The 15 Horse Riding That Earn Their Price

1.Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,383 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $142Our pick

Ride a calm Icelandic horse for 1.5 to 2 hours across the Redhills and lava fields near Reykjavik. Guides match horses to your ability, divide groups by pace, and may introduce you to the famous tölt. Pickup, helmets, rainwear, and hot drinks are available.

“Wow, what an experience this was, both myself and my husband really enjoyed the horse ride the horses were amazing, the guides great and the scenery was just outstanding! We are both very much new to horses, not experienced at all and yet it was fantastic! I recommend to anyone! Thank you for a great day!”

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2.From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,356 reviews · from $141

At Íshestar Stables near Hafnarfjörður, you’ll ride friendly Icelandic horses for about 1.5 hours through lava fields and green hills. Guides such as Sonya help beginners feel secure, while confident riders may try the smooth tölt. Warm overalls, helmets, boots, and rainwear are provided.

“The day was brilliant. picked up by mini bus local to our hotel. took 30mins to get to riding centre. all waterproof clothing and helmets provided. very informative guides and great photo opportunities. horses were very tame and lovely to ride, me and my family stayed in the slow riding group as had never rode a horse, opportunities for others to join another group to gallop so was a nice balance. would highly recommend and we'll worth the money 😁🐎”

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3.Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 419 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $240Top rated

Spend seven hours combining Pompeii’s ruins, a local vineyard lunch, wine tasting, and a guided horseback ride on Mount Vesuvius. Guides such as Manuela, Sonia, Teresa, and Aleksandra bring the day to life. The ride stays on authorized trails around 400 to 500 meters above sea level, not near the crater.

“A long day but completely worry free. Very impressed with Lalla or guide at Pompeii. The wine and the food was amazing. And the horseback riding was a fun way to end the day.”

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4.Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 386 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $139

Ride gentle Icelandic horses through the red lava hills of Heiðmörk and Hólmsheiði on a 2.5-hour small-group tour from Reykjavik. You get matched with a horse, receive riding help and weather gear, and may try the Icelandic tölt. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and BSI.

“Absolutely brilliant, friendly animals suitable for beginners and experts alike. The guides were really friendly and very helpful, they offer winter suits to help keep warm recommend using them. Wear good socks to keep your feet warm. Thank you Claudia.”

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5.Reykjavik: Small-Group Horse Volcano Riding Tour with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 196 reviews · 3 hours · from $191

Ride from a family farm with guides such as Viggo, Monika, Adriána, and Viktor, matching each rider with a calm Icelandic horse. Expect beginner-friendly instruction, views over Reykjavik, forest trails, Rauðhólar lava rock, a chance to try the Tölt, and tea or coffee afterward.

“Amazing afternoon riding horses in Iceland, highly recommend!! Shout out to Connie and Cashmere, our beautiful horses!! Thank you to our 2 guides, so much fun!!”

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6.Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · from $68Best value

Join a guide for a one-hour horse trek through the lower foothills of Mt. Ngongotaha. You’ll ride across working farmland, native bush, and uneven ground to a lookout above Lake Rotorua. Horses are matched to your ability, helmets are supplied, and the small group has a maximum of five riders.

“It was a great trek, we hadn’t been on horses since we were children so a little nervous at first but the instructor was great and made us feel at ease. The horses were so chilled and well behaved. Great experience.”

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7.Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, Horses & Waterfalls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 130 reviews · 10 hours · from $222

Spend a full day in West Iceland with a small group of up to 19 people. Walk through cold, colorful Viðgelmir Lava Cave, meet Icelandic horses at Sturlureykir, taste hot spring bread, and visit waterfalls, Reykholt, and Deildartunguhver with an English-speaking guide.

“We had such a great day, tour guide Thor was brill and loved the cave. Would recommend.”

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8.Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 127 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $94

Ride a calm horse through reforested land and private farms near La Fortuna, then hike down to the dramatic La Fortuna Waterfall. Guides such as Otto, Kevin, Danny, Pablo, and Carlos help beginners get started. Expect a steep return climb, shared roads, and time for swimming.

“Just beware, the hike is rigorous! You don’t ride the horses to the waterfall, there is a hike down and up. That being said, it was a wonderful experience. Our guide Carlos was pleasant company, had interesting and informative things to say about things alingbthe way. Our group was small. The horses are typical service animals, not flashy or pet like. Carlosntreated them with kindness which made us feel good. The waterfall (Fortuna) and swim refreshed and invigorated us while also amazing us. Worth the price and a good day.”

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9.Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/ Dinner Cooked by-Lava Chef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $335

Ride a Guatemalan horse with your own cowboy guide toward Pacaya Volcano, then enjoy marshmallows, lava-coal pizza, wine, cushions, and sunset views. Guides such as David, Marlo, and Lori add local stories, while proceeds support Soul Shine Horse Rescue.

“Wonderful experience! My twin and I booked the early 8:30am tour and were greeted at our hotel by David. The ride over was stunning and the experience as a whole was a once and a lifetime adventure. The whole process was smooth and the ride up was very smooth and stress free, even for beginners. We ate pizza wine at the top which added to the fun. 10/10 recommend!”

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10.Pompeii: Ruins Tour and Mount Vesuvius Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 42 reviews · from $215

Spend eight hours combining Pompeii’s ancient streets with a one-hour horseback ride through Vesuvius National Park. An archaeologist leads the ruins visit, while local guides handle the horses and a winery serves lunch, wine, pasta, dessert, and regional views.

“Absolutely fantastic trip. The ruins guide was lovely and very informative, we went in February so it was quiet. I was a little apprehensive about taking the transport to the horseback ride and vineyard because I get really travel sick but it was absolutely fine. Driver was fantastic, friendly and the car was comfy. The food was absolutely delicious we were so full. I would do this trip again had so much fun and enjoyment.”

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11.Reykjavik: Golden Circle tour, Crater & Icelandic Horses

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 7.5 hours · from $76

Travel from Reykjavik in a guided minibus to Kerid Crater, Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park, and an Icelandic horse photo stop. An English-speaking guide drives, explains Icelandic life and geology, and keeps the day moving at a sensible pace. Bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes.

“The information received from the service provider, after payment confirmation and receipt of the voucher, was extremely accurate. The bus arrived at the designated location at the agreed time. The guide explained many interesting facts about the places we passed and about life in Iceland. The highlight of this tour was the stop at the Kerid crater and the visit to a farm to see and interact with Icelandic horses. I definitely recommend the tour to anyone visiting Iceland.”

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12.Rotorua: Scenic Horse Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 1 hour · from $74

You’ll ride a friendly horse through rolling farmland near Mt Ngongotaha, with wide views over Lake Rotorua. An English-speaking guide matches you with a suitable horse, gives a safety briefing, and leads the group at an easy pace. Bring closed-toe shoes and expect a quiet countryside outing rather than fast riding.

“Wonderful way to see views of the lake. I really enjoyed my time. The horses were great!”

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13.4 Hour Sulphur Mountain Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $253

You’ll ride for about four hours with lead and tail guides from Banff Trail Riders, crossing the Spray River and passing Mount Rundle, Bow Falls, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course. This is a small-group ride for experienced riders, with helmets, a snack, and horses provided.

“The tour didn't answered our expectations. We have stayed in the trails among the woods and nowhere else ; not in the lowland nor to the top of the mountain (or close to). No horse trot or gallop. Unfortunately, it was too expansive for the experience we had. We did a bit of back and forth with our tour guide, she didn't seemed to know where to go on the trail at the end. At least, 2 stars because the horses seemed to be well treated.”

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14.Banff: 4-Hour Sulphur Mountain Intermediate Horseback Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 4 hours · from $241

Ride from Banff Springs Corrals with an English-speaking guide and a sure-footed horse. This four-hour intermediate route crosses the Spray and Bow rivers, follows Mount Rundle, passes the golf course, and includes a short snack break. Groups are limited to six riders.

“This was such an awesome trail ride. The ladies are lovely and really look after you. The horses are so good and really sure footed you can relax and enjoy the view. Loved the river crossings.”

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15.Iceland: Volcanic Landscape Horse Riding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Ride Icelandic horses through the volcanic countryside near Reykjavík in a group of no more than eight. Your English-speaking local guide gives a riding introduction, helps you try the tölt, explains Icelandic culture, and takes complimentary photos during the two-hour outing.

“The most amazing day, I can’t thank you enough! The care you had for the horses and your love for them and the nature along with your knowledge was unmatched. Thank you!’”

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