2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the change of scenery. You leave the barn near Ojos de Garza and follow rough mountain tracks toward a viewpoint with broad views from Las Palmas to Arinaga. The route feels far removed from the coast resorts, even though the East Coast is spread out below you.

I like the small group of up to eight and the choice between a higher route and a cave route. I also like that beginners can stay at a walking pace while stronger riders may trot or canter for part of the outing. The main concern is the terrain: steep, stony sections can be hard work for inexperienced riders and horses, especially in windy weather.

Key points to know before you ride

• Two very different route choices: Continue higher into the mountains or follow a greener track toward rocky caves and an ancient cave settlement.
• A real countryside ride: Expect uneven tracks, climbs, descents, cliffs, and olive orchards rather than a flat pony ride.
• Beginner-friendly in pace, not always in footing: You can walk throughout, but the rough ground still demands balance and confidence.
• Small groups matter: With no more than eight participants, the guide can give more direct help than on a large trail ride.
• Gear is intended to be included: Helmets, vests, and boots are listed, but one account says only a helmet was supplied, so confirm before arrival.
• Tell the center your riding level and age: This affects the route, pace, and whether the activity is suitable for you.

Leaving Horse Riding Canaria in Ojos de Garza

Your starting point is the main barn at Horse Riding Canaria, in the countryside of Ojos de Garza near Telde. After entering the gate, park your car and walk to the right side of the property. The instructor waits at the barn.

This is not a hotel pickup. You need to arrange your own transport to the riding center, and no food or drinks are provided. That makes the tour easiest for people with a rental car or another reliable way to reach the meeting point.

Before mounting, you receive riding equipment. The listed package includes a helmet, protective vest, and riding boots. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, even if you expect boots to be provided. One family account said that only a helmet was offered, so I would confirm the exact equipment with the center before booking, especially if the vest and boots are important to you.

The group size is capped at eight. That is a useful limit for a ride on narrow mountain paths. You are less likely to be lost in a long line, and the instructor has a better chance of noticing if you are tense, struggling with the horse, or unsure about a steep section.

The 15-minute briefing and choosing your pace

The introduction takes about 15 minutes. You learn how to lead the horse and receive basic instructions before setting off. This short lesson matters because the ride involves more than sitting in a saddle. You may need to encourage a reluctant horse, manage your position on a slope, and follow directions when the track becomes rough.

Be clear about your experience before the ride begins. The center asks for the age and riding level of every participant, and you should give an honest answer. A rider who has only sat on a horse once may be comfortable walking on a level path but less prepared for loose stones, steep ground, or a horse that does not move forward right away.

The advertised format allows beginners to stroll and relax. Advanced riders may trot or canter on part of the route. Those faster paces are not guaranteed for everyone, and the terrain may limit them. One family group found that the beginner riders could not trot or canter, while the more experienced daughter could handle more.

That arrangement is sensible, but it can create different expectations within one group. If you are booking with mixed abilities, expect the ride to stay together and move at the pace that suits the least experienced rider.

Climbing to the viewpoint above Telde

The route first travels up and downhill through the hills. The reward is a viewpoint with wide views across the East Coast, reaching from Las Palmas toward Arinaga. This is the visual high point of the outing, and it gives you a clear sense of how the towns, coast, and interior mountains fit together.

The air and open views are a big part of the appeal. You are not riding inside a covered arena or along a simple farm loop. The setting feels wild in places, with mountain tracks and open slopes replacing the built-up streets below.

The climbs also explain why the ride is not a soft, effortless beginner outing. Uneven ground requires the horse to place each hoof carefully, and you need to stay balanced as the animal moves uphill or downhill. Several accounts praised the scenery but also noted that some tracks were stony and steep. One experienced rider fell on a rocky slope, which is a serious reminder to listen closely and avoid treating the ride as a casual photo stop.

If you are new to horseback riding, focus on posture and calm instructions. Keep your attention on the guide, not only on the view. Ask for help if you feel uncertain, particularly before a descent or on ground where the horse seems hesitant.

Choosing the cave path or the higher route

Once you reach the viewpoint, the ride can continue in one of two directions. One option heads farther upward. The other follows a greener, more rugged route toward local caves and deep cliffs.

The cave route is the more unusual choice. It passes through a wild area and leads toward rocky cliffs where you can see an ancient village built into caves. That gives the ride a stronger sense of place than a simple mountain circuit. You are seeing a feature connected to the older life of the island, not just stopping for a scenic photograph.

The higher route should suit riders who want more mountain exposure and wider views. The cave route has a different mood, with thicker greenery, rock formations, and a closer look at the cliffs. Ask the guide which option fits the group’s ability and the conditions on the day.

The supplied information does not promise that every group can freely choose its route. Weather, rider ability, and the horses’ comfort may affect the decision. Wind was a serious issue for one group, with several horses refusing to follow the planned path. If the animals are uneasy, the guide should put safety first and adjust the plan.

What the terrain means for beginners

This is the most important point to understand before paying $100. The tour is suitable for beginners in terms of instruction and pace, but the countryside itself is not always easy. You may walk the whole time and still encounter slopes, stones, narrow tracks, and ground where the horse has to work hard for secure footing.

A beginner who feels relaxed around horses and is willing to follow directions may enjoy the ride. A beginner expecting a smooth, flat path with little movement may find it tiring or unsettling.

The horses were described as well cared for and gentle by some participants, and the short briefing helps you get started. At the same time, one account raised concerns about impatient handling when horses did not move immediately and about continuing along difficult ground when animals appeared nervous. I cannot verify the circumstances, but it is useful information for anyone choosing a riding activity.

Pay attention to how the guide handles hesitation. Calm, clear instructions are especially important when a horse stops, becomes restless, or reacts to wind. You should feel able to say that you are uncomfortable and ask whether you can dismount or pause. The activity information does not promise a private ride or a custom route, so speak up early rather than waiting until you feel overwhelmed.

Trot and canter options for stronger riders

Experienced riders may be allowed to trot or canter on part of the track. This adds energy to the outing, but it is not the main purpose of the tour. The route includes rough sections, and faster riding will depend on the horse, the group, and the guide’s judgment.

If you are booking mainly to canter, ask the center how much of the ride is likely to allow it. The information only says that advanced riders have the option on part of the track. It does not promise a long open stretch or a particular amount of time at speed.

For mixed groups, the ride may include plenty of walking. That is good news if you want a calm scenic outing, but less appealing if every rider in your party is experienced and wants sustained faster work.

Olive orchards and the return to the barn

On the way back, the route passes close to olive orchards. This quieter section gives the ride a change of pace after the cliffs and mountain viewpoints. The combination of orchards, rocky tracks, and open views makes the route feel connected to the countryside rather than designed only for an activity center.

You return to Horse Riding Canaria after two hours of riding. The stated schedule also includes the 15-minute class at the beginning, so allow a little more than two hours on site. The exact start time varies, and you need to check availability when booking.

Because there is no meal or drink included, bring water if you need it. The instructions specifically call for comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Long trousers and clothing that can handle dust or contact with the saddle are practical choices, though the center does not set out a formal dress code beyond comfort and closed footwear.

Is $100 fair for two hours?

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Gran Canaria. The price covers the horse, guide, and listed safety gear, plus a small group and access to countryside that would be difficult to see on foot in the same time.

I think the value depends on what you want from horseback riding. If you want broad views, a guided route, and the chance to see caves, cliffs, and olive orchards, the price is easier to justify. You are paying for the setting and the staff’s handling of the horses, not simply for time in a saddle.

The value is weaker if you are a confident rider looking for a long canter, or if you expect polished equipment and a highly controlled trail. The terrain can slow the ride, and beginners may spend most of the time walking. The difference between the advertised equipment and one account that reported receiving only a helmet is also worth checking before you commit.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the reserve-now-pay-later option reduce the financial risk. Still, I would use that flexibility to confirm the route, gear, and suitability for your group, not as a substitute for preparation.

Who should book this mountain ride?

I would recommend it to you if you want a small-group countryside activity with real mountain footing and strong views. It suits adults and children aged 10 or older who are comfortable around horses, can follow instructions, and do not mind a slower walking pace.

It is a good match for:

• Riders who want scenery rather than a long session of fast riding
• Beginners who accept that rough ground can still feel demanding
• Experienced riders who are happy to share the route with less confident participants
• People interested in the cave route and older hillside settlements
• Visitors who can reach the Ojos de Garza barn independently

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, people taller than 6 feet 6 inches, or anyone over 220 pounds. It also excludes people with altitude sickness or motion sickness. These limits are stated by the provider, so do not assume they can be waived.

Should you book the 2-hour Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if your ideal ride includes fresh air, big views, a small group, and a choice between higher mountain tracks and a cave route. The scenery is the strongest reason to come, and the route offers more character than a basic paddock ride.

Approach it carefully if you are a first-time rider. Beginners can walk, but the path can still be steep and stony. Tell the center your true ability and age, confirm that the helmet, vest, and boots will be available, and ask how the guide handles nervous horses or difficult conditions.

For a scenic ride near Telde, this can be a memorable two hours. For a smooth, easy trail or guaranteed cantering, I would choose something else.

FAQ

Where does the horseback 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, where the instructor will be waiting.

How long does the activity last?

The horseback ride lasts two hours. The schedule also includes a 15-minute class before the ride, so allow extra time at the center.

What riding levels are accepted?

Both beginners and advanced riders can join. Beginners can walk at a relaxed pace, while advanced riders may be allowed to trot or canter on part of the track.

What equipment is included?

The activity includes a guide, horseback tour, helmets, vests, and boots. One account reported receiving a helmet but not boots or a vest, so confirm the equipment with Horse Riding Canaria before arrival.

Are children allowed to participate?

Children under 10 are not suitable for this activity. The center also asks you to provide the age of each participant.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable shoes are also recommended. Food and drinks are not included.

What languages does the instructor speak?

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

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to eight participants, making it a small-group ride.

Is transportation included?

No. You need to make your own way to the Horse Riding Canaria meeting point in Ojos de Garza.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-pay-later option is also available.