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Horse Riding in the Pyrenees - France
The transhumance is an ancient tradition virtually lost in our modern times. It is the seasonal movement of whole communities and tribes together with their livestock in search of fresh pastures and appropriate climatic conditions.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Herding up to 70 horses in beautiful surroundings. Sharing time with a horseman who believes in a natural approach with his horses. The horses are not shod and are mainly ridden in bitless bridles.
Last Spring Judy Armstrong (award-winning travel writer & photographer) took part in the Transhumance. To see Judy's wonderful award winning article pick up a copy of February's France Magazine or request a PDF version from us directly.
(Photo courtesy of Judy Armstrong
www.judyarmstrong.co.uk)
| QUICK FACTS |
| Riding ability |
Strong Intermediate - Advanced |
| Duration |
8 days / 7 nights, 6 day's horse riding |
| 2010 Dates |
9 -16 May |
| Accommodation |
Gite multi bedded- sleeping bags required - no single supplement available |
| Group Size |
15 maximum |
| Weight Limit |
85kg |
| Meeting Place |
Le Pal Centre - transfers from and to Carcassonne can be arranged |
| Cost |
£895 Deposit - £445 |
| Flight Guide Cost |
Flight from approx £70 with Ryanair London Stansted – Carcassonne return www.ryanair.co.uk |
| Includes |
Full board from dinner on Day 1 – breakfast on the last day, Picnic lunches en route, Gite accommodation, guides and horses |
| Excludes |
International flights, transfers and travel insurance |
* Transfers if required to and from Carcassonne airport .Carcassonne -Le Pal and Porta - Carcassonne 400 euros for 1 or 7 persons. Transfers from other points would be on request.
TRIP INFORMATION
  
Getting There
An alternative to flying is to catch the train. If you leave London early afternoon, you can arrive in Barcelona the next morning. It is a far more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling whilst helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Pick up is from La Tour de Carol. For further details visit www.raileurope.co.uk
Climate
Pleasant spring conditions. It should be warm with plenty of sunshine although you must be prepared for some rain.
Riding
This will be a challenging ride so riders needs to be reasonably fit and be able to ride for long periods of time. The pace of the ride will vary according to the terrain.
Hosts
Pierre and Carol will be your hosts for the week.
Horses
Local bred, sure footed and even tempered. Approx. 14.2 hh
Tack
The horses are ridden in bitless bridles and the saddles are comfortable McLellan type. Saddlebags are supplied for each person for the transport of personal effects.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RIDE
Our spring transhumance leaves the plains and valleys of the Aude behind, the horses, grateful for the gentle winter spent there, willingly take to the paths and ancient tracks back up to their familiar green pastures for the summer. Up to 70 horses will be ridden or herded along the way.
This 180 kms voyage on horseback takes us from the Cathar Country at 400 m traversing mountains at 2,600 m up to Porta, a small granite village, which marks the crossroads between France, Spain and Andorra high in the Oriental Pyrenees.
The six day’s trail winds it’s way, passing through valleys thickly carpeted with wild springtime flowers, and climbs gently up the most splendid mountain scenery.
Six full day’s riding from Scarabee (400m at the foothills of the Pyrenees) - Puivert - Rodome - Querigut - Col des Ares - Espousouille – Font Romeu– Désert du Carlit- Porta.
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