The lakes look different from a saddle. This ride is built for experienced riders and delivers serious scenery: forest and mountain trails above Como and Lago di Annone, plus the kind of guide storytelling you remember on the walk back to your car. I especially like how the day is paced with two solid riding blocks and a farmhouse break, and I also like the personal feel of the setup with horses such as Zambesi and guides like Martina and Riccardo. One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent and physically requires a moderate level of fitness, even if you’ve ridden before.

The practical side matters here. You start with a briefing, you get safety gear like a protective vest, and you’re in a small group (up to 4), which usually means less waiting around and more time actually riding. I also appreciate the included lunch with cold cuts and cheeses, plus a glass of red wine to round out the day.

Key Points at a Glance

• Mountain-trail timing: Two hours of riding, then a farmhouse refresh, then two more hours for sustained fun.
• Big-lake views: You’re set up to see Como and Annone from paths above the water.
• Small group size (max 4): More attention from Martina and Riccardo, less time idle.
• Safety gear included: Cap, gaiters, and protective vest mean you show up ready.
• Farmhouse lunch with local products: Cold cuts, cheeses, bread, drinks, plus a glass of red wine.
• Arabian horses you can bond with: Reviews highlight sweet, well-kept Arabian thoroughbreds like Zambesi and Amerì.

Horseback Riding Between Como and Annone: What You Really Get

This is the kind of half-day horseback experience I recommend when you want more than a quick trail loop. The route is planned around mountain trails and picturesque forests, and the goal is to put you on paths that offer real viewing moments over the water. You’re not just passing through the area. You’re moving through it.

You also get a clear structure that makes the day easier to manage. After a short briefing, you’re out for about two hours of riding, then you stop for refreshments at a farmhouse with typical local products, and then you head back out for another two hours. That rhythm is ideal if you like steady momentum and hate the feeling of rushing to fit everything into one short outing.

For value, I look at what’s included versus what you’d otherwise pay for separately. Here, the basics are covered: safety gear, bottled water, and a full lunch with food and drinks. The tour price also includes one glass of red wine, which adds up if you’re eating out anyway after.

The Route Style: Mountain Trails, Forest Paths, and Lake Views

The ride is described as taking you through mountain trails and picturesque forests, and that’s exactly the sweet spot in this part of Lombardy. Riding in the woods and along ridgelines tends to change the whole feel of the day. Your senses aren’t stuck on one view the entire time, which makes the lake panoramas feel earned when they appear.

The highlight is the area between Lake Como and Lago di Annone. You’re not just looking at the lakes from a fixed viewpoint. You’re seeing them from different angles and elevations as the trail opens up. The views are framed by names you’ll hear tied to this region, like Resegone, Grigna, and Grignetta, which show up in stories from the guide and give the scenery context.

Pace-wise, the day is built for active riding. You can expect a mix of riding styles, including the chance to gallop on the paths. That matters because it’s what turns this from a casual country ride into something genuinely fun for expert riders.

Meet Martina and the Team: A Guide Makes or Breaks It

A great tour guide can turn horse time into actual storytelling time. Martina is the name that comes up again and again, and Riccardo is part of the team that helps the experience run smoothly.

From what’s described, Martina’s style is welcoming and hands-on. Even when the ride is pitched for more advanced riders, the team has a way of getting riders comfortable on the saddles quickly. That’s a real quality if you’re experienced in general but not yet confident with trail riding techniques.

You’ll also learn more than just where you’re going. Martina shares engaging tales about the territory, which adds context to the woods, the trail choices, and the viewlines you’re seeing. It’s the difference between riding through a place and understanding the place.

Horses You’ll Actually Remember

The horses here are described as Arabian thoroughbreds, and that’s not a small detail. Arabians are often praised for their responsiveness and spirit, which can make trail riding feel lively without turning chaotic.

Names matter because they often reflect how attached people get. Reviews mention horses like Zambesi and Amerì, and the tone is consistent: the horses are well maintained and they feel friendly and steady. That’s the kind of temperament you want when you’re out for four-plus hours.

If you’re an expert rider, you’ll likely appreciate that the experience doesn’t feel like a one-size-fits-all pony ride. If you’re not, you’ll want to take the briefing seriously. How you hold reins, how you cue the horse, and how you react on uneven ground is where the trail becomes easy.

What Happens in the Morning: Briefing, Gear, and First Riding Block

Start time is 9:30 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point in 4 hours 30 minutes. That means you get a full day of riding and food without needing to burn your entire schedule.

Before you go out, you receive a short briefing, and you’re provided with key gear: a cap, gaiters, and a protective vest. You also get bottled water. That is one of the best “small” inclusions, because it reduces the stress of showing up in the wrong footwear or with missing safety basics.

Once you mount, the first block is about two hours through mountain trails and forests. This is where you start settling into the rhythm of the horse and into the trail’s pace. It’s also where the day’s character forms: you’ll feel the terrain under your seat, and you’ll see whether you’re comfortable moving in turns and on trail sections that don’t feel flat and predictable.

Stop for Refreshments at the Farmhouse

Midway through the day, there’s a break for refreshments with typical local products at a farmhouse. This part matters more than people think. Long trail rides feel easier when there’s a real pause with good food, rather than a snack-and-go situation.

Lunch is included and described as platters with cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and drinks. There’s also alcoholic beverage included: one glass of red wine. So you’re not just refueling; you’re getting a proper local meal break that fits the setting.

One detail that stands out from reviews: the team has managed dietary needs like gluten-free options, including gluten-free tiramisu, with extra care to prevent contamination. If you have dietary restrictions, I’d consider reaching out when you book or confirming directly in advance.

Second Riding Block: Gallop Chances and Lake Panoramas

After the farmhouse break, you’re back in the saddle for another two hours. This is where the day often turns from scenic to thrilling. The description specifically says you’ll gallop on the paths, and reviews reinforce the sense of movement and variety.

The best part is the viewing. You get breathtaking views of Lake Como and Lago di Annone, with scenery framed by the surrounding mountains. Think of it like this: the morning helps you connect with the horse and the trail, and the later part gives you that payoff where the lakes open up and the world feels bigger.

If you’re an expert rider, you’ll probably enjoy the chance to ride with more energy. If you’re more cautious, the key is to stay relaxed during transitions. Galloping depends on balance and communication with your horse, and the team’s job is to keep the pace fun but controlled.

Group Size, Language, and How Long 4.5 Hours Feels on the Day

This is offered in English, and group size is capped at 4 travelers. That small number changes the whole feel. You’re less likely to be stuck waiting, and it’s easier for the guide to adjust instructions to the group’s comfort level.

The total duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes, including the riding blocks and the lunch break. On paper, that sounds like a lot of time in the saddle. In practice, it’s a well-balanced half-day because the day is split into two riding efforts with a structured meal stop in the middle.

The tour also says it’s near public transportation. That’s useful if you’re building a day around exploring Como, Lecco, or nearby towns without relying on a private transfer.

Price and Value: Why It Costs This Much

At $238.28 per person, this isn’t a cheap activity. But when I compare it to what you’re actually getting, the price starts to make sense for this region and this format.

You’re paying for:

• Safety gear included (cap, gaiters, protective vest)
• Bottled water
• A real lunch with food, drinks, and one glass of red wine
• A full half-day riding experience with two major riding segments
• A small group setup (max 4), which usually means more guide attention
• Horses that are described as well maintained and suitable for the ride type

What you don’t get is private transport to and from your hotel, listed as €30.00. If you’re already staying nearby and can reach the meeting area, you’ll likely feel better about the total cost. If you need a car, budget for that add-on.

Who This Ride Is Best For (And Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is positioned for experienced riders. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be a competition rider, but you should be comfortable with trail riding, changing terrain, and staying balanced for longer time in the saddle.

It’s also a good match if you love horses and want more than a brief scenic walk. The day includes chances to trot and gallop, and the route connects forests with lake viewpoints in a way that feels worth the time.

The main consideration is that you need moderate physical fitness and good weather. If you’re dealing with mobility issues, steep trail conditions could be uncomfortable. Also, if the weather is poor, the experience requires good conditions and may be canceled with a different date or a refund.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few real-world prep moves can make the day smoother:

• Wear shoes you can trust for uneven ground. You’ll be provided with gear like gaiters, but foot support still matters.
• Arrive ready for a half-day outdoors. You’ll spend multiple hours riding, not just strolling.
• Bring a practical attitude toward timing. This is a 9:30 am start, and you’ll want to be on time so the group can leave promptly.
• If you have dietary restrictions, ask in advance about options. There’s evidence the team handles gluten-free requests carefully.

Should You Book This Expert Ride?

I’d book this if you want a real horseback trail day near Lake Como, with two long riding blocks, lake panoramas, and a farmhouse lunch that feels like part of the experience, not an afterthought. The combination of small-group attention and a guide team led by Martina (with support from Riccardo) is a strong reason to choose it over bigger, more generic tours.

Skip it or rethink your choice if you’re unsure about your riding comfort or if you’re planning a trip around weather that’s unpredictable. Since the experience depends on good conditions and includes more active riding, this is best when you can say yes to the outdoors and the saddle for the full stretch.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to trade photos at the roadside for time in the terrain itself, this is one of those rides that tends to leave people talking long after lunch.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour start and end?

The tour starts at 23851 Galbiate LC, Italy and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The group size is capped at 4 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are cap, gaiters, protective vest, bottled water, lunch with cold cuts, cheeses, bread and drinks, and alcoholic beverages (one glass of red wine).

What transportation is not included?

Private transport to/from your hotel is not included and is listed as €30.00.

What should I do if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.