2-hour horse riding tour at Palomino Ranch Near Tbilisi

The best part of this two-hour ride is how quickly Tbilisi gives way to open country. At Palomino Ranch, near Ferma village in the Kaspi district, you ride past farms, grazing cows and sheep, and wide meadows rather than following a polished tourist trail. I like the calm, well-trained horses, and I like that guide Lasha has a reputation for helping first-time riders feel secure. The main thing to consider is that two hours can pass quickly, especially if you want plenty of time at a faster pace.

I also like the flexible approach to riding ability. Beginners receive clear instruction, while confident riders may get a chance to trot or canter when the ground and conditions allow. The possible drawback is that meals and insurance are not included, so you should plan for those separately if needed.

Key points at a glance

• Ferma village setting: Reach quiet Georgian farmland in roughly 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi.
• Horses matched to ability: The ranch asks about your experience and can pair you with a more energetic or quieter horse.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Guides such as Lasha explain the basics and stay attentive during the ride.
• Open-country riding: Expect meadows, farms, grazing animals, village life, and mountain views.
• Room for faster riding: Trot or canter may be possible in suitable areas, depending on your skills and conditions.
• A relaxed finish: Return to the ranch for coffee or tea after the ride.

From Tbilisi traffic to Ferma’s open fields

Palomino Ranch is in Ferma village, in Georgia’s Kaspi district, around 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi. That short transfer is a big part of the appeal. You do not need to commit to a full day away from the city, yet the setting changes from urban streets to farmland and broad country views.

Transportation from Tbilisi and back is included in the $95 price. That makes the outing easier than arranging a taxi to a rural village and then trying to coordinate a return trip after riding. The exact drive time can vary, so allow some flexibility around the stated range.

The setting is rural rather than theatrical. You will not be riding through a purpose-built park with staged attractions. Instead, the route passes local farms, grazing cows and sheep, meadows, and village life. I find that more rewarding for a short outing because the ride gives you a look at how the countryside actually feels outside the capital.

Meeting your horse and getting ready

At the ranch, you begin with an introduction to your horse and basic riding instructions. This matters most if you have never ridden before or only have distant memories of a trail ride. You can ask questions, settle into the saddle, and learn how to guide the horse before heading out.

The horses are described as strong local animals, but also calm, quiet, clean, and well trained. That combination suits this type of ride. A horse needs enough strength for country paths and open ground, but a steady temperament makes the outing much less stressful for a beginner.

The ranch takes your riding experience into account when choosing a horse. One rider described being given an energetic horse after explaining her experience, which suggests that the matching process is not random. If you are new to riding, say so plainly. If you are comfortable at a trot or canter, explain that too.

Guides speak English and Georgian. Lasha is specifically associated with patient instruction for first-time riders, while Ana is connected with the ranch team that welcomes riders in a friendly, personal way. The guiding style appears attentive rather than hurried, which is useful when a group includes mixed ability levels.

Safety equipment and horse equipment are included. Insurance is not, so check your own travel cover before booking if that matters to you.

Riding through meadows and working farmland

Once everyone is ready, the route leads into the countryside around Ferma. The main pleasure is space. You ride through wide meadows with panoramic views, passing farms and animals while the horse settles into a steady rhythm beneath you.

This is not a sightseeing ride with a long list of formal stops. The countryside itself is the attraction. You may see cows and sheep grazing, notice local farm activity, and watch village life continue at its normal pace. For me, that is the right scale for a two-hour outing. You get enough time to feel away from Tbilisi without spending an entire day on the road.

The horses are expected to remain calm and manageable, but you should still treat the ride as a real outdoor activity. A horse has its own movement and strength, and uneven country conditions can feel different from riding in an arena. Listen to the guide, keep a comfortable pace, and speak up if you feel uncertain.

The setting is especially well suited to riders who want quiet rather than constant entertainment. There is room to look around, enjoy the views, and notice the sounds of the countryside. If you prefer a fast, technical ride with challenging routes, this may feel too gentle. If you want an introduction to Georgian rural life from the saddle, it fits very well.

When the ride speeds up

The standard plan allows for a calm ride, but there may be suitable stretches for trotting. Confident riders may even be able to canter. This depends on your ability, the condition of the ground, and the guide’s judgment.

That flexibility is a strength. Beginners are not pushed into a pace they cannot handle, while experienced riders are not limited to walking if a safe opportunity comes up. The word may is important here. You should not book expecting a guaranteed gallop across the fields.

The ride’s faster sections are best understood as an extra, not the entire point of the tour. The open fields create a sense of freedom, but the ranch still needs to manage the horses, the terrain, and the different abilities in the group. A guide may keep the pace gentle for good reasons.

If you are an experienced rider and want more time in the saddle, contact the ranch before your visit. A four-hour ride can be arranged, and the extra cost is 100 lari. That longer option is not part of the standard two-hour booking, so arrange it in advance rather than assuming you can extend on arrival.

A quiet break back at the ranch

After riding, you can relax at a cozy spot at the ranch with coffee or tea. It is a small touch, but it gives you time to come down from the ride, talk with the guides, and enjoy the change of pace before returning to Tbilisi.

Meals and snacks are not included. If you need more than a hot drink, plan accordingly, since the activity price covers the ride, transport, guide, and equipment rather than a meal. Personal expenses are also separate.

This post-ride pause helps make the outing feel less like a quick transfer in, ride, and transfer out. You have a moment to reflect on the countryside and the horse you rode. If you are new to horseback riding, it is also a useful chance to ask about anything you found difficult.

What $95 really buys you

At $95 per person, the price is not simply a charge for two hours on a horse. It includes transportation from Tbilisi and back, an English-speaking guide, the local horse, safety equipment, and horse equipment. For someone without a car, the included transport adds real value.

The strongest value comes from convenience and access. You can leave the city, reach a rural setting, receive instruction, ride with a guide, and return without arranging separate transfers. That is a fair package for a short countryside activity.

Still, the price may feel high if you already have access to horses or only want a brief introductory ride. The two-hour duration also limits how far you can go and how much time you have for faster riding. If riding is a central interest during your Georgia trip, the four-hour option may make better sense, provided you arrange it and confirm the additional 100 lari cost.

There are a few extra costs to remember. Insurance, food or snacks, personal expenses, and airport transfers are not included. An airport transfer is available for an additional charge, but it is separate from the Tbilisi transport connected with the riding tour.

The booking terms are useful for a changing itinerary. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times because the two-hour activity runs at set times rather than on an entirely open schedule.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This is a strong choice for first-time riders who want a gentle introduction without giving up scenery. The instruction, horse matching, and calm animals help lower the usual anxiety of getting into a saddle for the first time.

It also suits experienced riders who want an easy country outing rather than a demanding equestrian route. You may be able to trot or canter, and the ranch can arrange a longer four-hour ride if you ask ahead.

Families and mixed groups may appreciate the adjustable pace, but the supplied information does not specify age limits. Ask the ranch directly about children, weight limits, and any rider requirements before booking.

The ride is less suitable for someone seeking a guaranteed gallop, a fixed route with named landmarks, or a full day of riding. The experience is built around peaceful meadows, rural scenery, and a calm pace, with faster riding dependent on conditions.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since horseback riding can involve specific physical requirements, confirm the exact accessibility arrangements with Palomino Ranch before you book.

Practical choices before you go

Wear clothing that allows you to sit comfortably for two hours and shoes suitable for riding. The supplied details do not set out a dress code, so it is sensible to ask the ranch if you have concerns about footwear or clothing.

Tell the team your riding background when you arrive. The horse selection can reflect your experience, and the guide can adjust instruction and pace more effectively when you are clear about what you can do.

If you want a longer ride, contact the ranch before the day of your visit. The four-hour option costs an additional 100 lari, and it is not part of the standard online two-hour arrangement.

Also think about the season and your preferred pace. The ride takes place outdoors, and opportunities to trot or canter depend on conditions. A calm walking ride still offers the farms, meadows, grazing animals, and views, so you do not need to treat faster riding as a requirement.

Should you book Palomino Ranch?

Book this ride if you want a manageable break from Tbilisi, enjoy open country, and value a calm horse with an attentive guide. The combination of included transport, instruction, equipment, and rural scenery makes the $95 price reasonable for many visitors.

I would especially recommend it to beginners and to riders who want a personal countryside outing rather than a crowded attraction. Ask for Lasha if available and explain your riding level so the team can match the horse and pace well.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed canter, a long-distance trail, or food included in the price. In that case, ask about the four-hour option and the practical details before paying. For a short, friendly introduction to horseback riding near Tbilisi, Palomino Ranch is an appealing choice.

FAQ

How long is the Palomino Ranch horse ride?

The standard experience lasts two hours.

How far is Palomino Ranch from Tbilisi?

The ranch is approximately 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi.

Is transportation from Tbilisi included?

Yes. Transportation from Tbilisi and back is included in the activity.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak English and Georgian.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity includes an introduction to the horse and clear riding instructions, and the horses are described as calm and well trained.

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

You may be able to trot, and confident riders may be able to canter in suitable areas. This depends on your ability and conditions.

Can I arrange a four-hour ride?

Yes. A four-hour ride can be arranged by contacting the ranch in advance. It costs an additional 100 lari.

Is food included?

No. Meals and snacks are not included. Coffee or tea is available after the ride at the ranch.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.