Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest

The best part of this Tenerife horseback ride is that you do not need riding experience. You start by meeting, brushing, and saddling your horse, then head into the forest at a quiet walking pace. I like the gentle horses and the patient support from Nicole and her team. I also like the small group size, limited to six people, which keeps the outing personal.

This is not a fast trail ride. There is no trot or gallop, and experienced riders may find the pace too slow. You also need to arrive early, at 11 a.m., because the preparation takes nearly an hour before the ride begins.

Key points to know before booking

• A true beginner ride: You ride at walking pace only, with no trot or gallop.
• Horse care is part of the experience: You help brush and prepare your horse before setting off.
• Family-friendly age range: Children from five can ride, though child-leading help costs an extra €15 if parents cannot assist.
• Small groups: A maximum of six participants allows for close attention and reassurance.
• Allow extra time: Preparation starts at 11 a.m., while the trail runs from noon to 1:50 p.m.
• Check the route carefully: Follow the main road through El Amparo, since GPS may send you up the steep Camino el Lance.

Meeting calm horses at Finca Estrella

Finca Estrella is more than a place to mount a horse and leave. The visit begins with an introduction to the animals, a briefing, and time to help clean and saddle your horse. That small ritual matters, especially if you have never ridden before. Brushing a horse gives you a chance to get comfortable before you are sitting several feet off the ground.

The stable is run by Nicole Werner, with help from guides, family members, and volunteers. Nicole is often praised for her calm, encouraging manner, and she has helped nervous first-timers settle in. The horses have names and personalities, too. Tarantino, Romy, Cucho, Coco, and Charlie are among the horses riders have enjoyed meeting.

The horses are described as calm, friendly, and well trained. Some are older, but they are well cared for. That is useful to know: this is not a polished resort-style attraction where the animals feel like scenery. You get a close look at the stable routine and the care that goes into preparing each horse.

Friendly dogs also live at the property. They are considered part of the Finca Estrella setting, but they are large dogs, so tell the team in advance if you are nervous around them. Pets cannot join the activity.

Why the 11 a.m. arrival matters

The advertised riding time is about 1.5 hours, but the full appointment takes longer. You must arrive at 11 a.m. for explanations, horse grooming, saddling, and helmet fitting. The trail itself starts at noon and ends around 1:50 p.m.

Do not treat 11 a.m. as a casual suggestion. If you arrive after 11:30, the stable may not be able to take you out. The preparation is part of the experience, but it also means you should allow nearly three hours from arrival through returning to the stable.

This early start can be a little inconvenient if you are staying in southern Tenerife. One party drove for more than an hour from the south, but considered the journey worthwhile. The stable is in the north, near El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino, so check your driving time before booking.

The meeting directions deserve special attention. Use the main road through El Amparo. Do not follow GPS uphill along Camino el Lance, which is steep and not the correct approach. Park uphill in front of the Finca Estrella sign.

A slow ride through Lomo Cuchillo

Once the horses are ready, the group sets off toward the Lomo Cuchillo area and the forest. The ride stays at a walk from start to finish. That makes it suitable for non-riders, children, and adults who want a quiet outing rather than a test of riding skill.

The route passes through beautiful northern Tenerife surroundings, with forest, hills, and changing views. Morning mist can add a soft, almost cinematic feel, while cloudy weather may make the woodland seem cooler and more atmospheric. The exact view depends on the day, but the setting is one of the main reasons to come.

The hilly route gives the ride some interest without adding speed. You may need to stay attentive as your horse walks over uneven ground. The horses are described as sure-footed, and guides match them to riders based on experience. Still, you need to be reasonably fit and able to ride independently.

One limitation is that the trail may retrace part of the route rather than forming a full loop. For a gentle introduction, that is not a serious problem, but experienced riders may want more variety. The provider offers a separate three-hour trail with galloping for riders who want a faster, longer outing. Ask about that option instead of booking this beginner ride.

What first-time riders can really expect

You do not need to know how to steer a horse before arriving. The guide explains the basics and gives you time to get used to the reins and your position in the saddle. Several first-time riders have found their horses so steady that they gained confidence quickly.

That does not mean you simply sit there while the horse does everything. You are expected to ride the horse yourself. If you need someone to hold the horse, walk beside you, or help throughout the ride, that support costs an additional €15 for the whole outing. The stable needs to know in advance if you want this service.

Children may also need help. An adult can lead a child, or the stable can provide a person to lead the child for €15. Tell the team how many children are coming so they can plan the group properly.

The instruction is delivered in English, German, or Spanish. French is not spoken. This is an important safety point, not a minor language preference, since you need to understand directions during the ride.

Matching the experience to your fitness and age

The stated maximum weight is 85 kilos. This limit is firm enough that you should check before paying. One person in a group could not ride because of weight, while the rest of the party continued, so do not assume the stable can make an exception.

Children must be at least five years old. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with epilepsy, people with animal allergies, or people with a low level of fitness. The information also lists adults over 70 as unsuitable.

You should be comfortable around horses and able to sit in the saddle for the duration of the trail. Wear long trousers, closed-toe outdoor shoes, and practical clothing. A jacket is sensible because the northern forest can feel cool, especially in mist or cloud. Bring water, but do not bring sandals, high heels, flip-flops, slippers, swimwear, or bare feet.

Helmets and gloves are included. You do not need to bring riding equipment, though you do need to arrive dressed for outdoor activity.

The personal touch, and the limits of a family stable

Finca Estrella has a friendly, family-run feel. The animals are central to the outing, and the preparation gives you more contact with them than a quick ride at a crowded tourist attraction. Nicole and the other guides are often especially helpful with nervous adults and people who have never touched a horse before.

That personal approach can also mean the schedule feels less like a commercial tour. Horses need to be prepared, groups need to be matched, and small changes can affect the start. One person felt the horses should have been ready on arrival because the preparation made the outing feel longer than expected.

I would treat this as part of the choice. If you want a highly polished activity with a quick check-in and instant departure, this may feel slow. If you like meeting the animals and seeing how the stable works, the extra time adds value.

The guides also put horse safety first. That can mean a horse seems stubborn or hungry, or that the pace stays cautious. It is a good trade for a beginner ride, but experienced riders should not expect a challenging workout.

Is $57 a fair price?

At $57 per person, the price is reasonable for a small-group activity that includes the horse, instructor, helmet, and gloves. You are paying for more than the time in the saddle. The price also covers the introduction, grooming, preparation, and supervision that make the ride accessible to beginners.

The value is strongest if this is your first horse ride. You receive reassurance, help with the horse, and a scenic route without needing to buy equipment or arrange a separate lesson. Families may also find it useful because adults can ride while some family members walk along.

The value is weaker if you already ride regularly. The trail stays at a walk, lasts roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes, and may repeat part of its route. You may get more from the separate three-hour trail with galloping, if the provider confirms that it fits your experience.

Food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included. You need your own transport to Finca Estrella, and the steep GPS error makes careful route planning important. Those costs and hassles should be included in your budget.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this activity to:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Families with children aged five and older
• Nervous adults who want patient instruction
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity
• Horse lovers who enjoy grooming and meeting the animals
• Visitors staying in or exploring northern Tenerife

I would not choose it for:

• Experienced riders hoping to trot or gallop
• Anyone over the 85-kilo limit
• People who need wheelchair access or have major mobility limits
• Anyone uncomfortable around large dogs
• Visitors who cannot communicate in English, German, or Spanish
• People looking for hotel pickup or a short, fast activity

The ride is also a good option if one family member wants to participate while another prefers to walk. That flexibility is useful, though you should confirm the arrangement when booking.

Booking details that can save you trouble

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the activity and reserve now while paying later. Check the available start time, but plan around the fixed preparation period: arrive at 11 a.m., not just at noon.

The group is limited to six participants. That is a useful feature for beginners because the instructor can keep an eye on each horse and rider. It also means you should book early if your family needs several places.

Pack water, a jacket, long trousers, and closed-toe sports or outdoor shoes. Leave speakers, chewing gum, alcohol, drugs, and pets at home. Shoes are not worn indoors, and the property does not allow baby strollers or swimwear.

Should you book the Lomo Forest ride?

Book it if you want a slow, friendly first ride through northern Tenerife, especially if you are nervous, traveling with children, or curious about horse care. The calm horses, personal preparation, small groups, and forest setting make the $57 price fair for the right audience.

Skip it if you want speed, technical riding, or a long trail. This outing is deliberately gentle. Arrive on time, follow the main-road directions, confirm the weight and language requirements, and expect the horse preparation to be part of the morning. With those points clear, Finca Estrella offers a warm and practical introduction to riding in Tenerife.

FAQ

How long does the horse ride last?

The trail lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, from noon until approximately 1:50 p.m. You must arrive at 11 a.m. for explanations, grooming, saddling, and helmet fitting.

Is this horseback ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed for non-riders, beginners, and children from five years old. The horses are ridden at a walk only, with no trot or gallop.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum stated weight is 85 kilos.

What languages are available?

Guides speak English, German, and Spanish. French is not spoken, and you must understand one of the available languages to join the trail.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear long trousers, comfortable outdoor clothing, and closed-toe sports or outdoor shoes. Bring water and a jacket. Helmets and gloves are provided.

How do I reach Finca Estrella?

Use the main road through El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Do not follow GPS uphill along Camino el Lance, since it is steep and incorrect. Park uphill in front of the Finca Estrella sign.