Mr. Iceland

When people picture horseback riding, they usually imagine trotting gently through a quiet meadow or along a beach at sunset. What they don’t picture is charging across a volcanic plain in Iceland with a man who could easily pass for a real-life Viking. That’s exactly what riding with Mr. Iceland feels like. Before this trip, I didn’t think I’d ever describe horseback riding as a bucket list adventure. I’ve owned and ridden horses for years, but this was something else entirely. From the moment we met him, Mr. Iceland had that rare mix of warmth and intensity that instantly grabs your attention. His energy is big, his laugh louder, and his horses are the definition of power and grace.

We saddled up on his family farm just outside Reykjavik. The air was crisp, the ground black with volcanic rock, and a cold wind swept across the open fields. The Icelandic horses looked small compared to what you’d find elsewhere, but don’t let their size fool you. These animals are pure muscle. They’re famous for their smooth gait, the tölt, which feels like gliding across the landscape. Once you feel it, you understand why Icelanders are so deeply connected to these horses.

Mr. Iceland led us out into the wilderness, and within minutes we were moving faster than I expected. This wasn't just some slow trail ride. We were galloping across wide open plains, through shallow rivers and moss-covered hills, with mountains rising in the distance and the ocean flashing silver on the horizon. It felt wild, raw, and completely free.

Halfway through, we stopped by a small stream where the horses drank and rested.

Mr. Iceland told stories about his family, the land, and how Icelandic horses have been part of his life since childhood. You could tell this wasn’t just a business for him, it was a part of who he is.

When we returned to the farm, the experience didn’t end with the ride. Mr. Iceland invited us into his home for dinner, a cozy cabin filled with the smell of wood smoke and home-cooked food. We sat around a long wooden table with a few other guests, eating traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb stew, freshly baked bread, and local cheese. The conversation flowed easily, full of laughter and stories about life on the farm, the horses, and the Icelandic winters that test even the toughest riders.

By the time we left, the midnight sun was still hanging low over the horizon, painting everything in soft gold. The horses grazed quietly in the fields, the air was still, and the whole evening felt like something out of a dream. If you ever find yourself in Iceland, skip the tourist trails and go ride with Mr. Iceland.

It’s more than just an adventure, it’s an invitation into a way of life, one filled with power, pride, and a deep connection to the land. You’ll leave with tired legs, a full stomach, and a story you’ll never forget.