2-hour horse riding tour at Palomino Ranch Near Tbilisi

Leave the city behind on horseback. Palomino Ranch gives you a simple, appealing way to reach the Georgian countryside, with a two-hour ride through open meadows, village farmland, and broad views near Ferma in the Kaspi district. The ranch is about 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi, depending on traffic and your pickup point.

I like the calm, well-trained horses, which make this suitable for first-timers as well as confident riders. I also like the personal feel of the ride, especially with guides such as Lasha and Ana, who are praised for matching horses to riders and helping beginners settle in. The main thing to consider is the price: at $95 per person, this is not a cheap short outing, so the included transfer matters when you judge its value.

This is not a long expedition or a technical riding lesson. It is a gentle countryside escape with some room for a faster pace when your ability and the conditions allow it. You will see farms, cows, sheep, meadows, and ordinary rural life rather than a staged cultural show.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Ferma is only 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi, making this a practical half-day escape from the capital.
• The horses are matched to your experience, from steady mounts for beginners to more energetic horses for capable riders.
• The ride mixes quiet walking with possible trotting or cantering, depending on your confidence and the available ground.
• Lasha has helped first-time riders feel comfortable, while Ana and her team are praised for their friendly, professional approach.
• Transport, a guide, horse equipment, and safety equipment are included in the $95 price.
• A longer four-hour ride may be arranged in advance for an additional 100 Georgian lari, although the regular outing lasts two hours.

Leaving Tbilisi for Ferma and the Kaspi Countryside

The first useful feature is the included transportation from Tbilisi and back. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a rural village or work out the final road to the ranch yourself. That saves time and removes one of the less glamorous parts of a countryside activity.

Ferma, in the Kaspi district, gives the ride a rural setting without requiring a full day on the road. The trip takes roughly 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi, so you can fit it into a half-day plan. I would avoid packing too many other major sights into the same morning or afternoon, though. The transfer takes time, and you will want a little breathing room before and after riding.

The change from city streets to fields is part of the appeal. You trade traffic and concrete for farms, grazing animals, and open ground. This is not a famous monument visit. Its value comes from seeing how much ordinary Georgian life lies just outside the capital.

Meeting Your Horse and Getting Comfortable

At the ranch, you begin with a short introduction to your horse and basic riding instructions. That opening matters, especially if you have never ridden before or have not been in the saddle for years. The aim is to help you understand how to sit, guide, and communicate with the horse before heading out.

The horses are described as strong local animals, but also calm, clean, and well-trained. That combination is important. A horse can be physically powerful while still being a sensible match for a nervous beginner. One rider with no previous experience received careful instruction from Lasha, while another was given an energetic horse after the team asked about riding experience.

You should answer those questions honestly. Do not choose the liveliest horse simply because it sounds more exciting. A good match will make the ride more pleasant for both of you, and the staff appear to take that matching seriously.

Safety equipment and horse equipment are included. The information provided does not list every item individually, so you should ask the ranch if you need details about helmets or other specific gear before setting out. Insurance is not included, so check your own travel cover if that matters to you.

Two Hours Through Meadows and Working Farms

Once you leave the ranch, the ride moves through wide meadows and open countryside. The setting gives you room to look around rather than keeping your attention fixed on a narrow trail. You may pass local farms and see cows and sheep grazing nearby, with village life continuing at an unhurried pace.

The best part for me is the contrast between movement and stillness. You are active, but the ride does not require constant sightseeing decisions. The horse carries you through the area while you take in the fields, distant mountains, and everyday work around the villages.

The exact route and pace can change with conditions and riding ability. For beginners, much of the outing may feel like a relaxed ride at a walk. If you are comfortable in the saddle, there may be opportunities to trot and, in suitable areas, canter. The promotional description also presents the fields as places where riders may gallop, but you should treat that as dependent on the guide, the ground, the horse, and your experience rather than as a promise.

That flexibility is a strength. A first-time rider should not be pushed into a fast pace just because another person in the group wants one. At the same time, capable riders are not limited to a slow walking tour in every case.

What the Georgian Countryside Adds

This ride works because it feels connected to local life. You are not only circling a fenced riding area. You pass farms, watch livestock, and move through the same broad rural setting where people work and live.

The countryside is peaceful, but it is not empty. The cows, sheep, fields, and village activity give the ride a sense of place. You get a look at Georgia away from the churches, wine cellars, and city viewpoints that fill many sightseeing plans.

The surrounding mountains add visual interest, especially when you are crossing open ground. The views are part of the reward, but the ride is not sold as a grand mountain trek. Keep your expectations in the right place. This is a countryside outing near Tbilisi, not a multi-day journey through remote highland terrain.

For a short trip, that balance is useful. You can experience rural Georgia without giving up an entire day to transport. If your schedule is tight, this makes the activity easier to justify.

The Guide Makes the Difference

A horseback ride is only as good as the people handling the horses and managing the pace. Here, the guide is both riding teacher and trip leader. You receive instructions at the start, and the guide stays with you as you move through the fields.

Lasha is specifically praised for helping beginners learn the proper way to ride and feel at ease. That is a useful detail if you are booking your first horse outing. Ana and her team are also described as respectful, professional, and warm, with a friendly ranch atmosphere rather than a strictly commercial one.

The guide can also help decide when a faster pace makes sense. A smooth trot or canter can be fun, but only when the rider has enough control and the ground is suitable. Listen closely to the instructions, keep a reasonable distance from other horses, and let the guide set the pace.

The available guide languages are English and Georgian. That makes the ride accessible to English-speaking visitors, while Georgian-speaking staff can handle local communication at the ranch.

Coffee, Tea, and a Simple Finish

After riding, you can relax at a cozy spot at the ranch with coffee or tea. It is a small touch, but it gives the activity a proper ending. You have time to settle down, talk about the ride, and enjoy the quiet surroundings before returning to Tbilisi.

Meals and snacks are not included, although food may be available as an optional extra. Do not count on this activity as a full meal stop. If you need lunch, ask ahead or plan food separately.

That post-ride pause also helps explain the tone of the outing. Palomino Ranch is not trying to rush you onto a horse and back into a vehicle. The ride is the main event, but the time around it adds to the sense of a relaxed rural visit.

Is $95 a Fair Price?

At $95 per person, the cost needs a closer look. Two hours in the saddle alone would feel expensive to some people, particularly if you already have access to horse riding at home. But this price includes transportation from Tbilisi and back, an English-speaking guide, local horses, safety equipment, and horse equipment.

The transfer is a meaningful part of the value. Reaching a countryside ranch independently could cost extra and require more planning. You are paying for the ride, the horses, the staff, and the convenience of getting out of the city without arranging the rural transport yourself.

The price is easier to justify if you are a first-time rider who wants a guided and low-pressure introduction. It may feel less attractive if you are an experienced equestrian looking for several hours in the saddle. In that case, contact the ranch before booking to ask about the four-hour option. One rider arranged four hours for an additional 100 lari, but that longer ride is not part of the standard two-hour booking and should be organized in advance.

Insurance, personal expenses, and food are not included. Airport transfer is available for an additional charge, but it is separate from the regular pickup and return to Tbilisi.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

This is a good choice for first-time riders, couples, families, and people who want a quiet break from Tbilisi. You do not need advanced riding skills to take part, and the staff can help match you with a suitable horse.

It also suits experienced riders who want a short ride with the option of a quicker pace. Do not book it expecting a demanding training session or a long wilderness route. The strength of the outing is its calm pace, local setting, and easy access from the capital.

You may particularly enjoy it if you value animal care. Several comments praise the horses as friendly, clean, calm, and well-behaved. One rider specifically noted that the horses appeared to be well cared for, which is an important point for anyone who thinks about the treatment of working animals before booking.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since horseback riding itself can involve mounting and other physical movements, contact Palomino Ranch directly to discuss your exact access needs before making a reservation.

Practical Tips for a Better Ride

Ask about your horse and riding level before the outing begins. The staff have shown that they can place a beginner on a steady horse and give a more experienced rider an energetic one, but clear information from you helps them make the right choice.

Wear clothing that allows easy movement and shoes suitable for riding. The provided information does not specify a dress code, so ask the ranch if you need exact guidance on footwear or clothing.

Keep your schedule flexible around the transfer. The ride lasts two hours, but the full outing includes travel, orientation, and time at the ranch. Starting times depend on availability, so confirm the departure time before building the rest of your day.

If you want more time on horseback, arrange it before arrival. The four-hour option has been organized for an extra 100 lari, but you should not assume it will be available at the last minute.

Finally, use the free cancellation policy as a practical safety net. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the current terms when booking, since availability and conditions can change.

Should You Book Palomino Ranch?

I would book this if you want an easy countryside escape from Tbilisi and like the idea of seeing Georgia from horseback rather than from a tour vehicle. The strongest reasons are the calm horses, thoughtful guide support, village scenery, and included transport.

I would pause if your main goal is a long or highly technical riding session. Two hours goes quickly, and $95 is a serious price for a short activity. In that case, ask about the four-hour ride before booking.

For beginners, though, this looks like a strong introduction. Lasha’s patient instruction, the staff’s attention to horse matching, and the peaceful setting give you a better chance of enjoying your first ride instead of simply trying to stay on. If you want nature, fresh air, and a gentle taste of rural Georgia close to the capital, Palomino Ranch is a sensible choice.

FAQ

How far is Palomino Ranch from Tbilisi?

The ranch is located in Ferma, in Georgia’s Kaspi district, about 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi.

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The standard horse riding tour lasts two hours.

What is included in the $95 price?

The price includes an English-speaking guide, local horses, transportation from Tbilisi and back, safety equipment, and horse equipment.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all levels, and the ranch provides an introduction and riding instructions before the tour begins.

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

Depending on your ability and the conditions, you may have opportunities to trot or canter in suitable areas. The guide decides what is appropriate.

Are English-speaking guides available?

Yes. Guides speak English and Georgian.

Can I arrange a longer ride?

A four-hour ride may be arranged by contacting the ranch in advance. One four-hour option was available for an additional 100 Georgian lari, but it is not part of the standard two-hour booking.

Are food and drinks included?

Meals and snacks are not included. Coffee or tea is available after the ride at the ranch, and optional food may be arranged.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.