2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour

Two hours, two routes, epic views. Starting at Horse Riding Canaria in Ojos de Garza, you get a small-group ride with a guide focused on keeping things clear and manageable from the first steps.

I particularly like the scenery value here, big-sky views that reach from Las Palmas toward Arinaga, plus the option to head into a greener area with cave cliffs. The horses are kept in decent shape, and the instruction feels practical, not just showy.

One caution: the terrain can be steep and rocky in spots, and not every horse (or route) feels equally beginner-friendly in strong wind. If you get nervous easily, choose the calmest pace and speak up early.

Key things I’d highlight before you go

• Helmet-and-safety kit for peace of mind right away
• Two route choices, viewpoint drive-by or caves and cliffs
• Small group limit of 8, so you actually get attention
• Beginner-friendly riding options, with optional faster riding for stronger riders
• Wind and footing matter, some sections can feel rough on horses and riders

Horse Riding Canaria barn setup, gear and the quick horse coaching you need

The tour starts at the main barn of Horse Riding Canaria, out in the countryside near Ojos de Garza. The first thing you’ll do is get fitted for riding gear. Plan on a helmet and a safety vest, and you’ll be guided on what footwear to use for grip and control (closed-toe shoes are required, and your best bet is something you can feel steady in).

Then comes the key moment many people underestimate: learning how to handle the horse at the start. You’ll get a short briefing on leading your horse, and this is where the guide sets the tone for the whole ride. It’s not a long training session, but it’s enough to keep you from guessing when you’re walking beside 500 kilos of nervous energy.

If you’ve never ridden before, I like that the instruction is about real movement tasks, not theory. You’re not asked to perform fancy skills immediately. You’re asked to do basic things well, like how to stay positioned, how to follow cues, and how to keep your balance when the horse shifts its weight.

Practical tip: bring the right shoes, even if you think they’re “fine.” The tour requires closed-toe footwear, and many people regret wearing something too soft or too slick. Comfortable clothes matter too, since you’re riding for a couple of hours and you’ll feel the sun and breeze even if the ride pace is relaxed.

Choosing your route, Las Palmas to Arinaga viewpoints or the cave-cliff track

After setup and the initial coaching, the ride splits into a couple of very different vibes.

Route option one: the big-view track

This path takes you up and down terrain until you reach a viewpoint where the scenery opens wide. The views are the main event here, stretching from Las Palmas toward Arinaga. Even if you’re not a “hiking person,” this part lands because it’s scenic without requiring you to climb on foot for hours.

What I like about this option is how it balances movement and payoff. You ride through changes in terrain, then you earn the view. You’re not stuck riding in a flat line with nothing to see.

Route option two: green, wild area, caves, and ancient cliff dwellings

The second option leans wild and dramatic. You’ll head through a very green area, toward deep cliffs, where you can see an ancient village inside rocky caves. On the way back, you’ll pass close to olive orchards, which gives the ride a more local feel instead of feeling like you’re only chasing distance.

This caves route is the kind of place you remember later because it feels different from typical countryside rides. One side of your brain is watching the horizon, the other is watching the cliff edges and stone formations.

Practical tip: pick based on how you feel about rougher ground. The caves area and cliff route can be more intense, especially if wind kicks up. If you’re a beginner or easily unsettled, you’ll usually get better enjoyment by choosing the pace that keeps you comfortable.

The 2-hour riding plan, what you do uphill, downhill, and at your comfort level

Over the course of the ride, you should expect a mix of uphill and downhill sections. That matters more than people think, because riding downhill changes everything about your balance and the horse’s stride. Uphill also affects pace, because the horse is working harder and you’ll feel it in the way the walk shifts.

Your guide handles the group, and the tour structure is designed so different ability levels can enjoy it. If you’re newer to riding, the experience is geared toward strolling and relaxing rather than asking you to manage speed.

If you’re more experienced, you may have the option to trot and canter on portions of the track. That’s a big deal for people who already ride regularly, because it changes the whole feel from a gentle nature walk into something with more motion and thrill.

A few realities to keep in mind:

• Some riders do not get the faster gaits, depending on ability and conditions.
• Even if you’re experienced, the terrain can limit what’s possible.
• Wind can make horses less willing to follow a planned path, so the guide’s choices can affect what pace you end up riding.

I’d treat this tour as “guided riding with scenic goals,” not as a guaranteed speed session. If you want a faster ride every time, ask before you go about how the pace adjusts on windy or uneven days.

Terrain and animal handling, where safety is great and where you should stay alert

Most horseback tours succeed or fail on two things: how well the guide reads horses, and how honest they are about the terrain. Here, you get safety equipment and an experienced guide, and that’s a major plus.

Helmets and safety vests help, but they don’t erase the fact that this is real outdoor terrain. The walk can involve steps over rough ground and steeper patches. In the provided accounts, at least one rider described sections so rocky and steep that horses seemed to struggle to keep stable footing.

Another account flagged concerns about how impatient staff can seem when horses hesitate, and described situations where a horse refused to take the planned path in windy conditions. The same account also raised a serious safety issue, including a rider being thrown near a steep stony area.

I’m sharing those concerns because they directly affect your comfort level. You can still enjoy this tour, but you should treat it like an active ride with real variables, not a polished theme-park experience.

What you can do to stay safer:

• Tell the instructor your level clearly. The tour asks you to provide participant level and age, so use that channel to advocate for the right route and pace.
• If your guide offers a calmer option on the day, take it. There’s no prize for pushing through discomfort.
• Pay attention during the initial briefing. If you feel rushed or unclear, ask for a slower explanation before you mount.

Also note the fit and eligibility boundaries: the tour is not suitable for children under 10, people over 65, people over 200 cm tall, and people over 100 kg. It is also not suitable for altitude sickness and motion sickness. Those limits are not random. They hint that the riding can be physically demanding and not ideal for people who can’t handle discomfort or movement changes well.

Horses, equipment, and the “what you get for your money” reality

At $100 per person for a 2-hour tour, you’re paying for a guided experience plus horses, staff, and basic safety equipment. That’s the core value. You’re not just paying for “a ride,” you’re paying for the handling work that makes the ride possible.

A couple of specifics to know:

• The tour includes a guide.
• Helmets, vest, and boots are listed as included.
• In one family account, helmets were provided, but boots and the vest were not offered the same way.

So here’s my practical advice: confirm gear details before arrival. Ask whether you’ll definitely get boots and a vest, not just a helmet. It’s an easy question that protects you from an awkward moment once you’re already there.

What about the horses themselves? The positive accounts mention well-kept, lovely horses and good handling when things get tricky. That’s encouraging, but it doesn’t remove the reality that horses are animals. On windy days, they may hesitate, and the guide may adjust the route.

I like that the tour includes the basic pieces for safety and control, because you’re riding outside. Natural air, sun, and uneven ground are all part of the experience. Proper gear is not a bonus here, it’s what makes the ride feel responsible.

Pricing, group size, and why the small limit matters

This is a small-group ride, limited to 8 participants. That limit matters because it changes how much attention the guide can give. With a larger group, you can end up waiting, spacing becomes harder, and riders who need guidance can feel lost.

With a small group, your start feels more organized. The guide can correct positioning and help you settle into the walk. You’re also more likely to get a fair chance at the route choice that matches your comfort and ability.

At $100 for 2 hours, the price is in line with what you should expect for a guided horseback experience where staff is leading horses and managing safe movement over outdoor terrain. The real question is value for you. If you want scenic riding with a guide, this can be a strong use of time. If you want guaranteed advanced gaits the whole way, or if you are very sensitive to uneven ground and wind, you may feel the cost without fully getting the experience you’re picturing.

My rule of thumb: if you like the idea of riding to viewpoints and potentially cave scenery, and you’re honest about your riding comfort, this is worth considering.

Who should book this and who should skip it

This tour makes the most sense if you:

• Want beginner-friendly guidance with the option to stroll at a relaxing pace
• Care about views over Las Palmas and the Arinaga direction
• Like a mix of riding and scenery, especially if the caves route sounds appealing
• Are comfortable with real outdoor terrain, uphill and downhill sections included

I’d be more cautious if you:

• Are new and easily anxious on steep or rocky ground
• Get bothered by motion or have altitude-related concerns, since the tour lists motion and altitude sickness as not suitable
• Need guaranteed gear beyond the basics, because one account suggests a variance in boots and vest provision

Height and weight limits are strict for a reason. They also tell you the ride involves physically positioning your body on horseback safely, so don’t assume you can “work around” those rules.

If you’re unsure, message ahead with your riding level and any concerns. The tour asks you to share participant level and age, so the provider is set up to match people to the right approach.

Should you book the 2 hours Green Mountains Horse Riding Tour?

If your top goal is a guided horseback ride in the Ojos de Garza countryside with standout views over Las Palmas and a real chance at caves and cliff scenery, I’d say it’s a solid booking. The small group size, the initial coaching, and the presence of safety gear are the foundation for a fun couple of hours outdoors.

Book if you’re comfortable riding on uneven ground and you’re willing to let the guide set the pace based on conditions. Skip or reconsider if you’re very sensitive to wind, steep rocky footing, or if you have any of the listed non-suitability issues like motion sickness or altitude sickness.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the horseback tour?

Meet at the main barn at the Horse Riding Canaria center. When you enter the gate, leave your car in the car park and walk to the right. The instructor will be waiting there.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The duration is 2 hours. Check availability for starting times.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 8 participants.

What riding gear is included?

Helmets, a vest, and riding boots are listed as included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

It is described as suitable for beginners. The ride includes tracks suitable for beginners and advanced riders, with beginners able to enjoy strolling and advanced riders having options for faster gaits on part of the track.

What languages are the instructors available in?

The instructor is available in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. Closed-toe shoes are required.

Is food or drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included.

Are there age, height, and weight limits?

Yes. Children under 10 are not suitable. People over 65 are not suitable. People over 200 cm tall are not suitable. People over 100 kg are not suitable.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.