What makes the Icelandic horse special

We're a bit biased — Icelanders tend to be soft on these horses — but they really are worth meeting. They're small, calm and sure-footed, and because the breed has been kept isolated here for over 1,000 years (a law going back to 982 AD still bans importing horses, and any that leave can never come back), they've stayed unusually friendly and even-tempered. That's a big part of why we're happy to point complete beginners at them.

The thing guests come back raving about, though, is the gaits. Most horses have three; the Icelandic horse has five. The two extra ones — tölt and skeið — are what you came for, and the tölt in particular is an experience we can't really describe, only recommend you try:

What a ride is actually like

For guests who've never ridden, here's roughly how it goes so you know what you're signing up for: you'll start with a short orientation at the stable — how to get on, hold the reins, and ask for tölt — then head out at a gentle walk on quiet trails before picking up the pace. Helmets are provided, groups are small (usually 6–10 riders) with a guide front and back, and you can pick anything from a one-hour taster to a multi-day trip. We'd start short on your first try.

Our two cents on timing: a summer evening ride through the meadows and lava-fields is hard to beat with the light lasting until midnight, but don't write off winter — the horses grow thick woolly coats, the loops are shorter, and if the sky is clear you might ride with the Northern Lights overhead.

What to Wear

• Long trousers — jeans or hiking trousers, not shorts.
• Sturdy shoes with a small heel — hiking boots or short walking boots are perfect. Trainers slip in the stirrup.
• Layers — even in summer it can be cold and wet. Most farms provide waterproof overalls; a warm fleece underneath helps.
• Helmet — always provided. Always wear it.
• Gloves — your hands hold the reins for the whole ride. Bring thin gloves.

When to Go

• Summer (June–August): Long daylight, lush trails, evening rides until 11pm. Peak season — book early.
• Shoulder seasons (May, September–October): Quieter, beautiful autumn colour, still pleasant weather.
• Winter (November–March): Short rides, fluffy winter coats on the horses, and the chance of Northern Lights overhead. Magical, but cold — dress warm.

Booking & Practicalities

• Book ahead. Summer tours often sell out a week or more in advance. Don't show up hoping for a slot.
• Weight limits. Most farms have a rider weight limit (typically around 100–110 kg / 220–240 lbs) for the welfare of the horses. Check before booking.
• Tell them you're a beginner if you are — they'll pair you with a calm, experienced horse. Icelandic horses are famously gentle, but matching is important.
• Pickup vs self-drive. Most farms offer Reykjavík pickup. Since you're already in Grímsnes, self-driving from the cabin is faster and cheaper.
• Photos. Many tours allow a phone in a pocket. Mounts on a moving horse don't work well — pause when you want a shot.
• Cash isn't needed. Iceland is essentially cashless. All farms take card.

Combine With…

• A morning ride at Efstidalur + ice cream from their on-site dairy in the afternoon
• A Sólhestar hot-spring ride paired with our Reykjadalur hike on the same trip
• An Eldhestar half-day + a soak at the Hveragerði public pool afterwards
• The Friðheimar horse show + tomato lunch + Geysir, all on one Golden Circle day