Horse riding in Iceland is available all year round, including in winter. Many riding tours are beginner-friendly and designed for first-time riders. Riding farms operate close to the Reykjavik capital area and across rural parts of Iceland.

What makes the Icelandic horse a breed of its own

The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland. Norse settlers brought the ancestors of the Icelandic horse to Iceland between 860 and 935 AD. In 982 AD the Icelandic Althing, the national parliament, passed laws prohibiting the importation of horses into Iceland. National laws prevent foreign-born horses from being imported into Iceland, and horses exported out of the country are not permitted to return. Diseases in the Icelandic horse breed within Iceland are virtually unknown. The Icelandic horse is long-lived and hardy. Although Icelandic horses are small and at times pony-sized, most breed registries refer to the Icelandic as a horse rather than a pony.

Understanding the tolt and the flying pace

Many Icelandic horses can perform the walk, trot, canter or gallop, the tolt, and the flying pace. The breed is often described as five-gaited. The tolt is a four-beat lateral ambling gait. The tolt is known for being smooth, comfortable and ground-covering. The flying pace is called skeid or flugskeid in Icelandic. The flying pace is a fast, smooth gait used in pacing races. Some horses reach up to 30 miles per hour in the flying pace.

Where to ride, from Reykjavik farms to the countryside

Riding farms operate both close to the Reykjavik capital area and across rural parts of Iceland. A horse-riding tour with Reykjavík pickup connects the city with one of these farms.

What a riding tour is like and how to dress for it

Many horse riding tours in Iceland are beginner-friendly and designed for first-time riders. Guides give clear instructions and match riders to calm horses suited to their confidence. Helmets are usually provided by operators as essential safety equipment on riding tours. Riders are advised to wear warm layers, comfortable trousers and sturdy shoes, with waterproof outerwear useful in Icelandic weather. Use the Packing List to help plan your trip.

Riding through the seasons and choosing your tour

You can compare Reykjavik tours to see the current options.