The 6 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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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 😁🐎”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review