That quiet forest ride on a steady horse is hard to top. This guided trip from Finca Estrella takes you into Tenerife’s protected green spaces on a slow, beginner-friendly trail, with guides who keep things organized and safe. I especially like how they’re set up for first-timers, and how the horses are matched to your comfort level.

Two things stand out fast. First, the ride is walk-only (no trot, no galop), which makes it feel relaxed and less intimidating for nervous newcomers. Second, the team (including Nicole Werner and guides guests often mention like Nici and Leah) gives hands-on coaching before you ever step onto the trail, plus clear reassurance during the ride.

One drawback to think about first: if you’re an experienced rider hoping for faster riding, this isn’t that trail. It’s designed for beginners and non-riders who want a calm forest experience, and the rules are strict about timing and ability (including a max 85kg).

Quick hits before you go

• Walk-only route: calm pace, no trot or galop, built for non-riders and kids (from age 5)
• Small group size: limited to 6 participants, which helps you get attention when you’re learning
• Horse bonding happens: you may clean and get to know your horse before mounting
• Strict arrival window: trail starts at 12:00; being late can mean you won’t be able to ride
• Big, friendly dogs on site: they’re part of the stable atmosphere, so plan for it
• Weather and terrain feel real: expect uneven ground and hilly forest paths even at a walk

Why the Lomo Forest ride feels different from Tenerife’s usual plans

Tenerife can be sunshine-and-beach all day if you let it. This tour gives you something quieter and greener, with a protected forest setting that feels removed from traffic noise. It’s not a race through trails. It’s more like slow travel on horseback, with time to notice plants, mist in the morning, and how the island’s north side breathes.

In the best versions of this kind of experience, two things matter most: a steady horse and a patient guide. On this ride, you get both. Many riders highlight how the horses are well-trained and sure-footed, and how guides keep instructions simple and reassuring for first-timers. If you’ve never steered from the saddle before, that matters.

The walk-only format also changes the whole vibe. You’re not constantly holding your balance through sudden faster gaits. Instead, you can focus on basic comfort, gentle control, and enjoying the surroundings without feeling like you’re “working” the whole time.

Finca Estrella meeting point and how to arrive without stress

This tour is run from Finca Estrella, and getting there is easiest when you follow the local driving directions exactly. The meeting point is on the main road around El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Don’t take the uphill shortcut via Camino el Lance. It’s steep, and it’s a common wrong turn.

If you’re driving, plan for this to be a bit rural. Parking is uphill in front of their sign. That means you’ll want to arrive with buffer time to find the right spot and avoid rushing at the last minute.

Timing is strict here. They start cleaning, saddling, and helmet prep at 11:00. The trail itself starts at 12:00, and if you’re not there by 11:30, they say they can’t take you onto the trail because it’s too late. This isn’t the kind of activity where a casual late arrival works.

No hotel pickup is included. If you’re not comfortable driving yourself, you’ll need your own plan to reach the stable on time.

Getting ready: helmets, horse bonding, and pairing you with the right mount

Before the trail, you get a real setup period, not just a quick handshake and a “good luck.” At 11:00, the staff handles cleaning and saddling, and they provide helmets and gloves. Most importantly, they spend time on basics so you’re not guessing how to handle the horse.

A few riders specifically mention bonding moments, like brushing or cleaning the horse before mounting. It’s a small thing, but it can make a huge difference when you’re nervous. When you’ve already touched the horse and been guided through what’s normal, the first minutes on the trail feel far less scary.

They also match riders to appropriate horses. That’s a big deal for value, because a beginner-friendly guide can only do so much if your horse isn’t calm. Riders mention horses with names like Tarantino, Taranto, Coco, Romey, Charlie, and Romi/Romy (different horses with similar calm reputations). The theme is consistent: gentle, steady mounts help you focus on learning.

One more practical note: you need to be ready to ride by yourself. You can get help if needed (walking beside you, holding your horse, or helping with control), but that support can cost extra. If you want someone beside you the whole time for the completely guided ride, it’s listed as an extra fee.

The slow-walk trail through protected forest (12:00–13:50)

Once you start, you’re on a calm route in the forest. The trail runs from 12:00 to 13:50, and the ride is described as “very calm and safe in step.” The big promise here is that the pace is controlled: walk only, and no trot or galop.

That matters even if you’re athletic. Forest trails have uneven ground, and “walk-only” doesn’t mean it’s flat. Riders mention hilly sections that add excitement and views, even without speeding up. So bring the mindset of a nature stroll with a saddle, not a flat riding arena.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of the rare horse experiences where the family can participate. Children from age 5 can ride, and the family can go along together. They also mention that kids can be led, but that’s an extra option (15 EUR for the trail). If parents help lead children, that can reduce the need for the extra support.

Also, note the route may feel like it’s not a perfect loop. One rider wished for a loop and noted the trail retraces along the way. That doesn’t ruin the experience for most people because the forest setting is the main event, but it’s good to know what to expect.

What you’ll likely remember most is the quiet. It’s a break from Tenerife’s louder activities, and the pacing gives you time to notice details instead of racing to the next stop.

Safety, dogs, and the language rule you should know

This is a guided tour with live instruction in English, German, or Spanish. If you speak French only, the data says they don’t speak French, so pick a different tour if that’s your only option. Clear communication matters more than most people realize on horseback.

Dogs are also part of the experience. The stable has dogs, described as friendly but big. That’s fine for many people, but if you’re afraid of dogs, you’ll want to mention it ahead of time so they can manage how you’re introduced to the stable environment.

Safety is emphasized in how the ride is structured. Because it’s walk-only with careful matching of horse and rider, it tends to feel steady. Riders repeatedly mention reassurance and patient guidance, especially for first-time riders who were nervous at the start.

Your own role still matters. The tour information says you need to be sporty and fit, even for a slow walk, and that you must ride by yourself. If you need extra physical help for steering or mounting comfort, ask directly about the add-on assistance options before you go so expectations are clear.

Who this tour fits best (and who should choose another trail)

This tour is aimed at beginners and non-riders, including kids (age 5+). It’s also limited by weight: maximum 85 kg. If you’re above that limit, this specific ride won’t work for you, even if you want the views.

There are also age boundaries. Adults up to 65 years are mentioned, and it notes that people over 70 years are not suitable. It’s not just about toughness. It’s also about how the stable runs the ride and supports riders within a safe, controlled setup.

The ride is not suitable for:

• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People with epilepsy
• People with animal allergies
• People with low level of fitness
• Pregnant women
• Children under 5 years

If you’re a skilled rider looking for a faster pace with faster gaits, the info suggests there are other trails (for example, a 3-hour option with galopp) and that you should ask. In plain terms: this one is for calm forest time, not for a high-energy ride.

If you’re traveling as a family, it’s also important to understand the support options for kids. If a child needs extra help, leading the kids is offered for an extra fee, or parents can help lead them during the trail.

What to wear and bring for a smooth, comfortable ride

This tour is pretty practical about clothing. Wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes with outdoor grip. They specifically ask for long pants and outdoor shoes, and they also list sports shoes and comfortable shoes as fine.

Bring:

• Water
• A jacket
• Comfortable clothes for moving

Leave at home:

• High-heeled shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Pets
• Baby strollers
• Swimwear
• Alcohol and drugs
• Speakers

They also list some “no inside shoes” rules and no bare feet. It’s the kind of setup where it pays to follow the stable’s routine so everyone stays comfortable.

If you’re worried about being unprepared, don’t be. The ride is walk-only, and the guides provide helmets and gloves. You’re not signing up for survival training. Still, good footwear helps you relax, because you won’t be thinking about your feet the whole time.

Price and value: is $57 for 1.5 hours worth it?

At $57 per person, this ride is priced like a focused, guided activity rather than a generic day tour. The value comes from what’s included: the horse ride, the instructor, and safety gear (helmet and gloves). You’re also getting a small group capped at 6 participants, which usually means more attention for your questions and setup.

You’re also not paying for hotel pickup. That can make the price look cheaper on paper, but it shifts the responsibility onto you to get there on time. If you’re staying far from the north side, factor in transport cost and drive time.

The schedule matters, too. The total plan runs longer than the 1.5-hour label because prep and instruction start at 11:00, with the trail beginning at 12:00. For many people, that prep time is part of the value. It’s what helps first-timers feel secure before the forest part begins.

One more small value point: the guided structure is designed for beginners and non-riders, which reduces the risk of having a frustrating experience. Riders consistently praise patient instruction and reassurance, and that’s exactly what you want at this price point.

Should you book this Tenerife horseback tour?

If your goal is a calm, beginner-friendly forest ride on the north side of Tenerife, I’d book this. It’s well-structured for first-timers, with safety built into the walk-only pace and careful horse matching. If you want an easy nature break that still feels special, this fits.

I’d skip it if you’re looking for faster riding, trot or galop from the start, or if you strongly dislike dogs. I’d also think twice if you need flexible timing, because arriving close to 11:00 and being there by 11:30 is part of the deal. And if you’re over the 85 kg limit, this specific trail won’t be for you.

FAQ

What time should I arrive for the Tenerife horse ride?

They start cleaning, saddling, and helmets at 11:00. The trail starts at 12:00, and you need to be there by 11:30, or they can’t take you on the trail.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The trail ride runs from 12:00 to 13:50, so you’re on the route for about that time window. The overall duration is listed as 1.5 hours.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live tour guide speaks English, German, or Spanish. French isn’t spoken for this experience.

Is this suitable for beginners and non-riders?

Yes. It’s described as beginner-friendly and suitable for non-riders. The ride is only in walk, with no trot and no galop, and it’s also suitable for children from age 5.

Are there dogs at the stable?

Yes, there are dogs. They’re described as friendly, but big. If you’re afraid of dogs, you should ask beforehand.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need your own way to reach Finca Estrella on time.