A ride in the shadow of Montserrat feels almost unreal. You trade city noise for Catalan countryside, with hands-on help so you’re not just sitting there hoping for the best. This is a small-group horseback experience outside Barcelona with simple instruction and a route built for everyone.

What I like most is how they set you up to feel confident fast, even if you’ve never ridden before. You get clear coaching from guides like Laura, plus very well-trained, docile horses that make the experience relaxing rather than stressful. The other big plus is the scenery payoff: the Montserrat mountains backdrop is the star for the whole outing.

One thing to consider: this isn’t a total couch-to-horse free-for-all. You should have moderate physical fitness, and there’s a maximum weight limit of 95 kg. Also, it runs only with good weather, so plan flexibility.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Montserrat Mountains views as the backdrop for your ride, with big photo opportunities
• No experience needed, with coaching covering communication, grooming, saddling, and riding basics
• Small group size (max 6) for more attention and slower pacing
• Docile, well-trained horses used for a calmer ride experience
• Helmet included, plus adult horses and ponies for kids

Why a horseback ride around Montserrat beats a typical day trip

I get it. You want the classic Barcelona stuff. But one of the best ways to balance a city trip is adding a chunk of countryside time. This ride takes you out of town and into the Montserrat area, where the terrain and views do a lot of the entertaining for you.

The smartest part is the way the activity is designed for beginners. You’re not dumped on a horse and told to figure it out. Instead, you learn the basics first, then ride with guidance. That matters, because feeling comfortable changes everything: you sit better, steer better, and you actually notice where you are.

And because the group is capped at 6 travelers, you’re less likely to get rushed or ignored. It also means your guide can correct small things before they become big issues. In a longer group ride, you can lose that personal attention. Here, you keep it.

Getting started at Natural Hipic Km 0.45 (and what you’ll likely do first)

Your experience starts at Natural Hipic Km 0.45, on Carretera BV-1122, in the Barcelona area (08296). From there, the staff handles the key early moments that make horseback riding feel safe and doable: you’ll get your helmet and begin with instruction.

Since helmet is included, you don’t need to track down gear in advance. That alone is a small win on a trip where you’re already juggling luggage, transit, and tickets.

From the way the experience is described, the first phase isn’t just paperwork. It’s the prep stage: learning what to do with your horse and how to handle basic setup like grooming and saddling. If you’re nervous, this front-loaded teaching tends to calm you down. You’ll know what your hands and body are supposed to do before you’re out on the route.

The instruction portion: communicating with your horse the simple way

The ride is built around more than just “go forward and hope.” You practice practical basics that help you work with the horse instead of against it.

Here’s what you can expect to learn:

• How to communicate with your horse
• Grooming basics
• Saddling basics
• Riding skills as you go

This is where the experience becomes genuinely valuable. Many tours focus on the scenery and treat the horse like a taxi. This one treats the horse like a partner. You’re taught enough technique to make the ride feel under control.

The reviews back this up. People highlight that the guides explain things clearly and that the horses are truly well-behaved. One review specifically praised Laura for a warm welcome and straightforward explanations, which is exactly what you want when you’re new to riding.

Your ride in the Montserrat Mountains: the part you’ll remember

The main stop is in the Montserrat Mountains area, and that’s where the time goes. The ride runs about 2 hours total (approximately), which is a sweet spot. Long rides can be tiring or drag if you’re uncomfortable. Short rides can feel too brief if you’re finally getting into it. Two hours is long enough to settle in and feel the countryside, but not so long that beginners start counting the minutes.

Because the horses are described as docile and well trained, you’re more likely to experience calm movement and steady pacing. That matters for beginners. When your mount is confident, you can focus on the environment—Montserrat’s towering presence, the open outdoor feeling, and the simple pleasure of riding at countryside speed.

You’ll also get the sense that the guides know what they’re doing with the mounts. The experience notes training in natural dressage and western riding. Even if you don’t care about training styles, it usually translates into smoother handling and more predictable behavior on the trail.

A quick practical reality check

You’ll spend time learning and riding, so even if you feel fully capable, you’ll still be using muscles you don’t use every day. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little dust on. The experience is described as suitable for everyone, but it still calls for moderate physical fitness.

Adult horses, kids’ ponies, and how the guide keeps it friendly

One of the best things about an outdoor activity like this is that it can feel inclusive when the staff handles the details. Here, they plan for different riders: adult horses for adults and ponies for little ones.

If you’re traveling with family, that’s a big deal. You’re not forced into a one-size-fits-all experience. Instead, the tour offers a setup that matches different ages and riding comfort levels.

Also, the group is small, so the guide can manage the pace depending on the riders’ comfort. That’s especially important when kids are involved. A fast-moving group can make beginners and younger riders feel overwhelmed. With a max of 6 travelers, it’s easier to keep everyone comfortable.

Price and value: what you’re paying for in the $80.44 ticket

At $80.44 per person for about 2 hours, the cost isn’t “cheap.” But it also isn’t just a photo-op on horseback. You’re paying for the guide-led instruction, the helmet, and the trained horses that make the experience work for beginners.

The value comes from three places:

1. Coaching included: learning basics like grooming, saddling, and communication isn’t a bonus add-on—it’s part of the experience.
2. Small-group attention (max 6): you’re not blending into a crowd where only a few people get help.
3. Trained, docile horses: calm mounts are not guaranteed on every riding tour. Here, the whole activity is built around that stability.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates “paying for a view” but enjoys doing something real and hands-on, this is closer to your style. You get both: the scenery and the skills.

If you’re mainly after a long trail ride, you may find the duration a touch short. But for most people coming from Barcelona with limited time, it hits a very practical target.

Morning or afternoon: when the timing actually changes the experience

The tour offers a morning or afternoon option, so timing affects the mood and light. One review specifically recommends a 6:30 pm ride for sunset. That tells you something important: the golden hour is part of the appeal here.

Even if you don’t aim for sunset, choosing late afternoon can make the countryside feel more cinematic and less harsh than midday. You’ll likely enjoy the views more, and you’ll come back from the ride feeling like the day had an extra chapter.

Just keep in mind this experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be canceled or adjusted, so build your plan with a bit of flexibility.

Who should book this ride (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit if you:

• want an authentic countryside break just outside Barcelona
• are a beginner and want real coaching, not guesswork
• like small groups and personal attention
• want to ride in a calmer, beginner-friendly way with docile horses

You should think twice if you:

• can’t meet moderate physical fitness needs
• are over the 95 kg limit
• have tight timing and can’t flex if weather turns

It’s also a good option if you’re curious about how horses are handled through natural dressage and western riding. You don’t need to be a horse person to enjoy it. You just need a willingness to learn basic, practical skills with guidance.

Should you book Horseback Riding in Montserrat?

Yes, if your goal is a guided, beginner-friendly ride with real instruction and a Montserrat view that feels bigger than your phone photos. The combination of small-group size, very well-trained horses, and coach-style teaching (praised by guides like Laura and Leonardo) is exactly what makes this kind of experience worth your time.

Book it if you want one of those rare “I did something different today” moments while staying close to Barcelona. If you’re okay with the modest physical demands and you can handle possible weather-dependent changes, this is a very solid value for a hands-on day outdoors.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

It lasts about 2 hours (approximately).

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Natural HipicKm 0.45, Carretera BV-1122, 08296, Barcelona, Spain.

Is the ride offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No prior experience is necessary. The guide teaches you the basics.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

What’s included?

A professional guide is included, and a helmet is provided.

What physical requirements should I expect?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the maximum allowed weight is 95 kg.

Are there options for children?

Yes. They have ponies for little ones as well as horses for adults.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.