REVIEW · HORSEBACK RIDING
Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Finca Estrella, Nicole Werner · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Horses in a Tenerife forest sound perfect. This guided ride takes you into the Lomo Forest area on a calm, beginner-friendly trail in the north of Tenerife, with a small group limit that keeps it personal.
What I like most is how first-timers are handled: you’ll meet your horse, then the team supports you from the saddling and helmet setup onward. The main drawback to consider is that this is a walk only experience—no trot, no gallop—so it’s not for riders looking for speed or technical riding.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Why the Lomo Forest tour fits beginners (and nervous riders)
- Finca Estrella meeting: the main-road rule (and how GPS tries to trick you)
- The 11:00 start: cleaning, saddling, and helmets before you ride
- On horseback from 12:00 to 14:00 in Lomo Cuchillo
- Who can ride along as a family?
- Horses, safety, and the staff’s role (especially for first-timers)
- What to wear in Tenerife for a horseback ride (details that matter)
- Price and value: is $51 worth it?
- Who should book this ride (and who should skip)
- The practical details that make or break your experience
- Should you book this Tenerife horse tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- Do I need riding experience for the Lomo Forest horseback tour?
- Will we trot or gallop on this tour?
- How long is the tour, and when does it start?
- What are the age and weight limits?
- What languages are spoken by the guide?
- What should I bring, and what should I avoid?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Are helmets and gloves included?
- Can I bring a stroller or pets?
- Is there a cancellation policy?
Key highlights at a glance

- Walk-only trail in Lomo Cuchillo: calm pace, no trot or gallop, designed for beginners and kids from 5.
- Small group of up to 6: easier instruction and more attention from the guide.
- Horse prep matters: cleaning and familiarizing before you start helps nervous first-timers settle in fast.
- Practical safety approach: helmet and gloves provided; safe in step riding on a guided route.
- Real-world logistics: meeting point is on the main road in El Amparo—avoid the steep uphill shortcut signs suggest.
Why the Lomo Forest tour fits beginners (and nervous riders)

This is the kind of horseback outing that makes sense for people who are curious but not confident. The trail is described as slow and calm, staying in walk the entire time. If you’re new to riding—or you’re riding on behalf of a kid who’s excited but unsure—this format usually feels like the safe middle ground between seeing the outdoors and getting real horse time.
I also like that the tour is built around matching you to the right conditions: the ride is only for people up to 85 kg, and it’s clearly aimed at beginners rather than experienced equestrians who want more advanced handling. That clarity matters. You’ll know what you’re signing up for, and you won’t spend the day wishing it were something else.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Tenerife
Finca Estrella meeting: the main-road rule (and how GPS tries to trick you)

The meeting point is at Finca Estrella. You’ll want to approach via the main road in El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino—not shortcuts and not the steep uphill route.
Here’s the specific advice that can save you stress: do not go uphill via Camino el Lance. The guidance says it’s too hilly and that GPS can route people the wrong way. Aim for the main road, and park uphill in front of their sign—then you’re ready to start on time.
If you’re driving from the north side of Tenerife, give yourself extra time to get parking sorted. Even one wrong turn can add minutes—especially on unfamiliar roads.
The 11:00 start: cleaning, saddling, and helmets before you ride

Plan to arrive by 11:00. The schedule starts with cleaning, then saddling, plus helmet setup and an explanation from the team. The tour description frames this as the moment when you learn how to get comfortable with the horse and how the ride will work.
This “prep before movement” approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Multiple people note how supportive the staff is for true first-timers, and one highlight that keeps coming up is being encouraged to interact with the horse right at the start—so you’re not just sitting there while someone else figures everything out.
From a practical point of view, this also helps with the biggest beginner worry: fear of the unknown. If you can take a moment to understand the horse’s mood and how your gear fits, you’re far more likely to relax once you head onto the trail.
On horseback from 12:00 to 14:00 in Lomo Cuchillo

The riding time runs roughly 12:00 to 14:00, with the activity returning to the stable afterward. The trail is described as suitable for non-riders, children, and families, and it stays in walk the whole way.
You should expect a calm, step-by-step pace through a protected nature area connected with the Lomo Forest. This isn’t about covering distance fast. It’s about moving steadily through the scenery, breathing in the Tenerife greenery, and letting the guide set the rhythm.
One more thing that matters: you’ll need to be sporty and fit even though it’s slow. That’s not about speed. It’s about being able to sit comfortably, stay balanced, and manage the basics of riding for the duration. If you’re planning this for a child, make sure they can handle long sitting time at a gentle pace.
Who can ride along as a family?
This is designed for families. You can ride together, and family members can also go on foot. If you’re bringing kids, there’s an extra option you may want to plan for: leading the kids on the trail is 15 EUR extra.
The tour notes that parents/guardians can also help lead their kids themselves. If you’d rather not split attention between watching and helping, ask about the add-on leading service.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife
Horses, safety, and the staff’s role (especially for first-timers)

This ride keeps things straightforward: you have to ride by yourself, but support is available if you need it. The normal guidance includes instructors on hand, and they can assist—like walking beside you, holding your horse, or staying close to help.
If you want a person walking beside you for the whole time to help with the completely ride, that’s also 15 EUR extra. If a family is splitting attention or a beginner feels anxious, that option can turn a scary start into a manageable one.
A few practical safety notes you should treat seriously:
- Helmets and gloves are included.
- The ride is “safe in step” and stays in walk only.
- Dogs are present at the stable. They’re described as friendly but big. If you’re afraid of dogs, you should know that upfront and decide accordingly.
Also, the language requirement is real. The tour lists English, German, or Spanish. French isn’t spoken, so it’s worth planning on one of those three languages if you want full guidance on how to handle the horse safely.
What to wear in Tenerife for a horseback ride (details that matter)

This matters more than people expect. You’ll be walking around, dealing with tack, and then sitting outdoors for the ride.
Bring:
- Long trousers
- Outdoor shoes or sports shoes (closed-toe)
- A jacket (even in warm weather, shaded forest rides can feel cooler)
- Water
- Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty
Avoid:
- Sandals or flip flops
- High-heeled shoes
- Anything inappropriate indoors (it lists no indoor shoes)
- Strollers
- Pets
- Alcohol and drugs
- Speakers
- Chewing gum (yes, it’s listed—so keep it out)
If you’re tempted to go lighter on clothing because it’s sunny, remember: footwear and long pants are your real comfort upgrade for a sit-and-stay ride.
Price and value: is $51 worth it?

At about $51 per person, this tour sits in the “solid value for what you get” category—mainly because it includes the things that usually cost extra on horse experiences: the instructor, the horse ride, and helmet and gloves.
Two value points are worth thinking about:
- Time-on-horse is meaningful. You’re not spending a few minutes just to pose. The ride is scheduled from around 12:00 to 14:00, with structured prep before that.
- The small group limit (up to 6) helps beginners. Fewer people means you can ask questions and get more attention without feeling like you’re competing for the guide’s time.
The main costs to watch for are the optional supports:
- 15 EUR extra for leading the kids on the trail
- 15 EUR extra for a companion walking beside you the whole time for extra help
Also remember what’s not included: no hotel pickup/drop-off, and no food or drinks. So your real “all-in” cost includes how you get there and what you bring to drink.
Who should book this ride (and who should skip)

This tour is a great match if you:
- Are a beginner or a non-rider
- Want a calm walk-only trail and scenic nature time
- Are traveling as a couple or family and want a simple activity
- Need a small group with clear guidance and helmets
It’s also specifically described as suitable for children from 5 years (with the kids-leading add-on available if needed). The tour lists adults up to 65 years, and it sets a maximum weight of 85 kg.
I’d skip it if you’re:
- Looking for trot/gallop speed (this is walk only)
- Pregnant
- Using a wheelchair or having mobility impairments
- Managing epilepsy
- Have animal allergies
- Not feeling well (it lists people with a cold as not suitable)
- Over 70 years
These restrictions aren’t about being picky. They’re the safety and comfort rules needed for a ride that depends on balance, timing, and participation.
The practical details that make or break your experience

A few small things can save you the kind of stress you don’t want while you’re waiting to get on a horse.
Arrive early. The ride starts after prep. If you arrive late, you’ll miss part of the briefing and horse setup.
Use the right road. The guidance is clear that the uphill shortcut (Camino el Lance) is too steep and can be an incorrect route suggested by navigation.
Plan for communication. The team works in English, German, and Spanish. If you speak one of those, you’ll get more out of the explanations and feel safer.
Expect dogs at the stable. Friendly, big dogs are part of the environment. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, decide ahead of time.
And one last sanity check: some people ride horses with different temperaments depending on the animal. The tour description and the overall tone from participants suggest the horses used are calm, and the staff is careful about safe handling—but you should still treat the horse like a living partner: stay calm, listen, and follow instructions.
Should you book this Tenerife horse tour?
Book it if you want a calm, beginner-friendly horse experience in Tenerife’s north with a guided route through the Lomo Forest area. At $51, the value looks strong because the key elements—horse ride, instructor, and safety gear—are included, and the small group size helps novices feel supported.
I would not book it if your goal is advanced riding, a fast pace, or lots of “rider challenges.” This is walk-only, family-friendly, and comfort-focused. If you want something more intense, look for a different type of riding tour.
FAQ
FAQ
Do I need riding experience for the Lomo Forest horseback tour?
No. The ride is described as beginner-friendly and suitable for non-riders, with a calm route in walk only. Children from 5 years can also ride.
Will we trot or gallop on this tour?
No. The trail ride is only in walk. The tour specifically says no trot and no galopp.
How long is the tour, and when does it start?
The horse riding itself is scheduled around 1.5 hours, while you should be there by 11:00 for cleaning and saddling. The ride on the trail runs from about 12:00 to 14:00, and you return to the stable afterward.
What are the age and weight limits?
The tour lists a maximum weight of 85 kg. It also notes adults up to 65 years and children from 5 years, and it states it is not suitable for people over 70.
What languages are spoken by the guide?
The guide supports English, German, and Spanish. The tour information also notes they do not speak French.
What should I bring, and what should I avoid?
Bring long trousers, closed-toe outdoor or sports shoes, water, and a jacket. Avoid sandals/flip flops, high heels, and anything not suitable for the activity like indoor shoes.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.
Are helmets and gloves included?
Yes. Helmets and gloves are included, along with the instructor and the horse ride.
Can I bring a stroller or pets?
No. Pets and baby strollers are listed as not allowed.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. The tour lists free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.



































