Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest

A forest ride on horseback feels cinematic. At Finca Estrella, you get a guided, beginner-friendly horseback tour through the Lomo area north of Tenerife, led by Nicole Werner and her team with a strong safety focus. You start with gear and an intro, then head into the forest for a calm, slow ride.

I especially like the well-trained horses and how they set you up with the right mount for your comfort level. The whole experience stays structured, from brushing and saddling your horse to clear coaching along the way, all in a small group limited to 6 riders.

One possible drawback: if you want more action, this route is walk-only, with no trot or galopp.

Key Things I’d Bet You’ll Care About

• Walk-only forest taster: calm pace, no trot, no galopp, about 1 hour 40 minutes in the ride itself
• Strict timing matters: cleaning, saddling, helmets start at 11:00, trail begins at 12:00, and 11:30 is the cutoff
• Safety-first horse matching: you’re assigned a horse based on experience so you can relax and learn
• You prepare your horse: you’ll brush and saddle to get comfortable before moving out
• Dogs are part of the finca: friendly, big dogs live there, and pets are not allowed
• Extra help is available for a fee: leading kids or staying fully on-hand to help you ride costs 15 EUR extra

Entering Finca Estrella, and the most important timing rule

The experience starts at Finca Estrella, and the schedule is more precise than you might expect. You should arrive around 11:00 because the team uses that time for cleaning, saddling, and fitting helmets and gloves. The trail itself starts at 12:00 and finishes back at the stable around 13:50.

Here is the deal-breaker for your plans: if you are not there by 11:30, they can’t take you on the trail. That is not “we’ll see,” it is a hard cutoff, so build in buffer time, especially if you are driving from the south.

Getting there is mostly about using the right road. Use the main road in El Amparo, La Vega, and Cruz del Camino. Do not take the uphill turn toward Camino el Lance. The info also warns that GPS may route you the steep way, and that road is too hilly for the approach.

From helmets to horse care, what happens before you ride

Before you ever feel a beat of motion, you’ll go through the prep steps that help first-timers settle fast. The team starts by getting you ready with helmets and gloves, then you’ll help with basic horse care like brushing, as you learn how to handle and approach your mount safely.

This is one of the big reasons the ride works for nervous riders. When you know what you’re doing with the horse’s body, you panic less when you mount up. It also gives the horse a calm routine, which matters when you’re riding in a forest where the setting feels quiet and natural.

The staff also assigns each rider to the horse that fits their experience level. In practice, you’ll feel that during the intro: they go step-by-step and take time if you need reassurance, which is exactly what you want on a beginner-friendly trail.

The Lomo Forest trail: pace, views, and the reality of walk-only

This is a calm, slow trail in walk. The ride is designed as a taster, so it stays in a steady walking rhythm the whole time. There is no trot and no galopp, which is good news if you want an easy, scenic outing.

The trail also has a bit of character. You may notice some hilly terrain along the way, and the gentle pace still lets you feel the path under you. That mix can be reassuring, because you get time to look around, but you still feel like you’re actually doing something outdoors rather than just “sitting on a horse.”

Scenery is a major part of the experience. You’ll ride through a protected forest area in Tenerife’s north, and you can come across quiet morning conditions like mist and the feeling that the forest is alive. One person even described it as feeling like something out of a movie, and I get why: the combination of slow motion, tree cover, and a safe pace is pure atmosphere.

One practical note: it’s not a long loop adventure. The route can involve retracing your path, so if you expect a brand-new view every few minutes, manage that expectation. You are going out for the forest peace and the horse experience, not for nonstop variety.

How safety and comfort work for non-riders

If this is your first time, you’ll probably care most about one thing, will I feel safe. The horses here are described as gentle, well-trained, and sure-footed, which is exactly what you want when you’re learning in natural terrain.

They also keep the experience beginner-shaped. Instructions are clear, and the team monitors riders throughout so you do not feel tossed into a situation you can’t handle. Small group size helps too, because you’re not competing for attention.

You need to ride by yourself on the trail. That wording is important. Yes, they can help if you struggle, but the default plan expects you to follow guidance and control your horse as you’ve been taught.

If you really want hands-on support, there are options:

• The team says they can lead you or walk alongside you, but it is listed as 15 EUR extra for a more complete assistance level.
• For children, leading is also available as an add-on. Kids can be led for 15 EUR extra, or parents can help with leading.

So if you think you might need extra help, ask early, and plan for the extra cost if you want that fully supported approach.

Dogs at the finca, and the pet rule you should not ignore

The finca has dogs. In the experience details, they’re described as friendly, but also big. If you get uneasy around dogs, tell the team ahead of time so they can advise you on what to expect during the intro and around the stables.

Pets are not allowed on the activity. The rules also list specific “no” items like swimwear, alcohol and drugs, and speakers. The point is to keep the horses calm and keep the environment consistent for everyone.

Who this horseback ride suits, and who should pick another option

This tour is meant for beginners and non-riders. It is also set up for families within limits. The experience is described as suitable for everyone up to 85 kg and for children from 5 years old.

Age and fitness matter here:

• It is said to be suitable for adults up to 65 years.
• It is explicitly not suitable for people over 70.
• It is not recommended for low level of fitness.

Health and accessibility exclusions are also clearly listed. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and it is also listed as not appropriate for pregnancy, epilepsy, and for people with animal allergies.

If you are an experienced rider who wants more than a walk, you should look at the longer trails instead. The information notes that riders who want trot or galopp can ask for other trails, including a 3-hour option with galopp.

What to bring, what to wear, and what to leave in the car

For an outdoor horse ride, clothing matters more than people think. Wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes with outdoor grip. You can also bring sports shoes, and a jacket helps if Tenerife’s north air feels cooler or breezier.

They strongly suggest:

• Comfortable clothes for moving
• A water bottle
• A jacket
• Outdoor-ready shoes
• Outdoor clothing that fits the weather

Do not show up in sandals or flip-flops, and avoid high-heeled shoes. Also follow the “no inside shoes” style rules. In the rules list, they say no shoes indoors, no slippers, and no bare feet.

The activity also lists plenty of “no thanks” items. You’ll want to skip pets, baby strollers, swimwear, alcohol and drugs, chewing gum, and speakers. This is not just fussiness. Loud distractions and strong smells can make horses less relaxed.

Price and value: is $57 fair for 1.5 hours?

At $57 per person, you’re paying for more than time in the saddle. You get a guided trail, an instructor, and helmet and gloves included. You also get the prep stage, which can feel like part of the experience rather than a chore.

Because the trail itself is about 1 hour 40 minutes, it breaks down to a fairly practical rate for a small-group, guided, hands-on activity in Tenerife’s north. It’s also value-leaning because the horses are chosen for safety and the staff provides structured coaching.

It is not a “light and casual” activity though. The strict arrival time (11:00 to start prep) and the walk-only pace mean you should book it when you want a calm morning or early afternoon, not as a last-minute add-on between lunch reservations.

If you want extra support, plan for add-ons like the 15 EUR options for leading kids or for more complete help riding. That changes the total, but it can be worth it if it turns the experience from stressful into enjoyable.

The language factor: English, German, or Spanish only

You’ll need to communicate with the team. The ride is listed as in English, German, or Spanish, and they do not speak French. If your Spanish or German is basic, that is usually still enough because the key is understanding safety instructions.

In practice, clear communication is also part of the calming effect for nervous riders. When you get reassurance in a language you understand, your body relaxes and your horse riding improves.

So, should you book the Lomo Forest horseback ride at Finca Estrella?

If you want a safe, beginner-friendly introduction to horseback riding in Tenerife’s north, this is a strong fit. The combination of well-trained horses, a structured prep stage, and a calm forest trail is exactly what many first-timers hope for.

I’d skip it if you’re:

• An experienced rider who expects trot or galopp
• Looking for a loop-style route with constant new scenery
• Not comfortable with big, friendly dogs at the finca
• Outside the listed limits like age, weight, or health exclusions

If you are within the limits and you show up on time, this is the kind of activity that turns into a travel memory because it feels peaceful and well handled from start to finish.

FAQ

What time do I need to arrive for the Tenerife horseback ride?

You should be at Finca Estrella at 11:00 for cleaning, saddling, and getting helmets and gloves. The trail starts at 12:00, and you must be there by 11:30. If you arrive later than that, they cannot take you on the trail.

How long is the ride, and is it walk-only?

The trail ride is about 1 hour 40 minutes, and it runs from 12:00 to 13:50 with time back at the stable afterward. The ride is described as walk only, with no trot and no galopp.

Is this suitable for children and first-time riders?

Yes. The taster ride is described as beginner-friendly and suitable for children from 5 years old. It is also described as suitable for non-riders, as long as you can meet the listed requirements, including the maximum weight of 85 kg.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak English, German, and Spanish. French is not listed as a supported language.

Are there dogs, and can I bring a pet?

There are dogs at the stable, and they are described as friendly but big. Pets are not allowed on the activity, so you should plan to leave them at home.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring long trousers, outdoor shoes with closed toes, water, and a jacket if needed. Comfortable clothes and sports shoes are suggested. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, high heels, and bare feet.

Is hotel pickup included, and what about cancellation?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The experience lists free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also offers reserve now, pay later to keep your plans flexible.