included?

Yes, a helmet is included.

Do I get an instruction or prep lesson before riding?

Yes. You get a prep lesson in a large indoor arena before you head out on the trail.

Can I book a private tour instead of a group tour?

Yes. You can choose between a regular tour and a private tour for a more personalized experience.

What languages can the guide speak?

The live tour guide can speak English, Icelandic, German, and Danish.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

The shorter trail ride is suitable for all experience levels, including beginners and first-time riders.

Are there age or weight restrictions?

Yes. It is not suitable for children under 6 years, and it does not allow riders over 243 lbs (110 kg).

What should I bring to the stables?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and comfortable clothes. Smoking is not allowed.