Ishestar Horse Riding Tours
Ishestar Horse Riding Tours
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Ishestar Stables offers great facilities for riders. It’s set in beautiful surroundings just outside the town of Hafnarfjordur, about 10 minutes drive from Reykjavik. The facilities and its beautiful surroundings provide endless opportunities for riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. We welcome individuals, families and all kinds of groups who want to enjoy themselves outdoors. The facilities offer people an easy way to enjoy our horses and the experience of our staff will ensure the safety of all our guests. The locker room of the Stables is well equipped. All customers are provided with warm overalls, rain gear, riding boots and helmets in all sizes. The Ishestar staff take pride in finding horses to suit individual needs as well as secure the safety of everybody. Ishestar offers daily riding tours at 10:00, 13:00 and 14:00 during the whole year, both for beginners and advanced riders. We offer pick up from all pick up points in Reykjavik.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- eddie8Worcester161 contributionsMy daughter loved thisMy daughter was desperate to do this and it didn't disappoint. We booked the hour horse ride with waffles. The staff were really nice and happy to take lots of photos. The tour goes round a dormant volcano and has some great views. They also have extra layers for you to wear depending on how cold it is. Be warned, though there is a weight limit. 17st is the cut-off, and I therefore had to sit out and drink the complimentary coffee. However, there is a nice cafe to sit in, so I didn't mind. My daughter and wife loved it. The waffle was a nice finish as well.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 January 2024
- Jessica P5 contributionsBest dayThis was truly one of the most special experiences of my LIFE. Jaggy guided me on the Viking tour with Frosty, a sweet, responsive and happy little horse. Frosty’s tolt was really fun - I only wish I could have watched him go. The scenery was incredible and I just felt like pinching myself the whole time. The staff clearly love and respect the horses and put their welfare first, and as a result, the horses are full of life. Go on this tour - you won’t regret it!Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 January 2024
- fh_94Dundee, United Kingdom6 contributionsLava TourDid the lava tour on Feb 1st with my partner and we had the best time! I rode regularly when I was younger but only do it occasionally as an adult and my partner had only ridden twice ever, and we felt this tour catered well to both our levels. We were asked about our experience before being matched to our horses. My partner was given Harry Potter and unfortunately I can't remember my horse's name but she was very sweet and well natured. Two guides accompanied the tour and were excellent with talking less experienced participants through what to do, and took the time to tell us lots about their stables, the Icelandic horse breed and Iceland in general! It was also great of them to take the time to snap a few photos for everyone during the rest break. Despite the snow, rain and wind while we were out, this was the perfect way to take in the scenery. We would love to visit again in the future!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,347 reviews
Excellent
953
Very good
230
Average
79
Poor
45
Terrible
40
Harlan M
New Port Richey, FL6 contributions
Oct 2021
Did the Nature Comfort ride and for my first time on a horse it was great! The guides took their time and explained everything. They also provided interesting information during ride.
The ride itself was on wide, well maintained trails through the lava fields. The horses walked and for the most part required very little guidance. Therefore if you are an experienced rider this particular tour will be too tame for you but they offer others.
They offer riding gear which includes helmet, and offer insulated coveralls, rain gear, and rubber boots. Take them up on the coveralls and the boots if you don't want to get yours "muddy".
Do note the refund policy before booking. Because of a flight change I did have to change the date of my ride and Jenny was very accommodating. Meeting her in person she is very friendly and helpful getting everything lined up before you are turned over to the guides.
The facility is clean and they provide warm beverages.
The ride itself was on wide, well maintained trails through the lava fields. The horses walked and for the most part required very little guidance. Therefore if you are an experienced rider this particular tour will be too tame for you but they offer others.
They offer riding gear which includes helmet, and offer insulated coveralls, rain gear, and rubber boots. Take them up on the coveralls and the boots if you don't want to get yours "muddy".
Do note the refund policy before booking. Because of a flight change I did have to change the date of my ride and Jenny was very accommodating. Meeting her in person she is very friendly and helpful getting everything lined up before you are turned over to the guides.
The facility is clean and they provide warm beverages.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stockt
125 contributions
Feb 2020
This trip was not initially part of my plans however I decided to give it a go as my planned tour was cancelled due to the weather. But I really glad I went. Quite unique! The last time I was on a horse was over 30 years ago so I’m a real beginner but it was fine. I’m also not the lightest but two staff helped me get on the horse as my knees struggled. Then all was fine. Beautiful scenery and I enjoyed getting to know my horse, Harry Potter. The staff were great. I did struggle to hear right at the back and ended up in the medium skill level group by mistake but that was quickly sorted! I am sure if Harry Potter could speak he’d have been turning to look at me saying ‘are you sure?’ It was very cold. They offer warm boiler suits and I put that on too which certainly helped. Plus a my own hat under the helmet. A great trip and really glad I did it.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We appreciate it.
I'm glad you and Harry potter enjoyed the ride and made it to the group you wanted to bee in.
Hope to see you again some day if you come back to Iceland.
Written 7 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica P
5 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
This was truly one of the most special experiences of my LIFE. Jaggy guided me on the Viking tour with Frosty, a sweet, responsive and happy little horse. Frosty’s tolt was really fun - I only wish I could have watched him go. The scenery was incredible and I just felt like pinching myself the whole time. The staff clearly love and respect the horses and put their welfare first, and as a result, the horses are full of life. Go on this tour - you won’t regret it!
Written 27 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline L
1 contribution
Aug 2022
We went on the Southern Highland tour arranged by Ishestar from the 18th of August to the 23th of August 2022.
This trip was absolutely fantastic and definetly one of our biggest riding experiences ever. The trip could not have been arranged any better or more professionally than it was. We will for sure come back and ride with Ishestar again!
Our tour guide Patrycja and tour leader Kiddi were so sweet, friendly and serviceminded! They always tried to give each person a horse that was a match for the specific rider and they always did their best to accomdate the wishes of the group.
The Icelandic landscape was indcredibly beautiful and the horses were happy, healthy and always up for the job.
So we can for sure recommend to travel with Ishestar!
This trip was absolutely fantastic and definetly one of our biggest riding experiences ever. The trip could not have been arranged any better or more professionally than it was. We will for sure come back and ride with Ishestar again!
Our tour guide Patrycja and tour leader Kiddi were so sweet, friendly and serviceminded! They always tried to give each person a horse that was a match for the specific rider and they always did their best to accomdate the wishes of the group.
The Icelandic landscape was indcredibly beautiful and the horses were happy, healthy and always up for the job.
So we can for sure recommend to travel with Ishestar!
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyler
Tasmania, Australia2 contributions
Jul 2023
I decided to go on a ride for two reasons, the most important being to make my expert rider wife jealous. I opted for a private ride as I am almost a total novice - the kind of rider who is probably better classified as cargo than rider.
There was a video on what to do and what not to do, I was matched with a good looking sturdy horse whose name I can't pronounce, let alone spell, and I set off behind my Romanian/Icelandic guide.
I was given the option of how to approach the ride and I chose to go with maximum efficiency, by which I mean I sat on the horses back like a Spaghetti Western actor on their first day, pretending to hold the reigns whilst the horse did all the work and I enjoyed the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Usually I find having a conversation with people has become almost impossible, even bartenders seem reticent to say more than two words nowadays - my guide however engaged my in an interesting conversation about the Icelandic horse and Iceland in general for the whole ride.
On our return I was able to spend as much time patting the horse as I desired.
The facilities were clean and the horses looked hoppy and well to my novice eye - all in all it was a great experience and even if you are a novice like me you will be fine.
There was a video on what to do and what not to do, I was matched with a good looking sturdy horse whose name I can't pronounce, let alone spell, and I set off behind my Romanian/Icelandic guide.
I was given the option of how to approach the ride and I chose to go with maximum efficiency, by which I mean I sat on the horses back like a Spaghetti Western actor on their first day, pretending to hold the reigns whilst the horse did all the work and I enjoyed the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Usually I find having a conversation with people has become almost impossible, even bartenders seem reticent to say more than two words nowadays - my guide however engaged my in an interesting conversation about the Icelandic horse and Iceland in general for the whole ride.
On our return I was able to spend as much time patting the horse as I desired.
The facilities were clean and the horses looked hoppy and well to my novice eye - all in all it was a great experience and even if you are a novice like me you will be fine.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eddie8Worcester
Worcester161 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
My daughter was desperate to do this and it didn't disappoint. We booked the hour horse ride with waffles. The staff were really nice and happy to take lots of photos. The tour goes round a dormant volcano and has some great views. They also have extra layers for you to wear depending on how cold it is.
Be warned, though there is a weight limit. 17st is the cut-off, and I therefore had to sit out and drink the complimentary coffee. However, there is a nice cafe to sit in, so I didn't mind. My daughter and wife loved it. The waffle was a nice finish as well.
Be warned, though there is a weight limit. 17st is the cut-off, and I therefore had to sit out and drink the complimentary coffee. However, there is a nice cafe to sit in, so I didn't mind. My daughter and wife loved it. The waffle was a nice finish as well.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fh_94
Dundee, UK6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Did the lava tour on Feb 1st with my partner and we had the best time! I rode regularly when I was younger but only do it occasionally as an adult and my partner had only ridden twice ever, and we felt this tour catered well to both our levels. We were asked about our experience before being matched to our horses. My partner was given Harry Potter and unfortunately I can't remember my horse's name but she was very sweet and well natured. Two guides accompanied the tour and were excellent with talking less experienced participants through what to do, and took the time to tell us lots about their stables, the Icelandic horse breed and Iceland in general! It was also great of them to take the time to snap a few photos for everyone during the rest break. Despite the snow, rain and wind while we were out, this was the perfect way to take in the scenery. We would love to visit again in the future!
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnneEF
Weymouth, UK20 contributions
Feb 2022
Picked up from accommodation, there were only three of us plus guide, had a quick briefing and off we went. Very quick to pick up 'tolt' lovely horses and amazing experience. We all had our own horses at home so were able to make the most of the ride. Highly recommended
Written 24 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jola
4 contributions
Jul 2021
We had very exciting trip called "Lava Tours" from ISHESTAR with English-Polish speaking trainer Alicja. We ( 60+yrs) are begginers with horses and we have safe andrelaxing tour with plenty of pretty pictures. We had very beautiful, kind and friendly horses. After the trip we could, in addition, play and take photos with all horses on the paddock. Thanks a lot for good time. It's very good place to relax with pretty horses and kind trainers.
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeorgeFMarkhamON
Toronto, Canada2,733 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
The guides were particularly unhelpful. Nobody helped with the riding outfits which were haphazardly thrown on to benches (as were the boots). The instructions were inadequate for safety. Nobody helped with adjusting the saddles or mounting the horses, despite repeated requests. The guides spent most of the 45 minute ride conversing with each other rather than explaining the terrain that we were covering. The horses were always trying to change their positions in the line, and were generally non-responsive to simple commands. One passenger actually fell off when her horse stumbled on a slight downhill. At the end of the "ride", there was no help in dismounting (most of the riders had never been on a horse before) and we were required to remove the saddles and take them back to the barn. Again, no help of any sort when taking off the riding apparel. As a parting gesture, they served a very watery hot chocolate (more like brown water). The cost was exorbitant!! Close to $150 PER PERSON plus another $10 for the 10 minute ride from the hotel. Avoid!!
Written 29 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am looking at your “demanding” rides. What do you classify as experienced? I ride dressage weekly, but have only been riding for about 2 years. Very different riding in an arena compared with the countryside so wouldn’t consider experienced in trails, but certainly looking for more than a walk and a few minutes of trot. It’s a lifetime dream to experience a tolt gait.
Written 7 September 2019
Hi, you probably don't realize this, but when you use this function to ask questions, you are asking the folks that reviewed the tour, not the company itself. The best thing to do is to contact the company directly with your question. There's a contact box on the right hand side of the Tripadvisor webpage and should have a link to the company's web site etc. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Written 7 September 2019
I would like to drive myself to your facility so that we can go on to the airport after. The prices you have listed include transfers. What are the prices for a 1 or 1.5 hour ride on Thursday?
Written 7 August 2018
Hello,
We also went by car and as I understood u can choose - to have a transfer or go by car.
The price of the riding tour starts from 12200 isk, u can check prices here ishestar.is
Written 9 August 2018
We already have a tour booked through celebrity cruise leaving port at 3:00pm to your stables. Instead of going back to the ship do you offer transportation to the blue lagoon or the golden circle? If you can please help answer these questions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you,in advance,for any information you can provide. We can't wait to meet you!- Michele Kelly
Written 17 February 2018
ishestar
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
We, unfortunately, do not offer transfer to the Golden Circle or Blue Lagoon only straight to Reykjavik.
Written 19 February 2018
Hallo
Is Ishestar open during Easter holiday 2017?
Best regards Louise
Written 16 February 2017
ishestar
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Hi Louise,
Yes we are always open every day of the year.
Best regards
Written 16 February 2017
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