The Best Horse Riding Experience in Gran Canaria (2 hours)

High above the resort coast, this ride takes you onto the rough hills around El Salobre, where you can look across Maspalomas and its famous sand dunes from horseback. The horses are matched to your riding level, and the guides give beginners a clear safety briefing before setting off.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes the need to find the stable in the hills. I also like the small guide-to-rider ratio, with no more than six people per guide, because beginners often need quiet, personal help with steering, hills, and stopping.

The main thing to consider is the terrain. Much of the route is rocky and uneven, so the pace can be slow, with stops when less experienced riders need to catch up. This is a scenic walking trek first, not a fast-paced riding lesson.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours in the saddle: The riding portion is substantial, especially for a first-time rider. The whole outing takes about three hours.
• Big views above Maspalomas: You look over the resort area and the famous dunes from the hills around El Salobre.
• Suitable for beginners: A short lesson and safety talk come first, and the horses are assigned according to ability.
• Experienced riders may get more: Trotting and occasional cantering can be possible when conditions, horse, and group ability allow.
• Rocky ground shapes the ride: Expect a careful walk over stony paths rather than a smooth gallop across open fields.
• Pickup makes it easy: The stable offers hotel transfers, with the exact pickup time sent after confirmation.

Riding above Maspalomas instead of beside it

Gran Canaria is often sold through its beaches, resort pools, and dunes. This excursion shows you a different side of the island. From El Salobre, the route heads into dry, rugged hill country, giving you a high view back toward Maspalomas.

The scenery is not lush or soft. It is stony, open, and strongly shaped by the island’s dry climate. That gives the ride its character. You see the resort coast from a distance, while the horses pick their way along paths through the hills.

The main viewpoint is the wide outlook over Maspalomas and the sand dunes. It is the sort of view that helps you understand the area better: the golden dunes sit between the resort and the sea, while the inland hills rise sharply behind them. Guides stop for photos at points along the route, though the exact number of stops can vary with the group.

If you want a polished ranch setting with broad, level tracks, this may feel too rough. The ground is rocky enough that the horses must walk carefully, and one rider described the terrain as uncomfortable because of frequent stumbling. Other riders found the horses sure-footed on the same ground. Your experience will depend partly on your horse, your balance, and how comfortable you are on uneven paths.

A clear introduction for first-time riders

You do not need previous riding experience. The team gives a safety talk and basic instructions before the group leaves, and the horses are selected according to the rider’s ability.

That matching is one of the strongest parts of the outing. A nervous beginner may be placed on a calm, steady horse, while an experienced rider may receive an animal with more energy. Several riders with no previous experience found the horses reassuring, including children and adults who were initially afraid.

The staff also explain how to ride uphill and downhill, how to keep control, and what to do if a horse stops or becomes distracted. One useful safety point concerns horses lowering their heads to sniff the ground, which can sometimes come before an attempt to roll. You will be told to keep the horse’s head up and remain alert.

The horses have individual personalities. Some are described as gentle and dependable, while others may play with the reins, stop, or try to turn. That is normal horse behavior, but it can unsettle a beginner. If you feel nervous, tell the guide at once rather than trying to manage the problem quietly.

Safety vests are provided for the youngest riders, and helmets are included for everyone. The stated weight limit is 110 kilograms, so check this before booking if it applies to you.

What the two-hour route is really like

The ride lasts about two hours, while the complete outing takes roughly three hours once pickup, preparation, and the return are included. For a beginner, two hours can feel surprisingly long. Sitting in a saddle on a rocky route uses muscles you may not normally notice.

The pace is mainly a walking pace. That is useful for first-time riders, since you have time to learn how your horse responds and to take in the views. The downside is that the group can become stop and start, especially when slower riders are placed at the front or need help on a slope.

More experienced riders may get a chance to trot, and some groups include a brief canter or gallop. This is not guaranteed. The guide must consider the footing, the horses, and the ability of everyone in the group. If you are booking mainly for fast riding, you should treat this excursion as a scenic trail ride with occasional faster moments, not as a dedicated galloping session.

The route includes rough and stony ground. The horses are accustomed to it, but you should still expect a slower ride and some jolting. The careful pace protects both horse and rider, especially on slopes and loose surfaces.

A practical tip: bring water. The dry hills and two hours in the saddle can leave you thirsty, even when the ride feels gentle. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for sitting and moving, and consider renting riding boots for about €3 if they are available on the day. Proper footwear can make the stirrups and rocky ground easier to manage.

Horses, care, and matching

The stable has horses of different sizes and temperaments, and the staff know the animals well enough to pair them with riders. Families have been matched successfully across a wide age range, including children as young as eight and adults in their forties. First-time riders have also been paired with calm horses and finished the ride feeling confident.

The horses are described by many riders as well cared for, healthy, and experienced with trail work. You may be able to see the animals before the ride begins, which gives you a chance to meet your horse and ask questions.

There is a fair point to keep in mind. A few riders felt that some horses seemed tired, reluctant, or a little stale in their work. One horse repeatedly stopped and another tried to bite at a rider’s foot. That does not mean you should expect poor care, but it does mean the animals are not mechanical trail machines. They have moods and habits, and the guide may need to adjust the group.

One horse may feel lively while another seems lazy. If your mount does not feel right, speak up early. A good match matters more than pride, particularly when you are new to riding.

How the small-group setup helps

The maximum group size is 12, with six riders per guide. That is a sensible limit for a route where horses need room and beginners may need help.

The two-guide arrangement is especially useful when riders have mixed ability. One guide can stay near the front while another watches the back of the group. The staff also stop to give riding advice on steep sections, helping riders learn how to support the horse and keep their own balance.

Still, a small group does not always mean a fast group. If the 12 places are filled with a wide mix of abilities, the ride may move at the pace of the least confident rider. You may spend time waiting for others to catch up. Splitting experienced and beginner riders into separate groups would improve the pace, but that may not be possible every day.

For a family or mixed-ability group, the slower rhythm can be a benefit. Everyone stays together, and nervous riders get time to settle. For a confident equestrian hoping to cover ground, it may be frustrating.

Hotel pickup and the practical details

Pickup is offered from your Gran Canaria hotel, and the exact time is sent after the booking is confirmed. This is valuable because El Salobre is inland from the main resort areas, and arranging your own transport can add cost and hassle.

The activity begins at El Salobre Horse Riding, at C. Islas Malvinas, 3, 35106 El Salobre, Las Palmas. The ride returns to the same meeting point, or you can use the arranged transfer if pickup and drop-off apply to your booking.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the experience is commonly booked around 12 days ahead, I would not leave it until the last minute during a busy holiday period. A last-minute booking may still work, but you need to wait for confirmation and pickup details.

The experience is offered in English. The maximum group size is 12 people, and most people can take part, subject to the weight limit and the ability to handle a two-hour outdoor ride.

Is $67.75 a fair price?

At about $67.75 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the transfer and value a guided outing with equipment included. You are paying for roughly two hours on horseback, the horse and guide, a helmet, safety instruction, and possibly hotel transport.

The value is strongest for beginners and families. A first ride can be hard to arrange independently, and the staff handle the horse matching, route, basic instruction, and safety supervision. Pickup also saves you from finding the stable and arranging a taxi.

The value is less clear if you are an experienced rider seeking a long canter or a technical riding session. The route is shaped by rocky ground and mixed ability levels, so much of the time is spent walking. In that case, you are paying for views and a relaxed trail rather than speed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations later than that are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of riders can lead to a rescheduled date or full refund.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this ride if you want to try horseback riding without committing to a full riding holiday. It also suits families, couples, and mixed groups where some people are complete beginners and others have ridden before.

It works particularly well for:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Families with children old enough to follow instructions
• Riders who want mountain views rather than a beach-only activity
• Returning riders who are happy with a relaxed trail
• People who value hotel pickup and a planned outing

I would think twice if you want a long, uninterrupted canter, polished tracks, or a private ride with everyone at the same ability level. The rocky route and mixed pace are central parts of the experience, not small exceptions.

Should you book the El Salobre ride?

Book it if your ideal day includes a steady horse, dry mountain scenery, a wide view over Maspalomas, and enough guidance to make a first ride feel manageable. The horses are generally praised for being well cared for, the staff take rider ability seriously, and the transfer makes the day simple.

Go in expecting a careful walk over rough ground, not a race. Tell the guide if your horse feels tired, nervous, or unsuitable, bring water, and remember that trotting or cantering depends on the group and conditions. For beginners and families, this is a solid way to see inland Gran Canaria from a different angle. For experienced riders, it is best booked for the views and the horses, not the speed.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The full activity takes about three hours, including preparation and the surrounding arrangements. The horseback ride itself lasts about two hours.

Where does the ride start?

It starts at El Salobre Horse Riding, C. Islas Malvinas, 3, 35106 El Salobre, Las Palmas, Spain.

Does the experience include hotel pickup?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your Gran Canaria hotel are offered. The exact pickup time is provided after your booking is confirmed.

Is the ride suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The route is designed for first-time riders as well as experienced riders. You receive a safety briefing and basic instruction before setting out, and horses are matched to ability.

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

Some riders may be able to trot, and occasional cantering or galloping may be possible. This depends on the rider’s ability, the horse, the terrain, and the rest of the group, so it is not guaranteed.

What equipment is included?

A helmet is included. Safety vests are provided for the youngest riders.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The experience is not suitable for people weighing more than 110 kilograms.

How many people can join the ride?

The maximum is 12 participants. The experience is arranged with six riders per guide.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.