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

The best part of this ride is the view. From horseback, you look across the dry hills toward Maspalomas and its famous sand dunes, with the mountains opening out around you. It is a steady trail ride rather than a fast horseback adventure, but the setting gives it real appeal.

I like the careful horse-and-rider matching, which helps first-timers feel less rattled, and I like the included hotel transfer. The main thing to consider is the rocky ground and mixed-ability groups. Much of the ride is slow, and experienced riders may get only brief chances to trot or canter.

Key points to know before you book

• Maspalomas views from the saddle: The route climbs through the hills above El Salobre, with wide views toward the resort and dunes.
• Good for first-time riders: You receive a basic safety talk and riding instruction, and the horses are matched to your confidence and ability.
• About two hours in the saddle: The full outing takes roughly three hours once pickup, arrival, preparation, and return are included.
• Small groups, but not always one pace: The maximum is 12 people, with no more than six riders per guide.
• Rocky terrain shapes the ride: The horses are used to the ground, but the route can feel slow and uneven.
• Hotel pickup is a real convenience: The pickup time is sent after your booking is confirmed, and the activity ends back at the stable.

Riding above El Salobre

El Salobre Horse Riding operates from C. Islas Malvinas, 3, in El Salobre, a hilly area inland from Gran Canaria’s southern resorts. This is not a beach ride. You are heading into dry, stony country where the reward is elevation, open views, and a more rural side of the island.

The ride is built around a two-hour trek. The total activity lasts about three hours, which allows time for hotel transfer, arrival, fitting safety equipment, instructions, and getting the group mounted. If you are staying in the Maspalomas area, the pickup removes the need to find the stable yourself.

The scenery is the star. You can see across Maspalomas and toward the dunes, and the higher ground gives you a broad sense of how the resort sits below the island’s mountain interior. The scenery is stark rather than lush, with rocky paths and dry hills. Bring the right expectation: this is a mountain trail with impressive views, not a gentle woodland ride.

What happens before you mount

The staff begin with a safety briefing and a short lesson. That matters if you have never ridden before, or if your last ride was years ago. You learn the basic controls and receive advice on handling the horse on slopes and uneven ground.

The horses are assigned according to riding experience and confidence. This is one of the strongest parts of the outing. A nervous beginner may be placed on a calm, steady horse, while a more capable rider may receive an animal with a little more energy.

Several family groups have found this matching especially helpful. Children and adults with no riding experience have been paired with suitable horses and given extra reassurance. The stable also allows you to see the horses before the ride begins, which can help settle nerves.

Helmets are included. Safety vests are available for the youngest riders, an important detail for families. Riding boots are not included in the stated price, though boots can be rented for €3. That is worth considering on rocky ground, especially if you do not have firm footwear with a small heel.

The two-hour route and its views

Once the group sets off, the route leads through the hills around El Salobre. There is some road riding to and from the trails, but the main route is over rough, stony ground. The horses are accustomed to it and are described as sure-footed, but you should expect a careful walking pace in places.

The terrain affects the rhythm. A horse needs to pick its way over rocks, and guides sometimes stop to help riders manage steep slopes. That can feel slow if you were hoping for a continuous canter, but it is the sensible way to protect both horse and rider.

The reward comes in the open views. You look down toward Maspalomas, with the dunes visible in the distance, while the hills and mountains stretch around you. Guides stop at points for photographs, so you have a chance to enjoy the setting rather than stare only at the horse in front of you.

The route is also a useful way to see the contrast between southern Gran Canaria’s resort coast and its dry interior. You leave behind hotel pools and promenades and spend time in a much quieter setting. Do not expect a long sightseeing itinerary with several formal stops. The ride itself is the activity, and the views unfold as you go.

Beginners, children, and nervous riders

This is best suited to people who want a safe introduction to horseback riding. The instruction is aimed at complete beginners, and several riders with no experience have managed the full two-hour trek. Guides give help during the ride, not just at the stable, including advice on going up and down slopes.

If you are nervous around horses, tell the staff clearly before mounting. The guides have been praised for helping apprehensive riders and children settle down. One eight-year-old who was very frightened at first was given patient support and finished the ride enjoying it.

The two hours can be tiring for a novice. Sitting in a saddle for that long is more demanding than a short pony ride, and the repeated movement can leave your legs and back feeling worked. One useful piece of advice is simple: take water.

Families should also think about the mixed pace. If one child is a very slow beginner and another family member wants more action, the group may spend a fair amount of time waiting. The ride is designed to keep people together, so it does not always provide a separate fast route for stronger riders.

What experienced riders should expect

The experience is open to more than beginners, but it is not primarily a sport ride. The default pace is walking, with some opportunities to trot and, for suitable riders and horses, canter or gallop.

The amount of faster riding depends on the group, terrain, horse, and guide. Some experienced riders have been allowed to trot uphill or canter briefly. Others have found the ride almost entirely at a walk, with only a very short faster section.

That difference is important. If you want a serious riding lesson, a long canter, or technical work, this probably will not meet your aims. If you want to ride an experienced horse through mountain scenery and perhaps get a short burst of speed, it can work well.

Let the guide know your level at the start. The staff can then place you with a more suitable horse and judge what is safe. You should not assume that being experienced guarantees a canter. The guide has to consider every rider in the group and the condition of the trail.

Horses, staff, and safety

The horses are a central part of the experience, and the overall impression is of a stable that takes care with matching animals to people. Riders have enjoyed horses with names such as Divino, Casino, Kabul, Lucifer, and other well-trained mounts.

The guides give clear instructions and keep an eye on the group. They explain how to handle a horse that wants to lower its head, and they warn that a horse may try to roll to cool down. That briefing is useful, not decorative. Pay attention, especially if you are new to riding.

There have also been isolated concerns about tired or reluctant horses, along with complaints about horses stopping or trying to bite at riders’ feet. Other riders have felt the horses were happy, healthy, energetic, and well cared for. The fair reading is that the stable generally receives strong praise for its animals, but horses are living creatures and their mood and energy can vary from day to day.

One safety issue worth keeping in mind is the rocky trail. A horse may stumble slightly on uneven ground, and the route is not ideal for anyone seeking a smooth, relaxed surface. The guides stop to give advice on difficult sections, which helps, but you still need to stay alert and follow instructions.

Group size and the stop-start problem

The maximum group size is 12, with up to six people per guide. That is a reasonable setup for a trail ride, and it allows the staff to keep an eye on beginners without creating a large line of horses.

Still, six riders per guide does not mean everyone rides at the same level. A group may contain first-timers, children, returning riders, and people who are comfortable at a faster pace. The slowest riders set the rhythm, particularly on narrow or rocky ground.

This can lead to stop-start riding. You may wait while someone ahead learns to keep a pony moving, or while the guide helps a rider over a slope. Some people find this frustrating, while beginners may appreciate the breathing room.

If you are booking as a group, it helps to be honest about everyone’s ability. Ask at the start if the group can be divided by level when numbers and staffing allow. Do not count on it, but the request is sensible, particularly if several riders already have experience.

Hotel pickup, price, and practical value

At $67.75 per person, the ride is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Gran Canaria, but the price includes more than time on horseback. You get the riding session, helmet, instruction, and the option of hotel pickup and drop-off. For visitors without a car, that transfer adds real value.

Pickup details are sent after the booking is confirmed. The exact time is not fixed in the information provided, so keep your schedule flexible around the outing. The activity begins and ends at El Salobre Horse Riding if you make your own way there.

The overall rating is 4.5 out of 5, with 90 percent of people recommending it. That matches the main pattern: strong marks for the guides, horse matching, organization, scenery, and transfer service, with lower marks tied to rocky ground, slow pacing, and limited faster riding.

The price makes the most sense if you want a straightforward half-day activity with transport included. It is less convincing if your only goal is galloping. In that case, you may pay for a scenic trail ride and receive mostly walking.

Tips for a smoother ride

Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a firm sole. The stable offers riding boots for €3, and that small extra cost may be worthwhile on rough ground.

Take water, especially in warm weather. The route is exposed, and two hours in the saddle is a long time for a beginner.

Arrive ready to listen. The briefing covers how to control the horse, deal with slopes, and prevent a horse from rolling. These instructions protect you and the animal.

Tell the guide if you are frightened, inexperienced, or hoping for some trotting. That information helps with horse assignment and expectations.

The weight limit is 110 kilograms. Anyone over that limit should not book this activity.

The ride requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this for a first-time rider, a family with older children, or an experienced rider who mainly wants mountain views and time with horses. It is also a good option if you are staying in southern Gran Canaria and want an activity that includes transport.

I would be more cautious if you dislike uneven ground, have limited mobility, or want a fast-paced riding lesson. The route is rocky, the pace can be slow, and the group may need to wait for beginners.

Should you book El Salobre Horse Riding?

Book it if your idea of a good ride is a calm two-hour trek through dry mountain scenery, with helpful instruction and a chance of a short trot or canter. The horse matching, family-friendly guidance, views over Maspalomas, and hotel transfer make the $67.75 price reasonable for many visitors.

Skip it if galloping is your main goal or if you need a smooth trail. This is a scenic introduction to riding, not an adrenaline ride. Set that expectation, bring water, wear solid footwear, and you are more likely to enjoy what El Salobre does best.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The horseback ride lasts about two hours, while the full activity takes approximately three hours, including preparation and the overall outing.

Where does the ride begin and end?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered in Gran Canaria. The pickup time is provided after your booking is confirmed.

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed for first-time riders through advanced riders. You receive a safety briefing and basic instruction, and horses are matched to riding ability.

How many people can join the ride?

The maximum group size is 12 people, with up to six riders per guide.

What equipment is included?

A helmet is included. Safety vests are provided for the youngest riders. Riding boots are not included, though boots may be rented for €3.

Is there a weight limit?

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

What views will I see?

The route provides views across Maspalomas, including the famous sand dunes, as well as views of the Gran Canaria mountains.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded. If bad weather or the minimum number of participants causes the provider to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.