Our Multi-Day tours Guides

Dreaming  of exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland on a horseback? If so, we at Ishestar would love to share our passion for horse riding and the Icelandic horse in Iceland with you.

 

Robbi owns Grimstaðir farm, located 20 minutes from Iceland’s ring road on the south coast. He purchased the property two years ago and has since been managing a dairy farm and initiating a horse breeding program there. Familiar with the area from his childhood and previous horse training, Robbi seized the opportunity to buy Grimstaðir at a barbecue in the summer of 2021.

Robbi and his family have conducted multi-day tours for six years, continuously refining their routes and methods. Last year, they successfully joined the Ishestar team and are looking forward to collaborating more in future seasons.

Situated in a region rich with lush farmland and near a black sand beach, Grimstaðir boasts views of the ocean, the Vestmanna Islands, and local livestock from various windows of the large farmhouse. The farmhouse is equipped with several rooms, making it suitable for families or groups seeking both interaction and privacy.

The family owns about 60 horses, mostly bred and trained at their nearby facility, Ármot, which features a large riding hall. During winter, guests on the multi-day tours are invited to observe training sessions there.

Additionally, the family owns Foss cabin, located beside a waterfall, where guests on the Chasing Waterfalls tour spend two nights in dormitory-style accommodations. In contrast, Grimstaðir offers more conventional bedding options.

From Grimstaðir, Robbi and Ishestar offer several themed tours including the Chasing Waterfalls Tour, Black Sand Beach riding, and a Winter Farm Stay.

 

Beggi, Dóra and Palli

Beggi and Dora’s story begins in Reykjavik, where Beggi grew up and Dora moved for her studies. Seeking a quieter life, they decided to buy land near Dora’s childhood home in the countryside. They found Minnivellir farm, almost next door to where Dora grew up and life there today.

In the summers Beggi stays busy with riding and caring for his around 65 sheep. In the winter he works with training horses for a sales stable as well as caring for the sheep that stay in his barn during the winter.

Dora works in xxx and like to spend her free time exploring the area by foot but she is an excellent rider and joins the tours from time to time. An important addition to the team behind the tours operated by Beggi and Dora is one of Beggi‘s oldest friends Palli. They got to know each other in Reykjavik when they grew up together and Palli has later moved to Selfoss where he works as a carpenter. Palli has a small herd of horses that he has bred and trained himself and is leading the tours in cooperation with Beggi. New boost

Why ride with Ishestar?

Expertise and Experience: Established in 1982, Ishestar has decades of experience in equine tourism, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and enjoyable riding experience for all skill levels. Our guides are skilled riders with a great knowledge of the Icelandic horse and Iceland. Many of them have worked with the company for years, and they are passionate about sharing their knowledge with our guests.

 

Great variety of Horses: On our Multi-Day tours, our primary concern is to provide each rider with access to a group of up to four horses. This approach ensures that riders have a good selection of horses to choose from, distributing the workload more evenly and ensuring the horses’ well-being during the journey.

 

Animal welfare: At Ishestar we care deeply about our horses and put great importance on their well-being. We hold a prominent position in the horse-riding industry in Iceland, in terms of dedication to animal welfare.

 

Sustainability: Ishestar is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. We work to minimize our impact on the environment and support local communities and businesses.

 

We have been doing this for a long time and have gained a lot of experience along the way. Yet, as we are driven by our passion for the Icelandic horse and nature, every day is a new adventure for us.

 

So, why not join us for a ride? Whether it is a short ride through the lava fields or a multi-day adventure across Iceland’s stunning landscapes, we promise to make it an experience you will not forget.

Hope to see you soon!

Your friends at Ishestar.

 

Our Riding Tours:

Private Tours,

Day Tours

Multi Day tours

Testimonials from happy passengers:

“It was really great. They have so many horses and they took care in matching riding ability with the right horse. After about 15 minutes of riding the group of about 20 (with four guides) split into two and the more experienced riders could try the Icelandic horse gait of “tölt”. They also showed a video to the group about the basics of riding before we got started. I would go back for sure!”
Barbara K
“I loved every moment of our trip. Fond memories to be had forever more. I wish to return when the kids are older.”
John G
“TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!! Amazing!!! 8 days of riding. 6 through the highlands and 2 on the coast. The terrain and scenery were breathtaking. They fed us like royalty, the horses were excellent, and the staff was outstanding. They really looked out for us to make sure we had a wonderful experience. I have horses and ride regularly but was still a little concerned about going 8 days straight. (I’m 70), the horses are such a pleasure to ride I had no soreness. That includes my niece who does not get to ride regularly. I’m already thinking about arranging my next Tour. Rode new horses, saw new scenery, and made new friends.”

 

Betsey S

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