Below are the most important tips and information about riding in Tenerife. And not just on horseback, but also on camels.
Guided horseback riding in Tenerife
Those of you who have never had the opportunity to get on a horse can catch up on it on your vacation. When you are totally relaxed, it almost is the perfect moment for an exciting new life experience. Despite their incredible strength and agility, these creatures are extremely noble and docile. They are able to create a very close bond with people and are therefore often used in therapies. You will definitely enjoy a ride through Tenerife. The operators have put together completely safe routes to ride through forests or picturesque villages.
For whom horse riding is suitable
Basically, the only requirement for this activity is that you like animals. If this is not the case, it is best to refrain from participating in this excursion. It doesn’t matter whether you have previous experience or not, whether you are athletic or what your age is. As we list below, this adventure is really suitable for everyone:
- Riding for Beginners:You won’t learn to ride in a day, but it won’t be necessary for this activity either. Before the start of the tour you will receive a detailed briefing in technique and sufficient time to practice. And as you slowly advance in the group, the initial excitement quickly turns into confidence and you develop a feeling for your horse. You will quickly be completely relaxed and simply enjoy the experience.
- Riding for children:Every child, dreams of riding a real horse through the prairie. In Tenerife you will be able to fulfil your little one’s wish. In addition, this experience has a very positive effect, especially with children, because it promotes the development of empathy and responsibility. The little ones can also ride a pony if they wish.
- Riding for advanced riders:The groups usually consist of 6 to 8 participants. The operators allocate them so that each participant feels comfortable according to their experience and skills. If you already know how to ride, you will be given the opportunity to gallop over some sections of the trail or you will be assigned a more energetic and agile horse.
The requirements for riding in Tenerife
The most important thing is that you are in good physical health, especially bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints should be in good condition. In addition to the affinity for animals, another very important requirement is not to be afraid of horses. Otherwise you will not be able to build the bond necessary to gain the animal’s trust. There are age restrictions for children, in general they are not allowed under 6 years of age. The maximum weight of the rider is also important to protect the animal, because it should always feel comfortable too. To find out about the most important prerequisites for taking part in this excursion, please read the information under “Please note!” and “Services and Prices” on our website.
What you should absolutely consider
This activity is hugely popular, so we recommend that you book in advance in order to secure vacancies. When making a reservation, remember to indicate in the field for “Booking information” whether you already have riding experience or not. In this way, the organizer can prepare for this in advance and prepare your trip as best as possible. On our website you can get detailed information about all the details of the tour and contact us directly if you have any questions. This will avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of your ride.
What you must definitely take with you
What the operator provides: A riding helmet is of course provided free of charge. Some operators also offer riding boots and snacks.
Sturdy and closed shoes: If the operator does not provide riding boots, this activity must be carried out with closed and sturdy shoes, like trainers. In no case can you ride in flip-flops or sandals.
Sportswear: You must wear comfortable clothing as the freedom of movement and the duration of the tour require this. Do not wear your best garments as these will get dirty from the dust and the animal itself.
Jackets: Be sure to take a jacket with you, as in certain regions, times of the year and day, the wind can be very cold and temperatures drop considerably despite the sunshine.
Eating and drinking: If food is not included in the price of the tour, it is recommended that you bring a snack with you to maintain your energy and sufficient drinking water, especially on warmer days.
Sunscreens with a high sun protection factor: Sunscreens are extremely important even on cloudy days. Apply this repeatedly and generously and use the highest possible factor.
How Camel riding works
It may not be quite as graceful as a horse, but riding a camel is a truly majestic and experience. A ride on the back of this sturdy pack animal will literally transport you into Saudi desert films with the flair of bygone times. You take sit in comfortable seats and sway to the mesmerizing rhythm of his step. No experience or prior knowledge is required to be part of a camel caravan.
The difference between a camel and a dromedary
The animal belongs to a large family of herbivorous mammals such as camels, llamas or alpacas. The former is divided into three types: the dromedary, the Bactrian or Asiatic camel, and the wild camel that has never been domesticated. The thin legs of these animals, their wide flat feet, and their rather unattractive heads are very noticeable features when it comes to describing them. However, one of their properties stands out in particular: the bumps. These are crucial for distinguishing between a camel and a dromedary. Basically, the first has two and the latter only one. This is also called a hump and is as strange as it appears. This is where the animal’s fat accumulates as a nutrient in the event that it is not fed for a long time. While humans would die with a loss of 12% water from their bodies, these animals have an advantage in that they can store water in their red blood cells. They can lose up to 40% of your water balance without dehydrating, but it becomes noticeable because the hump empties and falls on one side. In this way, they withstand high temperatures and are suitable for long desert hikes, as we see them in documentaries and films. It is not surprising that they can drink up to 190 litres of fluids in just one day and get their hump back upright in this way immediately.
Where you can ride a camel in Tenerife
On Tenerife there are camelid parks in the south and north of the island, the so-called “Camello Center”. Camels have been bred on the farm in the south since 1988. But there are also other animals such as goats, parrots, donkeys and chickens. You can also have a relaxed lunch in the local restaurant, in the midst of rural surroundings and endemic fauna. In the two northern farms you can see native animal species such as the Canarian goat, but also sheep, ponies and donkeys. The on-site service also includes a restaurant where you can try a typical Canarian menu and, last but not least, you can buy a souvenir of your visit in the form of a photo.
Now that you are an expert in riding on Tenerife, we wish you a nice ride, whether on a camel or a horse.
