The Best Horse Riding Experience in Gran Canaria (2 hours)

The best part of this ride is the setting: from the hills around El Salobre, you look across Maspalomas and its famous sand dunes while following rough mountain paths on horseback. The ride is calm and scenic, with some chances to trot or canter for suitable riders, but it is not a fast-paced riding lesson.

I like the careful horse-to-rider matching and the clear instruction for people who have never ridden. I also like the hotel pickup, which saves you from sorting out transport to the stable. The main thing to consider is the stony ground and mixed-ability groups. Much of the ride is a walking trek, and slower riders can create some stop-and-start time.

Key points to know before you book

• Views over Maspalomas: The route reaches open mountain viewpoints above the resort and dunes.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides give a short lesson and pair riders with horses suited to their ability.
• About two hours in the saddle: Allow roughly three hours in total for pickup, preparation, riding, and return.
• Small groups by guide: Up to 12 people take part, with about six riders assigned to each guide.
• Hotel pickup is offered: Your exact collection time is confirmed after booking.
• Not a galloping tour: Experienced riders may get a chance to trot or canter, but the pace is mainly walking.

Riding above Maspalomas, not along the beach

This is a mountain ride based at El Salobre Horse Riding, south of Gran Canaria. The stable sits inland from the resort zone, and the route heads through dry, rocky country rather than along a broad sandy beach.

That distinction matters. If you picture a long shoreline ride with hooves in the surf, this is not that experience. You get open views, uneven tracks, and a taste of the island’s dry interior instead. The scenery is stark, but the views toward Maspalomas and the dunes give the ride a clear sense of place.

From higher ground, the resort spreads out below you, with the famous dunes visible in the distance. The route also gives you views across the Gran Canaria mountains. Several riders appreciated the chance to stop for photographs, though the exact number and timing of stops can depend on the group and conditions.

The scenery is the strongest reason to choose this ride. You are not simply circling a paddock. You are moving through the hills, seeing the island from a different height and pace.

What happens from pickup to the saddle

Pickup is available from your Gran Canaria hotel, but the exact time is sent after your booking is confirmed. That is useful if you are staying in the Maspalomas area or nearby, since you do not need to arrange your own way to El Salobre.

Allow around three hours for the full activity. The actual horseback trek lasts about two hours, while the remaining time covers transfers, arrival, fitting equipment, instruction, and getting the horses ready.

At the stable, you receive a helmet. Safety vests are available for the youngest riders. The staff explain how to handle the horses and give beginners basic riding guidance before the group leaves.

That short briefing is important. Several first-time riders found the initial nerves faded quickly once they understood how to steer, stop, and behave safely around the horse. You should listen closely, especially during the explanation about keeping the horse’s head up if it lowers its head toward the ground. A horse may be preparing to roll, which can be dangerous for a rider.

The horses are assigned according to riding ability. Beginners are paired with steady horses, while more experienced riders may receive an animal with a little more energy. The pairing is one of the best parts of the operation because it helps a mixed group ride safely together.

The two-hour trail through El Salobre

Once mounted, the group follows a loop through the hills. The ground is rough and stony in places, so the horses move carefully. Riders praised the animals for being sure-footed on this type of surface, but the terrain does make the outing slower than a smooth farm trail.

You will spend most of the time walking. That is the right pace for beginners and helps the guides keep the group together on uneven slopes. The guides stop to offer advice on riding uphill and downhill, which is useful if you have never ridden outside an arena.

At suitable points, some riders may trot. A few experienced riders have also been allowed to canter or gallop briefly. This is handled according to skill, horse, terrain, and group conditions. You should not book this expecting a long, fast run.

That can be a plus if you are nervous or have not ridden for years. Two hours is a substantial amount of time for a first ride, and several beginners found it more than enough. The slower pace also lets you pay attention to the scenery instead of concentrating only on staying in the saddle.

The drawback is that experienced riders may want more action. If the group contains several first-timers, you can spend time waiting for riders ahead to catch up. One practical improvement would be splitting groups by ability when numbers allow, but the maximum group size is already limited to 12, with about six riders per guide.

Horses, guides, and the safety side

The staff know the horses well and appear to take matching seriously. Families with children and adults who had never ridden were generally placed on suitable horses, and the guides stayed close to those who needed extra help.

The horses are described as large, experienced, and well cared for. You may be able to see the animals around the stable before the ride begins. Individual horses mentioned fondly include Divino, Casino, Kabul, Lucifer, and a horse named Diamond. Those details matter because the experience feels more personal when you remember the animal you rode, rather than simply being placed on an anonymous pony.

The guides are patient with nervous beginners and provide support during tricky parts of the route. They also react quickly when a horse becomes unsettled. That level of attention is reassuring, particularly for parents bringing children or for adults who have always wanted to ride but feel uneasy around horses.

Still, I would keep expectations realistic. Horses are living animals, not machines. One rider felt that a horse seemed tired and reluctant, while another reported a horse trying to stop or chew at its reins. A separate incident involved a horse rolling, which resulted in a rider hurting her knee and not continuing. These accounts do not describe the normal outing, but they show why the safety briefing deserves your full attention.

If a horse behaves oddly or you feel unsafe, tell the guide at once. Do not try to solve the problem alone.

The route’s real strengths and weaknesses

The strongest features are the setting, the staff, and the suitability for beginners. You get a proper two-hour ride rather than a brief photo opportunity. The mountain views and sightlines toward Maspalomas make the outing feel connected to Gran Canaria, not like a generic stable visit.

The route is also practical for families. Riders aged 9, 16, 17, and adults in their forties have taken part together, with beginners included. Children need to follow the guides carefully, and the youngest riders receive safety vests, but the activity is designed to include a broad range of abilities.

The main weakness is the ground. Rocky paths can feel uncomfortable, and you may notice the horses stumbling or choosing each step carefully. The route is beautiful in a dry, rugged way, but it is not soft or polished.

The other issue is group rhythm. A rider who cannot keep a horse moving may cause repeated stops. That is part of choosing a mixed-ability public ride, not a private lesson. If you want a more active outing, ask at booking if a smaller group or a ride with similarly experienced people is possible.

Comfort matters too. Wear long trousers and closed footwear. Jodhpur boots have been available to rent for €3, and that may be worthwhile if you do not have suitable shoes. Bring water, especially on a warm day. You will spend a long time outdoors and in the saddle.

Is the $67.75 price good value?

At $67.75 per person, the price is reasonable for a two-hour guided ride with hotel pickup, a helmet, safety equipment for young riders, and experienced staff. Transport adds real value, especially if you are staying in the resort area and would otherwise need a taxi to El Salobre.

The experience is not cheap if your only goal is to sit on a horse for a short time. But two hours is a substantial ride, and the price includes instruction, horse assignment, supervision, and the chance to see the hills above Maspalomas.

I see the best value for first-time riders and families. You are paying for reassurance as much as for the ride itself. The guide helps you learn the basics, manages the horses, and adapts the outing to the group.

Experienced riders may judge the value differently. If you expect sustained trotting, cantering, or a more demanding route, the slow pace and frequent regrouping may disappoint. For those riders, the scenery and the chance to ride a well-matched horse are the main rewards.

The activity is often reserved about 12 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last day of a busy holiday. Last-minute bookings can work, and pickup details may arrive the next morning, but advance planning gives you a better chance of getting the date you want.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

You are a good match if you want a scenic, guided introduction to horseback riding. Beginners receive instruction, the horses are selected for ability, and the route gives you time to settle into the saddle.

Families can also consider it. The youngest riders receive safety vests, and the staff have experience helping nervous children. Every rider still needs to follow directions and remain comfortable around large animals.

This ride also suits an experienced rider who is happy with a gentle trail and a little walking. You may be offered a chance to trot or canter if your ability and the conditions permit. The experience is less suitable if you want to gallop for long stretches or train seriously.

The weight limit is 110 kilograms. Most people can participate, but you should check this requirement before booking. The activity is offered in English, and the tour has a maximum of 12 participants.

Booking, weather, and cancellations

You receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Pickup time is provided after confirmation, so do not assume a fixed departure hour when planning another activity on the same day.

The ride depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of riders is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local time in Gran Canaria.

My verdict: book it for the views and gentle pace

I would book this ride if I wanted a well-organized introduction to riding with mountain views, especially with a family or a nervous first-timer. The hotel pickup, patient instruction, horse matching, and two-hour route make it an easy activity to add to a Maspalomas holiday.

I would pause if my main goal was speed. The rocky trail, walking pace, and mixed groups mean you may get only a short trot or canter. You should also be prepared for the normal unpredictability of horses and pay close attention to the safety briefing.

For most beginners, families, and casual riders, the balance is good. Bring water, wear proper shoes, accept that the ride is more scenic trek than horse-sport session, and you are likely to get a memorable view of Gran Canaria from the saddle.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride start and finish?

It starts at El Salobre Horse Riding, C. Islas Malvinas, 3, 35106 El Salobre, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity takes approximately three hours, including preparation and transport arrangements. The horseback trek itself lasts about two hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your Gran Canaria hotel are offered. The exact pickup time is provided after your booking is confirmed.

Is the ride suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The guides provide a basic lesson and match horses to riders according to ability. Beginners should expect a mainly walking ride with guidance on slopes and uneven ground.

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

Experienced riders may be given opportunities to trot or canter, depending on ability, the horse, the terrain, and the group. The ride is mainly at a walking pace.

What equipment is included?

A helmet is included. Safety vests are provided for the youngest riders. Jodhpur boots may be available to rent for €3.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for people weighing more than 110 kilograms.