My boyfriend and I had a lovely time horseback riding at Solhestar! The small farm is family owned, and the owner himself picked us up at our hotel nearby. It was about 0C that day, so we bundled up in the provided jumpsuits and boots, and went on a lovely ride nearby along the mountain with the farm dog guiding us. Our guide was super knowledgable and friendly, and we learned a lot about Icelandic horses. The horses we rode and the ones in the barn and field were clearly happy, healthy, and well-cared for. Would definitely return next trip and highly recommend Solhestar for a wonderful outdoors adventure that let's you experience the the Icelandic landscape in a unique way.
My husband and I booked the hot springs tour through our hotel (ION Luxury Adventure Hotel). We are both experienced riders and wanted a more advanced and personal ride and they definitely accommodated. The tour started with a sure footed walk up the steeper Reykjadalur path to the hot river. Once there we had a light lunch (prepared by the owner's wife) and soaked in the bubbling stream (bring your bathing suit and a towel). After the hot river we tolted and galloped through meadows back to the farm. It was idyllic!There was only one other person on our tour and she was advanced enough to keep up with our quicker pace. The horses were well suited to each of our strengths and our guide was great at keeping an eye on things, but not hovering. After the owner's wife brought us into her home and served us delicious homemade soup. The perfect cap to a wonderful ride. I highly recommend Solhestar!
We booked the 3-hour riding tour and were greeted by the very friendly owner at the farm. There were only 4 people in our group: the three of us, who are inexperienced riders, and another woman, with a lot of riding experience. The horses were great, the two guides that accompanied us were friendly and the scenery around the mountain was beautiful. We got to tolt, which was fun, and the lady with the riding experience also got to gallop. Overall, great experience! My only other comment would be that while the tour name implies you will ride for 3-hours, we only rode for 2 (which none of us minded). They do say in the description that you will ride for 2-3 hours, but perhaps a change in the tour name would help clarify this.
I wanted a smaller, more adventurous tour and I couldn't have asked for more. For a start there was only me and my brilliant guide on the tour, which is really unusual because most places would have cancelled if there was no more interest. The tour itself is was a brilliant ride up the steam valley on a fantastic pony who was sure footed but great fun. I got to spend plenty of time in the amazing hot stream and even got shown around the magnificent geological features up there. The ride back along the valley was great fun and I got plenty of chance to experience the famous and exhilarating tolt and flying pacing gaits. The ponies are really well cared for; my guide's pony became slightly lame on the way down the valley but the owners came straight out with a replacement pony so we could ride back and the lame pony was put straight out in the field for a day off. I really loved the fact that this is a small, friendly stables that cater for anybody that wants to give riding a a go or have a really adventure and they have no intention of changing that to join the ranks of the enormous groups I passed along the way.
We didn't book the tour in advance because we are horse lovers and want to see how owners treated their horses. We went to another farm before but it looks too much business. The horses looked rundown and in bad condition. So we left and came to Sólhestar, the horses here looked well cared and seemed to have a happy life. It means the owner likes his job! He and his staffs were very friendly and tried his best to arrange the tour for us even if no advanced booking. Overall, It's impressive tour, spectacular view, reliable horses (not buck me down :)) and valued money!
we would highly recommend Solhester because they give you a personal and warm feeling while they are guiding you through mountains and open land. Not the best season to be horsebackriding but we would defenetely do it all over again anyway!
My mother & I visited Iceland during Thanksgiving & we went for a morning ride with Solhestar. I have ridden, almost daily, for 30+ years, & it has been almost as long since my mother has ridden. It was a fabulous experience for both of us! We were the only people registered that day, so we got a wonderful, private ride. The scenery was beautiful, especially since there was fresh snow. Our guide was knowledgeable and very personable. The owner, himself, picked us up at the hotel. It was a wonderful mom-and-pop type situation. Our ride was the best part of our trip!
great trip. it was amazing!!! we had a great guide. they fixed Food on the trip, and after trip. Great people working here
I'm so glad I went with this riding tour, instead of some of the more advertised ones. The tour guides were super friendly, and very understanding of varying levels of experiences. I was one of 2 people who had never been on a horse before, and it didn't even faze them in the slightest. They stop to take your picture for you, talk to you along the way, and at the end you can have tea/coffee and cookies, and meet their pet sheep Hercules and dog Junior (super cute!). I also had a nice talk with the owner on the ride back to my hostel, and he was saying that he really values having a smaller business because he thinks it is more important for everyone to enjoy the experience, than to try and make the most possible money from it. I thought that was pretty cool, and it definitely has that feel. I had a great time, and if I'm ever back in Iceland would love to do one of their more involved tours (I just the the 3-hour tour).
I had an amazing day at Sólhestar.I booked the beach tour and we were only a small group of 3 people plus guide.The lonely black beach and the rest of the nature were just stunning!The horses were fun, they have a lot of power but you are always able to control the speed.Also the guides as well as the owner of the farm are really nice, friendly and helpfull.I definitely will come back there for a second tour.