2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour

The best views come with four muddy feet. This two-hour ride near Ojos de Garza gives you fresh air, broad views from Las Palmas to Arinaga, and a choice between a higher mountain route or a cave trail. I like the small groups of up to eight and the way beginners can stay at a walking pace while experienced riders may trot or canter. The main concern is the rough, steep ground, which may feel demanding for new riders and horses alike.

I also like that helmets, riding boots, and a safety vest are listed as included, along with a short lesson before you leave the barn. Still, equipment may vary on the day, and one family reported receiving a helmet but not boots or a vest. The scenery earns strong praise, but you should tell the center your riding level and age before booking, then confirm the route and gear.

Key points at a glance

• Mountain views from Las Palmas to Arinaga: The main viewpoint gives you a wide sweep across Gran Canaria’s east coast and inner mountains.
• Two route choices: Continue higher into the hills or take the greener cave route toward old rock dwellings and steep cliffs.
• Beginners can ride at a walk: The outing is designed for mixed ability levels, but the rocky, sloping ground may still feel tough.
• Advanced riders may trot or canter: Faster riding is possible only on part of the route and depends on conditions and the guide’s judgment.
• Small groups matter: With no more than eight people, the guide has a better chance of watching each rider and horse.
• $100 buys a focused two-hour outing: The price is fair if you value the guide, equipment, and views, but transport and refreshments cost extra.

Leaving the barn in Ojos de Garza

You begin at the main barn of Horse Riding Canaria, in the countryside around Ojos de Garza. After entering the gate, leave your car in the parking area and walk to the right, where the instructor waits near the barn.

The setting is useful from the start. You are not meeting at a busy town square or trying to find a horse trailer beside a hotel. You arrive at the riding center, see where the horses are kept, and get ready in the same place where the ride begins.

Plan on a short 15-minute introduction before the two-hour ride. This covers how to lead and handle your horse, which is especially important if you have ridden only a few times. You should use this moment to explain your experience clearly. A confident rider and a first-timer should not be placed in the same situation without the guide knowing the difference.

The center asks for each participant’s age and riding level. Give accurate information rather than trying to sound more experienced. It affects which horse you receive, the pace of the ride, and whether you are considered for the faster sections.

Helmets, boots, and a short safety lesson

The tour includes a horseback ride, an instructor, and riding equipment listed as a helmet, vest, and boots. You should still arrive in comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Long trousers are a sensible choice for a two-hour saddle ride, though the supplied information does not specify a clothing policy beyond comfort and closed footwear.

The safety briefing is brief, not a full riding course. You learn how to lead the horse before setting off, then rely on the guide for help along the route. That makes this more suitable for a beginner who wants an introduction than for someone hoping to learn detailed riding technique.

There is one practical wrinkle. Equipment was not completely consistent for every party. A family reported getting a helmet but no boots or vest, and they were fine with that. Since the listed inclusions promise all three, I would confirm the gear when you book or contact the center before arriving. Bring closed-toe shoes either way.

Climbing toward the main viewpoint

The route moves over ground that rises and falls. You will travel uphill and downhill before reaching a viewpoint with long views across the eastern side of Gran Canaria, from Las Palmas toward Arinaga.

This is the heart of the outing. The ride is not simply a slow circuit around a stable. The changing elevation gives you a sense of the interior mountains, while the viewpoint opens the scene toward the coast. You get time outdoors, movement, and scenery without committing to a full-day riding trip.

For a beginner, the hills are also the part to think about most carefully. A horse may need to place its feet with care on sloping or stony ground, and you may find the movement more tiring than expected. One account described some sections as steep and rocky, with horses appearing to struggle for secure footing. That does not mean every departure will face the same conditions, but it is a real reason to ask about the day’s route.

The wind can also matter. Strong wind made some horses reluctant to follow the planned path on one outing, and the delay unsettled both riders and animals. If you are nervous around horses, tell the instructor early and speak up if you feel unsafe. A good trail ride depends on clear communication, not silent endurance.

Choosing between the higher route and the caves

After the viewpoint, the guide may offer two directions. One route continues farther up. The other heads toward local caves through a greener, wilder area.

The higher option suits riders who want more elevation and broader mountain scenery. It may also provide the best chance for experienced riders to trot or canter on a suitable section. Faster riding is not guaranteed, and it is not the goal of the entire outing. Beginners can remain at a relaxed walk, which is the sensible choice on unfamiliar ground.

The cave option has a different appeal. The path leads through a very green area toward deep cliffs, where you can see an ancient village built into rocky caves. This adds a cultural detail to the ride without turning it into a formal history tour. You are seeing an unusual form of settlement from the trail, with the cliffs providing the setting.

The return route passes close to olive orchards. That gives the second option a quieter, more rural feel. If you care more about unusual scenery and the cave area than speed, ask whether this path is available on your departure.

The exact choice may depend on ability, weather, horse behavior, and the guide’s decision. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not book expecting one fixed route or a guaranteed canter.

What the riding feels like for beginners

The tour is advertised for both beginners and advanced riders, and that is a reasonable mix in principle. Beginners can stroll and take in the views, while experienced riders may receive permission to trot or canter on part of the track.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean easy ground. The route includes slopes, stones, and uneven footing. One family with mixed ability found the scenery beautiful but the route tiring for beginners, with some spots where the horses did not appear to have a secure stance.

I would recommend this ride to a beginner who is comfortable with the idea of uneven outdoor terrain and willing to follow instructions closely. I would be more cautious if you have never been near a horse, feel unsteady in the saddle, or want a flat, gentle ride.

The horse’s behavior can also affect the experience. Some riders found the horses sweet and well cared for. Another outing involved horses refusing to move along the intended route, and the guide asked riders to encourage them more firmly. That situation caused concern, especially when horses became restless near steep, rocky ground.

You should not feel pressured to continue if you are seriously worried. Tell the guide plainly. The information supplied for this activity emphasizes safety equipment and instruction, but the accounts of difficult moments show why your own comfort matters.

Scenery that earns the $100 price

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest two hours you can spend in Gran Canaria. The value comes from the combination of a guided ride, equipment, a small group, and access to mountain scenery that would be harder to experience from a normal road.

I think the price makes the most sense for someone who specifically wants horseback riding. You are paying for the animal, the riding center, the instructor’s supervision, and a route with a viewpoint and possible cave section. It is less compelling if you only want a mountain lookout, since a separate walking or driving outing may cost less.

The small-group cap of eight improves the value. With fewer riders, the instructor can better monitor different experience levels and respond to questions. It also keeps the outing from feeling like a long line of horses moving through the hills.

Food, drinks, and transport are not included. You need to reach Ojos de Garza on your own and should bring anything you want to drink during the wider day, since there is no meal stop included in the two-hour activity.

Timing, languages, and practical limits

The riding time is two hours, plus the short 15-minute class before departure. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date. The ride returns to Horse Riding Canaria, making the barn both your meeting point and finish point.

Instruction is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish. That is helpful during the safety talk, especially when explaining your riding background or asking for a change in pace.

The activity has several firm limits. Children under 10 are not accepted. It is also not suitable for people over 6 feet 6 inches, people over 220 pounds, or people over 65. The supplied information also excludes people with altitude sickness or motion sickness.

These rules may feel broad, but riding centers use size and age limits to protect both rider and horse. If anyone in your party is close to one of those limits, ask before paying.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Those terms help if your plans around Gran Canaria are still changing.

Who will enjoy this horseback ride most?

I would choose this tour if you want:

• A short outdoor activity rather than a full-day excursion
• Wide mountain and coast views near Telde and Ojos de Garza
• A small group with a guide
• A gentle walking ride with the option of more speed for experienced riders
• A route that may include caves, cliffs, and olive orchards
• A chance to ride in the countryside without arranging a private outing

I would think twice if you want a polished riding-school session on smooth ground. The route is natural, steep in places, and sometimes stony. It is also not ideal if you are uncomfortable when a horse hesitates, needs encouragement, or reacts to wind.

The most praised qualities are clear: the views, the unusual setting, and the friendly horses. Those strengths are real, but they come with a rugged route. Tell the center your exact ability, ask which path is planned, and confirm the equipment before you arrive.

Should you book the Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if the idea of reaching an east-coast viewpoint on horseback appeals to you more than a perfectly smooth ride. The cave route and olive orchards add character, and the small group keeps the experience personal. The overall rating of 4.4 from 22 ratings reflects a generally positive experience, with scenery receiving especially strong approval.

I would recommend it most to confident beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced riders who are happy to adjust their pace. I would not choose it for a nervous first-time rider who expects flat trails or for anyone who does not want to deal with steep, rocky ground.

Before confirming, send the center the age and riding level of everyone in your group. Ask about boots, the vest, current trail conditions, and whether the cave route is available. Those few questions will help you decide if this is the right kind of adventure for your day in Gran Canaria.

FAQ

Where does the horseback tour begin?

It begins at the main barn of Horse Riding Canaria in Ojos de Garza. After entering 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. There is also a 15-minute class before the ride begins.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can join and ride at a walking pace. However, the route includes uphill, downhill, rocky, and uneven sections, so it may feel demanding.

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

Advanced riders may be able to trot or canter on part of the track. Beginners can continue strolling, and faster riding depends on the route and guide.

What route choices are available?

After reaching the viewpoint, you may take a route farther uphill or a cave route through a green area toward cliffs and an ancient village in rocky caves.

What views can I expect?

The viewpoint offers broad views stretching from Las Palmas to Arinaga, along with views of the inner mountains.

Is riding equipment included?

The activity information lists helmets, a vest, and boots as included. One reported outing provided a helmet but not boots or a vest, so confirm the equipment before arrival.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Food and drinks are not included.

Who cannot join the activity?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, people over 6 feet 6 inches or 200 centimeters, people over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, or people with altitude sickness or motion sickness.