Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest

The best thing about this Tenerife horseback ride is its gentle pace. You spend time meeting, cleaning, and saddling your horse before heading into the Lomo Forest for a quiet trail ride, all at walking speed. It is built for first-timers, not experienced riders seeking a trot or gallop.

I like the patient introduction and the small maximum of six people. I also like that family members can join on foot, and that guides such as Nicole take extra care with nervous beginners. The main drawback is simple: this is a slow, controlled ride. If you already ride well or want speed, you may find it too tame. The 85-kilogram weight limit also matters.

Key points to know before booking

• A true beginner ride: You ride at walking pace only, with no trot or gallop.
• Horse care comes first: You help clean and prepare your assigned horse before setting out.
• A small group of six: The limited group size allows the guide to keep an eye on first-time riders.
• Family-friendly, with limits: Children from age five can ride, but younger riders may need an adult or paid helper to lead them.
• Three hours at the stable: The listed ride lasts 1.5 hours, but preparation begins at 11 a.m. and the full visit runs until about 2 p.m.
• Come prepared: Wear long trousers, closed outdoor shoes, and a jacket, and follow the GPS directions carefully.

A slow introduction to horseback riding in northern Tenerife

This experience is less about covering miles and more about learning how to sit on a horse with confidence. At Finca Estrella, you begin with an explanation of the basics, then help clean and saddle the horse assigned to you. Helmets and gloves are provided.

That preparation is a useful part of the outing. A horse feels less unfamiliar once you have stood beside it, handled it, and watched the guide prepare it. It also gives the staff time to see how comfortable you are before the group leaves the stable.

The ride itself takes place near Lomo Cuchillo and through the forest surroundings in the north of Tenerife. The route is designed for calm walking, so you can look around instead of concentrating on controlling a fast-moving animal. You might see broad mountain views and wooded scenery along the route, but the main appeal is the peaceful setting and the chance to experience the park from horseback.

The instructors lead a controlled outing, yet you are expected to ride by yourself. If you need someone to hold your horse, walk beside you, or lead you for the entire ride, that can be arranged for an additional 15 EUR. Be honest about your confidence level when booking. That small extra cost may make the experience far more comfortable for a nervous rider.

What happens at Finca Estrella before the trail

The meeting point is Finca Estrella. The scheduled arrival time is 11 a.m., but the horse ride does not begin immediately. The first part includes explanations, cleaning, saddling, and putting on helmets.

The horses are assigned to the people in the group, giving you time to become familiar with your mount. This is one of the more personal features of the experience. You are not simply placed on a horse and sent off. You take part in the basic preparation, with the guide nearby to show you what to do.

The stable also has friendly but large dogs. If you are afraid of dogs, tell the provider before arriving. The dogs are part of the setting, and knowing this in advance can prevent an unpleasant surprise for anyone who is uneasy around animals.

The scheduled trail portion runs roughly from noon to 2 p.m., with everyone back at the stable afterward. The activity is advertised as a 1.5-hour horse ride, so pay attention to the difference between riding time and total time at the finca. If you have a lunch reservation or another excursion afterward, leave room for the full preparation and return period.

Riding through Lomo Forest at walking speed

Once the horses are saddled, the group heads onto the trail. The horses remain at a walk for the entire outing. There is no trotting and no galloping, which is exactly what makes this suitable for people who have never ridden before.

The route gives you time to notice the natural surroundings. Northern Tenerife is known for its greener, cooler feel compared with the island’s drier southern areas, and the forest setting provides a pleasant change from resort streets and busy sightseeing stops. The ride offers a quiet way to see protected natural surroundings without turning the outing into a demanding sport.

You will need to stay alert and follow the guide’s instructions. The ride is calm, but you still have to sit properly, keep control of your horse, and ride independently. This is not a carriage tour or a short photo opportunity. You are on horseback in the terrain, so basic fitness and balance are needed.

The guides can help if you are struggling. They can lead a child, walk beside you, or hold your horse, but these services cost 15 EUR for the complete ride. One adult may also help lead a child, which can be a practical choice for families traveling together.

Why beginners tend to get the most from it

The setup is well suited to a first ride. The horses are described as calm and well trained, and several are older but carefully looked after. That can be reassuring: you are not being matched with a spirited competition horse when you are still learning how to hold the reins.

The staff also focus on explaining how to get the most from the experience. For a first-timer, that means learning how to mount, sit, steer, and respond to the horse without feeling rushed. Guides are available in English, German, and Spanish, so you need to speak and understand at least one of those languages well enough to follow safety instructions. French is not spoken.

The small group limit of six is another practical advantage. A guide has a better chance of noticing a nervous rider or a child who needs extra help when the group is small. The experience is still shared, but it should feel more manageable than a large commercial ride.

I would choose this for a family with mixed interests. Those who want to ride can join the trail, while other family members can walk along. Confirm the arrangements for children before booking, since the provider needs to know how many children are coming and whether they require a person to lead their horses.

A good match for children, with clear age and safety rules

Children from age five can take part, which makes this one of the more accessible horse-riding options for families. The ride is slow and stays at a walk, reducing the need for advanced riding skills.

Still, a child must be able to follow directions and ride with support appropriate to their needs. If a child needs continuous assistance, the provider charges 15 EUR for a person to lead or walk beside them. Parents may help instead, but that should be discussed ahead of time.

The stated adult age guidance is up to 65, while the general information says the activity is not suitable for people over 70. If you are between those ages, ask the provider before paying. The activity is also not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with epilepsy, or people with animal allergies.

The 85-kilogram maximum weight is firm enough to check before booking. One person who arrived for the experience could not ride because of the weight limit, while their partner did take part. Avoid that disappointment by confirming your weight eligibility in advance.

Horses, dogs, and the feel of the stable

The animals are a central part of this outing, not just transport for the trail. You meet your horse at the start, help clean it, and spend time around the stable before riding. That creates a more hands-on experience than simply climbing into a saddle for a timed loop.

The horses are reported as well groomed, calm, and well cared for. Some are older, but their care is clearly treated as important. The provider also prioritizes the horses’ safety on the route, which is worth noting if animal welfare affects your booking choices.

You should be comfortable around animals before you reserve. The finca has large friendly dogs, and pets are not allowed to join you. People with animal allergies should skip this activity, even if they are interested in the forest ride itself.

Closed shoes are required. Sandals, flip-flops, slippers, bare feet, and high heels are not suitable. The provider also asks you not to wear shoes indoors, so bring practical outdoor footwear that you can use around the stable and on the trail.

What to wear and pack for the forest

Long trousers are essential. They protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle and are much more comfortable than shorts for a slow ride through wooded terrain.

Wear sports shoes or other closed-toe outdoor shoes with a secure fit. Avoid loose footwear and anything with a heel. You should also bring a jacket, comfortable outdoor clothing, and water. Conditions in the forest can feel different from the coast, so a light extra layer is sensible.

Do not bring swimwear, alcohol, drugs, speakers, chewing gum, or a stroller. These restrictions are practical rather than fussy. A stroller is not useful on a riding trail, and chewing gum is a poor choice around horses. Keep your hands and attention available for the guide’s instructions.

The activity includes a helmet and gloves. You do not need to pack those, but you do need clothing that lets you move easily and safely.

Finding the finca without a GPS mistake

Getting to Finca Estrella requires care. The correct approach uses the main road through El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Do not follow a navigation app uphill along Camino el Lance. The provider specifically warns that GPS often sends people that way, and the road is too steep.

Stay on the main road through El Amparo, even if your navigation app suggests a shorter route. Once you reach the meeting point, park uphill in front of the provider’s sign.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must arrange your own transport. Build in extra time for the drive, especially because arriving at 11 a.m. is important for the explanation and horse preparation. If you arrive late, you could miss the preparation that makes the ride easier for beginners.

The activity begins and ends at the same meeting point. That makes planning simpler once you arrive, but it also means you cannot count on being collected from a resort or nearby attraction.

Is $51 a fair price?

At $51 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a small, introductory horse experience rather than a long-distance ride. The fee includes the horse ride, instructor, helmet, and gloves. It does not include food, drinks, or transport to the finca.

The value comes from more than the time in the saddle. You also receive instruction, horse preparation, safety equipment, and a small-group setting. For someone riding for the first time, that personal attention matters more than squeezing in a longer route.

The price is less attractive for experienced riders. Since the entire trail stays at a walk, you will not get a chance to trot or gallop. Advanced riders may prefer a different excursion with more freedom and a faster pace.

Remember the possible 15 EUR charge for continuous assistance. Families with children or anyone who wants a guide beside them for the full ride should add that to the budget. The same applies if you know you will need a horse led throughout the outing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Tenerife plans are still shifting, but the key practical decision is still your weight, mobility, language, and riding ability.

Who should book this horse ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a careful introduction
• Families with children aged five and older
• Couples where one person has never ridden
• People who prefer a quiet forest outing to a fast horseback excursion
• Small groups that value direct help from the guide
• Visitors who can reach the finca independently and speak English, German, or Spanish

I would not choose it if you want an energetic ride. It is also a poor fit if you dislike dogs, have an animal allergy, cannot ride independently, or need wheelchair access.

The ride requires you to be sporty and fit enough to stay on a horse in the terrain. You do not need previous riding experience, but you do need to listen, balance, and manage the horse with the instructions provided.

Should you book the Lomo Forest ride?

Book it if your idea of horseback riding is a calm introduction, friendly guidance, and time around well-cared-for horses. The cleaning and saddling session adds a useful personal touch, and the small group makes the outing a sensible choice for nervous adults and families.

Skip it if you ride regularly and expect speed, technical trails, or a long day in the saddle. Check the 85-kilogram limit, age guidance, language requirement, and need for independent riding before you reserve.

For the right person, this is a gentle way to meet Tenerife’s northern forest on horseback, with enough instruction to make a first ride feel approachable rather than intimidating.

FAQ

How long does the Tenerife horseback riding activity last?

The horseback ride is listed as 1.5 hours. The full visit begins at 11 a.m. with explanations, cleaning, saddling, and helmets, and the trail runs roughly from noon until 2 p.m.

Where does the horse ride begin and end?

It begins and ends at Finca Estrella. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guidance is available in English, German, and Spanish. The provider does not speak French.

Is the ride suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. It is designed for beginners, non-riders, and children. The trail remains at walking pace, with no trot or gallop.

Can children join the horseback ride?

Children from age five can ride. The provider needs to know how many children are attending, and a parent or paid helper may need to lead a child during the ride.

Is extra help available during the ride?

Yes. A person can lead the horse, walk beside you, or hold the horse for the complete ride for an additional 15 EUR.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum stated weight is 85 kilograms.

What should I wear?

Wear long trousers, comfortable outdoor clothing, and closed-toe sports or outdoor shoes. Bring water and a jacket.

Are helmets and gloves provided?

Yes. The horse ride, instructor, helmet, and gloves are included.

Can I trot or gallop?

No. The trail ride is only at a walk, making it suitable for beginners but less suitable for experienced riders seeking a faster outing.

How do I reach Finca Estrella?

Use the main road through El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Do not follow GPS along Camino el Lance, as it is too steep. Park uphill in front of the provider’s sign.