Horse Riding in Iceland: The Unique Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is not a pony — its small stature (13 to 14 hands) is a product of the harsh conditions in which it evolved over 1,100 years of isolation, not a classification. It is a full horse, with a temperament, endurance and capability that has made it one of the most beloved riding breeds in the world. It is also one of the most protected — Icelandic law prohibits the import of any other horse breed, and any Icelandic horse that leaves Iceland can never return, ensuring the breed's genetic purity has remained unaltered since the original Norse settlers brought their horses in the 9th and 10th centuries.

The Tolt

The Icelandic horse has five gaits — the standard walk, trot, canter and gallop plus the tolt, a four-beat lateral gait unique to the breed. The tolt covers ground at 8 to 15 kilometres per hour with a smooth, gliding quality that produces almost no vertical movement for the rider. You can carry a full glass of water at full tolt speed without spilling it. The practical result is a fast, ground-covering gait that is comfortable for the rider and effortless to sit without the rising trot that regular equestrian riders use to manage the bone-jarring trot. For non-riders, it is one of the most accessible riding gaits imaginable.

Best Riding Locations

The Hveragerdi area (30 minutes from Reykjavik on Route 1) is the most accessible horse riding region from the capital, with multiple reputable farms offering short rides and full-day excursions. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula has riding tours that cross lava fields and coastal terrain with glacier views. The Golden Circle area has farms offering rides with geothermal landscape backgrounds. North Iceland, particularly around Skagafjordur, is considered Iceland's heartland of horse culture — the country's largest horse festivals take place here.

Multi-Day Trail Riding

The ultimate Icelandic horse experience is a multi-day trail ride through the highland interior — following ancient driving routes, camping at river crossings, and experiencing Iceland's remote landscape from horseback. These tours operate from July through September and range from 3 to 10 days. Accommodation in tents or mountain huts. Fully catered. Suitable for intermediate riders with prior horse experience. Booking 2 to 3 months ahead required.

The Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is a pure breed that has been in Iceland for over 1,000 years, isolated since a 10th-century law prohibited the importation of horses. The breed is small (120 to 145cm at the withers, technically a pony by height but always referred to as a horse by Icelanders — correcting this is considered rude) but extraordinarily hardy and sure-footed. The tölt gait is the defining characteristic: a four-beat lateral gait that provides exceptional comfort for the rider over rough terrain — the horse can tölt at speeds ranging from a slow walk to a gallop. Riding a tölting Icelandic horse across highland terrain is an experience with no equivalent on continental horse breeds.

Getting around Iceland is easiest by car. Compare rental options and find the best deals on Discover Cars — free cancellation available.

Browse and book tours and activities on GetYourGuide — glacier hikes, whale watching, northern lights tours, Golden Circle day trips and hundreds more. Instant confirmation, free cancellation on most bookings.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Make sure you travel with peace of mind — SafetyWing offers flexible Nomad Insurance from $56.28/4 weeks, covering medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and adventure activities. Perfect for Iceland's unpredictable weather and remote landscapes.