1 hour relaxing horse riding tour in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria’s east-coast countryside is the real star here. You start with a short lesson in the arena, then guide a calm horse past open country with the sea and mountains in view. No riding background is needed, and children from age five can take part.

I like the small groups of up to 10 and the patient, well-cared-for horses. I also like the practical setup: helmets and back protectors are provided, and the guides speak English, Spanish, Italian, and French. The main drawback is that the ride is gentle rather than adventurous, and the coastal wind can make the outing feel cool.

Key points to know before you book

• Quiet horses and beginner instruction: You learn basic walking commands before leaving the teaching arena.
• Sea and mountain views: The route gives you a simple countryside view of Gran Canaria’s east coast.
• About 1.5 hours in total: The riding section is promoted as a one-hour ride, with extra time for fitting equipment, instruction, mounting, and returning the horses.
• Suitable from age five: Children under five cannot join, and riders must also meet the stated age, height, and weight limits.
• Small multilingual groups: Groups are capped at 10, with instruction available in English, Spanish, Italian, and French.
• Bring warm, practical clothing: Long pants and comfortable shoes are required. Shorts are not allowed, and the coast can be windy.

A gentle ride through Gran Canaria’s eastern countryside

This is a straightforward introduction to riding, not a fast horseback adventure. The horses walk at an easy pace, and the route is designed for people who want a quiet hour outdoors rather than a test of riding skill.

You’ll see the countryside from a low, open viewpoint, with the Canarian east coast and mountains around you. That combination gives the trip more character than an enclosed riding-arena lesson. Still, the pace remains relaxed, so anyone hoping to trot or gallop should choose a different activity.

The horses are described as calm and well trained, which matters greatly if this is your first time in the saddle. A nervous horse can turn a pleasant outing into hard work. Here, the aim is to help you feel comfortable, keep the group together, and let you enjoy the surroundings.

The activity is advertised as a one-hour relaxing horse ride, while the full booking duration is listed as 1.5 hours. That extra time covers arrival, helmets and back protectors, the basic lesson, practice in the arena, and the return to the stable. You should not read the 1.5-hour duration as 90 minutes of countryside riding.

Arriving at the riding center

As you enter the main gate, you’ll see a large car park directly ahead. Leave your car there and walk toward the main barn on the upper right. The instructor waits there with the horses.

This meeting arrangement is simple, but the center is not described as a polished visitor attraction with a large reception desk. Plan to arrive ready to follow signs and walk toward the barn. If you are being collected from the airport, confirm the arrangement in advance, since the information also says a return lift to the airport might be possible if a teacher is free. That sounds like a helpful extra, not a guaranteed transfer service.

Once you meet the instructor, you’ll receive your helmet and back protector. You’ll also be assigned a horse. The center asks you to provide your riding level and the ages of everyone in your party, so give accurate information when booking. That helps the staff match riders and horses sensibly.

The guides include Sole and Andrea, names connected with the experience. The teaching team can work in English, Spanish, Italian, and French. German is not available, so German speakers should be comfortable with one of the four supported languages.

The arena lesson comes first

Before you head into the countryside, the instructor explains how to ride at a walk. You’ll learn the basic way to ask the horse to move, slow down, and follow the group. The lesson takes place inside the teaching arena, where you can practice with help close by.

This is the most important part for a first-time rider. Walking on horseback looks easy, but the movement can feel unfamiliar at first. The arena gives you a controlled place to find your balance and understand the instructions before the setting opens up.

The lesson is described as basic, so you should not expect a long riding course or detailed training in dressage. That is a benefit for many people. You can pick up enough information to take part without spending most of the outing listening to technical explanations.

If you already ride, you may find the arena section familiar. Tell the instructor your level anyway. A beginner needs close guidance, while an experienced rider may need less help with the first steps.

Riding out with a calm horse

After the practice session, you leave the arena and begin the countryside route. The horses walk along at an easy pace, giving you time to settle into the saddle and pay attention to the views.

The route includes views toward the sea and the mountains. You’ll also get a look at the quieter side of Gran Canaria, away from the resort streets and hotel pools. It is a modest kind of sightseeing, but horseback riding changes your viewpoint and slows the day down.

The horses are the reason this works well for beginners. The information describes them as lovely, quiet animals, and the available feedback repeatedly points to their good training and care. One rider singled out a horse named Siete, while another praised the horses as well looked after. Those details suggest that the stable takes the animals seriously, which is worth considering before you book any riding activity.

The ride includes a stop for photographs. That gives you a chance to enjoy the setting without trying to take pictures while your horse is moving. Keep your camera or phone secure, though. The information does not specify any storage system, and you’ll want both hands free while riding.

Do not expect a dramatic mountain trek. The appeal is the gentle pace, the open views, and the chance to learn something new without needing previous experience. If you want a quiet break from sightseeing, this is a good fit. If you want challenging terrain or faster riding, it may feel too tame.

What the 1.5-hour schedule really means

The time is divided between preparation, instruction, the outdoor route, and the return to the stable. The exact length of each part is not stated, but you should allow the full 1.5 hours rather than arriving with a tight schedule afterward.

The title describes a one-hour ride, so the actual countryside portion may be close to 60 minutes. The remaining time is useful rather than wasted. You need time to meet the horse, fit safety equipment, learn the controls, practice in the arena, and get down safely at the end.

This structure also makes the activity friendlier for children and nervous adults. You are not expected to climb onto a horse and immediately head into the open countryside. The instructor has time to explain the basics first.

The group limit is 10 people. That is small enough for the instructor to keep track of the riders, though the experience will feel more personal with only a few participants. The group size can also affect the pace. A ride with several first-timers may move more slowly than one with experienced riders.

Clothing, weather, and comfort

Wear long pants and comfortable shoes. Shorts are not allowed, and loose holiday clothing is a poor choice for a saddle. You do not need to bring a helmet or back protector, since both are included.

Water is not included, so bring your own bottle. This is an easy item to forget because the ride is short, but riding outdoors can leave you thirsty, especially on a warm day.

The east coast can be windy. One recent rider specifically advised bringing warm, comfortable clothing, and another rider said the staff even provided a jacket. You should treat that as a kind gesture rather than something included for every person. Bring a light jacket of your own, particularly in cooler months or if you are sensitive to wind.

Comfortable shoes matter more than fashionable ones. You’ll need to walk from the car park to the barn and manage the stirrups. The exact shoe type is not specified, so choose practical footwear that stays secure on your feet.

Who can take part, and who should skip it

The ride is suitable for beginners and children from five years old. You do not need prior riding experience, and the basic arena lesson is built into the outing.

The stated restrictions are important:

• Children under five cannot join.
• Pregnant women cannot take part.
• People over 6 feet 6 inches, or 200 centimeters, cannot join.
• People over 65 years old cannot join.
• The maximum stated weight is 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms.
• The activity is not suitable for people with motion sickness.

The age limit over 65 is unusually firm for a gentle walk, so do not assume that general fitness will override it. If someone in your group is close to one of these limits, contact the provider before booking rather than relying on guesswork.

The motion-sickness warning may surprise you, since this is not a boat or bus excursion. Still, horseback movement can make some people uncomfortable. If you know that repetitive movement affects you, think carefully before committing.

Families with children aged five and above may find this a good first riding experience, provided the children can follow instructions and meet the other requirements. Couples and adult beginners also fit the format well. Advanced riders may prefer an activity that offers faster work or more technical instruction.

How much value do you get for $41?

At $41 per person, the price is reasonable for a 1.5-hour activity that includes equipment, instruction, and a countryside route. You are paying for more than time on a horse. The fee also covers the staff’s preparation, horse assignment, safety equipment, and supervision.

The value is strongest if you are new to riding. A private riding lesson could cost more, while a larger group outing might give you less personal help. Here, the small-group limit and arena practice make the price easier to justify.

It is less compelling if you already ride regularly and want a long trail experience. The outdoor riding portion is limited, and the pace is deliberately calm. You are buying an accessible introduction, not an extended equestrian excursion.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Gran Canaria plans are still shifting. Check the available starting times before you book, since the schedule is not fixed in the supplied information.

Returning the horses and finishing up

When you return, the staff helps you get down from the horse. They remove the saddle and bridle, lead the horse back to the stable, and collect the helmets.

That hands-on finish is useful for beginners. Getting off a horse can feel less natural than getting on, especially after an hour of riding. Having the instructor there keeps the process orderly and gives you a chance to say goodbye to the horse without rushing.

A lift to the airport might be available if a teacher is free. Again, treat this as a possible favor rather than part of the guaranteed service. Arrange your own onward transport unless the center confirms otherwise.

Should you book this horse ride?

Book it if you want a calm first horseback experience with sea and mountain views, clear beginner instruction, and a small group. It is particularly suitable for families with children aged five and older, couples, and adults who want a gentle countryside outing without a demanding ride.

Think twice if you want speed, advanced riding, or a long trail route. The activity is short, carefully paced, and focused on comfort. Bring long pants, secure shoes, water, and a light jacket for the wind. If those details suit your plans, $41 buys a pleasant way to see a quieter side of Gran Canaria.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding activity last?

The full activity lasts 1.5 hours. The ride itself is promoted as a one-hour relaxing horseback ride, with the remaining time used for preparation, instruction, arena practice, and returning the horses.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The instructor explains basic walking techniques and lets you practice in the teaching arena before you ride into the countryside.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in English, Spanish, Italian, and French. German is not available.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes, long pants, and comfortable shoes. Shorts are not allowed. Bring your own water, since water is not included. A warm layer is also sensible because it can be windy.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Children from five years old can take part. Children under five are not permitted.

What safety equipment is included?

A helmet and back protector are included. The instructor also provides a basic explanation and arena practice before the countryside ride.