Wind, horses, and Iceland in 90 minutes. I love that this tour starts with a prep lesson in a large indoor arena, then quickly turns into a guided ride through the Icelandic countryside.

Two things I especially like are the indoor arena prep lesson itself and the small-group feel. You get real coaching before you hit the trail, and with a group capped at 10, it stays calm enough for beginners to ask basic questions.

One drawback to plan for: the wind-chill can make a short ride feel colder than you expect, even when the sun is out.

Key reasons this 1.5-hour ride works so well

• Large indoor arena lesson to get comfortable before you ride outdoors
• Small group size (up to 10) for easier instruction and a more relaxed pace
• Helmet included plus a guide with you the whole time
• Regular or private tour option, so you can choose group energy or one-on-one attention
• Icelandic countryside trail near Borgarnes, with Hestaland about a 15-minute drive away
• Language support during the ride, with guides offering English, Icelandic, German, and Danish

Where Hestaland Is, and What You Actually Get in 90 Minutes

This horseback experience is based at Hestaland, about a 15-minute drive from Borgarnes. If you are using Borgarnes as a base, it is a convenient way to add a classic Iceland activity without building an all-day plan.

You get a total of about 1.5 hours for the whole experience, including the prep in the arena and the time outside on the trail. That compact timing matters in Iceland. Weather changes fast, and you do not want your day to get eaten by logistics.

A couple more practical notes help you plan well. Transportation is not included, so you will need to arrange your own way to Hestaland. The tour also lists skip-the-ticket-line, which can save a bit of waiting if you are on a tight schedule.

For longer days, there is a 5-hour option where lunch is included. If you are considering that, the info here is a good clue: the full-day riding is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders, while this shorter 1.5-hour option fits all experience levels, including first-timers.

Arena Prep Lesson: Your First Win Starts Indoors

The tour is built around a smart idea: you learn before you ride. Instead of just handing you reins and hoping for the best, you start at the stables and then practice in a large indoor arena.

In practical terms, this arena time is where you:

• get introduced to the horse you will ride
• learn how to sit, hold steady, and follow basic instructions
• get comfortable enough that the outdoor ride feels like scenery, not a test

This is especially valuable if you have never ridden before. When people feel unsure, they tense up. And on horseback, tension travels from your body into your hands, your shoulders, and your guidance to the horse. The arena session helps you get your bearings fast before you start dealing with wind, uneven ground, and wider views.

Even if you already have some riding experience, the arena can still be useful. It is a chance to confirm the specific style used by this operation and to sync up with the guide’s commands.

Meeting Your Horse: How Comfort Changes the Ride

You meet your guide at the stables and then get time to know your horse. That “get to know the horse” step is not just a warm-up. It changes the ride from something you endure into something you can enjoy.

From recent rider experiences, the team can be very friendly and patient, especially with absolute beginners. One guide name that came up was Bára, known for clear explanations and careful checking that beginners feel safe and understood. Another guide name you might see is Juna, praised for a supportive, calm approach.

There are also small moments that can make the stable experience feel more personal. Some tours include extra interaction like grooming the horse before you mount. If you are lucky and timing lines up, you may even get to see a very young foal in the stable area and meet a friendly barn companion. Those details are not guaranteed every day, but the possibility is there.

Also: helmets are included. You do not need to bring your own.

The Countryside Ride: Wind, Views, and a Real Guided Pace

After the arena prep, you head out on the trail for the scenic part. This is the heart of why you come. You ride through the Icelandic countryside with a guide who keeps the group together and manages the pace.

One thing I would not underestimate is the weather. Wind is common in this region, and it can be felt more clearly on horseback because you are exposed while still moving gently. Dress for warmth. When the air is cold, you want layers that let you stay comfortable without restricting your movement.

On the trail, you can expect:

• a guided ride through open countryside
• a few chances for photos when the guide finds good viewing spots
• an atmosphere that feels closer to nature than to a city tour

This ride is short, so you will not spend half the time waiting in the saddle. The idea is to deliver the experience efficiently: learn the basics, then enjoy the outdoors.

If you have been to Iceland only for waterfalls and roads, this is a different kind of Iceland. It is slower, louder in the wind, and more physical in your body. That is a good thing.

Tölt and Pace Control: What Guides Do With Your Experience Level

Icelandic horses do not ride like every other horse you might have encountered. One of the big appeals here is the natural Icelandic rhythm, including tölt.

The guide approach is flexible. If you are newer, the ride is described as suitable for all experience levels, meaning the pace and coaching should stay beginner-friendly. If you are more experienced, you may have opportunities to ride more lively, including more tölt. Some guides can also adjust to your comfort level and your agreement beforehand, which matters because horses can only move as safely as the rider can follow cues.

The key is that the guide watches you. In rider feedback, guides were repeatedly described as attentive, patient, and checking in for comfort. For example, one guide asked again and again if everything felt okay and kept an eye on riders throughout.

One small caution: if you notice anything concerning about the horse’s comfort, say something immediately. In one account, a rider thought their horse might have been limping and wished the team paid closer attention to horse health. You are not trying to be a vet. You are just helping the staff notice what you notice, so the ride stays safe and humane.

Small Groups and Private Tours: Which Style Fits You?

This is a small group ride limited to 10 participants. In a place like Iceland, that is a meaningful detail. Smaller groups are easier to manage on narrow trails and in changeable weather, and beginners get more attention.

You also have a choice between:

• a regular group tour
• a private tour for a more tailored experience

A private ride is a great fit if you want slower instruction, more time for questions, or you simply prefer one-on-one guidance. It can also help if your comfort level is higher or lower than average, since the guide can adjust without worrying about matching a bigger group.

If you are traveling as a couple or solo and you want a more personal flow, the private option is worth considering. If you are happy meeting new people and you want the best value, the group tour works well too.

Price and Value at $109: What You Are Really Paying For

At $109 per person for about 1.5 hours, this tour is not cheap in the way a museum ticket is cheap. But the price is easier to justify once you consider what is included.

For your money, you get:

• a prep lesson in a large indoor arena
• a guided scenic trail ride
• an included helmet
• an English, Icelandic, German, or Danish-speaking guide

And you are riding horses in Iceland, which is the whole point. In practice, the value comes from the coaching. Many “short” activities still need you to know how to ride. Here, the structure assumes you may be brand new and makes room for learning first.

Do not forget one cost that is not included: transportation to and from the activity. If you are staying outside Borgarnes, plan your drive time and parking or arrange another transfer.

Also consider timing. If you are only in the Western Region for a day or two, the short duration lets you fit in horseback riding without sacrificing your other Iceland must-dos.

What to Bring and Wear in Iceland Wind

This is a short ride, but you still need to dress like Iceland is serious. The basics listed are:

• comfortable shoes
• warm clothing
• comfortable clothes

I would add a practical rider mindset: wear layers you can move in. Gloves can help if it is windy, and a hat can reduce discomfort from cold air.

Other rules are simple. Smoking is not allowed. The activity is also listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a plus if you need that option. If that is you, you will want to confirm details with the operator ahead of time since the tour involves horses and indoor arena time.

Finally, know your limits. It is not suitable for children under 6 years, and it has a weight limit of 243 lbs (110 kg).

Should You Book This Borgarnes Horseback Riding Tour?

Book it if you want an Iceland horse experience that prioritizes learning and comfort. This is a strong choice if:

• you are a beginner and want a lesson first, then a guided ride
• you want a short activity that fits into a tight Iceland schedule
• you like the idea of a small group and the chance to ride at a pace matched to your skill
• you may want private guidance for a more personal feel

Skip it, or consider a different option, if:

• you cannot meet the age or weight limits
• you expect to ride for hours and want a more intense riding day (the full-day format is described as better for intermediate to advanced riders)
• you are very sensitive to cold and windy conditions without the right layers

If you are ready, this is one of those experiences that gives you something real. Not just views, but the feel of Iceland through movement, wind, and a horse under you.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The duration is listed as 1.5 hours total.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a prep lesson in a large indoor arena, a scenic trail ride, a live guide, and a helmet. Lunch is only included for the 5-hour day tour option.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. The shorter 1.5-hour trail ride is described as suitable for all experience levels, including beginners and first-time riders. A longer full-day option is described as recommended for intermediate to advanced riders.

Where do I meet the guide, and how far is it from Borgarnes?

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

Is transportation to and from the activity included?

No. Transportation is not included.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and comfortable clothes. A helmet is included.

What are the age and weight limits?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years. The maximum weight is 243 lbs (110 kg).

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.