2-hour horse riding tour at Palomino Ranch Near Tbilisi

Palomino Ranch gives you something Tbilisi cannot: open Georgian countryside on horseback, with cows, sheep, farms, and broad fields replacing traffic and city noise. I like the calm horses and the way guides match the ride to your ability. I also like that transport from Tbilisi, riding gear, safety equipment, and a hot drink at the ranch are included.

The main limitation is time. Two hours is enough for a pleasant outing, but not for a long rural expedition. If you want more time in the saddle, you can ask about arranging a four-hour ride in advance. It costs an additional 100 lari, according to one recent booking.

Key points at a glance

• Ferma village setting: Reach the ranch in the Kaspi district, roughly 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi.
• Calm, well-trained horses: The horses suit first-time riders as well as people with riding experience.
• A ride shaped around your ability: Beginners receive instruction, while confident riders may trot or canter in suitable areas.
• A real country scene: Pass farms, grazing cows and sheep, open meadows, and quiet village life.
• Useful extras included: Transport from Tbilisi, an English or Georgian-speaking guide, horse equipment, and safety gear are covered.
• A longer option exists: Arrange a four-hour outing ahead of time for an extra 100 lari.

Leaving Tbilisi for Ferma village

The ranch sits in Ferma, in Georgia’s Kaspi district, about 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi. That short transfer is a big part of the appeal. You can leave the city after breakfast or during another open part of your day and soon find yourself among fields and farms.

The exact drive time depends on traffic and your pickup point, so allow some flexibility. Transport from Tbilisi and back is included, which saves you the trouble of arranging a taxi to a rural village. Airport transfer is not part of the tour, but it can be arranged for an extra charge.

This is not a grand sightseeing circuit with several formal stops. The countryside itself is the attraction. You are heading out for fresh air, quiet roads, and time with horses rather than a packed schedule.

Meeting your horse and getting comfortable

At the ranch, you receive a short introduction to your horse and basic riding instructions. This matters most if you are a first-time rider. You need to know how to sit, how to hold the reins, and how to give simple signals before leaving the property.

The horses are described as calm, clean, well-trained, and well-behaved. That does not mean every horse feels identical. One rider with experience was given an energetic horse after the guides asked about riding ability. That is a useful sign: tell the staff honestly what you have done before, even if your experience is limited to a few lessons.

Guide Lasha receives specific praise for helping beginners learn proper riding technique and feel at ease. Ana and her crew are also noted for their respectful, friendly approach. The guides know their horses, and that connection is important. A good guide does more than lead the group. They watch how you sit, how your horse responds, and how much challenge makes sense for you.

Safety equipment and horse equipment are included. The experience is also listed as wheelchair accessible, though you should discuss your specific needs with the provider before booking, since the riding portion may require particular arrangements.

Two hours through meadows and village life

Once you are ready, the ride heads into the countryside. Expect wide meadows, open fields, local farms, and views toward the surrounding hills and mountains. You may see cows and sheep grazing as you pass. This is a quiet part of Georgia, and the charm comes from its everyday pace rather than from a long list of sights.

I like this kind of outing because the horse sets the rhythm. You notice the sound of hooves, the shape of the fields, and small details around the farms. You are not looking out of a vehicle window. You are moving slowly enough to take in rural life, but actively enough to feel part of it.

The standard pace is suitable for mixed abilities. Beginners can stay at a walk while they get used to the horse. More experienced riders may have a chance to trot, and confident riders may be able to canter in appropriate areas. Those faster sections depend on your ability, the ground, and the guide’s judgment. They are not a promise for every booking.

The open fields are especially useful for riders who want a little freedom without giving up supervision. Still, you should not book this expecting a private gallop across endless wilderness. The tour is guided, and the pace is adjusted for safety and the group’s ability.

What first-time riders should know

This is a good choice if you have never ridden before, provided you are comfortable sitting on a horse and following basic instructions. The guides make a point of explaining proper riding, and the horses are selected with ability in mind. Wear practical clothes that allow you to move freely, and choose sturdy shoes rather than delicate footwear.

A first ride can be more tiring than it sounds. Two hours in the saddle may leave your legs and back feeling worked, especially if you are learning to balance. That is not a flaw in the tour, but it is worth knowing before you arrive. The experience is gentle in pace for many people, yet horse riding still uses muscles you may not use every day.

If you already ride, give the guides a clear account of your experience. One rider particularly enjoyed being matched with a more energetic horse after explaining their ability. Another point matters just as much: do not ask for speed simply because a canter is possible. The best ride is one that feels controlled and enjoyable.

Why the horses matter

The strongest praise for this outing centers on the horses. Their calm behavior helps first-time riders relax, while their energy gives experienced riders something more interesting than a slow walk around a fenced area.

You also get a chance to see how the horses are cared for at the ranch. The animals are described as clean and well looked after, and their condition was important to several people who chose the experience. For me, that is worth paying attention to. A pleasant countryside ride should also feel responsible toward the animals doing the work.

The horses are local, and riding them through the Georgian countryside gives the outing a sense of place. You are not simply using a horse as a sightseeing platform. You are taking part in a rural activity connected to the area around Ferma.

That said, every horse has an individual personality. A calm horse is not the same as a mechanical one. You will still need to listen to the guide, use the reins correctly, and stay alert. The staff’s job is to help you, not remove every part of riding from the experience.

The guides and the feel of the ranch

The human side of the outing is another reason to consider it. Lasha is singled out for helping beginners, while Ana and her team are described as warm, respectful, and professional. The tone appears friendly rather than formal, which suits a small rural ranch.

That friendliness does not replace instruction. The guides explain how to ride and know which horses are suitable for different ability levels. For you, that means the welcome is personal but the practical work remains important.

Language should not be a major barrier. Live guiding is available in English and Georgian. If you are nervous, ask questions before you set off. Tell the guide if you have never ridden, if you feel unsure about trotting, or if you would rather stay at a walk.

The ranch also offers a simple pause after the ride, with coffee or tea in a cozy spot. Do not expect a full meal or a large refreshment service. Meals and snacks are not included, though optional food may be available. The drink is a pleasant way to finish, especially after two hours outside.

Is $95 a fair price?

At $95 per person, this is not the cheapest activity you can add to a Tbilisi itinerary. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled in: transportation from the city and back, a local horse, an English or Georgian-speaking guide, safety equipment, and riding equipment.

You are also paying for a rural activity that would be difficult to arrange independently. Finding a suitable horse, reaching Ferma, choosing a safe route, and getting instruction would take time and local contacts. The included transfer is particularly useful if you are staying in Tbilisi without a car.

The value is strongest for first-time riders and visitors who want a half-day escape without planning a full countryside trip. If you are an experienced equestrian looking for several hours of sustained riding, the basic two-hour version may feel short. Ask about the four-hour option before booking. An extra 100 lari gives you more time in the saddle and may make the outing a better fit.

Remember that insurance, food, snacks, personal expenses, and airport transfer are not included. Those exclusions are normal for a short riding activity, but you should budget for them rather than treating the $95 as an all-in trip.

The best season and pace for your visit

The supplied experiences include rides in winter and summer, so the ranch operates across different seasons. February and January rides received strong praise, while July and September outings also received positive comments. That suggests the countryside can offer a different mood throughout the year.

In cooler months, dress for the weather and expect the fields to feel quieter. In warmer months, you may find the ride more comfortable in light clothing, though you still need protection from the sun. The ranch does not specify a detailed clothing list, so practical outdoor clothing is the sensible choice.

The scenery changes with the season, but the basic appeal stays the same: open country, farms, animals, and a slower pace. If you are hoping for a particular view or riding condition, contact Palomino Ranch before booking.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to a first-time rider who wants instruction without giving up the feeling of a real countryside ride. The calm horses, patient guidance, and ability-based matching make the activity approachable.

It also suits couples, friends, and families looking for a nature outing near Tbilisi. The short transfer keeps the day manageable, and the two-hour riding period offers enough time to feel that you have gone somewhere different.

Experienced riders should book it if they want a relaxed ride with the possibility of faster sections. Ask in advance about the horse you may be assigned and the four-hour option. If your main goal is serious riding, training, or a full-day trek, this short tour may not provide enough saddle time.

You should also think about comfort. If you dislike sitting on horseback, have mobility concerns, or want a completely passive sightseeing trip, this is not the right activity. The experience is gentle in spirit, but you are still participating physically.

Should you book Palomino Ranch?

Book this ride if you want an easy escape from Tbilisi, enjoy animals, and like the idea of seeing village country at a slower pace. The horses, guides, and peaceful setting receive consistently strong praise, and the included transportation makes the $95 price easier to justify.

Choose the two-hour ride for a first taste of Georgian horseback riding. If you already ride or simply want a fuller day outdoors, contact the ranch ahead of time about the four-hour outing for an additional 100 lari. I would also tell the guides your exact experience level before you arrive. That small step helps them choose the right horse and pace.

The experience is not designed for people chasing a packed itinerary or a long-distance riding expedition. It is better understood as a calm, well-supported country outing with just enough adventure to make the city feel far away.

FAQ

Where is Palomino Ranch located?

Palomino Ranch is in the village of Ferma, in Georgia’s Kaspi district, about 30 to 50 minutes from Tbilisi.

How long is the horse riding tour?

The standard horseback riding experience lasts two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $95 per person.

Is transportation from Tbilisi included?

Yes. Transportation from Tbilisi to the ranch and back is included.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is designed for all levels, and you receive an introduction to your horse and basic riding instructions before setting off.

Can experienced riders trot or canter?

Depending on your ability and the conditions, you may be able to trot. Confident riders may also canter in suitable areas.

Are food and drinks included?

Meals and snacks are not included. After the ride, you can relax at the ranch with coffee or tea. Optional food may be available.

Can I arrange a longer ride?

Yes. A four-hour ride can be arranged in advance. One recent booking noted an additional cost of 100 lari for the longer outing.