Two hours, and you’re above the noise. This guided ride from Horse Riding Canaria in Ojos de Garza delivers sweeping viewpoints over Las Palmas and Arinaga, with fresh air that feels a world away. I also love that they provide helmet, safety vest, and boots, plus a real on-barn briefing that helps even first-timers get comfortable.

The catch: the terrain can get steep and rocky, and wind can affect how easily some horses take the route, so you’ll want to match your riding comfort to what’s on offer.

Key things you’ll notice right away

A short lead-your-horse briefing before you set off, so you’re not guessing in the saddle.

Views that stretch from Las Palmas to Arinaga at a dedicated viewpoint stop.

Two route options: climb toward more height or go toward cave scenery with deep-cliff views.

Gear included (helmet, vest, and boots), which makes the tour feel easier to join.

Small group size (max 8), so the guide can actually watch what’s happening.

Arriving at Horse Riding Canaria: setting yourself up for a calm ride

Most horseback tours fall apart at the start. This one works because the check-in is straightforward and the pace is controlled from the first minute. You meet at the main barn at Horse Riding Canaria in Ojos de Garza, and the easiest move is to park in the car park when you enter the gate, then walk to the right to find the instructor.

That first contact matters. A lot of stress for beginners comes from not knowing what comes next. Here, you get outfitted right away with a helmet, a safety vest, and riding boots. Even if you’re comfortable around animals, that gear makes you feel secure. It also keeps the group consistent, which helps the guide manage everyone through any tricky spots later.

The countryside setting is part of the experience too. You’re not starting in a parking lot or right off a busy road. You’re already in the mood for the mountains before you even mount up.

Practical tip before you go

Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes. Closed-toe shoes are required, and comfortable shoes will help on the uneven ground around the barn and while you’re adjusting your stirrups.

The mini lesson: how to lead your horse without drama

Before the ride begins, you get a short briefing on how to lead a horse. It’s not a long lecture. It’s the basics—how to handle the horse safely while walking, how to keep things calm, and what to pay attention to during movement.

This part is more valuable than it sounds. On horseback, most problems don’t start in the saddle. They start on the ground: someone stepping too close, a horse reacting to a sudden movement, or a rider who doesn’t know how to position themselves while waiting.

When you get this early, you ride with less mental load. You can focus on your posture and breathing instead of thinking, What do I do if the horse changes pace?

The ride itself: up and down toward big views

Once you’re moving, the route takes you through mixed terrain—some uphill stretches and some downhill sections—until you reach a viewpoint.

That viewpoint stop is the payoff. You’re rewarded with wide-ranging views that reach all the way from Las Palmas to Arinaga. For many people, that’s the moment the whole tour makes sense: you’re not just walking around a path; you’re using the horse to access viewpoints that would be a steep hike or a long detour on foot.

This is also where you’ll feel what “beginner-friendly” really means in practice. It’s not just about whether you can sit still. It’s about whether you can stay balanced while the horse negotiates changing ground. The terrain can be rocky and the ride can involve real slope changes.

Beginner vs advanced: what changes on the trail

The tour offers tracks suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders. Advanced riders may have the option to trot and canter on part of the route. Beginners can enjoy a steadier pace—think strolling and relaxing while you take in the scenery.

If you’re not sure where you fall, tell the instructor honestly. One of the best ways to keep the ride comfortable is to avoid being overconfident. The guide can adjust the experience when they know your level and your comfort.

Route choice: go higher, or head toward the caves and cliffs

After the viewpoint, you’ll choose between two directions.

Option 1: further up for more climbing and open air

One path leads further up. This is the choice if you like elevation, you enjoy a slower, steady challenge, and you want more time feeling the mountain air at a higher vantage.

Just remember: “further up” can mean less forgiving ground. If you’re a beginner, the goal is to enjoy the climb, not to prove anything. Take it slow, keep your focus forward, and follow your guide’s cues.

Option 2: the green, wilder route toward cave scenery

The second option is a path through a very green, wild-feeling area. It leads toward deep cliffs, with a chance to see an ancient village tucked inside rocky caves. On the way back, you’ll also pass close to olive orchards.

This option feels like the tour’s storytelling component: you’re seeing a different side of the area than the viewpoint path alone. The cave-and-cliff area is the part many people remember because it feels like a secret pocket of the region, shaped by rock and time.

That said, caves and cliffs can also mean the horse may be more cautious depending on footing and wind. If you get motion discomfort, you’ll want to be especially careful with your expectations and readiness.

What the guide is doing for you (and what you should ask)

A good horseback guide is quietly doing a lot: spacing riders, reading horse reactions, and keeping the group together. In this tour, the guide provides safety equipment and runs a clear start briefing, which sets you up for better control on the trail.

If you’re traveling with mixed skill levels, this is where the small group size helps. With up to 8 participants, you’re less likely to get lost in a crowd of slower or faster riders. The guide can give more direct attention when needed.

A question worth asking at check-in

Ask how they’ll handle the pace for your level. If you want a slower walk the whole time, say so. If you’re comfortable and want to attempt trot or canter, say that too. Being clear helps you avoid surprises later—especially on steeper sections.

The ride back: olives, decompression, and finishing strong

On the return, you pass close to olive orchards. That doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a good way to end: it gives you a softer mental landing after the viewpoint or the cave/cliff portion.

This portion is also when many people start relaxing more fully. You’ve already done the important work—sitting comfortably, following instructions, and staying aware of your horse and the rider in front of you. As the trail transitions, it becomes easier to look around and enjoy the air, the view angles, and the feeling of being out in real countryside.

When you finish, you’ll be glad you wore comfortable clothes and shoes. You’ll likely spend more time adjusting yourself and walking around the barn than you expect.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $100 per person

$100 for a 2-hour guided horseback tour in the Las Palmas area is not cheap, but it also isn’t overpriced for what’s included.

You’re getting:

• a guide
• helmet, vest, and riding boots
• a structured experience with a briefing before you mount
• a route built around viewpoints, with an optional cave/cliff segment

Where it can feel like a deal is in the gear. Hiring gear separately adds cost fast on many trips. Here, the key safety items are already part of the package, which makes the total value easier to judge.

Where it can feel like a tradeoff is what’s not included. Food and drinks are not provided, and there’s no mention of transportation to/from the meeting point. So you’ll want to plan your day accordingly—bring water if you tend to get thirsty after activity, and make sure you’ve got a way to get to Ojos de Garza.

Who this is best for (and who should think twice)

This tour is aimed at people who enjoy animals, want a guided outdoor activity, and want mountain views without a full-day hike.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• you’re a beginner who wants instruction and a clear starting briefing
• you like scenic drives converted into an actual ride experience
• you’re comfortable walking on uneven terrain leading up to the saddle
• you want optional excitement if you’re more experienced (trot/canter segments)

You should think twice or skip if you fit any of the restrictions:

• children under 10
• people over 65
• people over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm)
• people over 220 lbs (100 kg)
• anyone with altitude sickness or motion sickness

Those limits aren’t just paperwork. They reflect how the experience is designed and how the body needs to handle the ride.

Also, while the tour is suitable for beginners, the actual ground can be steep and rocky. That means you’ll want to be honest about your balance and comfort level.

A balanced look at comfort and safety realities

Most of the positive feedback centers on how smoothly things start: people appreciate the friendly contact, the lovely horses, and clear guidance about what to do on the route. The views also come up as a standout, and the routes feel unique compared to a basic trail.

Still, a few caution flags do exist. In some cases, riders reported that the route wasn’t ideal for beginners due to footing, and some people raised concerns about whether horse welfare was handled as carefully as it should be. One account described a serious incident where an experienced rider fell from the horse on a rocky slope, and the group needed help to get things under control.

Here’s the practical takeaway for you: follow the guide’s instructions, don’t push for speed if footing feels uncertain, and if you notice a horse acting uneasy, say something right away. You’re the passenger, but your awareness helps keep the ride safer.

Wind can also matter. If conditions are gusty, expect horses to react more. That doesn’t automatically mean the tour is unsafe, but it does mean you should lean into the pace your guide sets and avoid demanding a specific route if you’re uncomfortable.

Languages and small-group feel: why this tour stays manageable

The guide speaks English, French, Italian, and Spanish. That matters because horseback riding has a lot of “do this now” moments. Being able to communicate clearly helps you understand instructions fast.

The small group size—limited to 8 participants—keeps the experience personal. It also reduces chaos at mounting points and makes it easier for the guide to handle differences between riders.

Should you book the 2-hour Ojos de Garza horse ride?

Book it if you want:

• mountain views near Las Palmas, with a viewpoint moment built in
• a beginner-friendly structure with a lead-horse briefing
• a choice between higher ground or a cave-and-cliff route
• a tour that includes key safety gear so you can travel lighter

Skip or reconsider if you:

• get motion sickness easily
• aren’t comfortable on steep, rocky trails
• need full-time control over pace and footing (because terrain and wind can affect how horses behave)
• fall into the tour’s stated restrictions

If you do book, go in with the right mindset: enjoy the scenery, trust the guide, and keep your expectations matched to your comfort. When that clicks, this 2-hour ride can be one of the more memorable ways to see the Las Palmas area without turning it into a long hike.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the main barn of the Horse Riding Canaria center in Ojos de Garza. Park in the car park and walk to the right to find the instructor.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the horseback tour, the guide, and riding safety items: a helmet, vest, and boots.

Do I need to speak a specific language?

The instructor can speak English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

What kind of rider level is this suitable for?

The tracks are designed for both beginners and advanced riders. Beginners can generally enjoy a calmer pace, while advanced riders may have the option to trot and canter on part of the route.

Who can’t take part in the tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, people over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), people over 220 lbs (100 kg), and anyone with altitude sickness or motion sickness.