Horseback riding for experts between the lake and the mountains

The best part of this ride is the setting: you move on horseback through mountain paths and forest trails with Lake Como and Lake Annone opening below you. The route also brings views of Resegone, Grigna, and Grignetta, giving the outing a proper Alpine feel without sending you far from Milan.

I like the tiny group size, capped at four people, and the generous food stop at a farmhouse. Martina is named as the guide, and the horses include affectionate Arabian mounts such as Zambesi and Amerì. The main caution is simple: this is aimed at experienced riders, with trotting and galloping in the plan, so it is not the safest pick if you have never ridden before.

Key points to know before booking

• Two riding sections of about two hours each: You spend most of the outing in the saddle, with a farmhouse break between them.
• Views over two lakes: The route reaches scenic points overlooking Lake Como and Lago di Annone, plus the peaks of Resegone, Grigna, and Grignetta.
• A small maximum group of four: This gives the guide room to keep an eye on the group and adjust the pace when needed.
• Arabian horses and a named guide: Martina leads the ride, with horses described as beautiful, gentle, and well cared for.
• Lunch is part of the price: Expect platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, drinks, and one glass of red wine.
• Made for confident riders: A moderate fitness level is required, and the outing includes paths where you may trot or gallop.

Riding above Galbiate between two Italian lakes

The meeting point is in Galbiate, in Lombardy, at 23851 Galbiate LC. This places you in the hills between the Como area and Lake Annone, where forest tracks and open viewpoints replace the busy waterfront roads below.

The ride begins at 9:30 am with a short briefing. You receive the supplied safety equipment, including a cap, gaiters, and protective vest, then get settled with your horse before heading out. The available information does not give a detailed horse assignment process, but the named horses provide a useful sense of the stable’s character. Zambesi is described as a well-maintained and amusing companion, while Amerì made a particularly strong impression as a sweet Arabian horse.

You should expect a real ride, not a short photo stop beside a stable. The outing lasts about four and a half hours and includes roughly four hours of riding, separated by a food break. That is a substantial morning on horseback, so comfort in the saddle matters more here than simply liking horses.

The route takes you along mountain trails and through woods. Some sections are described as suitable for step, trot, and gallop, though the exact pace will depend on the group, the horses, and trail conditions. You will want to be honest about your riding level before booking. The activity is specifically designed for experts, even though Martina and the team have also welcomed beginners on some outings.

The first two hours on wooded mountain trails

The opening ride gives you time to settle into the horse and the countryside. Expect a mixture of forest paths, open stretches, and views that gradually reveal the surrounding lakes and mountains. The appeal is not just the destination viewpoint. It is the changing rhythm of riding through woods, crossing open ground, and seeing Galbiate from a position most visitors never reach.

The guide adds local context along the way. Martina is described as someone who tells stories about the area as she leads, which can make the route feel less like a standard riding loop and more like an introduction to the country around Lake Como. You are not simply following a marked path with no explanation.

The mountain setting also explains the fitness requirement. Four hours in the saddle can be tiring even for a regular rider, especially when the route includes changes of pace. You should be comfortable controlling a horse outside a riding arena and able to stay balanced during a trot. If you are booking because you want to gallop, remember that a safe guide may change the pace based on trail space, footing, weather, and the ability of the whole group.

The equipment included is useful rather than decorative. Gaiters protect your lower legs, the vest adds a layer of protection, and the cap is part of the supplied riding kit. The information does not specify whether helmets are included, so ask before the day if you normally ride only with a certified helmet or need particular protective equipment.

Lake Como and Lago di Annone from the saddle

Lake Como is the better-known name, but Lago di Annone gives this ride much of its character. The two lakes sit among hills and mountain peaks, and the route lets you compare them from above rather than from a crowded promenade.

At scenic points, you may see Resegone, Grigna, and Grignetta. These mountain names matter because they give the view a clear Lombardy identity. You are looking at the same peaks that define the area around Lecco, but from wooded paths instead of a town street or boat deck.

The view is likely to be the highlight for anyone who wants a strong sense of place. I like that the ride connects nature, local food, and horsemanship in one morning. You get a view of the lakes, but you also move through the countryside that surrounds them. That makes the outing feel more grounded than a quick lookout visit.

There is a practical trade-off. Horse trails do not promise uninterrupted viewpoints. Trees, bends, and changes in the route will sometimes block the panorama. That is part of riding through a living countryside, but you should not book this expecting a continuous postcard view for four hours.

The farmhouse stop and lunch with local food

After the first riding section, the group stops at a farmhouse for refreshments and lunch. The meal includes platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, drinks, and one glass of red wine. Bottled water is also included.

This break is more than a convenient pause. It gives you time to rest your legs, talk with the guide, and enjoy foods associated with a northern Italian farmhouse table. Cold cuts, cheese, and bread are simple fare, but they suit a day spent outdoors and provide a welcome contrast to eating quickly between scheduled sights.

The food stop also helps divide the ride into manageable parts. Four hours without a proper break would be a demanding stretch for most people. Here, you get a chance to recover before returning to the trails for the second section.

Food requirements deserve attention before booking. A gluten-free meal was prepared successfully for one rider, including gluten-free tiramisu, but you should still tell the operator about celiac disease, allergies, or other dietary needs in advance. The supplied details do not promise a particular menu for every restriction, so do not rely on the standard lunch without checking.

The included glass of red wine is a pleasant local touch, but remember that riding continues afterward. If you are sensitive to alcohol, driving later, or simply prefer to remain fully alert in the saddle, you can choose not to drink it.

The second two-hour ride and the chance to gallop

The final riding section brings you back onto the trails after lunch. This is where the activity feels most different from a basic beginner ride. The route allows for a changing pace, including the possibility of galloping on suitable paths.

Galloping is the detail that will attract confident riders, but it is also the reason to read the difficulty description carefully. A horse may be calm and well trained while the rider still needs strong balance, clear reins, and good control. The group size helps, since a maximum of four people gives Martina more room to watch how everyone is managing.

The horses are described as thoroughbred Arabians, and their character seems to be a major part of the appeal. They are presented as both striking and affectionate, with Amerì singled out for a particularly gentle nature. Zambesi is remembered as a funny companion as well as a well-kept horse. These details suggest a stable where the relationship between horse and rider matters, not just the scenery.

Still, horses are individual animals, and no operator can guarantee a particular mount or a particular pace. If you have a strong preference, ask ahead of time. You should also understand that the guide’s decision comes first when conditions or rider ability make a gallop unsuitable.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point. That makes the timing easier to manage than a ride that finishes elsewhere, especially if you have another appointment in the afternoon.

What the $238.28 price really covers

At $238.28 per person, this is not a cheap casual activity. I would judge the value by the amount of riding and what is included rather than by the price of a short stable visit.

You are paying for about four and a half hours at the site, with approximately four hours in the saddle, a guide, use of the listed protective gear, bottled water, and a farmhouse lunch. The meal includes drinks and one glass of red wine. A small group of no more than four also gives this a more personal feel than a large trail ride.

The price makes the most sense for an experienced rider who wants a full morning outdoors and values the combination of riding, views, and food. It is less convincing if you are mainly hoping for a scenic introduction to horses and would be satisfied with one easy hour.

Transport is not included. Private transport to or from your hotel costs €30. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the exact public route is not provided, so check the journey from your accommodation before booking. If reaching Galbiate is awkward, the extra transfer charge may be worthwhile. If you are already staying nearby, you can avoid that added cost.

Group discounts are available, which may improve the value for a small party. Since the maximum is four people, a group booking also lets you keep the outing private in practical terms, even if the activity is not formally advertised as a private tour.

Who should book this ride?

This is a strong choice for riders who already feel comfortable outside an arena. You should have enough experience to manage a horse at different paces and enough stamina for a long morning in the saddle. The setting rewards riders who want more than a gentle walk and who enjoy mountain paths, forest tracks, and wide views.

It also suits anyone looking for an outing close to the Como and Lecco area that feels different from the usual boat trip or lakeside stroll. The combination of two lakes, named mountain peaks, Arabian horses, and a farmhouse meal gives you several distinct reasons to make the trip.

Beginners should be cautious. The warm welcome described by the stable and the gentle nature of some horses suggest that first-timers may sometimes be accommodated, but the advertised standard is for experienced riders. If you are new to riding, contact Martina or the Noor Horse Trek team before paying and explain your exact experience. Do not assume that a friendly horse turns a four-hour mountain ride into a beginner lesson.

The activity requires moderate physical fitness. You need to be comfortable sitting, balancing, and remaining active for long periods. This is not the best choice if you are looking for a low-effort sightseeing excursion.

The tour runs only in good weather. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:30 am start to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Galbiate horseback ride?

Book it if you are an experienced rider who wants a small-group outing with real time in the saddle, mountain views, and a hearty farmhouse lunch. The two-lake route and Arabian horses give it more character than a standard trail loop, while Martina’s local stories add a human touch.

Think twice if you are a complete beginner, have limited fitness, or want guaranteed open views and a relaxed walking pace. Ask about your riding level, protective equipment, dietary needs, and transport before booking. For the right rider, this is a memorable way to see the country around Lake Como from a much more unusual angle.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride start?

It starts at 23851 Galbiate LC, Italy, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the activity begin?

The start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The activity lasts about four and a half hours. It includes two riding sections of roughly two hours each, separated by a farmhouse food break.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes platters of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks. One glass of red wine is also included.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. A cap, gaiters, and protective vest are included, along with bottled water.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.