Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland

Posted By : whatifwefly
I booked the lava horse tour. We purchased a pick-up. At the horse riding center we all watched a video. I think that is a great idea, to educate everyone about the most important things about horse riding. Although most explanations included riding with using the reins and not the seat for example. This is probably easier to explain and the horses there may be more used to that. We got our riding gear afterwards and if needed could also get warm suits etc. One person then asked each person individually abouth their riding experiences and chose one of the already saddled horses that would suit the best. I also want to highlight positively that there was a guide next to us when mounting the horse, which held the other side of the saddle and adjusted the stirrups if needed. This is also very nice for the horse and the rider. After a couple minutes of riding, the group split into a group that continued in walking tempo and the other group continued in trot or tölt. It was good to have a couple minutes of riding before deciding to get to know the horse and the own abilities. In the faster group we did quite a few times trot/tölt. We did a photo stop in between and the guide took photos of us individually. The landscapes were beautiful. The trails were still icy at some points, but the horses are used to that. The guides made sure that we felt comfortable. They also seemed to know the horses, despite the number of horses, very well. The horses have 6 months off, which is more than required by law (?). At the end of the tour we could either stay a bit at the paddock or get inside. Hot Chocolate was provided. The weather was luckily very beautiful and the views were great.
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Posted On : 2024-03-10 04:00:09

Posted By : bhall14
Such a lovely welcoming group of staff. From being greeted, to meeting the horses, being assigned a horse and the ride it was fantastic. Warm clothing of coveralls is provided however gloves need to be purchased.

The instructors were very knowledgable and I liked they split the ride for experience meaning those with more could go at a faster pace. Execellent horse, very lovely temperament. Would definitely recommend coming here to ride. There is a more experienced ride in the afternoon I didn’t know about, if I did I would have definitely joined! Thank you again!
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Posted On : 2024-03-02 07:13:07

Posted By : ItchyFeetGal
I did the Viking ride yesterday and it was fantastic! The horses are lovely and our guide was great, friendly and informative. The ride itself was beautiful, through the trails in the snow with wonderful views. Plenty of tolt and canter :) Cantering through the snow was something I’ll not forget! I really hope to come back again!
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Posted On : 2024-02-15 12:03:35

Posted By : Safari50905630621
Views were phenomenal! You'll ride to an overlook and get to see an inactive volcanoe. They'll give an option to split off into a fast or slow group, I recommend the fast. Even inexperienced riders can do it (as I am) and you'll not be left behind! Altogether 5/5 experience!
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Posted On : 2023-11-20 07:22:55

Posted By : Amy_W
I had the most amazing time!
I was lucky enough to ride 1-2-1 with a guide (pot luck) who was fabulous in talking me through how to ride the Tölt correctly as well as teaching me so much about the origins of the Icelandic horse, their union, shoeing style and the land in which they were bred. They chose the horse perfectly based on my previous riding experience so I was really able to enjoy the ride at a faster pace.
The facility is set up in an amazing way whether you're a rider or spectator. I 100% would recommend a visit. It was the highlight of my trip and we did a lot whilst in Iceland!
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Posted On : 2023-11-18 15:59:17

Posted By : shannonbP6313LY
I was so excited to spend time with Icelandic horses and try tolting. This experience did not disappoint. I appreciated that the guides allowed the group to split into two groups so that my husband could decide to keep it at a walk but I could go with a faster group and try the other gaits. We especially appreciated the women at Ishestar who allowed us to come in spite of the Iceland women’s strike happening that day. They went above and beyond for us.
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Posted On : 2023-10-24 12:56:24

Posted By : H8685TPnicolab
Lovely trek on Icelandic horses. Very relaxed atmosphere, horses were happy. Guides were brilliant.
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Posted On : 2023-09-08 10:43:57

Posted By : 951matthewi
An amazing family adventure, riding Icelandic horses with viking genealogy.
We booked for a family of 2 adults and 3 teenagers, some never ridden a horse before. We were welcomed warmly with coffee and hot chocolate before being shown the safety and information video.
We were then provided with a correctly sized riding hat and offered waterproof clothing should we have wanted it.
However the weather was glorious and ☀️.
We were then matched with our horses, introduced by name and helped to bond with them before being guided on how to mount them.
Once everyone was safely in saddle the horses all moved without instruction to the gate, eager to start the adventure.
The horses were friendly and mostly easy to command, occasionally stopped for a nibble of the foliage but generally well behaved.
After about 15mins of inline riding, the group was offered to split into a walking group and a more advanced trotting group.
Both groups rode for about another 1/2hr or so through the lava fields, some commentary provided by our guides, whom also offered to take photographs with your own phones along the route.
As we rode we were extremely lucky to see and arctic fox hunting. It's coat is brown during the summer months to help with camouflage before turning pure white during winter months.
After 30mins more of riding we stopped at a grassy opening to allow the horses their legal requirement of 15min break, allowing them to forage and enjoy the rest before our return journey.
During the break the guides were answering questions and extremely approachable and friendly.
Everyone of us had an amazing experience and fell in love with horses 😍.
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Posted On : 2023-09-02 13:58:06

Posted By : 468betseys
Amazing!!! 8 days of riding. 6 through the highlands and 2 on the coast. The terrain and scenery were breathtaking. They fed us like royalty, the horses were excellent, and the staff was outstanding. They really looked out for us to make sure we had a wonderful experience. I have horses and ride regularly but was still a little concerned about going 8 days straight.(I'm 70), but the horses are such a pleasure to ride I had no soreness. that includes my niece who does not get to ride regularly. I'm already thinking about arranging my next tour. Rode new horses, saw new scenery and made new friends. Awesome!


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Posted On : 2023-07-27 16:05:14

Posted By : S7702SOhannar
Icelandic horse is a big part of icelandic culture, so when in Iceland, you need to experience a horse ride. I am a regular rider and I love horses. I was happy to see how they take care of horses at Ishestar. Horses were calm, comfortable and very friendly.

Before the ride, they asked everybody their level of experience and found a proper horse for all of us. My horse was called Tigull which means diamond, and that he really was.

We started the ride with a group of 20, but soon divided into a faster and a slower group. They made sure that all in a faster group were prepared for the pace and could handle their horses. So the ride went smoothly and we experienced several long toltrides. The views were amazing and we also made a photostop where the guides took photos of everybody on a horse. The guides also told us many interesting things about Iceland and icelandic horses.

All in all, it was a very nice experience and I highly recommend Ishestar.
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Posted On : 2023-06-30 12:19:46