Deacon Horse Riding Tour

A horse ride north of Akureyri is pure freedom. You head out from Ytri Bægisá on a small-group tour with Icelandic horses and multiple chances to tölt in the mountains. What I love most is how personal it feels, plus the fact you get off the main roads into country buses cannot reach. The one thing to keep in mind is you should have moderate physical fitness, and the start involves some time getting set up and matched with your horse.

This is a short commitment with a big payoff. Expect about 2 hours 15 minutes total, with roughly 1.5 hours actually riding, then coffee and light refreshments when you return. It runs in English, and the team at Stable Stop keeps the group small, generally up to 6 in the main description and up to 8 in the tour details.

The ride is built for everyone from first-timers to experienced riders. Your pace and gait options depend on comfort, weather, and the day’s plan, so if you are chasing a nonstop fast gallop, you may feel the session is a bit short.

Key things that make this Deacon Horse Riding Tour worth your time

• tölt time in north Iceland: you get repeated opportunities to feel the Icelandic five-gait magic
• Small group energy: the tour is kept tight, so your guide can watch and help
• Beginner-friendly horse matching: first-time riders often feel secure from step one
• Scenery beyond the bus view: wooded trails, meadows, stream crossings, and mountain backdrops show up close
• Coffee and cake at the finish: you end with refreshments, not a rushed exit
• Guides matter: names like Anna María, Lara, Monica, Britt, Berber, and Amelie show up in the consistent praise

Why riding from Ytri Bægisá feels different than a city activity

Akureyri is the kind of base where you can easily fill your days with tours. But this one nudges you toward the quieter edges of the north, where the scenery opens up fast once you’re in the saddle.

I love that the tour is clearly designed around the horses. Icelandic horses are known for their smooth, comfortable gaits, and here you are not just sitting for a walk. You are repeatedly invited to experience tölt, that signature Icelandic running walk that feels steadier than it sounds on paper.

The other big win is the size. With a maximum around 6 to 8 riders depending on how the day runs, you get more hands-on attention when you mount and when your guide checks in on your comfort.

Meeting and getting matched: what you should plan for at the farm

You meet at Ytri Bægisá, at the Þelamerkurvegur address. The activity ends back at that same meeting point, so you are not bouncing around multiple drop-offs.

Once you arrive, plan on the normal rhythm of a horse tour: getting oriented, meeting your guide, and getting matched with a horse and saddle that fits you. Reviews highlight that the team is patient with people who have not ridden in years, including first-timers, and that there is usually a short introductory moment before you head out.

One practical note from real experience: on a busier day, things can run a bit slower while the team matches riders with horses and tackles any saddle logistics. So if you like a smooth, no-wait start, arrive early and stay relaxed.

The 1.5 hour ride: instructions, then freedom in the mountains

The heart of the tour is about 1.5 hours on horseback. Before that, you typically get the basics you need to feel in control. Many riders come in with little to no recent experience, and the guides have a pattern that helps you settle quickly.

The most distinctive part is the tölt. Multiple riders describe having repeated chances to tölt during the ride, which matters because it turns the experience from a single novelty moment into something you actually remember as part of the pacing. That is a big reason this works for both beginners and experienced riders.

Your route also tends to include a mix of walking and speed changes. Some people mention a slower walk that gradually adds faster tolk at the end. Experienced riders mention they got to trot and even gallop, but that depends on the group and your comfort level.

What the trail feels like: woods, streams, and real country turns

Once you leave the farm area, you are not just following a single track. The route can include wooded trails and open spaces, plus stream and river crossings that make the ride feel Iceland-specific, not generic.

In the accounts I’m drawing from, you might pass through spots like:

• wooded stretches with photo-friendly stopping points
• a rush of water or stream moments along the way
• small bridge crossings that put you into a different part of the country quickly
• a hillside pause for rest and photos, where you can take in the mountain backdrop

Even if the total ride time is fixed, the trail variety helps it feel longer. It also explains why the views can stay interesting even when the weather keeps shifting.

If you are expecting a nonstop climb deep into rugged mountain terrain, calibrate expectations. Some people point out that parts of the ride start with dirt and gravel sections and that the mountain angle is more visible than the ride is purely in remote highlands. That is still beautiful, but it is not always the dramatic, off-road mountain crawl people picture.

Pace and skill levels: how the guides keep it safe without killing the fun

This tour is listed for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. That does not mean everyone rides the exact same way. It means the team is matching horses and managing gaits so riders can participate comfortably.

For beginners, the reassurance is practical: you get help getting started, plus patient guidance while you learn how to sit and move with the horse. First-time riders often mention feeling safe and secure the entire time, which is what you want, because Icelandic horses can feel lively in motion even when they are well trained.

For more experienced riders, the value is in variety. Some people specifically note more active gaits like trot and gallop, which tells me the guides are not automatically keeping everything slow. The difference is that it happens when it makes sense for the group and conditions.

If you want the fastest pace available, the best approach is to say so early and be honest about your comfort. If your goal is tölt and calm scenic riding, that should also be clear from the start.

Coffee and light refreshments: the part people remember after the saddle

The tour ends back where it started, and then you are invited for coffee and light refreshments. This is not just a box-check stop. Multiple riders mention homemade cake and a warm, welcoming end to the ride.

That matters more than it sounds. After time in the cold and after physical effort on a horse, a real cup of coffee and something sweet makes the experience feel complete. It is also the moment you can ask questions and talk with the guide while the day is still fresh.

Some riders even mention photo stops during the ride, which means you can end the day with a full set of memories, not just a few blurred shots.

Price and value: what $160.57 buys you in real terms

At $160.57 per person, you are paying for a few things at once: trained horses, trained staff, small-group management, and the time commitment to do this safely.

The value shows up in the structure:

• A full 1.5 hours of riding time
• A strong emphasis on Icelandic horse gaits like tölt
• A small group size that allows actual help, not just a wave and go
• Coffee and light refreshments at the finish

Could you find cheaper horse rides elsewhere? Maybe. But this is one of those activities where cost often reflects safety, horse care, and the time staff spend matching each rider. When you see repeated high ratings and comments about how well riders were cared for, that’s the practical justification for paying more.

One detail to double-check when you book for a cruise or a port day: some people describe add-on pickup arrangements. So if you want a smooth door-to-ship plan, confirm what your booking includes before you assume it is covered.

The biggest pros, based on what consistently lands

Here are the aspects that come up again and again, and why they matter for your day:

Icelandic horses that work for beginners

If you’ve never ridden before, this is one of the safest types of horse tours to consider. People commonly report that the horses feel patient and intuitive, and the mounting and comfort can be easier than expected.

Guides who actually adjust to you

Names that pop up in positive feedback include Anna María, Lara, Monica, Britt, Berber, and Amelie. The point is not the name itself. The point is the attention, like giving instructions before you ride again after a break, and being patient when someone needs a moment to relax.

Tölt opportunities that are not just a tease

You get multiple chances to feel tölt. That turns the tour into something you cannot easily recreate from a short drive or a single photo stop.

Scenery that stays close

Instead of only looking at the country from a road, you ride past wooded bits, water crossings, and open views that make the north feel immediate.

A friendly end with refreshments

Coffee, light bites, and mentions of homemade cake help this feel like a real farm experience, not a timed service.

A fair drawback: short ride time, plus occasional pace expectations

Two potential points to consider.

First, the ride is only about 1.5 hours on horseback. That’s long enough to enjoy and learn, but some riders finish and immediately wish they had one more lap.

Second, pace expectations vary. Some people enjoy a slower overall ride with faster moments later. Other experienced riders describe getting into trotting and faster gaits. If your main goal is maximum speed the entire time, you may be slightly disappointed by how safety and group management shape the experience.

A third minor, but real, consideration: one rider noted that the tour description can sound like a deep mountain journey, while the actual route includes dirt and gravel roads. You will still see mountains, but it helps to think of this as a trail ride that reaches scenic areas, not a hardcore backcountry trek.

Tips for making the most of your first Icelandic horse ride

You do not need to overthink this, but you can make the day easier.

• Go in expecting instruction, not a free-for-all. The guides are set up to help you settle in fast, including riders with little experience.
• Tell your guide what you want from the ride. If you want more tölt and less speed, say that. If you want to try faster gaits later, ask at the right time.
• Arrive early and plan for parking and entry questions. One review suggested the team could do a better job clarifying where to park and enter. Early arrival gives you time to get set without stress.
• Keep the weather in your mind. This experience is weather dependent, and your guide may adjust plans if conditions are not ideal.

Who should book this, and who might be happier with something else

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want a small-group horse experience near Akureyri
• like hands-on interaction with animals and staff
• want to experience Icelandic horse gaits like tölt, even if you are a beginner
• appreciate getting off the main roads into quieter country

You might consider another option if you:

• want a full day in the saddle with no breaks or no weather interruptions
• expect a long nonstop ride deep into remote mountains with no gravel segments
• have very limited ability to handle moderate physical activity during mounting, riding, and stopping

Should you book the Deacon Horse Riding Tour with Stable Stop?

I’d book it if you want the most practical way to experience Icelandic horses without the hassle of big groups or long logistics. The combination of small-group attention, real time in the saddle, and repeated tölt chances makes it a high-value experience for what you pay.

Just go in with the right mindset. You are here for a well-run trail ride, photo moments, and a calm, friendly finish with coffee. If you treat it like that, you’ll likely come away with one of the most memorable days from north Iceland.

FAQ

How long is the Deacon Horse Riding Tour from Akureyri?

The tour runs about 2 hours 15 minutes total, with approximately 1.5 hours spent riding.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. The tour says all skill levels are welcome, from beginner to expert, with support for riders who are newer to riding.

What is the group size?

The tour is described as a small group, and the maximum is listed as 8 travelers in the tour details.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

When is the tour available?

It runs in summer, from February through October.

Will there be food or drinks during or after the ride?

Yes. At the end of the ride, you are invited to join for coffee and light refreshments.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.