This horseback experience combines riding and nature observation for riders with little experience. From the medieval village of Anciles, ride through forests and endless meadows, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Benasque Valley.
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Have you already tried short horseback rides and now feel ready for a longer excursion? This route is for you! Enjoy equestrian tourism and discover the beauty of the Benasque Valley on this two-hour ride, during which you can admire the lush nature and the breathtaking mountains of the Aragonese Pyrenees, a unique natural setting in Huesca (Aragón, Spain).
As you ride through medieval villages, meadows, and forests, you will learn about the glaciation that shaped this stunning valley, identify different tree species, and explore the most beautiful spots in the area. Follow ancient bridle paths on horseback and connect with nature while riding beneath the gaze of the majestic Posets summit, the second-highest peak in the Pyrenean range. Come to Benasque and discover the joy of horseback riding!
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: 2 hours
This equestrian tourism experience combines history, horseback riding, and nature.
This route is shaped like a figure-eight, following bridle paths and trails, with some elevation changes, and alternating between diverse landscapes of meadows and forests at the heart of the Benasque Valley.
Ride along ancient bridle paths, cross meadows and forests, and discover the history of the glaciation that shaped the unique landscape of the Benasque Valley. Be amazed by medieval villages and the majestic Posets, the second-highest peak in the Pyrenees. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Aragonese Pyrenees 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 level of riding required for this route is beginner, but requires riders a little more daring and a better physical condition than on the 1-hour ride.
The maximum weight of the rider cannot exceed 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
2 hours ride: A more adventurous horseback ride through nature
The route begins in Anciles, with a brief explanation of basic riding and safety concepts. We will ride towards the Ésera River, where you can admire the riverside vegetation and observe the differences between the northern and southern slopes of the valley. Next, we will cross the charming village of Anciles on horseback, passing by its elegant manor houses.
We will take the traditional bridle path, located midway between Anciles and Cerler. From the saddle, you will witness the transition from the meadows surrounding the village into the mixed forest, with its rich variety of plant life. We will then descend towards Casa de Conques, where you can admire the majestic summit of Posets (3,375 qm), the second-highest peak in the Pyrenees. From there, the trail gently descends to the Linsoles Reservoir, near the village of Eriste, a beautiful spot where we will begin our return through the valley floor.
Throughout the ride, the guide will not only provide safety instructions on horseback riding but will also offer explanations to help you discover the surrounding landscape and understand horses better. You will learn about the wildlife and diverse flora of the mixed forest, including ash trees, oaks, poplars, trembling aspens, hazelnuts, and birches, which you will be taught to identify. Additionally, the guide will explain the history of emblematic locations such as Anciles and Eriste, as well as 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!
