Iceland’s horses feel oddly friendly and close. With pickup from Reykjavik and a short drive out to the stables, this ride is built for an easy first taste of Icelandic horseback life.

I love that they fit you with the right gear and match horses to your comfort level, so the experience stays calm and confidence-boosting.

The main trade-off: this is a trail ride, not a riding lesson, so if you want lots of coaching drills, you may wish it were more instruction-heavy.

Key things that make this ride work

• Hotel/guesthouse pickup in Reykjavik plus a quick hop to the farm, so you lose less vacation time to buses
• Top-to-bottom gear (helmets, coveralls, rain protection, and warm items depending on season) so you don’t over-pack
• Beginner-friendly horse matching based on how much you’ve ridden before
• Icelandic horse “work” style: you may get smooth tölt plus chances to trot, depending on your horse and comfort
• Small group feel with a max of 15 riders, which helps guides give quick help when you need it
• Warm-up after the ride with hot drinks and something sweet to settle back in

Reykjavik pickup that gets you to Laxnes Horse Farm fast

This tour starts by meeting you in Reykjavik. You’re picked up from your hotel or guesthouse, then the drive to the riding area is about 15 minutes. That short transfer matters more than it sounds. Iceland can chew up time fast with stops, traffic, and weather detours, so being close to the city keeps the day relaxed.

Pickups begin 1 hour before departure, and it can take up to 20 minutes to collect everyone. Many central hotels fall into no-pickup zones, so don’t be surprised if the operator gives you an alternate meeting point with instructions. If you’re on a cruise, pickup is at the main port terminal.

The best part is how smooth the flow feels. You’re not wrestling with a rental car or trying to interpret icy parking lots. You get moved out, fitted, ride, and then you get returned back to your lodging area.

Gear you get, and why you’ll thank them in Iceland weather

One of the biggest values here is that you’re not just handed a horse and sent into the cold. You get the ride kit.

You’ll be outfitted with basics like helmets, boots, and rain clothing. In winter, it’s snowsuit-style coveralls, plus items that help keep you warm and dry. Several riders highlight that the farm provides gear that goes on over your clothes, which is key when you’re wearing layers you already planned for the island.

Here’s what this means for you on the ground:

• You can dress for Iceland without trying to guess what will actually keep you comfortable in saddle time.
• You don’t have to worry about ruining shoes or leathers. The ride environment can get muddy and wet.
• Your focus stays on the horse and the scenery, not on whether you packed the right gloves.

Quick winter tip: even with supplied gear, I’d still bring small warm upgrades like hand/foot warmers if you run cold easily. People do mention getting very cold, even when the ride goes ahead. If the weather is tough, your comfort becomes the difference between a fun memory and a shiver-filled one.

Matching beginners with the right Icelandic horse

Icelandic horses have a reputation for being friendly, and this tour leans into that. Before you mount up, the operator gathers info about how much you’ve ridden before. Then you’re assigned a horse that fits your experience.

That horse matching is not just a nice touch. It directly affects the whole ride:

• Beginners tend to get horses that are calm and predictable under saddle.
• More experienced riders may have opportunities with more spirited horses if requested, though the tour still aims to keep things safe.

Mounting is also made less intimidating than you might expect. Riders mention that there’s no step to get on, but the staff can give a boost if you need it. That matters if you’re short, have mobility limits, or just don’t love climbing onto animals in weather that’s trying to steal your balance.

One more real-world detail: this isn’t a private, one-on-one riding school. Instructions happen early, then you head out on a trail ride. A few riders describe it as quick orientation followed by riding support from guides as you go, rather than constant coaching. If you want an intense skill-building lesson, you’ll likely want to look for a different format. If you want the classic Iceland horseback experience with gentle guidance, this works well.

The trail ride: tölt, river crossings, and countryside near Reykjavík

Your ride takes place just outside Reykjavik, at the horse riding destination reached after that short transfer. You’ll spend a good chunk of the tour time in the saddle, hacking across countryside that riders describe as beautiful and often wintry with mountain views in the background.

What you’re likely to notice on Icelandic horses is the unique way they move. Riders mention the tölt—a smooth gait that can feel easy under you compared with rougher horse movements. The ride may also offer chances to trot depending on the route and the horse assigned to you.

Route details can vary with conditions, but common highlights include:

• River crossings, including one where people talk about riding across a creek
• A mix of streams and lava-field style surroundings (especially in winter when the terrain looks extra dramatic)
• Views under snow-capped mountains, with some rides described as magical at sunrise

The overall feel is “trail ride,” not “thrill ride.” One rider notes the ride is smooth and the horses can feel eager to return to their pastures afterward. That’s a good sign of how settled and well-managed the herd is.

Safety-wise, guides are there to help with getting on and off when needed. And because the ride is paced for mixed levels, you’re not going to be blasted off the trail like a fast-paced movie scene. If you can follow basic directions and sit with the horse, you’ll do fine.

The farm’s family-run vibe and the warm-up after riding

Laxnes Horse Farm is described as family-run, and that shows in the atmosphere. Riders repeatedly point to the staff as friendly and helpful, and a common theme is how welcoming the owner and team are once you arrive at the stables.

The stables are typically described as spotless, and you’ll have time for gear fitting before heading out. Then, after the ride, you return to a warm area where you can reheat quickly. Riders mention hot cocoa, coffee, and tea, plus pastries or cake in the warmth of the tea room.

That post-ride stop is more than just a snack. It’s how you recover from Iceland’s cold without rushing. You also get a moment to compare notes with your small group while everything is fresh in your mind.

If you’re going in winter, this warm-up can be the highlight of the whole afternoon. Even if the ride itself is perfect, Iceland weather can be sneaky, and warmth afterwards lets you enjoy the experience instead of just surviving it.

Price and value: is $152.37 a fair deal for 3.5 hours?

At $152.37 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Iceland. But it also isn’t just “sit on a horse for 20 minutes.” You’re getting a full 3 hours 30 minutes experience, including pickup, gear outfitting, time on the trail, and the warm drinks afterward.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik save time and planning. You’re not paying (in effort and money) to figure out how to get there and back.
• Gear included matters in Iceland. Helmets and coveralls aren’t optional luxuries when it’s cold and wet.
• Small group size (up to 15) usually means you get more hands-on help if you need it.

Could you find cheaper rides? Maybe, depending on the season and format. But if you’re a first-timer who wants a straightforward “Icelandic horses close to the city” experience with minimal hassle, the package is priced in a way that makes sense.

Think of it like this: you’re paying for convenience, equipment, and a guided experience that’s built for mixed comfort levels—not just animal access.

Who should book, and who might want to reconsider

This tour is built for beginners and it shows. Riders talk about kids as young as 8 riding comfortably, even if they’d never been on a horse before. The tour also serves adult beginners and people who feel nervous about getting started.

It’s a strong match if:

• You want Icelandic horses without a complicated logistics day
• You’re traveling as a family and want something age-flexible (minimum age is 7)
• You want a guided, scenic ride with good warm-up afterward
• You like the idea of Icelandic movement like tölt rather than aggressive speed

Possible reasons to reconsider:

• If you have bad knees or a bad back, horseback riding may not feel great. That’s not a guarantee it’ll be awful for you, but it’s a real consideration people raise.
• If your dream is a riding lesson with lots of technique work, you may feel the instruction is too light. This is mainly a trail ride with early guidance, then riding.

Also keep a basic safety note in mind. The operator can refuse service to anyone showing signs of intoxication for safety reasons, and if that happens, there’s no refund. Iceland has strong safety culture, and this is part of it.

When to go: timing, weather, and how to dress

This experience depends on good weather. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll either get a different date or a full refund. That’s a normal reality in Iceland, but it still affects planning.

Your best strategy is to pack for the Iceland version of cold: wind + wet + long time outside. Even with coveralls and rain protection, you’ll want warm layers under the supplied gear. Gloves matter. Warm socks matter. And if you run cold fast, add extra hand and foot warmers.

A few riders describe the ride going ahead even after snowfall the day before or in less-than-ideal weather. Still, don’t bank on sunshine. Iceland will do Iceland things.

Should you book this Icelandic horseback ride from Reykjavik?

If you want an easy, guided introduction to Icelandic horses, I’d book this. It hits the sweet spot: Reykjavik pickup, gear provided, beginner-friendly horse matching, and a ride that’s long enough to feel like an actual experience, not a quick photo stop.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• You’re short on time and want the countryside view without traveling far
• You’re traveling with kids or mixed experience levels
• You want a smooth ride with the chance to enjoy tölt and scenic countryside close to the city

Book with a clear expectation: you’re signing up for a guided trail ride, not a detailed training session. Dress for cold. Bring warm extras if you get chilly. If you do that, the ride tends to land as one of the most memorable, human-scale animal encounters on a Reykjavík trip.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Do you get picked up from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik, and the drive to the riding destination is about 15 minutes. Pickup starts 1 hour before departure and can take up to 20 minutes to collect everyone.

What’s included for riding?

You get essential riding gear such as a helmet, boots, and rain clothing. In winter, you’ll be provided snowsuits/overalls (and riders also mention items like gloves and other cold-weather layers depending on conditions).

Is this tour suitable for beginners and children?

Yes. It welcomes beginners, and the minimum age is 7 years, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.