Frequently asked questions
 
These horses are rather small can they carry an adult rider?
 
The Icelandic horse may be smaller, yet they are very strong and have no problem carrying adult riders. The biggest horses may not be the strongest so don’t be surprised if as a bigger rider you don’t get the biggest horse.
 
We have  a maximum weight for riders of 110kg/242lb.
 
I have no riding experience, can I still ride with you?
 
Our 1 hour tour offers people without experience a chance to experience the Icelandic horse. We have found that most fit people who have a good balance do very well in this tour even if they have never sat on a horse before, many even having the chance to try the faster tölt.
 
If you are not fit, have a poor balance or are afraid you may get more enjoyment out of a visit to the stable to get an introduction to the Icelandic horse.
 
I haven’t ridden for years, but used to ride often when younger can I take one of the longer rides?
 
If you are fit, have balance and enjoy the thought of being back in the saddle, then a longer tour is an option. For the day tour you need to be confident that you will be able to ride at a faster pace than walk.
 
How big are the groups?
 
We schedule all our tours around our guests and keep our groups small. It is very likely that you will have the chance to ride with just your friends or family.
 
I am an experienced rider will I enjoy riding with you?
 
As our business evolved out of breeding, training and selling horses we have always had a focus on good horses which are nice to ride for people with experience. We ride all tour horses ourselves regularly to make sure they remain nice to ride. All our horses have a nice tölt, some of them would not look bad in a competition either. On the more day tours we make sure we exchange horses every day so that you get to experience a variety of horses.
 
I am pregnant, can I ride with you?
 
Congratulations! In view of the potential risks if something should happen we cannot take you on a ride when you are pregnant, you are welcome to visit the stable, though.

Do I have to wear a helmet?
 
Your safety is important to us, and if you want to ride with us you need to wear a helmet. We provide approved and adjustable helmets in different sizes.
 
What should I wear?
 
Clothes that you are comfortable in and are appropriate for the weather. Soft trousers are recommended especially for longer rides. It helps if your shoes have a little bit of a heel and are not too broad, and sneakers will be fine if that is what you have.
 
Whatever you choose to wear the most important part of your equipment will be your helmet, which we will provide.
 
 
Can I wear my own riding clothes?
 
Because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland, it is important to protect the horses from infections from abroad. If you want to bring your own riding clothes (trousers, jackets etc ) they need to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Riding boots and hats need to be disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland.  The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
 
Please help us to protect Iceland’s horses! For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is
 
 
What if it rains?
 
The weather in Iceland is notoriously unpredictable so we can never be sure of the weather conditions when you book  a ride. We ride in all weather, rain , sun, wind, snow or a combination of those. In the very rare occasion that we feel the weather would be dangerous too ride in we would cancel the tour with as much notice as possible.
 
We provide rain clothes for when it rains. We also provide gloves for when it is warm.
 
 
Do you offer rain clothes?
 
Yes, we offer rain clothes.
 
 
When I book the day ride do I need to bring lunch?
 
We offer a sandwich lunch, drink and a snack on the day tour so no need to bring your own lunch unless you have a special need for your lunch.
 
Can I bring a bag on the ride?
 
Riding with a backpack or bag isn't comfortable and could get you out of balance so you cannot ride with those. We can store them safely for you and we have saddle bags for the lunch. If you want to bring a camera we recommend you bring a small camera which you can have in your pocket.
 
When do your rides depart?
 
We do not have standard departure times, we can book tours for you between 09:00 and 18:00 hours. Timing depends on your wishes and our availability. We keep our groups small, maximum six people and will often be able to accommodate your timing needs.
 
 
Why ride with Icelandic Horse World?
 
We offer horse riding in the beautiful landscape of southern Iceland focused on riders who have some experience. You will be riding in a small group (our maximum group size is 6) and we can schedule rides based on a timing that works for you.
 
We have a modern facility with a large riding hall where we will provide instructions on how to ride the horses and you will have a chance to get to know your horse before we leave for our ride. 
 
We have well educated horses with a good tölt who are fun to ride for more experienced riders as well as some very trustworthy horses for beginners and even those who have never ridden before.
 
Can my child(ren) go on your rides ?
 
We have riding for very young children in the riding hall - this is a short ride and the horse will be led.
 
We can take children from 10 years on tours outside, depending on experience we may choose to take them on a lead rather than let them ride loose.
 
For the day tour and multi-day tours we take children over 12 if they have experience.
 
What is included in your rides:
 
Introduction to our stable the Icelandic horse and some instruction on how to ride for those with no riding experience. A chance and support to get to know your horse before we leave. Use of helmet and gloves. Use of rain clothes if needed Coffee/tea or hot chocolate in our stable cafe after the ride (we sell home made cakes for those who got hungry). Lunch if you go on the day ride