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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,396 reviews
Excellent
1,000
Very good
231
Average
79
Poor
46
Terrible
40
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 February 15, 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 March 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 February 24, 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 August 5, 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, Canada2,682 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 April 29, 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.
branxLondon
london16 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
I did this trip on Wednesday 19th March and am currently on crutches with 10 stitches in my leg. Unfortunate things happen, I can accept that, but I have yet to hear a peep from this company that almost cost me and all the others in my group their lives. As you approach the stables there are clear signs that no dogs are allowed. I would think this would be of paramount importance as even the quietest horses can spook, and this company are happy to take complete beginners. After about an hour of nose-to-tail slow riding and a couple of "let's speed it up" episodes and absolutely no information of the terrain we were traversing, a dog ran into the middle of the group. ALL the horses spooked and not one person was left on horseback. I was unfortunately thrown and dragged (foot caught in stirrup) over lava rocks (very sharp). After a couple of lovely American tourists checked I was moveable (they were doctors), I was initially taken back to the centre in a car with, believe it or not, the offending dog who seemed to know the driver of that car very well and vice versa!! I was then taken to hospital by ambulance, as was another rider who had fractured her cheekbone and wa sporting an horrific black eye. The rest were left very shaken. There are so many things wrong with this situation, but the main one is that NO-ONE from that company has bothered to contact me with any kind of explanation. I am just grateful that I am alive to tell the tale and that no-one was seriously injured or even killed. This company has some explaining to do and I am still waiting.....................
Written March 21, 2014
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.
Bw8515
Houston, TX22 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
I went in the Lava Tour today. I definitely chose the wrong tour and probably the wrong provider. It is advertised as something that is good for beginners and more experienced riders. Granted it does say that you MIGHT get to experience the "tolt" gait after the large group has been split up into beginners and more experienced riders but they leave that decision of experience entirely up to the riders.
First let us start at the beginning as we walked into the area that asked you to select a helmet. No instruction on how to properly fit a helmet or anyone checking to see if you have a good fit. (Not very safe)
Then they ask you to watch a short instructional video, maybe 10 minutes long in English only. Not offering any other languages or further instruction, or seeing if anyone was paying attention.
Then they allow you to put away your valuables and tell you that you can borrow any of their equipment, but give no instructions or reasons why it might be helpful or important.
Next you go through the stable and tell one of the guides whether you have any experience or not and selects your horse for you. They didn't ask any questions or confirm anyone's ability.
After everyone gets mounted up (20+ people), we ride five to ten minutes down the road to a Y in the road where they asked to more experienced riders to go to the left and the beginner riders to go to the right. At this point it is already obvious to me that there are people who can not listen to instructions, can not handle their horses, and have no business attempting the experienced ride, but off we go.
So the inevitable happens, we move the horses into a trot and within 20 seconds someone freaks out and loses control and we are back to walking. We walk a bit longer and try again and this time three horses run off with riders who are completely out of control and about to fall off. The rest of us stop, regroup, wait a bit and then walk on for about 1/2 a mile to catch up. We then regroup and adjust saddles and continue the walk.
At this point we pass the beginning riders who are coming the other direction and the riders are told that if they feel uncomfortable they should join the other group. No one chooses to and no one tells them to. Another attempt to trot results in another freak out and so we walk the remaining route back to the barn.
There were two guides for each
group, and there needs to be more. There needs to be better assessment of rider skill and better instruction. They should have pulled them experienced group and forced them to go with the other group or gotten an additional guide to take the more experienced riders.
As an experienced rider I really wanted to "tolt" on an Icelandic horse and I did not get that experience because of the abilities of my group. I feel like I paid far too much for the simple ride that I received. I understand that we had to stay with the abilities of the riders in our group, but I believe that a bit more assessment as education or a hardline approach to discipline would have made it a better ride for all.
Someone is going to get hurt the way this operation is currently being run.
First let us start at the beginning as we walked into the area that asked you to select a helmet. No instruction on how to properly fit a helmet or anyone checking to see if you have a good fit. (Not very safe)
Then they ask you to watch a short instructional video, maybe 10 minutes long in English only. Not offering any other languages or further instruction, or seeing if anyone was paying attention.
Then they allow you to put away your valuables and tell you that you can borrow any of their equipment, but give no instructions or reasons why it might be helpful or important.
Next you go through the stable and tell one of the guides whether you have any experience or not and selects your horse for you. They didn't ask any questions or confirm anyone's ability.
After everyone gets mounted up (20+ people), we ride five to ten minutes down the road to a Y in the road where they asked to more experienced riders to go to the left and the beginner riders to go to the right. At this point it is already obvious to me that there are people who can not listen to instructions, can not handle their horses, and have no business attempting the experienced ride, but off we go.
So the inevitable happens, we move the horses into a trot and within 20 seconds someone freaks out and loses control and we are back to walking. We walk a bit longer and try again and this time three horses run off with riders who are completely out of control and about to fall off. The rest of us stop, regroup, wait a bit and then walk on for about 1/2 a mile to catch up. We then regroup and adjust saddles and continue the walk.
At this point we pass the beginning riders who are coming the other direction and the riders are told that if they feel uncomfortable they should join the other group. No one chooses to and no one tells them to. Another attempt to trot results in another freak out and so we walk the remaining route back to the barn.
There were two guides for each
group, and there needs to be more. There needs to be better assessment of rider skill and better instruction. They should have pulled them experienced group and forced them to go with the other group or gotten an additional guide to take the more experienced riders.
As an experienced rider I really wanted to "tolt" on an Icelandic horse and I did not get that experience because of the abilities of my group. I feel like I paid far too much for the simple ride that I received. I understand that we had to stay with the abilities of the riders in our group, but I believe that a bit more assessment as education or a hardline approach to discipline would have made it a better ride for all.
Someone is going to get hurt the way this operation is currently being run.
Written April 1, 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.
Dogmom11236
Milford, DE331 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I have always been intrigued by Icelandic Horses, as they are a unique breed. I finally got to meet them up close and take a ride. Ishestar is a very professional establishment, and they have the trailriding/hospitality stuff down to a science. I was picked up promptly at my hotel, and taken to the facility. After being provided a helmet and offered a jumpsuit for warmth, ( I declined) we all watched a short film. As a horseback rider, I will disclose that riding is a skill learned over time. Nobody is going to jump on any horse and be well versed in the nuances of riding - however, the short intro film might make a dead beginner a bit more comfortable. After our film, we were led to the barn, asked about our riding experience, and given a horse. There were several guides assisting the riders with mounting up, checking girths, and adjusting stirrups. Even with all of this, somebody fell while getting on. After everyone was sorted out, the group headed out single file. After a bit we split up into two groups- faster and slower. I was able to experience the tolt, a gait unique to the Icelandic Horse. About halfway through, we all had to dismount to give the horses a rest- and the guides took pictures. I recommend this facility without hesitation. The horses looked good, safety of horse and people were obviously important, and the facility was clean with tack in good shape. I was so glad to do this during my recent trip to Iceland
Written May 4, 2018
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 your lovely feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the tour and got to experience "Tölt". We do hope you will visit us again next time you come to Iceland.
Written May 14, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
10meijer
Amsterdam, The Netherlands5 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
I went on 2 rides. The first was the lava tour. There are too many people (most of whom can't ride) and too little guides on this tour. Our group consisted of 30 people. If one horse would have spooked and would have ran away, it would have been a disaster.
The second ride, The Viking Express, was much better group wise. But I did notice that they don't take proper care of their horses.
They are overworked.
They have small stables, sometimes even with 2 horses in one, and when they are let loose it is in a big group in a small paddock so they still don't have a lot of room.
On the ride a lot of muck was stuck in their hoofs. We were told they never clean their hoofs which could lead to the horses stumbling and they could even strain of break their leg that way.
When on coming back I took the saddle of I noticed a wound underneath the girth. She shouldn't have been saddled with that wound. The horses don't have their own saddle which means they aren't fitted properly for each horse.
It is a shame that they don't take better care of these beautiful horses. They should be more focused on the horses and less on making money.
The second ride, The Viking Express, was much better group wise. But I did notice that they don't take proper care of their horses.
They are overworked.
They have small stables, sometimes even with 2 horses in one, and when they are let loose it is in a big group in a small paddock so they still don't have a lot of room.
On the ride a lot of muck was stuck in their hoofs. We were told they never clean their hoofs which could lead to the horses stumbling and they could even strain of break their leg that way.
When on coming back I took the saddle of I noticed a wound underneath the girth. She shouldn't have been saddled with that wound. The horses don't have their own saddle which means they aren't fitted properly for each horse.
It is a shame that they don't take better care of these beautiful horses. They should be more focused on the horses and less on making money.
Written April 3, 2016
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.
scott H
3 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
I am shocked that people gave this a good review. After completing this, I realize that I will never go on a horse back riding excursion again. The excursion consists of you walkiing single file down a barren path up to a road and then turning around and taking the road back,. if you are not in single file then they run up to you and tell you to get back in the line. No stopping or they run up to you and tell you to move. Now, it may be better for experienced riders who have riden more than 30 times in the past, which is there requirement to do the more challenging course but only one person out of thrity did that. Essentially you are in a single file line with your horse's nose in the next horse's behind. Zero fun and no ability to go at your own pace at all. This might be good for people who have never riden a horse but for everyone else. LAME. Don't waste your money.
Written July 17, 2015
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.
Hi Scott, thank you for taking the time to write to us.
The reason why the horses are in a single file and close to each other on the trail is for safety. Besides, the horses all want to be close to their friends :) and if they get too far behind they may start running to catch up with the rest of the group and that may cause danger to the rider if he is not ready for the run.
If you wanted to go at your own pace, you could have booked a private tour with just you and a guide.
I hope you enjoyed your stay in Iceland.
Best regards
Silja Birgisdóttir
Written July 27, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mich4230
New Jersey74 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
I read so many positive reviews that this was the first activity I booked when I planned my trip to Iceland and was what I was most looking forward to. I am guessing I just signed up for the wrong tour. I am a very experienced rider and many comments said that other experienced riders enjoyed this company. I found it to be way too crowded- may 40 people riding nose to tail over a small area. The guide didn't even tell us much about the horses, she couldn't even remember my horses name. I was hoping for a better ride, less people, and a more personal experience. A huge disappointment for this horse-minded person.
Written March 12, 2019
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 your comment. We appreciate you taking the time to give us your feedback. Our horses are used to ride in a line in order if we meet other riders on the riding path. On our Lava Tour we split the group up in order for the experienced riders to be able to ride a little faster than the beginners. We do have a tour for more experienced riders, called Viking tour, perhaps that would have been suited for you.
We hope you had a good time though and visit us again next time you come to Iceland.
Written April 17, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 September 7, 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 September 7, 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 August 7, 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 August 9, 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 February 17, 2018
ishestar
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
We, unfortunately, do not offer transfer to the Golden Circle or Blue Lagoon only straight to Reykjavik.
Written February 19, 2018
Hallo
Is Ishestar open during Easter holiday 2017?
Best regards Louise
Written February 16, 2017
ishestar
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Hi Louise,
Yes we are always open every day of the year.
Best regards
Written February 16, 2017
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