Stories from Anima Equi: Silvia’s horseback ride through the Heaven’s Retreat

Based in Zaragoza (Aragón, Spain), where she works as a specialist in Family and Community Medicine, Silvia owns her own horse and has taken part in equestrian competitions and demanding horseback routes both in Spain and in Botswana, Africa. After a comprehensive search, she contacted Anima Equi, looking for a route through the Aragonese Pyrenees designed for advanced riders. “I’ve been doing horseback routes since I was eighteen,” she tells us. “And what I love most about Anima Equi is how well their routes are designed. If they say a route has a certain level of technical difficulty, it truly does,” she says.

When she explained what she was looking for, our team suggested several options. “I understand that some people just want to enjoy a peaceful horseback ride and take in the beauty of the landscape,” she explains, “but I like routes that, in addition to beautiful scenery, offer a certain level of challenge and excitement.” That’s how Silvia ended up taking part in our Heaven’s Retreat and Discovering the Highest Pyrenees rides.

Differences that add value

The Heaven’s Retreat ride explores the Benasque Valley during two days, starting in the historic village of Anciles, passing through lush forests, and ending at a spectacular viewpoint at 2,500 meters. Meanwhile, Discovering the Highest Pyrenees is our most adventurous and popular ride and lasts a week. “There are many things I would highlight about both,” Silvia says. “One is that the guides don’t just lead you through beautiful landscapes—they also share fascinating information about the natural surroundings and local geography, revealing stories and details about the valley and its history that would otherwise go unnoticed,” the doctor points out.

“Another thing I appreciate about Anima Equi is how they treat the horses. They don’t see them as just ‘things’ for clients to ride. They understand what a horse is, respect their nature and needs, and treat them very well—that’s something I truly value,” she adds.

An unforgettable experience

Silvia holds very special memories from her first rides with Anima Equi. “I love challenging routes, and I remember one with a nearly 45-degree slope and a path winding through stones,” she recalls. “I know many riders who would have said, ‘I wouldn’t even walk through here,’ but I enjoyed that stretch like a kid. I loved facing that challenge with my horse,” she shares.

“I also remember a spot we climbed to with breathtaking views. The climb was so steep that the horse practically had to scramble up. It was incredibly tough, but I loved it—those are the challenges I enjoy,” Silvia remembers. “Reaching the top on horseback and being surrounded by mountains was an amazing feeling,” she concludes.

Experience in the Equestrian Tourism Course

Beyond the routes, Silvia also took part in our Introductory Course on Equestrian Tourism—an educational program for experienced riders who want to learn how to plan and carry out horseback routes independently. The course covers preparing the horse’s gear, outdoor riding skills, knots, emergency shoeing, veterinary first aid, topography, and navigation.

“I really liked this course because of everything I learned,” Silvia says. “The most practical part for me was learning how to pack and load the horse: how to distribute the weight, pack everything securely… because I’ve traveled with my horse and a tent before, and figuring out how to carry everything was a real headache,” she confesses. “It’s a very hands-on course, and I learned a lot—like how to use a simple tarp to balance the load better so the horse is more comfortable. I really liked that,” she says.

Silvia says goodbye with a smile and a promise: “If I could, I’d absolutely go on another ride with Anima Equi—and I’d sign up for every route I haven’t done yet!”, she says.