2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this horseback tour is the sudden change in scenery. You leave the riding center near Ojos de Garza and follow rough mountain tracks to a viewpoint with wide views from Las Palmas toward Arinaga. The ride mixes open countryside, steep slopes, olive orchards, and an optional route toward caves cut into the cliffs.

I like the small group of up to eight and the choice of pace. Beginners can stay at a walk, while experienced riders may trot or canter on suitable sections. I also like that helmets, boots, and a protective vest are supplied. The main caution is important: parts of the route are steep, rocky, and tiring, and conditions may feel demanding for a true beginner or nervous rider.

Key points to know before booking

• Wide east-coast views: The viewpoint looks across the area from Las Palmas toward Arinaga.
• Two route choices: You may take a higher mountain track or a greener path toward ancient rock caves.
• Mixed riding levels: Beginners walk, while confident riders may trot or canter where the guide considers it suitable.
• Small-group setting: The group is limited to eight participants, allowing closer attention than a large stable outing.
• Rough mountain footing: Expect stones, slopes, and uphill and downhill riding rather than a flat trail.
• Strict age and size limits: The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, riders over 100 kilograms, or anyone over 200 centimeters tall.

Leaving the barn at Ojos de Garza

You meet at the main barn of Horse Riding Canaria, in the countryside around Ojos de Garza. Drive through the gate, park your car, and walk to the right side of the center. The instructor waits at the barn.

There is no transport included, so you need to arrange your own way there. This matters because the tour is not a town-center activity where you can simply walk from a hotel or bus stop. Give yourself enough time to find the gate, park, and reach the barn without rushing.

The setting is part of the appeal. Instead of starting beside a busy road or a polished urban stable, you begin in open countryside. The first moments are practical: meet the guide, get assigned a horse, and put on your riding equipment.

The center provides a helmet, vest, and riding boots. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily, and bring closed-toe shoes if you prefer your own footwear. Since the route can be windy and exposed, simple layers are a sensible choice, though the supplied information does not specify weather gear.

A 15-minute briefing for beginners

Before setting off, the guide gives a short class of about 15 minutes. You learn how to lead and control your horse, along with what to do if something feels uncomfortable on the route.

That briefing is useful, but I would not treat it as a full riding lesson. This tour is suitable for beginners, yet it still takes place on natural tracks with slopes and loose stones. If you have never ridden before, tell the provider your exact level when booking and again at the barn.

The center also asks for the age of every participant. That is not just paperwork. The activity has firm limits: no children under 10, no riders over 65, no one taller than 200 centimeters, and no one above 100 kilograms. People with altitude sickness or motion sickness are also listed as unsuitable.

Those rules may narrow the audience, but they help the guide match riders and horses more sensibly. A family with one experienced rider and one beginner should also explain the difference clearly. The route and pace may not be identical for every member of the group.

Two hours on uphill and downhill tracks

Once the group leaves the barn, the ride follows countryside tracks that rise and fall through the hills. You are not simply circling a paddock. The route has enough slope and uneven ground to make the ride feel like a small mountain outing.

The reward comes as you gain height. From the viewpoint, the view reaches from Las Palmas toward Arinaga, giving you a broad look over the eastern side of Gran Canaria. This is a good point to pause, breathe the clean country air, and take in how quickly the surroundings change from stable ground to open mountain country.

The route is suitable for both beginners and more advanced riders in terms of pace, but the terrain itself deserves respect. Some sections are stony and steep. A few riders may find the constant uphill and downhill movement more tiring than expected, especially if this is their first ride.

The horses may also move cautiously on rough ground. That is normal behavior on uneven tracks, but it means you should not expect a fast, smooth trail ride from start to finish. The guide’s instructions matter here. Keep your attention on your horse, follow the pace set for the group, and speak up if you feel uneasy.

Choosing the higher track or the cave route

At a decision point, the group may continue farther upward or take a route toward local caves. The higher option is the better fit if your main goal is height and open views. Stronger riders may also have the chance to trot or canter on part of the route, but only where the guide permits it.

Beginners can stay at a walk. That is not a lesser version of the tour. On stony ground, a calm walk gives you time to watch your footing, balance with the horse, and enjoy the views without worrying about speed.

The cave option leads into a greener, wilder section. The path heads toward deep cliffs, where you can see an ancient village set inside rocky caves. This is the more unusual choice, especially if you want something beyond a standard horseback ride with a scenic lookout.

The wording about an ancient village should be kept in perspective. You are viewing cave dwellings from the route, not taking a guided archaeological visit through a preserved village. Still, the sight adds a strong sense of place to the ride and gives the route a clear local character.

On the return, the path passes close to olive orchards. The change from exposed cliff country to cultivated trees helps break up the ride and gives you another view of rural Gran Canaria. The route feels varied, not like a single repeated loop.

How the ride suits different skill levels

This is advertised as a beginner-friendly tour, and beginners can ride at a walking pace. The small group also helps, since a maximum of eight people is easier for a guide to manage than a large line of riders.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. The terrain can be uneven, and you may need confidence when the horse climbs, descends, or pauses on a rocky section. If you are nervous around horses, have not ridden for years, or dislike steep paths, this may feel more serious than the short duration suggests.

Experienced riders have more freedom. The guide may allow trotting and cantering on part of the track, depending on the group, the horses, and the ground. Do not book this expecting a long, fast gallop. The ride is built around scenery and countryside access, with faster movement as an option rather than the main event.

A mixed group can work, but the pace will naturally favor safety and control. If advanced riders want continuous speed, they may find the tour restrained. If your priority is a scenic outing with a choice of pace, the format makes more sense.

What the equipment adds, and what to wear

The supplied helmet, vest, and boots are useful if you are flying into Gran Canaria or do not own riding gear. You do not need to pack a full set of equipment for a two-hour activity.

The protective vest is particularly reassuring on uneven tracks, though no equipment removes the risk of a fall. Wear clothes that will not restrict your legs or hips, and choose closed-toe shoes if you bring your own. Comfortable footwear is listed as essential.

The weather can affect how the ride feels. One outing was described as very windy, and wind can make horses more hesitant on exposed ground. Check the forecast before you go and dress for changing conditions. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water or plan to eat before or after the ride.

The important safety question

Most of the tour’s appeal depends on the guide judging the group and the ground well. The supplied gear and short safety talk are helpful, but the route itself remains natural and sometimes difficult.

There has been a serious account of horses hesitating in strong wind, riders feeling uneasy, and a fall on a rocky slope involving an experienced rider. That does not prove every outing will be the same, but it is a fair reason to ask about the day’s conditions before setting out. You should feel comfortable telling the guide if you want to dismount or stop.

A separate family outing found the horses well cared for and the surroundings beautiful, but also noted that some sections felt demanding for beginners. That is the most useful way to frame this activity: the views are a major strength, but the ground is not always gentle.

If you are new to riding, be honest about your experience. Do not claim to be advanced just to gain access to a faster pace. A clear level assessment gives the guide a better chance of pairing you with an appropriate horse and keeping the ride comfortable.

Is $100 a fair price for two hours?

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Gran Canaria. The price includes the horse, guide, helmet, vest, and boots, but not food, drinks, or transport to the barn.

I think the value depends on what you want from a riding tour. You are paying for access to countryside that is not easy to explore on foot in a short visit, plus a guide, tack, and a small group. The cave route and the wide viewpoint add more interest than a basic stable loop.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long fast ride. A two-hour outing includes the briefing, getting equipped, mounting, pauses, and changes in pace. Beginners may spend much of the time walking, which is appropriate but may feel slow if you expected an action-heavy ride.

The flexible cancellation policy helps reduce the risk of booking. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Who should book this ride?

I would suggest it to a confident beginner, a casual rider, or an experienced rider who wants mountain views rather than a formal lesson. It also suits small groups that value countryside, cave scenery, and a quieter pace.

The tour is less suitable for anyone with limited mobility, a strong fear of horses, or discomfort on steep and rocky ground. The listed age, height, and weight limits are firm, and people with motion sickness or altitude sickness should choose another activity.

Language is unlikely to be a major barrier. Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. The group limit of eight is another practical plus, especially for first-time riders who may need individual help.

Should you book the Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a small-group ride with real countryside scenery, a choice between a high route and cave country, and the option to keep things at a gentle walk. The wide views, green tracks, olive orchards, and unusual cave setting give the outing a stronger sense of place than a basic arena ride.

Think twice if you are a very nervous beginner or want smooth, level trails. Rocky slopes, wind, hesitant horses, and the physical effort of riding uphill and downhill are genuine considerations.

My advice is simple: tell Horse Riding Canaria your riding level and the ages of everyone in your party, then ask about current ground and wind conditions. If the answer suits your comfort level, the $100 price can be reasonable for a small, well-equipped scenic ride. If you need a gentle introduction with little uneven ground, choose a flatter riding experience instead.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start?

It starts at the main barn of Horse Riding Canaria in Ojos de Garza. Enter through the gate, park your car, and walk to the right side of the center, where the instructor will be waiting.

How long does the activity last?

The horseback ride lasts two hours, with an additional class of about 15 minutes before the ride begins.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can join and ride at a walking pace. The terrain includes uphill, downhill, rocky, and uneven sections, so beginners should be comfortable with a more active outdoor ride.

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

Advanced riders may have the option to trot and canter on part of the track. This depends on the route and conditions, and beginners can continue at a walk.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a helmet, vest, and riding boots, along with the horse and guide.

What should I bring, and who cannot participate?

Bring comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. The activity is not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, anyone taller than 200 centimeters, anyone over 100 kilograms, or people with altitude sickness or motion sickness.