An unforgettable 5 day horse riding adventure holiday
| INCLUDED | 5 days of guided horse trekking All food from arrival to departure |
6 nights accommodation |
| NOT INCLUDED | Flights | Airport transfers |
| CONDITIONS | You need to be used to long riding days | Weight limit 90 kgs |
A 5 day horse riding adventure holiday participating in the most important pastoral event on the Pyrenees calendar, accompanying the native Merens horses back up to their high mountain pastures on their annual Transhumance.
What is the Transhumance?
The Transhumance is the traditional movement of livestock from the valleys back up to the lush high mountain pastures. It takes places in the first fortnight of June (dates for 2023 tbc in December 2022) and is a major cause for celebration, particularly in the Couserans area of the Ariege Pyrenees
After spending the winter in the valleys, the sure footed and good-natured Merens horses are returned to their summer grazing grounds up in the high mountains where they will roam at their leisure and feast on the fresh new grass.
It’s always a wonderful party atmosphere as you join not only horse but also sheep and cattle breeders and hikers who have accompanied the animals on their relocation.
Entertainment is provided by local traditional musicians, singers and dancers who are a colourful sight in their handmade outfits.
A 3 course dinner of local produce and regional specialities awaits you, all washed down with red wine from the south west of course.
Read more about this annual event in this article that we wrote for Mountain Passions.
The Transhumance horse trekking adventure
The Transhumance is the ultimate immersive experience for the horse rider who’s seeking a more meaningful horse riding holiday.
Over the course of this 5 day adventure you’ll live and breathe the world of the wonderful Merens horse.
Your mount has been bred by your horse trekking guide who is passionate about these animals and will delight in telling you all about the important role they used to play in Pyrenees mountain life.
Each day you’ll ride with the herd as they make their way from town to valley and on up to the mountain pastures. You’ll take care of your mount’s needs during the day and are sure to get very attached to these lovable animals!
The highpoint of the trek is the picturesque Cirque de Campuls where the mares and their foals can finally relax after their long journey and enjoy the lush pastures.
There will be two more days of riding ahead of you as make your way back to the stables above the Massat valley. You’ll no doubt be sad to say goodbye to your trusty steed who will have served you well on this horse trekking adventure.
Arrival
You will all get together in the evening and your guide will explain the plan for the week. After a hearty dinner you will head to bed for a good night’s sleep ready for the start of your Transhumance adventure.
Day1
From the farm you’ll ride up to the Col de la Crouzette and then on to the Col de Rille on lanes and paths that the horses have been using since forever.
You’ll follow the ridgeline to the end of the valley from where old paths and tracks will take you to the UNESCO registered fortified village of Saint Lizier. The herd of mares and their foals will already be there, being prepared for the next day’s departure.
After taking care of your mount you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 4 nights, a gite in Castillon, where you’ll help prepare dinner and sleep in a room with up to 3 other people.
Day2
You’ll be up early this morning, ready for an 07h00 departure on closed roads. Riders and hikers will accompany the mares and their foals through Saint Girons and on up the valley towards Bethmale.
There will be frequent refreshment stops en route to give the foals (and you!) a rest. Absorb the amazing atmosphere in the villages along the way.
You’ll enjoy a fabulous lunch in one of the villages before pushing on to the next overnight spot for the herd up the beautiful Bethmale valley.
At the end of the day you’ll be transferred back to your gite in Castillon.
Day3
Today is the final push up into the mountains. Your destination is the oh so pretty Cirque de Campuls which you’ll reach via forest tracks and open green pastures.
At your destination you can expect a party atmosphere with a 3 course meal of traditional fayre accompanied by local wine of course. Entertainment is provided by traditional musicians, singers and dancers.
At the end of the day you will again be transferred back down the valley for a night at the gite.
Day4
Leaving the herds behind in their summer pastures, you’ll continue your trek via the GR10 to the col de la Core at 1500m alt with its far-reaching views of the unspoilt Couserans landscape.
Then it’s down to the charming village of Seix where your mounts will spend the night whilst you are transferred to your accommodation for the night.
Day5
From the horses’ overnight camp overlooking Seix you will return to the farm via picturesque paths and tracks through quaint villages and shady woodland, drinking in the spectacular views of the Ariege mountains that border Spain as you ride.
At the end of your trekking adventure you’ll be tired but content, looking forward no doubt to a good evening meal and a sound night’s sleep before your departure in the morning.
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