Horseback riding for experts between the lake and the mountains

The best part of this outing is the setting: you ride between the mountains and two lakes, with paths through woods and open country around Galbiate. The horses are beautiful Arabian thoroughbreds, and guide Martina adds local knowledge and a friendly touch. This is not a slow pony ride beside a resort.

I like the small maximum group of four, which should make the ride more personal and easier to manage at different paces. I also like the farmhouse stop, where lunch means local cold cuts, cheeses, bread, drinks, and a glass of red wine rather than a forgettable snack. The main point to consider is that the route is aimed at experienced riders, with sections that may include a gallop and require moderate fitness.

Key points to know

• Ride beside two lakes: The route offers views toward Lake Como and Lago di Annone, with the Resegone, Grigna, and Grignetta mountains visible from some viewpoints.
• A real riding outing: The program includes step, trot, and gallop, so it is better suited to confident riders than complete beginners.
• A tiny group: A maximum of four people means more room for personal guidance and a quieter ride.
• A farmhouse lunch: Expect platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, drinks, and one glass of red wine.
• Useful riding gear included: You receive a cap, gaiters, a protective vest, and bottled water.
• A short trip from Milan: The meeting point is in Galbiate, though private hotel transport costs an additional €30.

Riding between Lake Como and Lago di Annone

This experience gives you a different view of the Como area. You are not spending the morning on a crowded lakefront or looking at the mountains through a car window. You are on horseback, moving along mountain trails and through wooded paths near Galbiate.

The route is built around two scenic stops: Lake Como and Lago di Annone. The views are a major reason to book. From the riding paths, you may see the sharp profile of Resegone and the Grigna and Grignetta peaks, along with the water below. The setting changes as you ride, from forest shade to wider viewpoints and more open ground.

I like this mix because it gives the outing a sense of movement. You are not simply circling one field or taking a short ride for photographs. The advertised riding time is about four hours, split by a farmhouse break, so you get a proper half-day in the saddle.

Still, the scenery comes with a physical cost. Mountain paths can demand balance and attention, and the ride includes the possibility of galloping. You should be comfortable controlling a horse outdoors before booking. The stated fitness requirement is moderate, but the skill requirement matters just as much.

What the first two hours are like

The morning begins at 9:30 a.m. in Galbiate, at postal code 23851 in the province of Lecco. After a short briefing, you get ready with the supplied cap, gaiters, and protective vest. Bottled water is also included.

The first riding section lasts about two hours. You follow mountain trails and forest paths, with the horses carrying you through the countryside around Galbiate. The route is designed to show the area from several angles, rather than keeping you on one simple track.

The horses are Arabian thoroughbreds, including horses named Zambesi and Amerì. The available feedback describes them as well cared for, affectionate, and pleasant companions. That is useful information for an experienced rider, too. A good horse can make a long trail ride far more enjoyable, while a badly matched mount can turn the day into work.

Guide Martina is especially important here. She is described as competent, kind, relaxed, and able to explain the territory along the way. Riccardo is also part of the team. For a small group, that personal contact can make a real difference, especially when the pace changes or you need help settling into the saddle.

The route may alternate between walking, trotting, and galloping. The exact pace will depend on the group and conditions, so do not assume you will gallop continuously. The key point is that this is an active riding experience, not a scenic carriage outing with little control required.

The farmhouse break and local lunch

After the first riding section, you stop at a farmhouse for refreshments and lunch. The meal includes platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks, with one glass of red wine included. This is a simple, local-style spread that fits the day better than a formal restaurant meal.

I like the timing. Four hours in the saddle without a proper pause would be tiring, especially on forest and mountain paths. The farmhouse stop gives you time to eat, drink, and reset before the second part of the ride.

The meal also adds a social side to the outing. With no more than four people in the group, you have a chance to talk with the guide and the other riders rather than being one face in a large tour party.

If you need gluten-free food, the available information gives a useful reason to ask in advance. A gluten-free lunch, including gluten-free tiramisu, has been prepared successfully for a person with celiac disease. You should still confirm your needs when booking and discuss contamination concerns directly with the operator. The information does not promise that every dietary request can be met on every date.

The included glass of wine is a pleasant extra, but remember that you still have riding ahead. Drink modestly, and follow the guide’s advice before returning to the saddle.

The second two hours: views, pace, and open trails

After lunch, you continue for another two hours. This is the part that gives the ride its stronger sense of adventure, with more chances to move at a faster pace on suitable paths.

The route takes in views of Lake Como and Lago di Annone. These are not identical settings. Lake Como is the famous name, with its mountain walls and broad water views. Lago di Annone offers a quieter, more local counterpoint. Seeing both in one ride makes the outing feel tied to the wider area around Lecco, not just to the best-known lake.

The horses may move at a walk, trot, and gallop. You will need to be able to follow instructions, keep your balance, and manage the horse in changing conditions. If you are an advanced rider who finds standard trail rides too slow, this mix of paces is a strong reason to consider the outing.

If you are a beginner, the picture is less clear. Some of the available feedback describes two beginners having a good time on the horses, and the horses are said to be gentle enough for less experienced riders. However, the official description specifically presents the activity as ideal for experienced riders and mentions galloping. That should take priority when you judge your own ability. Beginners should contact the operator before booking rather than relying on the more encouraging reports.

The final ride returns to the original meeting point. You do not need to arrange a second pickup at the end.

Why the small group matters

The maximum group size is four people. That is one of the strongest practical features of this experience.

A small group can make the ride calmer and more flexible. The guide can keep a closer eye on each rider, explain the route, and respond more easily if someone needs a slower pace. It also reduces the chance that you spend the day waiting behind a long line of horses.

Small groups do not guarantee a private ride. Other people may still join, and the pace must suit the group as a whole. Still, four is a useful limit for a trail ride that includes several speeds and uneven terrain.

The small size also fits the style of the outing. This feels more like a guided day with a local riding team than a standard mass-market excursion. Martina’s role matters here, since the experience includes stories about the area as well as time in the saddle.

The horses and riding equipment

The Arabian horses are a central part of the appeal. The available descriptions name Zambesi and Amerì, and present the horses as attractive, well maintained, and gentle. That combination is helpful: you get horses with an elegant appearance, but also mounts described as suitable for a relaxed connection with riders.

You receive a cap, gaiters, and a protective vest. These items reduce the amount of specialist gear you need to bring. Bottled water is included as well, which is sensible for a four-hour ride.

The information does not list every piece of clothing or equipment you should bring, so wear practical outdoor clothing and suitable closed footwear. You should also be ready for changing weather and conditions on forest and mountain paths. Since the activity can be canceled in poor weather, checking the forecast before you leave is wise.

Do not treat the protective vest as a substitute for riding ability. The most important preparation is knowing how to handle a horse at the pace expected for the group.

Is the $238.28 price good value?

At $238.28 per person, this is not a cheap short ride. The value depends on what you want from a horseback experience.

You are paying for roughly four and a half hours at the meeting point, about four hours of riding, a small group capped at four people, riding equipment, bottled water, a farmhouse lunch, drinks, and a glass of red wine. The two-lake setting and the chance to trot or gallop also place it above a basic introductory ride.

I think the price is easier to justify for an experienced rider who wants a full morning or half-day outdoors. You get much more time in the saddle than on a one-hour tourist ride, and the small group should give the day a more personal feel.

The value is weaker if you only want a gentle photo opportunity or have limited riding experience. You may not be able to enjoy the faster sections, and much of the price reflects the length and riding ability required. In that case, a shorter and slower ride might suit you better, if available.

Private hotel transport is not included and costs an additional €30. The meeting point is near public transportation, so you may be able to reach Galbiate without paying for a private transfer. The supplied information does not give a detailed route from Milan or other towns, so check your own transport plan before booking.

Timing, weather, and practical limits

The start time is 9:30 a.m., and the activity returns to the same meeting point. Plan enough time to arrive early, since the briefing and equipment fitting come before the first trail section.

The experience requires moderate physical fitness. Sitting in a saddle for several hours, handling a horse, and moving through wooded or mountain areas can be tiring even for a confident rider. I would not book this as a casual add-on after a long day of sightseeing.

Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the ride, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The activity is offered in English, and the small group makes it easier to ask questions during the day.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to riders who already feel comfortable on a horse outdoors and want scenery, distance, and a faster pace. You should enjoy riding for several hours and be ready for step, trot, and gallop.

It also suits someone looking for a quieter alternative to the main Lake Como touring circuit. You still get the famous lake views, but the day is built around trails, horses, woods, and local food rather than villas and boat trips.

Families with mixed riding ability should ask specific questions before booking. The maximum group size is helpful, but the stated focus on experienced riders means the whole group may need to meet a certain standard.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want a serious half-day on horseback, enjoy changing pace, and like the idea of seeing Lake Como and Lago di Annone from forest and mountain trails. The Arabian horses, Martina’s guidance, the tiny group, and the farmhouse lunch give it more character than a short riding lesson.

Think twice if you are a complete beginner, dislike long hours in the saddle, or want a relaxed ride with no galloping. The most important decision is not the scenery or the lunch. It is your honest comfort level on a horse outside a riding arena.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride start?

The activity starts at 23851 Galbiate LC, Italy, at 9:30 a.m. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes. About four hours are spent riding, with a farmhouse break between the two riding sections.

Are beginners allowed to join?

The experience is described as ideal for experienced riders and includes possible galloping. Some people with beginner experience have completed a ride with these horses, but you should contact the operator before booking if you are not confident outdoors.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks. One glass of red wine is included, along with bottled water.

What equipment is provided?

The operator provides a cap, gaiters, and a protective vest. Bottled water is also included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.