1 hour relaxing horse riding tour in Gran Canaria

One hour on horseback, and the coast feels close. This relaxed 1.5-hour countryside tour in Gran Canaria mixes a gentle ride with Canarian sea and mountain views and a simple start for first-timers.

I like that they hand you a helmet and back protector and walk you through the basics before you head out. I also like the small-group pace, where you get time to settle in and even catch a few photo moments along the way.

One thing to consider: it can get windy, especially when you are up on open countryside, so plan for layers and long pants.

Key highlights you will care about

• Beginner-friendly lesson first, then countryside riding, so you are not thrown in at the deep end
• Small group (up to 10) for a more personal, calmer feel
• Sea and mountains in one ride, with a slow, quiet horse pace
• Safety gear included (helmet plus back protector), which matters with kids
• Practical hands-on guidance, with guides like Claire, Andrea, and Sole praised for clear help
• Horse care and comfort show in the way the horses are described as well managed

From the barn to the countryside: what the 1.5 hours really feels like

This tour is built around one simple idea: you should leave relaxed, not stressed. You get about 1.5 hours total, which is long enough to enjoy the ride and scenery, but short enough that you are not signing up for a full day of managing nerves or muscle soreness.

When you arrive at the riding center, you will meet the team, get fitted with your helmet, and then be assigned your horse. If you are starting from the airport, they may pick you up, which is a nice convenience if you do not want to figure out transport on your own. Either way, the goal stays the same: help you feel confident quickly.

You can also drive in. The meeting point is straightforward: enter the main gate, park in the big car park in front, then walk toward the main barn, up to the right. The teacher waits there with the horses ready, so you are not wandering around trying to guess where to go.

Safety first: helmets, back protector, and a short skills check

One of the best value parts here is the included gear. You get a helmet and back protector, which gives you real peace of mind, especially if this is your first ride or you are bringing a kid. It also means you can travel lighter, since you do not need to source safety equipment on your own.

Before you head out into the countryside, you get a brief explanation on how to ride while walking. Then you try it inside the teaching arena. This is a big deal more than you might think. If you have never mounted a horse, there are tiny details that matter, like how you hold the reins, how you sit comfortably, and what to do with your legs. The arena practice helps you get your bearings fast, without the pressure of an open route.

Once everyone feels ready, you move into the proper tour area. The ride is designed for beginners and kids from age 5, with no experience needed. That combination, gentle coaching plus calmer pacing, is exactly why this kind of experience works for families.

The real win: calm horses and the East Coast and mountain views

The highlight is not just that you sit on a horse. It is how the ride is paced. You start by strolling through Canarian countryside on a lovely quiet horse, which lets you look up and actually enjoy where you are.

From the first stretch, you get the payoff: views over the Canarian east coast, with mountains in the backdrop. Even if you have seen photos before, being at horse height makes the scenery feel different. You notice depth in the valleys, and you see how the coast and ridges line up. It is the kind of scenery that feels like it belongs to Gran Canaria, not a generic tour backdrop.

In the reviews, the horses get a lot of positive attention, and one rider even named their horse, Siete. That detail fits with the bigger theme: you are not on a random, stressed animal. You are riding something cared for, and that care shows in how calm the experience feels.

What happens during the countryside ride (and why it matters for first-timers)

You should expect a relaxed progression. After the arena practice, you head into the countryside on a route meant for an easygoing ride. The guides focus on basics while you are moving, so if you need a quick reminder, you can get it without interrupting the whole group.

This is also where the small group size helps. With a maximum of 10 participants, you are less likely to feel rushed. You can ask questions as you go, and the instructor has an easier time adjusting help if someone is still getting comfortable.

For beginners, the biggest value is that the tour gives you structure. You are not guessing how to “behave” on horseback. You are guided at the right moments, and then you get time to practice the basics while walking.

Getting back to the stables: the part many tours skip

The ride ends the way it starts, with careful handling. When you return, they help you get down from the horse, and then the team takes off the saddle and bridles and brings the horse back to the stables.

You collect your helmet again, and from there you are free to go. There is sometimes a helpful extra option: if a teacher is free, they might be able to give you a lift to the airport. It is not something to count on for planning, but it is a nice touch if it lines up.

If you are traveling with kids, this whole wrap-up matters. It gives the experience a clean ending, not a chaotic scramble where everyone tries to dismount and put things away at once.

Guides and group vibe: clear help, friendly energy, and language comfort

The most repeated praise is about the human side: guides who make you feel welcome and explain things clearly. In the feedback, riders specifically called out guides by name, including Claire, Andrea, and Sole. You can also feel the pattern: people felt comfortable because they understood what to do.

Language is another practical piece. The instructor speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and French. German is not available, so if that is your main language, plan for one of the supported options.

Also, when you book, you should tell them the level and the age of participants. That instruction is not just paperwork. It helps the guide match your group’s needs to the right pace and coaching style, which can make the difference between a “nervous first time” and a genuinely easy outing.

Price and value: why $41 can make sense here

At about $41 per person for roughly 1.5 hours, this is priced like a serious half-activity, not a quick photo stop. The value comes from what is included and how the tour is structured.

You get:

• Helmet and back protector included
• Basic riding coaching plus arena practice
• Horse assignment and supervision
• A small group experience capped at 10 participants
• Scenic countryside riding with sea and mountain views

When you compare that to experiences where you pay a similar amount but do not include safety gear or real instruction, the difference is clear. This tour is built for first-timers. You are paying for the guidance and the setup that makes riding possible safely.

One more value point: the group size is small enough that you can actually benefit from the instruction, not just sit there waiting. That matters when kids are involved or when you are trying to relax instead of “perform.”

Who should book this ride, and who should skip it

This is a strong fit if:

• You are a beginner or traveling with kids (minimum age is 5)
• You want a gentle, scenic ride without needing prior experience
• You care about safety gear and a basic lesson before going outdoors
• You prefer a small group (10 participants max)

I would think twice or skip it if:

• You are pregnant
• You are over 65
• You have motion sickness
• You are taller than 200 cm (6 ft 6 in)
• You weigh over 95 kg (209 lbs)
• You want to wear shorts, since shorts are not allowed

If you are planning for winter weather, pack like it is outdoors, because it is. One review specifically flagged wind, and that matches what you might expect on open countryside.

Practical packing tips so you can focus on the ride

The tour asks you to bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, with long pants. Shorts are not allowed. That rule is practical for riding comfort and for keeping you protected around the saddle and horse.

Also bring layers. Even if Gran Canaria weather feels mild in the sun, wind can change how your body feels once you are moving and exposed. A warm, comfortable layer helps you enjoy the ride instead of concentrating on how cold you feel.

Water is not included. If you run warm or you are riding with kids, I strongly recommend you bring a bottle, even if it is just a small one.

Quick rundown of your flow from start to finish

Here is the rhythm you can expect, without the guesswork:

• You arrive at the center (or they pick you up from the airport, depending on your plan)
• You get a helmet and back protector, then your horse assignment
• You receive a basic explanation for riding at a walk
• You practice inside the teaching arena
• You ride out into the countryside for the main portion
• You return, dismount with help, and they handle saddle and bridles
• You collect your helmet and head out, with a possible lift to the airport if a teacher is free

That sequence is why the experience works for beginners. You get instruction before motion, and you get support before and after the ride.

Should you book this horse riding tour?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a calm, guided intro to horseback riding in Gran Canaria, with sea and mountain scenery and a small group. The included helmet and back protector, the arena practice, and the fact that they tailor for beginners and kids make it a practical choice.

I would skip it if any of the restrictions apply to you, or if wind and motion are likely to bother you. Also, if you are expecting a long, fast ride, this is not that. It is built for relaxing, walking pace riding and clear instruction.

If you do book, send your riding level and the ages of your group. It helps the guides set the right pace. Then wear long pants, bring comfortable shoes, and pack a warm layer for the outdoor sections.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The tour duration is 1.5 hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is suitable for beginners, and no experience is needed.

What ages are allowed?

Children must be at least 5 years old.

What safety gear is included?

You get a helmet and a back protector included with the tour.

Do I need to bring water?

Water is not included, so you may want to bring your own.

Where is the meeting point?

Enter the main gate, park in the big car park in front, then walk toward the main barn up to the right. The teacher waits there with the horses ready.

What languages are the instructors available in?

The instructor speaks English, Spanish, Italian, and French. German is not available.