The wildlife of the Pyrenees: What animals you can see on our horseback rides

From extensive livestock farming to wild fauna, every ecosystem of the Aragonese Pyrenees hosts numerous animal species adapted to the high-mountain environment, creating a fascinating natural balance. 

Extensive livestock farming: Key to the ecosystem 

Extensive livestock farming plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Benasque Valley. The breeding and grazing of native breeds such as the mountain brown cow, various types of sheep, and the Pyrenean goat support biodiversity by controlling the growth of invasive species, reducing the risk of wildfires, and regenerating soil nutrients. 

During our horseback rides through the Sahún Pass next to the Plan Valley or in the Estós Valley, you can also find herds of Hispano-Breton horses —a robust and hardy breed raised in semi-freedom. These horses, adapted to the rigors of the high mountains, graze in the alpine pastures during summer and descend to lower areas in autumn, helping to preserve the landscape.

Mixed forest: The refuge of biodiversity 

One of the most beautiful habitats to enjoy on a horseback ride is the mixed forest. Situated between 1,100 and 1,800 meters above sea level, this ecosystem is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. As you ride through its lush vegetation, including trees like oaks, ashes, aspens, and wild cherry trees, you might spot birds like jays, robins, and the great spotted woodpecker. This forest is also home to nocturnal species such as the eagle owl. 

Among the mammals, the wild boar is the most abundant in this ecosystem, but as you ride through this area, you might also encounter red foxes, weasels, badgers, genets, or the elusive wildcat. Occasionally, you might also see a roe deer —a small deer easily identified by its white rump. This is a reintroduced species that is expanding steadily. 

Black pine forest: Home of the capercaillie 

As we continue our horseback ride through the different altitudinal zones, climbing between 1,800 and 2,100 meters, we reach the black pine forest. This habitat is vital for the survival of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), a protected species that has adapted to this environment so well that in winter it can digest pine needles.

The forest clearings are the ideal place for capercaillies to perform their courtship displays in spring, attracting females with their songs. These females usually lay between five and twelve eggs in a small hollow in the ground, where they incubate them. Due to predation by wild boars and birds of prey, and the high mortality of chicks, the capercaillie population grows very slowly. 

The bearded vulture: The giant of the Pyrenean skies 

During a horseback ride through the Aragonese Pyrenees, it’s important to look to the sky, as it’s easy to spot a bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) soaring above. This is one of the most impressive birds on the Iberian Peninsula, with a wingspan of up to 3 meters. In the Aragonese Pyrenees, you’ll find the largest concentration of this species in Europe, with around 100 breeding pairs. 

Unlike other vultures, the bearded vulture feeds primarily on bones, which it drops from great heights to break and consume them. They form lifelong pairs and reuse the same nest each year, incubating their eggs between December and March.

An ideal place for nature lovers

On Anima Equi’s rides through the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, we can encounter other inhabitants such as the Pyrenean chamois, deer, marmot, brown bear, and the capercaillie. Occasionally, you might also spot the majestic golden eagle. These numerous rides make it an ideal destination for horseback riding and hiking. 

Plus, the area is dotted with charming villages like Anciles, Sahún, Benasque, and the hamlets of El Solano, where you can discover medieval castles, chapels, and exquisite local cuisine. Riding a horse through the Pyrenees is much more than an adventure: it’s an immersion in a living ecosystem where nature and tradition coexist in harmony.