Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest

Slow horses, misty forest, and a friendly stable make this Tenerife ride a good choice for first-time riders. At Finca Estrella, you help prepare your horse before heading into the Lomo Cuchillo area, where the route passes through peaceful countryside and forest near the north of the island.

I especially like the gentle pace and the personal care given to the horses. You also get more than a quick saddle-and-go activity, since brushing, saddling, and basic instruction are part of the visit. The main catch is that this is strictly a walking ride, and the preparation begins well before the advertised trail time.

You pay about $57 per person for a small-group experience lasting roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes on the horse. The outing suits complete beginners, children from age five, and adults who want a quiet introduction. Confident riders looking for trotting or galloping should book a different, longer trail.

Key points before you book

• The trail stays at a walking pace: There is no trotting or galloping on this beginner route.
• You arrive at 11 a.m.: Horse care, instructions, saddling, and helmets come before the trail begins at noon.
• The ride suits beginners up to 85 kilos: You need to ride independently unless you arrange paid help.
• The horses are a major strength: They are described as calm, trained, friendly, and sure-footed.
• The setting is scenic but remote: Give yourself time to find Finca Estrella, and follow the main road rather than the steep GPS route.
• The group is small: A maximum of six people allows for close attention from the guide.

Why this north Tenerife ride works for beginners

This is not a fast horseback adventure. It is a careful introduction to riding, designed for people who may never have sat on a horse before.

You begin by meeting your horse and helping with basic grooming and preparation. That small step matters. It gives you time to get used to the animal before climbing into the saddle, and it helps replace nerves with something practical to do. Some first-time riders have found steering confusing at first, but calm horses such as Tarantino, Romy, Cucho, Coco, and Charlie have helped many people settle in.

The staff match horses to riders based on experience. That is important for a beginner activity, since a quiet, steady horse lets you concentrate on posture and simple directions rather than worry about surprises. The guide also gives instructions and reassurance along the way.

You should still expect to ride by yourself. The horses are well trained, but this is not a carriage ride where you simply sit back. You will need to follow directions and help guide your horse. If you need somebody to walk beside you or hold the horse for the entire ride, that can be arranged for an extra $15, but you must request it in advance.

The ride is limited to six participants. I consider that a real advantage here. Small groups make it easier for the guide to keep an eye on nervous riders, children, and anyone who needs a little extra help with steering.

Arrive at 11 a.m. for the real start of the experience

The published ride length is about 1.5 hours, while the detailed schedule gives a trail from noon to 1:50 p.m. In practical terms, plan on about three hours at the stable, from arrival through preparation and the ride.

You should arrive at 11 a.m. The first hour includes explanations, grooming, saddling, and putting on helmets. If you arrive after 11:30, the stable may not be able to take you on the trail. This strict timing is easy to miss, especially if you think the activity begins at noon.

The preparation is one of the best parts for a first-time rider. You get an introduction to the horse, basic riding guidance, and time to become comfortable with the equipment. Gloves and a helmet are included.

One practical criticism is that the horses are not necessarily ready when you arrive. A June 2025 booking described the experience as good but felt the preparation made the outing much longer than expected. I would not book this if you want a quick activity squeezed between two fixed appointments.

Instead, treat the morning as part of the visit. You are not just buying time in the saddle. You are paying for a slow introduction to the animals, the staff, and the basics of riding.

From Finca Estrella into Lomo Cuchillo

The ride begins and ends at Finca Estrella. The exact route is described as a calm trail through the Lomo Cuchillo area and surrounding forest, with hilly ground and views across the north of Tenerife.

The scenery changes with weather and season. Morning mist has made the forest particularly atmospheric, while cloudy conditions have not stopped riders from enjoying the route. You might see a mix of woodland, open views, and Tenerife’s rugged countryside rather than a single dramatic viewpoint.

The horses walk at a steady pace. The route includes hills, so you should be reasonably fit and comfortable with gentle physical effort. It is not suitable for people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, or anyone with a low level of fitness.

The calm pace has two benefits. First, you can look around instead of focusing on speed. Second, you have more time to practice steering and balance. The drawback is that experienced riders may find the route too restrained. One account also noted that part of the path was retraced rather than forming a full loop.

That is a fair expectation to set. The appeal here is not a long, varied riding expedition. It is a quiet way to see the northern countryside while learning the basics on a dependable horse.

Friendly horses and hands-on care

The horses receive the warmest praise for good reason. They are described as well trained, calm, friendly, and sure-footed. Some may be older, and a few can be stubborn or hungry, but they are cared for and handled with affection.

The stable is family run, and that personal feel comes through in the time spent with the animals. You may meet friendly dogs at the property as well. They are considered part of the setting, but they are large dogs, so tell the stable in advance if you feel uneasy around them.

The chance to brush your horse before riding is valuable. It helps children and nervous adults form a connection before the trail begins. It also gives you a better sense of the animal’s size and temperament.

Families should clarify the arrangements for children. Adults can help lead children themselves, or the stable can provide somebody to lead them for an additional $15 for the trail. The organizer needs to know how many children are coming.

Children must be at least five years old. Adults are listed as suitable up to age 65, while the activity is not recommended for people over 70. Pregnant people, those with epilepsy, and those with animal allergies should not book.

What the $57 price gets you

At around $57, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Tenerife. Still, I think the price is reasonable if you value a small group, instruction, horse preparation, and a scenic setting.

Your fee includes the horse ride, an instructor, a helmet, and gloves. The stable experience adds value because the horse is not simply brought out for a short photo opportunity. You receive time to groom, saddle, and learn how to handle the horse.

Food, drinks, and hotel transportation are not included. You need to make your own way to Finca Estrella and bring water. If you are staying in the south of Tenerife, allow extra driving time. One couple drove for more than an hour from the south and considered the trip worthwhile, but the distance may not suit every schedule.

The price makes the most sense for:

• A first-time rider who wants patient instruction
• A family looking for a calm outdoor activity
• A couple seeking a quiet change from beach and resort time
• Somebody who values animal contact as much as the ride itself

It makes less sense for an experienced rider who wants speed, technical riding, or a long route. The stable offers other trails of around three hours with galloping, but you need to ask about those separately.

Finding Finca Estrella without taking the wrong road

The approach deserves careful attention. Use the main road through El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Do not follow the short route suggested by some GPS systems through Camino el Lance.

That road is described as too steep and hilly. The safer instruction is simple: stay on the main road through El Amparo, then park uphill in front of the stable sign.

I would download or check the directions before leaving. The remote location is part of the charm, but it also means a navigation mistake can cost time. Arriving late is especially risky because the preparation begins at 11 a.m., and the stable may not accept you after 11:30.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. If you do not have a car, check transportation options carefully before booking, since the experience information does not include a transfer service.

What to wear and bring

Wear long trousers. You should also use closed-toe outdoor or sports shoes with a firm sole. Comfortable outdoor clothing is best, along with a jacket and water.

Avoid sandals, flip-flops, slippers, bare feet, and high heels. Swimwear is not appropriate, even if you are combining the activity with a beach day.

The northern part of Tenerife can feel cool or cloudy, especially in the forest. A light jacket is more useful than resort clothing. You should also leave chewing gum, speakers, alcohol, and drugs behind. Pets and baby strollers are not allowed.

The weight limit is 85 kilos. This is a firm condition, not a suggestion. One person in a booking could not ride because of weight, while the rest of the group continued. If you are close to the limit, contact the stable before paying.

Who will enjoy this, and who should skip it?

I would recommend this ride to people who feel curious about horses but lack experience. The pace is slow, the staff provide instruction, and the horses are selected with rider confidence in mind.

It also suits families with children aged five and older. Parents can ride along, walk with the group, or help lead children, depending on the arrangement. Ask about paid assistance if a child cannot manage the horse independently.

The experience is less suitable for:

• Experienced riders hoping to trot or gallop
• Anyone who dislikes a slow pace
• People who need step-free or wheelchair access
• Pregnant people
• People with epilepsy or animal allergies
• People who are not comfortable around large dogs
• Anyone above the 85-kilo weight limit
• Anyone arriving after the preparation cutoff

You also need to speak and understand English, German, or Spanish. French is not offered. This matters because safety instructions and horse-handling directions must be clear.

The best parts, and the limits

The strongest feature is the combination of kind staff and steady horses. Guides such as Nicole, also called Nici by some visitors, are praised for patience, warmth, and reassurance. That personal attention can turn a nervous first ride into a good holiday memory.

The forest setting is another clear strength. Mist, hills, and changing views give the outing more character than a ride around a flat paddock. The route offers a calm connection with northern Tenerife rather than another organized bus stop.

The main weaknesses are practical. The stable is not easy to reach if you follow the wrong GPS direction. The activity takes longer than the time spent on the trail. The route may retrace part of its path, and experienced riders will find no faster pace.

The horses may not behave like perfectly obedient machines. A few can be stubborn, which is normal with animals and part of the learning process. The staff help you manage this, but you still need patience.

The cancellation terms are useful if your plans are uncertain: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking, since the schedule needs to fit the 11 a.m. arrival.

Should you book the Lomo Forest ride?

Book this if you want a gentle, personal introduction to horseback riding in Tenerife. The calm horses, small group, patient guidance, and misty northern setting make it especially appealing for first-timers and families.

Skip it if you want speed, a long route, or a polished activity that begins the moment you arrive. For this ride, the grooming and preparation are part of the experience, not wasted time.

My advice is to arrive early, wear long trousers and proper shoes, follow the main-road directions, and keep the whole morning free. If that sounds enjoyable, the $57 price offers a good way to meet the horses and see a quieter side of Tenerife.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The trail lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, from noon until approximately 1:50 p.m. You should arrive at 11 a.m. for explanations, grooming, saddling, and helmet fitting.

Is this ride suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The route is designed for non-riders, children, and first-time participants. It stays at a walking pace, and the instructor provides basic guidance and reassurance.

Can experienced riders trot or gallop?

No. This particular trail is walk-only. The stable offers other trails of around three hours with galloping, so experienced riders should ask about those options.

What is the maximum weight?

The maximum stated weight is 85 kilos.

What languages are available?

The guides speak English, German, and Spanish. French is not available, and you need to understand one of the supported languages for the riding instructions.

What should I wear?

Wear long trousers, comfortable outdoor clothing, a jacket, and closed-toe outdoor or sports shoes. Bring water and avoid sandals, flip-flops, slippers, and high heels.

How do I reach Finca Estrella?

Use the main road through El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Do not follow the GPS route through Camino el Lance, which is described as too steep. Parking is uphill, in front of the stable sign.