As Jordaan clomped through the ancient lava fields outside Reykjavik, I imagined molten lava still oozing in perilous rivers and craters spitting fire like deadly confetti. Jordaan stood starkly against the gloom with his bright, white coat and carried us on bravely.
In reality, the lava fields I was horseback riding through haven’t seen lava in over 5,000 years, and “brave” Jordaan was a stout, Icelandic horse who seemed to prioritize snagging a sneaky bite of vegetation over my safety. While visiting Iceland, I went on a horseback riding tour just outside of Reykjavik, where I rode a native Icelandic horse through ancient lava fields. I highly recommend this horseback riding tour for anyone who wants to connect with Icelandic horses, regardless of their horseback riding experience.
About Horseback Riding on Icelandic Horses
Icelandic horses are noticeably different from other horse breeds. They are closer to the size of a pony, but to be called so is offensive. They are still considered horses. Their smaller size helps them survive the harsh Icelandic climate, and their stocky build provides enough strength to carry riders safely.
In addition to their unusual size, they are also unique because they are the only horse breed that can do a gait called the tölt. While I’m not too familiar with horseback riding language, we had a chance to experience this gait on the tour, and I found that it reminded me of a hasty power walk. Overall, the horses we rode were docile, but every now and then, some displayed signs of stubbornness when they saw a snack along the trail they wanted to nibble at. This stubbornness is probably what has helped them survive the rugged landscape over the years.
My Experience on the Horseback Riding Tour
It was a cool, grey morning on the day of my horseback riding tour, but my spirits were high. I had to go on the tour alone because I was accompanying my husband on his work trip and, well, he had to work.
I was picked up from my hotel in Reykjavik by a small bus provided by the tour operator. The stables were located just outside of Reykjavik, so the bus ride was pleasantly short. The rancid tang of hay and manure was the first thing to hit my nose as we disembarked from the bus, and even though it’s not a smell I would want put in a perfume, the magic of horseback riding makes it tolerable. After being given helmets, jackets, and a rules spiel, the horse trainers assigned us to our horses.
I was giddy when I was led to the only white horse of the group. I absolutely love Lord of the Rings, and in my eyes, every white horse I see is Shadowfax. However, my horse’s name was Jordaan. While he wasn’t an Andalusian stallion like the horse used in the films, he still managed to capture my heart. His docile nature and love for sneaky trail snacks were cute and quirky traits.
Despite his quirkiness, Jordaan and his pals are well-trained guides suitable for riders of any level. When we left the stables, the horses formed a line without much direction and maintained that formation for the duration of the tour. We walked through a short, forested area before arriving at the ancient lava fields.
The lava fields were the tour’s scenic highlight. While they weren’t huge, the trail wound through reddish-brown mounds with spots of black and mossy vegetation. This is where my mind began to wander as I envisioned dramatic scenes, but I also took time to enjoy the present. Even though the lava fields are over 5,000 years old, the color of the dirt and the lack of plant diversity still echoed a more tumultuous time.
At one point, we stopped to pose for pictures with our horses. I was glad to have some memories with Jordaan since I came alone and had no one to take pictures of me. On our way back to the stables, we began the tölt. I’m not going to lie, the tölt kind of freaked me out at first. It was faster and bumpier than I expected. However, after a few intervals between tölting and walking normally, I got used to it. If tölting doesn’t look or sound fun to you, the guides offer the option to skip it, and you can finish the hike without it.
With the horses’ experience and the trainers’ expertise, I was able to enjoy the scenery, connect with Jordaan, and conquer the tölt with ease. After about an hour and a half or so on the trail, we arrived back at the stables, where we were offered warm drinks before the accommodating bus took me back to the hotel.
Horseback Riding Tour Final Thoughts
Overall, this was an unforgettable horseback riding tour. There is literally nowhere else in the world where you can ride Icelandic horses through ancient lava fields and experience their tölt. The guides are accommodating and friendly, the horses are docile and sweet, and the landscape is serene and has a fascinating geological history. The transfer options offered from Reykjavik add an extra layer of comfort and stress-free planning. When I got back to my hotel that afternoon, I felt a stronger connection with Iceland and already missed Jordaan so much.
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