Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest

REVIEW · TENERIFE

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest

  • 4.8160 reviews
  • From $51
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Operated by Finca Estrella, Nicole Werner · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.8 (160)Price from$51Operated byFinca Estrella, Nicole WernerBook viaGetYourGuide

One sentence: A slow horse ride through Lomo forest beats traffic.

This beginner-friendly tour gives you a safe, walk-only trail through protected greenery in north Tenerife, with hands-on coaching and calm horses. I especially like how the team focuses on readiness first, from the early cleaning and saddling to the way instructors explain what to do before you move. One drawback to plan for: you must be comfortable riding at your own pace in the saddle, and any extra help (walking alongside or leading a kid the whole time) costs extra.

The setup is simple and family-minded. You meet at Finca Estrella, get helmets and gloves, then the trail portion runs in the middle of the day, back at the stable by early afternoon. If you expect trot-and-gallop excitement, this is not that ride. If you have an animal allergy or worry around dogs, bring that up in advance—there are friendly but big dogs at the stables.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - Key highlights worth knowing before you go

  • Walk-only trail for calmer control: no trot, no gallop—just a steady pace in step.
  • Small group up to 6 means you’re not lost in the crowd and you can actually get help.
  • Meet-and-bond with your horse happens as part of the pre-ride routine, and riders describe very calm, well-taken-care horses.
  • Family-friendly format: parents can ride too, and family members can walk alongside on parts of the outing.
  • Language matters: the guide works in English, German, and Spanish (not French).

Where the Lomo forest ride fits in your Tenerife plan

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - Where the Lomo forest ride fits in your Tenerife plan
Tenerife has a lot of ways to spend a day, from coast walks to high viewpoints. This one is different. You trade phone screens for a saddle, and you get your nature time from the slow perspective of a horse. You don’t need riding experience. The tour is designed around newcomers and families, and that shows in how the ride is paced and explained.

It’s also a value play if you want a real activity, not just a quick photo stop. For about $51 per person, you get an instructor, a helmet and gloves, and the guided trail time. The only big catch is that you’re not being picked up from your hotel. You’ll handle your own arrival at the meeting area, so you’ll want a plan for parking and getting there on time.

One more point that matters: they cap the group at 6 participants. That keeps the energy relaxed and gives staff time to check that you’re comfortable before you set off.

You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Tenerife

Finca Estrella: the real start of the experience

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - Finca Estrella: the real start of the experience
Most tours start when the bus arrives. This one starts with you and the stables.

You meet at Finca Estrella. The tour notes a specific driving approach: follow the main road through El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Your GPS may try to send you uphill via Camino el Lance. Don’t take that shortcut. It’s steep and it’s not the right way to reach the stable area.

Parking is handled on-site: you park uphill in front of their sign. In other words, don’t overthink it—just aim to arrive at the stable area safely, then follow staff directions when you check in.

If you’re coming with kids, this is where the tone turns family-friendly. The staff can manage a mixed group of riders and non-riders. If someone in your group just wants to go along on foot, that’s an option, and you won’t feel like you’re slowing down the ride.

The morning routine: cleaning, saddling, helmets, and getting your bearings

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - The morning routine: cleaning, saddling, helmets, and getting your bearings
The schedule runs with a deliberate rhythm. You’re told to be there at 11:00. That time is for explaining what’s next, plus the pre-ride prep.

Here’s what to expect during that first stretch:

  • Cleaning and saddling so your horse is ready and you understand the basics
  • Helmet and gloves provided as part of the tour
  • A short instruction phase so you know how to handle the walk pace safely

This is one reason riders rave about feeling supported even if it’s their first time. The staff doesn’t just toss you onto a horse and hope for the best. They teach you enough to ride confidently at a slow, controlled pace.

And from what you can glean from rider feedback, there’s often a personal touch to meeting the horse—some riders describe being assigned their horse early and having a hands-on moment like cleaning the horse first. That matters, because you start the ride knowing your mount is calm and familiar with people.

One language note that’s practical: the guides operate in English, German, or Spanish. You’ll want to be able to understand at least one of those, because during the safety briefing they need you to follow instructions clearly. If your group is French-speaking, plan on translating ahead of time, because French isn’t offered.

The trail portion (walk-only): Lomo Cuchillo in a calm, steady loop

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - The trail portion (walk-only): Lomo Cuchillo in a calm, steady loop
The trail ride starts at 12:00 and runs until about 14:00, with the full outing ending back at the stable afterward. The ride time is often described as a taster ride (commonly called Lomo Cuchillo), and the pace is intentionally slow.

This is the part most beginners will appreciate most: it’s only in walk. No trot. No gallop. The horses move in a safe, step-by-step rhythm guided by the staff.

Why that’s valuable:

  • You get time to look around. You’re not constantly bracing for a faster gait.
  • Beginners can focus on posture and steering basics without being overwhelmed.
  • Families can stay together without the ride turning into a workout marathon.

You do need to be sporty and fit, though. Even at a walk, you’re still riding a horse, sitting upright, and staying balanced over uneven terrain. If you’re not used to long periods on your feet or in a saddle, plan for that. The ride is calm, but it’s still physical.

What about scenery and nature? This is a guided route through a protected forest area in north Tenerife. Expect lush greenery, shade, and a quieter feel than you get in busier stops. It’s a very sensory kind of Tenerife day: the air feels cooler under trees, and the forest sounds replace traffic sounds.

Horses and staff: why the ride feels safe even for total beginners

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - Horses and staff: why the ride feels safe even for total beginners
The biggest selling point here is how the horses and instructors work together. Riders repeatedly describe:

  • Well-groomed horses
  • Calm temperaments
  • Guides who explain how to get the most out of the experience
  • Staff who treat safety as the first priority

You may meet horses with names like Coco, Romey, Romi, Charlie, or Esiri. The key isn’t the name—it’s the consistency. The tour is built around horses that are suitable for new riders, not adrenaline chasers.

The staff is also described as patient, especially for first-timers. One helpful detail: if you need extra hands, there are options, but they cost extra. More on that below.

Also, don’t panic about the stables and dogs. There are dogs on-site. They’re described as friendly but big. If you’re uneasy around dogs, tell the team ahead of time so they can help you handle that part comfortably.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tenerife

Getting help if you need it: what’s included vs what costs extra

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - Getting help if you need it: what’s included vs what costs extra
This tour is designed for you to ride by yourself on the trail. That’s part of the structure that keeps things safe and organized.

Included support:

  • Instructor guidance on how to ride the walk pace
  • Helmets and gloves

Optional paid support:

  • If you’re riding with children and want a leading person for the kids, it’s 15 EUR extra for the trail ride portion.
  • If you need someone to walk alongside you and help you for the entire time, it’s 15 EUR extra as well.

Here’s the practical takeaway: plan to either (a) have the child/parent group support the kids yourselves, or (b) budget for the extra leading support if you want that safety buffer.

If you’re considering it, message the provider with how many children are coming and what kind of support you want. The tour notes that they need to know how many kids are involved so they can manage the staffing.

What to wear (and what to skip) so you feel comfortable in the saddle

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - What to wear (and what to skip) so you feel comfortable in the saddle
The dress code is simple and it’s about traction and comfort.

Bring:

  • Long trousers
  • Outdoor shoes or sports shoes with a solid grip
  • A jacket (even in warmer months, forests can feel cooler)
  • Water and comfortable clothes

Skip:

  • High heels
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Anything like indoor-only shoes
  • Slippers, bare feet, or chewing gum-related issues (the tour lists chewing gum as not allowed)

This is one of those tours where a small clothing mistake can turn into a big comfort problem. Closed-toe shoes and long trousers keep you safer around tack and help you stay comfortable while you sit and move with the horse.

Who this horseback ride is best for (and who should look elsewhere)

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - Who this horseback ride is best for (and who should look elsewhere)
This ride fits many people—but it isn’t for everyone.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

  • Want a first horseback experience without faster gaits
  • Travel with family, including kids (the ride is described as suitable for children from 5 years)
  • Prefer calm nature time over a thrill ride
  • Can handle your own riding with instructor help

You should think twice if you fall into any of these categories:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users
  • People with epilepsy
  • People over 70 years
  • People with a cold or who are not feeling well
  • People with animal allergies

There’s also a maximum weight limit: up to 85 kg. If you’re above that, they won’t be able to take you on the trail ride.

One more consideration that’s not about health—just vibe. The ride is built around walking only. If you want a faster, more energetic ride, you might feel like you’re holding back.

Practical logistics: meeting point, timing, and language

Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest - Practical logistics: meeting point, timing, and language
To enjoy this day smoothly, focus on three things: arrive early, follow the main-road route, and bring the right language.

  • Arrival time: Be at the stable around 11:00. That’s when cleaning, saddling, helmets, and explanations happen.
  • Trail start: Around 12:00.
  • End of ride: You return to the stable after the trail, with the activity finishing back at the meeting point.

Language rules are clear: the guide works in English, German, and Spanish. They don’t speak French, and for trail riding they need you to understand one of those languages so safety instructions land properly.

If you’re traveling with mixed language skills, set expectations in your group before you arrive. A quick translation plan can save you stress.

Price and value: is $51 a good deal for this kind of ride?

At roughly $51 per person for about 1.5 hours of total experience time on the schedule, the value comes from what’s included.

Included:

  • Horse ride (guided trail portion)
  • Instructor
  • Helmet and gloves

Not included:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks

So yes, it can be good value if:

  • You can get yourself to Finca Estrella easily
  • You want an instructor-led experience rather than renting a horse on your own
  • You appreciate the slow, safe style designed for beginners and families

It’s less of a bargain if you’re hoping for premium perks like a long trail ride, pickup, or advanced riding skills. The trade-off is the ride style: calm, walk-only, and beginner-friendly.

Also, the extra options (like a leading person for kids or someone walking alongside you) can add cost. If your group needs that help, budget for the 15 EUR add-on.

Should you book this Lomo forest horseback tour?

Book it if you want a calm, supportive first ride with clear safety structure. This is especially worth it for beginners, families with kids from 5 years, and anyone who wants nature time in north Tenerife without needing riding experience. The small group size and the walk-only trail make it a comfortable way to try horseback riding without going into full-tilt adventure mode.

Skip it (or at least message first) if you’re looking for fast gaits, you can’t ride independently in the saddle, you need French support, or you have health or allergy concerns listed by the tour. And if dogs make you nervous, don’t ignore that detail—the stables have big friendly dogs, so plan accordingly.

If your ideal Tenerife day includes shade, quiet forest air, and a team that takes safety seriously before anyone mounts up, this Lomo forest guided horseback ride is a smart choice.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the horseback riding tour?

The tour runs about 1.5 hours total. The schedule you should plan around is check-in and preparation starting at 11:00, with the trail ride starting at 12:00 and running until about 14:00, then returning back to the stable.

Is this tour suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. It’s described as beginner-friendly and suitable for people who have no riding experience. The trail is slow and calm, and it stays walk-only (no trot or gallop). You do have to ride by yourself, but instructors provide guidance.

What’s the weight limit for the ride?

The maximum weight limit is 85 kg.

What languages are the guides able to speak?

The live guide works in English, German, or Spanish. French isn’t offered, and trail riding depends on understanding those languages for safety instructions.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear long trousers and closed-toe outdoor shoes (comfortable sports shoes are fine). Bring water and a jacket or outdoor clothing since forests can feel cooler. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, and high-heeled shoes.

Can someone walk alongside me or lead children?

Yes, but it’s an extra cost. If you want a leading person for the kids for the trail ride, it’s 15 EUR extra. If you need a person to walk alongside you to help during the whole time, that’s also 15 EUR extra.

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