Deacon Ride, 2 Hours 15 Minutes

Deacon Horse Riding Tour runs through Stable Stop. Rated 4.9 across 51 reviews. Runs 2 hours 15 minutes. From $153.

Overview

This ride runs from a horse farm at Ytri Bægisá, a short way outside Akureyri in northern Iceland. Riders find the big white stable building on Þelamerkurvegur, meet their horses in the barn, and then head out into the surrounding countryside. The whole outing lasts 2 hours 15 minutes, and it finishes back at the same barn where it started.

The pace is adjusted to the group. Guides match each rider to a suitable horse, and reviewers ranging from complete beginners to experienced riders describe feeling well looked after. One experienced rider mentions getting chances to trot and gallop, and says the horses were comfortable and well behaved.

Back at the barn, the tour winds down with coffee, tea and light refreshments, which are included with the ride. Some travellers also mention homemade cake being served at the end. With a maximum of 8 travellers per departure, the group stays small, and the operator says a moderate level of physical fitness is needed. Hotel pickup is not part of this product.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the stablesMake your own way to Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland. Go to the big white building, the stables, and the team will be there to meet you.
2. Meeting the horsesGuides keep the group together and set the pace to suit the riders present.
3. Riding outThe ride heads out through the scenery around the farm. Travellers describe the surroundings as a memorable part of the experience.
4. Return and refreshmentsThe ride ends back at the meeting point, where coffee, tea, snacks and light refreshments are served in the barn.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details will help you plan the day, from what to wear to how the group is organised.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included in this product, so plan your own transport to the stables at Ytri Bægisá. The meeting point is the big white building on Þelamerkurvegur.
• Fitness and pace. The operator asks for a moderate level of physical fitness. First-time riders report feeling safe and well supported, and experienced riders say the pace was tailored to their level.
• Group size. Each departure is capped at 8 travellers.
• Food and drink. Coffee, tea and snacks are included, served in the barn after the ride. Some travellers have also mentioned homemade cake being served at the end.
• Weather. The experience requires good weather and can be cancelled for poor conditions, with a different date or a full refund offered. Dress for Icelandic conditions, since the ride runs outdoors.
• Photos. Bring a camera if you want pictures, since the scenery is a big part of the experience. Several reviewers single out the views as what made the ride special.

Common issues. The ride is not wheelchair accessible and needs moderate fitness, which rules some travellers out. It can be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not met or the weather is poor, though in both cases the operator offers a different date or a full refund. A full refund requires cancelling at least 24 hours before the start time; later cancellations get nothing back. One reviewer also reported a date mix-up with paid transport, which the owner apologised for and resolved.

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