Camino de Santiago de Compostela

[thyrnir]

Four days ago I got sure of ONE thing. I will walk or go horse-riding the French way in May 2010. First I didn´t think of horseriding - but I love it and have a very strong and nice icelandic horse - and if it´s possibly it must be fantastic. I already ordered a book which I hope includes useful and actual information.
Now I would like to have contact with people who has experience of this trip on horseback or if you, like me, are planning such a trip.
A lot of wishes to find interested people out there! Hallo!
From a rainy but beautiful Österlen in Sweden. / Hanna

[newfydog]

I had dinner with a guy doing the trip on horseback. He said he had a friend who had done it the year before, and the horse enjoyed it so much, he lent him the horse so it could do another trip.

The horse stayed outside our hotel that night, and was cared for by another friend driving along and helping out. The next morning the rider walked the horse for the first kilometer to let him warm up. No wonder the horse liked the trip!

[sillydoll]

I don't know of anyone who rode to Santiago but here is a bit of info that might help.

You will find help and support at: http://www.elcaminoacaballo.com

http://www.turismo-rural.com/natulacaballo/index.html

http://www.csj.org.uk have “The Way of Saint James on horseback: the complete guide” Javier Pascual:

Hire horses in Gallicia: http://www.gallopgalicia.com/

http://www.euroadventures.net/ViewProdu ... 1183&AF=36


Advice for Entering the City on Horseback
Pilgrims planning to enter the city on horseback should notify the Local Police (tel: 092) several days before their arrival. The police will thereby be able to tell you the compulsory route and stipulated times, and give you an access permit so that you can enter as far as Plaza del Obradoiro and stay for a short time in front of the Cathedral. Immediately thereafter, the horses should be taken to their pre-arranged stables or accommodation.
Pilgrim Office: 981 56 24 19
Civil Defence (Santiago): 981 57 50 00
Local Police: 092

[vinotinto]

I will walk or go horse-riding the French way in May 2010.

If so, please be careful. I saw a lot of horse folks during the last stretch, mostly in groups. One day I encountered a bunch of riders, and while they were fording a small creek a couple of the horses got upset at each other due to the crowding. I rode horses as a child (had one of my own), and I could tell things were getting out of hand.

Sure enough, one horse back-kicked another in the group, and it broke and ran right towards me. I had to dive out of the way to avoid being trampled. Luckily the rider was competent and got the wayward horse under control fairly quickly, but it was quite a harrowing moment, especially so close to Santiago...

VT

[Anniesantiago]

In Viafranco del Bierzo live two people, Andreas and Frederika, who house people at their home, and who also support those pilgrims who choose to ride horseback. I'm looking for their email if you want it... haven't found it yet, but I'm sure I have it here...

He is a Templar and a wonderful, wonderful person.

Perhaps someone on the forum knows how to reach them?

[Rebekah Scott]

Riding a horse on the Frances is a logistical challenge for anybody.
You need backup -- someone willing to drive a horse box or carry farrier tools and feed, etc.
You need to drive the route ahead of time and find and book places to stable and feed and/or graze the horse. (We have a donkey stable, and talk now and then to people who are looking for a place to put several horses. It´s a tough search.) You have to know where to find a farrier and/or vet if something goes wrong.
You need plenty of money.
I think this is why so many riders go in groups.
One thing distinguishes riders from hikers, and it´s their ability to fork out for both themselves and their four-legged friends. They move faster than the hikers, slower than the bikers, and do not often mix with people who are not also riders.

I rode a section of the Via de la Plata several years ago and loved it, but I went with an outfitter who took care of everything. It was a lot more of a pleasure trip than a Camino to me. That´s not to say riders do not make a legitimate camino -- zillions of riders have done it, and have benefitted tremendously whilst viewing the architecture along the way. Those old fabulous buildings were designed to be viewed from up high, on horseback, where the important people were!

It just seems like such a hassle, riding the Frances, esp. if you do it when the path is choked with hikers. But if I had an opportunity I´d certainly grab it!

Reb.