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

The best part of this ride is the setting. From El Salobre, you head into the rocky hills above Maspalomas, where the view opens across the resort and its famous sand dunes. This is not a polished beach ride. It is a slow, sturdy trek over rough ground, with the island’s dry mountain scenery doing most of the talking.

I like the careful horse-and-rider matching, especially for first-timers, and I like that experienced riders may get a chance to trot or canter when conditions and ability allow. Hotel pickup also removes a nuisance from a holiday day. The main consideration is the terrain: it can be stony and uneven, and the pace may feel stop-start when riders of different abilities share one group.

Key points to know before you book

• Big Maspalomas views: The route gives you a high view over the resort and the famous dunes.
• A true beginner-friendly ride: You receive an introduction, and horses are matched to your confidence and ability.
• Two hours in the saddle: That is plenty of time for a first ride, so expect a full outing rather than a quick pony circuit.
• Rocky mountain footing: The horses are used to the ground, but the trail is not smooth or fast.
• Small guide groups: The maximum is 12 riders, with up to six people per guide.
• Useful pickup service: Hotel transfers are available, with the exact collection time confirmed after booking.

Riding from El Salobre into the Gran Canaria hills

The ride begins at Rutas ecuestres El Salobre Horse Riding, in El Salobre south of Maspalomas. The published duration is about three hours, with roughly two hours spent riding. That difference matters: you will need time for pickup, arrival, the safety briefing, fitting equipment, horse assignments, and getting mounted.

The first useful thing happens before the trail even starts. The guides assess your ability and pair you with a suitable horse. This is especially helpful if you have never ridden, have not been on a horse for years, or feel nervous around large animals. Several riders with no previous experience found the horses calm and the instruction reassuring.

You receive a quick lesson on what to do with the horse, how to control your pace, and how to handle slopes. The guides also explain basic safety around the animals. Helmets are included, and safety vests are provided for the youngest riders.

This practical introduction is not a riding school session. You will not spend the morning learning every technical detail of English riding. It is enough to help you sit safely, give simple instructions, and understand how to move with the horse. For a holiday outing, that is the right level of preparation.

The view over Maspalomas and the dunes

The route’s main reward is the view. As you ride through the hills, you can look across Maspalomas and toward the famous sand dunes. The contrast is striking: resort buildings and pale dunes below, dry, rocky ground beneath the horses, and mountain slopes stretching inland.

You should come for the scenery and the experience of being on horseback, not for a fast riding workout. The trail generally moves at a walking pace, especially across uneven ground. Guides stop at points for advice and photographs, and the slower footing gives you time to look around rather than stare at the horse’s ears.

Afternoon departures may offer changing light over the hills, and one ride described a pleasant sunset view. The exact feel depends on your start time and the weather, but the open position above Maspalomas gives this outing a strong sense of place.

The trail itself is not soft or manicured. Expect rocky, stony sections where the horses pick their way carefully. Some riders liked the sure-footedness of the animals on this ground. Others found the rough footing less comfortable and felt that it made the route slower.

That is the honest tradeoff. The stones help take you away from roads and resort traffic, but they limit speed. If you want a smooth canter across open fields, this is not the right setting. If you want to see the hills above Maspalomas from a saddle, the rough ground is part of the deal.

What the two-hour ride feels like for a beginner

Two hours on a horse is a substantial outing if this is your first time. One beginner described the duration as long, but still worthwhile. Another first-time rider began nervous and finished delighted. The guides’ calm handling and the horses’ experience make this a sensible choice for a cautious newcomer.

Still, do not confuse beginner-friendly with effortless. Your legs, back, and seat may feel tired afterward, particularly if you have not ridden before. The horses know the route, but you still need to follow instructions and keep your balance on slopes and rough tracks.

A key safety lesson concerns the horses’ behavior. You are told that a horse may try to roll to cool down, and that you should keep its head up if it lowers its head to sniff the ground. This is useful information, not a throwaway briefing point. Pay attention, and ask for help if your horse behaves in a way you do not understand.

The horses can sometimes stop, turn, chew at the reins, or act playful. That can unsettle a nervous rider. The staff are there to help, and the horses are assigned with these differences in mind, but you should not expect every animal to behave like a motionless mechanical ride.

The experience is best for adults, older children, and families who are comfortable following directions. Most people can take part, but the stated weight limit is 110 kilograms. Safety vests are available for the youngest riders, and family groups with children as young as eight have taken part.

Pace, trotting, and cantering

The advertising presents the ride as suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and that is broadly fair if you understand the limits of the route. Everyone can join the walking section, while more experienced riders may be offered short stretches of faster work when the guide considers it safe.

Some experienced riders managed a trot uphill or a short canter. One rider with years of experience enjoyed being assigned a horse with more energy. Other riders had little or no chance to go faster because the group stayed together or the ground did not allow it.

This is where group makeup matters. The maximum group size is 12, with six riders per guide, but a maximum is not the same as a guaranteed small private ride. If beginners are at the front, the whole line may pause often while everyone catches up. Riders at the back can find this frustrating.

You should book this as a guided trail ride first, with the possibility of a little faster riding second. If a long, continuous trot or canter is the main reason you want to ride, contact the provider before booking and ask what pace is planned for your date and ability.

The guides do make efforts to adjust the experience. They advise riders on going up and down slopes, watch the horses, and handle unexpected moments. That care is more important than speed on this particular route.

The horses and how they are handled

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Riders repeatedly described them as large, well behaved, experienced, and well cared for. You may be able to see the horses before the ride begins, which gives you a chance to get comfortable around them and meet the animal assigned to you.

Horse names mentioned by riders include Divino, Casino, Kabul, and Lucifer. That detail says something about the personal side of the stable. You are not simply placed on an anonymous pony and sent out. The team knows the horses’ personalities and uses that knowledge when matching them with riders.

The positive picture is not perfect. A few riders felt that individual horses seemed tired, reluctant, or stale in their work. One horse reportedly stopped often and tried to bite at a rider’s feet. Another rider worried that a horse looked uncomfortable. Those are serious concerns, even though other riders felt the animals were healthy, energetic, and happy.

I would treat this as a reason to stay alert, not an automatic reason to reject the activity. Watch your assigned horse during the briefing and tell the guide if something feels wrong. If a horse repeatedly stops, seems distressed, or behaves unpredictably, ask for a reassessment rather than trying to manage the problem alone.

The provider says the horses receive rest and care, and the overall feedback about their condition is strongly positive. Still, responsible riding means paying attention to the animal in front of you, not only to the view.

Pickup, group size, and the day’s practical details

Hotel pickup is offered, and the exact time is supplied after your booking is confirmed. This is useful if you are staying around Maspalomas or elsewhere in the south and do not want to arrange transport to El Salobre yourself.

The pickup service received particularly strong approval for clear instructions and reliable timing. Leave room in your morning or afternoon for the full three-hour activity, rather than planning something immediately afterward. The riding alone lasts around two hours.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not assume that a booking is final until you receive it.

Wear clothes that allow movement and bring water. One rider specifically advised taking water, which is sensible for a warm, exposed ride. Jodhpur boots can be rented for €3, and one rider considered them worth the small charge. Helmets are included, so you do not need to bring one.

The meeting point is:

El Salobre Horse Riding

C. Islas Malvinas, 3

35106 El Salobre, Las Palmas, Spain

The ride ends back at the meeting point, unless you use the return transfer to your hotel.

Is $67.75 good value?

At $67.75 per person, the price is reasonable for a two-hour guided ride with equipment and possible hotel transfers. You are paying for more than saddle time: the horse matching, safety briefing, guide support, and transport can save you both effort and extra expense.

The value is strongest for first-time riders and families. You get a structured introduction, a horse selected for your ability, and a route with wide views rather than a short loop around a yard. The pickup is also valuable if you are not hiring a car.

Experienced riders should judge the price differently. If you mainly want a serious ride with long periods of cantering, the rocky trail and mixed-ability groups may leave you wanting more. You may still enjoy the setting, but the activity is not designed as a private performance ride.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 349 ratings, and 90 percent of customers recommend it. Those numbers point to a dependable holiday activity, while the lower scores identify the main risks clearly: rough ground, occasional stop-start pacing, and concerns about individual horses or staff warmth.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this ride

You should consider booking if you want:

• A first horse ride with clear basic instruction
• A family activity suitable for mixed abilities
• Mountain views above Maspalomas
• A quiet walking ride rather than a busy resort excursion
• The chance of a short trot or canter if you are experienced
• Hotel pickup and drop-off to simplify the day

You may want another type of ride if you need smooth footing, fast riding, a private group, or a highly social guide who chats throughout the route. The lead guide may focus firmly on safety rather than conversation, and the ride can feel quiet and formal.

It also helps to be realistic about the scenery. The hills are dry and rocky, not green countryside. That gives you broad views and a distinctly Gran Canarian setting, but it also means stones, slopes, and a slower pace.

Should you book El Salobre Horse Riding?

For most holidaymakers, yes, especially if you are new to riding or want a memorable way to see the hills above Maspalomas. The strongest reasons are the thoughtful horse matching, patient instruction, good pickup service, and the chance to ride with the dunes and resort spread out below you.

I would book it as a scenic two-hour walking trek with optional faster sections, not as an action ride. Ask about group size and the likely pace if you are an experienced rider. Bring water, consider the €3 riding boots, listen closely to the safety talk, and speak up immediately if your horse seems tired or unsettled.

If those conditions suit you, this is a practical and enjoyable Gran Canaria outing with genuine views and a clear sense of place.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

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

Where does the ride start and finish?

It starts and finishes at El Salobre Horse Riding, C. Islas Malvinas, 3, 35106 El Salobre, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Is the experience suitable for beginners?

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

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

Possibly. Some experienced riders are offered short sections of trotting or cantering, depending on ability, group conditions, and the terrain. The main ride is at a walking pace.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum is 12 people. Each guide handles up to six riders.

What equipment is included?

A helmet is included. Safety vests are available for the youngest riders. Jodhpur boots can be rented for €3.

Is there a weight limit?

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

How far in advance should I book?

The experience is booked on average 12 days in advance. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. if bad weather or insufficient numbers cancel the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund.