The man who took me on my private quiet ride over pastures and moors was the kindest, most gentle man to both me the sweet icelandic ponies. Itviscevident he loves the ponies and they love him. I had tried to book rides in so many places. But being just one person it was impossible until I came across Alhestar. And I believe I was blessed I did not have to be one of many but had personalised attention and a tailor made package designed with my wishes in mind, at a cost comparable if not less than some of the other places I had enquired. As a mature woman who has ridden all my life, I wanted a no fuss gentle communion with a beautiful horse and that was precisely what I got. Not only with a horse but with that horse's human. Not getting into other riding establishments turned out to be a blessing. This was my last experience in Iceland. Literally the best was saved 'til last. Thank you so much!

I never had better "riding lessons" like this! I made all 3 tours and I loved it. Being for hours on a horse will teach you better riding then every hour in a stable. Especially the different kinds like on the beach, dunes or lava fields. Magnus, the owner, was soo kind and his horses teached me very well. I will definitely come back - I hope this year 😊🐎❤️ Greetings, Michelle

The Best!! Very great tour! Great guide and overall experience. Highly recommend if you are visiting þorlákshöfn!!!!

i'd read the reviews about alhestar online when i booked it for my last day, a perfect culmination of my 4-wk trip in iceland. true, magnus does not speak much english, but he definitely knows more english than i know in icelandic. nonetheless, his happiness, humor, and passion are easily understandable. his first question was whether or not i had experience on horses, when i was already on my horse, and my answer was a definite no. there's no lengthy safety review (a helmet of course) because with his guidance and horse, you don't really need one (similar to the atv's - you had to know which buttons were gas/brake, and that was it; horses are even less complicated). he held the rein closely the first 2 hrs, but the last hr, he let me ride solo all the way back (brutka (sp?) was probably also the most well-behaved older mare, and she mostly followed his horse, occasionally having the rare side quest). we passed lupine fields, lakes, golfers, and of course, thorli beach. his phone helps with translation, and we were even able to talk politics by miming, but ultimately, that last hr of being able to just ride the horse, communicate with the horse, that was bliss. we had coffee/tea/biscuits with his farmhands afterwards; they know spanish best, but it was a unique culture blending experience. i should've taken up his offer on dinner, but went to my reservation instead.

The guy really went out of his way for us, the horses seemed well trained and safe, perhaps the best horse experience ive had so far. Ive ridden horses a handful of times, but on this occasion there was just enough independence for us to hop on and move around a little without a lead, and yet the horses were clearly obedient to the owner, who then leashed and lead us while on horseback himself, from walking to a slightly faster trot, providing me with an opportunity to learn one or two exta things and feel excited, in what i felt was a safe and controlled environment. Would reccommend to all

We had an amazing morning ride with Magnus on Icelandic horses. During the ride, we saw another rider demonstrating how the Icelandic horses dance. Such an amazing experience and I highly recommend.

This was an amazing experience and the owner was great! He helped our large group get on the horses quickly and was really hospitable. He even welcomed in afterwards for coffee and hung out with us until we had to get back to town. Highly recommend this to everyone.

Magnus is the kindest man - he taught us to ride horses and then welcomed us into his home for coffee! Everyone should visit this here.

Very friendly staff and owner. Horses are very mild tempered and safe to ride. Highly recommend giving these guys a try.

Magnus was so kind and a joy to be around! He was very flexible with our mixed level of experience, as well. The horses were beautiful, and it overall felt like an authentic experience. Would definitely recommend!

Awesome tour! The area and the black beach are beautiful, the horses are well trained, behaved and friendly and Magnús and Dora were extremely nice and helpful. I've had such an awesome day and will surely come back next time I am in Iceland. Best tour I've done there. Highly recommended!

Outstanding experience with Magnus and Lilja. We went with our whole family (2 adults, 7 y/o, 10 y/o), and the ride felt very personalized. The guides are very warm and generous with their time and knowledge. An excellent opportunity to spend some time with native Icelanders while riding across the rugged but beautiful countryside.

My husband and I had an awesome time doing the Black Sand Beach horseback riding tour. Even tho it was raining we still enjoyed every minute of the ride. Once we got to the beach we were able to let the horses run along the shore. I would definitely go back and I will be telling people if you are looking for a place to go horseback riding in Iceland Alhestar horse rental and tours is the place to go.

WOW. This ride was the highlight of my 8 days in Iceland. I rode with a different outfit a few days earlier in a group of 20 just walking along. This ride was the opposite. I signed up for a medium experience ride to a black sand beach. 2 others plus our two guides was our group. We walked, we experienced the tolt, and even cantering and galloping on the black sands beach. I think we rode for 3+ hours. The horses were well trained and energetic. Magnus was a delight and truly loves introducing you to the Icelandic horse. They may be vertically challenged but they are sturdy and a wonderful ride. If you are an experienced rider, this is the ONLY place you should ride to truly experience the Icelandic horse!

I just loved the experience with Magnus, such an easygoing guy, not speaking english but still fun conversations, using hands and google translate! He lives on the farm since he was born and was raised with the horses! I did not know anything about horses, and it was my first real horse ride, and Magnus told me to just get on the horse and we started riding together (it was just the two of us!!) Then he explained how to stop the horse (pull bak is „off“ let go is „on“👍👍) and that was it! Also how to lean back for downhill. The horse was just so calm and easy to ride! At the end of the tour, I rode alone and pretty fast over the grassland and lava fields! A dream come true! Thanks a lot Magnus, I totally enjoyed the landscape, the sea, the ride, the horses and your company! Absolutely amazing and highly recommendable!