Horse Riding Tours

Initially imported by Norse settlers, the Icelandic horse is one of the oldest, rarest and purest breeds in the world, having existed on the sub-arctic island in isolation for over 1000-years.

The breed is known and revered for its shaggy, stocky appearance, raw strength and gentle temperament. Unlike other breeds, moreover, the Icelandic horse has a fifth gait called "tölt." Before the arrival of the automobile, this gait proved invaluable to Icelanders as it made it relatively easy to travel long distances by guaranteeing a smooth ride on the poorest of roads.

To protect the Icelandic horse against disease, and to preserve the purity of the breed, no foreign horses are allowed to enter the country. In fact, Icelandic horses may not return home once they have left the island. Therefore, when Icelandic equestrians travel internationally for competition, they will often leave their best horses at home to avoid having to abandon them abroad.

Icelandic horses were initially used for transport and farming. Although they are mostly only used for competitions and leisure riding today, many farmers still use them for backcountry travel and sheep herding.

There are over 80,000 horses in Iceland—a significant number when you consider that there are only 350,000 people. This means that where ever you may find yourself while travelling in Iceland, you will have the option of exploring the country on horseback via a horse riding tour, and get to know the beautiful animal that is the Icelandic horse.

Should you love horses, Skagafjörður fjord is a must-visit, as this area is renowned for its horse riding culture and its large horse population.