Ishestar Iceland: Riding the Kevin Hart of Horses

We spotted our first Icelandic horse trotting from afar and delightfully squealed with excitement similar to a little kid on Christmas morning. I couldn’t wait to pet them. But as thrilled as I was, a sense of nervousness also took over as we pulled into the parking lot at the Ishestar Horse Riding Center. Have I ever ridden a horse? No. Do I know anything about horses? Also, no.

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The clouds started to roll in and rain came down as we made our way inside. We opened the door and could immediately tell we were in the right spot by the smell. Wheeww. I think the horses may have had some Taco Bell prior. We checked in with the friendly guide at the counter who said we were waiting on a few other people for our tour, but could help ourselves to any coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in the meantime. Gotta love a complimentary warm bevvy in 40 degree rain.

Once everyone got there, we signed our life away (aka signed a waiver), watched a short safety video about how to ride, then headed to a closet full of waterproof snowsuits, gloves, boots, and helmets. The only thing you are required to wear is a helmet, but I took them up on the waterproof suit. I don’t care how prison-like, ugly, and floody it was. Between the cold and rain, it was a lifesaver.

Finally the moment we’ve been waiting for—time to meet the horses! As we walked through the facility, it was very clear how well they treat their horses. The stables were clean and roomy and the horses just seemed happy to be there. The guide asked each of us if we had any experience with horses and I was relieved to know many of us had no experience. Sigh of relief. Like High School Musical, We’re all in this together. They then paired us up with the horse they felt was right for us based on experience and personality. I was introduced to a gentle brown horse that went by the name Stroumoud (pronounced Strauw-mood). Despite being male and larger than his fellow Icelandic horses, he was still quite petite for what I’m used to seeing in the states. He was the Kevin Hart of horses: short with a goofy personality. I grabbed the reigns and walked him outside where the guide put a saddle on him and helped me get on. I’m honestly surprised he didn’t let out a cry for help once I added my weight. They said in the safety video that the horses love to be talked to, so you better believe I kept talking to Stroumoud telling him he was a good boy (aka my way of telling him please don’t throw me off, sir).

Once everyone was set up, we directed our horses to follow the guide out of the gate. Okay, here we go. We’re doing this. I’m really doing it. The horses all followed each other closely in a line, which made it easy since we didn’t really have to control them too much. We rode along a gravel path under grey skies through lush green, lava fields. We took a quick break where Stroumoud unveiled his wild side when he took me down into a ditch for some grass he found irresistible. I understood though cause I also can’t resist a little snacky snack. The guide had to help get me out of the ditch. After that everything was smooth sailing as we rode back to the stables. In my opinion, it was the perfect amount of time on the horses.

We hugged our furry babies goodbye, and headed back to the closet to strip off our gear. My face was so soaked from the rain it looked like those Neutrogena commercials where they splash water on their face before cleansing. We warmed up by sipping on some hot cocoa before hitting the road. Next up: Sky Lagoon