Icelandic Horse Riding

The Icelandic horse is one of the most distinctive breeds in the world, small, sturdy, friendly and famous for a smooth extra gait called the tölt. It has been bred in isolation for over a thousand years, and by law no horse may be imported into Iceland, so the breed stays pure. Riding one is a classic Icelandic experience, and North Iceland, with its green valleys, fjord views and long farming tradition, is one of the best places to try it. Several stables around Akureyri offer rides ranging from an hour to a half day. Rides usually start with a short introduction at the stable, where staff match you to a horse by experience and size, supply helmets and sometimes waterproofs, and explain the basics. The horses are calm and used to visitors, and the stable crew rides along, so even people who have never been on a horse can enjoy the experience. Experienced riders can find longer routes and more spirited horses, including advanced programs with faster gaits.

The scenery varies by stable. Some rides run along the fjord shore, others climb into valleys with views of snow-capped peaks, and a few visit waterfalls or lava fields. Short outings of about an hour give a taste, while two- to three-hour rides allow trotting and tölt on open tracks. Private rides and riding lessons are available for those who want more attention, and families often prefer small groups or private sessions with a friendly guide.

Season shapes the experience. Summer is the main period, with long days and green pastures, and rides can run in the evening under the midnight sun. Autumn brings colour and cooler air, and some stables run winter rides, when snow and short days make the experience more rugged and a good set of warm layers is essential. Check with the stable about season and conditions, and expect the horses to be wintering outdoors with thick coats.

Preparation is simple. Wear long trousers, sturdy shoes or boots with a small heel, and layers that suit the weather. Many stables lend helmets and rain gear, but check in advance. Weight and age limits apply for safety, and the operators will tell you the rules when you book. Bring a camera that is easy to stow, and avoid loose items that could frighten the horses. Allergy sufferers should be aware that stables contain hay and horse hair.

Riding fits easily into a stay in Akureyri because several stables are within a short drive of town, and some offer transfers. Combine a ride with a visit to the Forest Lagoon, the botanical garden or the Laufás turf farm, which has a long farming tradition of its own. Beyond the ride itself, there is pleasure in simply meeting the horses: they are curious and friendly, with thick manes that blow in the wind, and a quiet moment with one at the paddock fence is often the highlight of a visit.

For families it is one of the most memorable activities in the region, and photographs of children grinning on a patient pony tend to become the favourites of the whole trip. Ask the stable about the horses' names, since each one has a story, and about the farm itself, which may have been run by the same family for generations.