An authentic horse riding holiday in the Pyrenees
| INCLUDED | 5 days guided riding 5 picnics |
6 nights half board Bag transfers between overnights |
| NOT INCLUDED | Flights Airport transfers |
Some drinks with meals |
| OPTIONS | Airport transfers from Toulouse | |
| CONDITIONS | For 4-6 people Single supplements may apply |
Your weight should not exceed 90kgs |
This 5 day guided horse riding holiday in the French Pyrenees is an unforgettable authentic experience for the passionate horse rider.
The riding is varied and beautiful as you’ll pass through charming and authentic valley villages and discover the rugged and wild beauty of the high mountains.
Available from June to September on request. Available also as a women only horse riding holiday.
Is this horse riding holiday for me?
This is no run-of-the-mill same old same old horse riding holiday. This is a real adventure on horseback and would ideally suit those who are happy to forego everyday luxuries.
The accommodation for your 5 day horse trek will be a combination of hostels, B&Bs and even a bivouac/camp up in the mountains.
In order to thoroughly enjoy your horse trek you should be used to long days in the saddle. Expect to be riding for between 5 and 7 hours each day. Endurance is therefore key.
What are the horses like?
Your mount for the trek will be the Castillon breed of horse, native to the Ariège Pyrénées and bred by the stables themselves.
This sure-footed, good-natured horse has been bred to cope with the rugged terrain of the mountain environment. They are lovable horses and you are sure to get very attached to your mount during your horse riding holiday.
If you wish to come on this horse riding holiday you should be aware that the weather will play an important role in your itinerary. Mountain storms can be dangerous so your riding guide will choose a route with your safety in mind.
This is an example itinerary which may change at the discretion of the stables.
Arrival
Day1
Distance 17kms
Ascent 1400m
After breakfast you’ll head to the stables where you’ll meet your mount for your trek. From the stables you’ll make your way initially along the road up the valley and then up to Eylie from where you will start the steady climb which will lead you up to the atmospheric abandoned mines of Bentaillou at around 1900m alt. From there, a climb up to the high point at 2221m with stunning views of the high mountains bordering Spain. Then you’ll drop down to the Etang d’Araing below and the refuge where you will spend the night
NOTE: – if the weather is stormy and wet then an alternative day’s trekking will be planned
Day2
Distance 25kms
Ascent 650m
Today’s riding covers some beautiful terrain in the mountains in which you are sure to see some interesting birdlife including vultures, kites and maybe even eagles if you are lucky! From the refuge you will head up to the Col d’Aueran with more far-reaching views of the mountains. From the col, look up the ridgeline to your left to Pic de Crabere (2629m) which is on the border with Spain. You’ll follow the GR10 in this mountain environment through to the col d’Aurade and a final push up to the Col de la Terme with Pic de la Calabasse (2210m) to your right. The path then contours the hillside beneath the peak to reach the Col de l’Herbe Soulette from where you’ll descend on paths and tracks to eventually reach the village of Saint Lary. There remains a couple of kilometers on paths through the woodland before you reach your overnight stop.
Day3
Distance 22kms
Ascent 400m
After 2 long days it’s time for some gentler riding. Your guide will take you along paths and tracks back down the valley to Castillon. As the crow flies the distance is 17kms but there are a number of different routes that your guide may take you on in order to avoid the roads which will extend your ride. Whichever route you take, you will discover typical Ariegeois villages and farming communities and enjoy stunning views to the mountains. Your overnight will be a stunning spot on the hillside overlooking the Bethmale valley. Here you’ll pitch the tents that have been brought for you and all muck in to cook a barbecue dinner.
Day4
Distance 17kms
Ascent 900m
Today’s ride takes you up the Bethmale Valley taking paths and tracks that meander through woodland and pasture. You’ll be following in the footsteps of the Transhumance, the annual movement of the livestock from the valley floor up to the high mountain pastures. You will spend the night in tents in the beautiful Cirque de Campuls. This is the most beautiful setting where you will be surrounded by Merens horses, cattle and sheep in their natural surroundings.
Day5
There are a couple of route choices for your final day on the horses. They will depend on how you feel and weather conditions on the day. Whichever you take it will be a beautiful finale to your horse trekking holiday. You will no doubt have become quite attached to your companion over the past few days but once you have returned to the stables and unsaddled your horses it will be time to bid them goodbye. You’ll return to your accommodation for a hot shower, a good meal and then a good nights sleep.
Departure
After breakfast you’ll be transferred back up to Toulouse for your flight home, your camera full of photos and your head full of amazing memories.
Adventure Reviews
Our horse riding holiday in the Ariege Pyrenees was an absolutely wonderful experience and I’m really grateful to you for all your help getting it just right. We had an amazing time and can’t thank you enough for putting it all together. It was so special to have it all organised – and to be in the hands of such genuine local people at all stages – without the worry of language/money/logistics, worries which can seriously take the edge off a big holiday. And lovely touches like bringing wine for Eliot and I camping and sorting little details like refuge showers and picnics which really made it perfect. And boy was this a big holiday. We have been places and seen things and shared experiences that I don’t think any of us will ever forget. (The children were in barely disguised tears saying goodbye to Willi and their horses.) Thank you SO much.
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