Learn to ride a horse among forests and mountains!
This adventure combines nature, history, and horseback riding for beginners. From the charming village of Anciles, ride through a spectacular landscape with breathtaking views of the Pyrenean peaks and discover the Benasque Valley in an unforgettable experience.
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If you want to try horseback riding, this one-hour ride is the perfect way to practice in a privileged setting: the Benasque Valley, a natural paradise located among the majestic mountains of the Aragonese Pyrenees, in the province of Huesca (Aragón, Spain). As you ride, we will explain to you the glaciation that shaped this stunning valley, teach you to identify different tree species, and show you the most picturesque spots in the area.
Venture into fairy-tale forests, ride along ancient bridle paths, and explore the valley’s breathtaking nature, while admiring its magnificent peaks, including Posets, the second-highest summit in the Pyrenees. Dare to experience horseback riding in the wild nature of the Pyrenees!
The Benasque Valley (Aragon, Spain) is the place where the largest number of peaks over 3,000 meters are concentrated in the entire Pyrenees, so this equestrian route takes place through very varied high mountain landscapes, in addition to riding alongside several waterfalls.
We will continually cross the different altitudinal levels on horseback and enjoy the following places and activities:
Explanations of the natural environment: identification of some trees, glacierism, architecture, etc.
View of the summit of Posets, the second highest in the Pyrenees (3,375 meters).
Mixed forest (great variety of flora).
Duration: 1 hour
This equestrian tourism activity combines history, horse riding and nature.
This route is circular. It runs along bridle paths and tracks, and alternates landscapes of meadows and forests at the bottom of the Benasque Valley.
Ride along old bridle paths, delve into the forests at the bottom of the valley and discover the nature, traditions and history of the Aragonese Pyrenees while you get started in horseback riding. In addition, you will be able to contemplate the summit of Posets, the second highest summit in the Pyrenees. Dare to discover the nature of Benasque on horseback!
Location and weather
The Benasque Valley is in the northeast of Spain, in the province of Huesca, within the autonomous community of Aragon. It is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, very close to the border with France. It is part of the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, a protected area that is home to some of the highest mountains in the Pyrenees. It is located about 3.5 hours by car from Barcelona, 2 hours by car from Zaragoza and 2 hours from the French town of Luchon.
As for the weather, it is usually sunny, with mild and very pleasant temperatures in contrast to the center and south of Spain, since we are in a high mountain environment. In the summertime the temperature is warm during the day, but cool at night. In autumn and spring the temperature is mild, although in the morning and at night it is lower. In high mountains you must be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Season and languages
This equestrian route can be booked in the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.
Guide available for Spanish, Catalan, English and French speakers.
IMPORTANT: It is essential to call by phone in advance to reserve the day and time, especially in August.
Information for riders
Horses and equipment
Our horses are Pure Spanish breed (PRE) and crossbred. They are very safe in the high mountains. They always live in semi-freedom and are used to difficult terrain, so they are reliable and have a lot of resistance. They are able to cross rivers and navigate difficult trails with ease.
Our horses love being outdoors and human company, and are trained in the English style. We use English cable ties and hackamores. The saddles are English-type gait, designed to guarantee the comfort of both the rider and the horse. Each horse carries saddlebags so that the rider can transport his personal equipment.
Route pace
This is an introductory horseback riding route, so the pace will be at a walk. The guide’s main responsibility is to ensure the safety of all riders, which means that the pace of the route must be adapted to the least experienced participant.
If a participant wishes to ride at a faster gait, they must communicate this in advance. More 1 hour rides for advanced level riders can be arranged, but all participants must have a similar riding level. Prior level tests can be conducted.
Riding level and maximum weight
The required riding level for this route is beginner. If you have never ridden before, don’t worry!
The maximum rider weight is 100 kg / 220.46 lbs / 15.74 st.
Children from 5 years old can participate in the route. For younger children, Anima Equi also offers pony rides. Children between 5 and 7 years old can take part in this activity. In this age group, they will ride their own horse, but the guide (also on horseback) will lead them using a rope (lead rein).
8-year-old-children and older can ride on their own. However, they must hold onto a safety handle attached to the saddle and will not control the horse—they will simply enjoy the ride.
Itinerary
hour ride: Learning to ride in nature
Your adventure begins in Anciles, with a brief explanation of basic riding and safety concepts. We will follow a narrow bridle path that leads into a mixed forest. As we continue, we will ride across meadows until reaching Casa de Conques, where we will admire the majestic summit of Posets (3,375 m), the second-highest peak in the Pyrenees. From there, the path gently descends towards Linsoles Reservoir, near the village of Eriste, a beautiful spot where we will begin our return through the valley.
Throughout the ride, the guide will not only give safety instructions on horseback riding but will also provide insights into the landscape and horses. You will learn about the wildlife and diverse flora of the mixed forest, including ash trees, poplars, trembling aspens, hazelnut trees and birches, which you will be taught to identify. Additionally, you will hear about the history of emblematic locations such as Eriste and Anciles, and gain an understanding of the glaciation that shaped the Posets Massif and the valley’s landscape.
Important information for your adventure
What services does the price include?
Certified guide, horses, equipment, accident insurance, and civil liability insurance.
What do I need to bring with me?
Recommended material for short initiation routes:
Closed footwear, such as sneakers or hiking boots. (It is not advisable to carry flip flops or sandals).
Socks.
Long pants or tights (The fewer wrinkles there are, the less chance of chafing).
Clothing adapted to climatic conditions.
The riding helmet is mandatory on all routes. Anima Equi lends you one for the activity.
Tips for sustainable travel
When you hire a route with Anima Equi you are supporting a family business that carries out its activity in a small town in the Pyrenees and contracts services with other local producers: hotels, restaurants, taxi companies, ranchers, restaurateurs, etc. All of this encourages the growth of a region that is currently at risk of depopulation.
By keeping a herd of horses in semi-freedom we help to conserve the environment, thanks to the grazing in the meadows at the bottom of the valley and the high mountain pastures. Harvesting hay from our meadows also contributes to a pasture rotation system that maintains the landscape of the Benasque Valley. Equestrian tourism is an activity that does not rely on motorized transport, and when support vehicles are needed, we minimize travel as much as possible. Additionally, Anima Equi collaborates in maintaining a network of traditional trails to protect local flora and fauna.
If you’d like to help, please avoid littering, minimize unnecessary noise that could disturb wildlife, and observe nature without disrupting it. Thank you!
