Horseback Vega de Valcarce to O Cebreiro

[Anniesantiago]

Last year when I walked, I noticed some folks renting horses from Vega de Valcarce to O Cebreiro.

Has anyone ever done this?
Experience?
Cost?

 

[BlackDog]

As I recollect it was €20, I walked up but the horses didn't seem to be much quicker or that comfortable.

 

[Janet S.]

Last year when I walked, I noticed some folks renting horses from Vega de Valcarce to O Cebreiro.

Has anyone ever done this?
Experience?
Cost?

I got a horse from Las Herrerias to OCebriero last summer. It was so fun! I did it on a whim. It cost me $25 euros I think. They split up the cost between the four of us who happened to be going up at the same time.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Thanks Sounds like fun!
By any chance do you remember the name of the company?

 

[nreyn12]

Not the name of the company, but here's the phone number...

The sign was at the start of Vega del Calcarce, and the actual rentals began in Las Herrerias.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Not the name of the company, but here's the phone number...

The sign was at the start of Vega del Calcarce, and the actual rentals began in Las Herrerias.

Thank you!

 

[SYates]

I found their FB page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Al-Paso/130539220478376 , does that help? Buen Camino! SY

 

[antjie]

I did that in June last year and also on a whim. I was at a low emotionally with injuries, etc when as I walked past, this "Camel" man came up to me and asked if I would like to join them going up by horseback. It was like he was sent! I immediately accepted. It was 20 or 25 Euros but worth every euro! We were a small group, the horses were easy to handle ( need no experience) and it was wonderful to be able to look up and around and not down on the path. For me....it was magic!

 

[xin loi]

My novia rented a horse for 30 euros. I beat her horse by 45 minutes and I carried a full pack.

 

[Al the optimist]

I have been thinking of doing this since last year. Anyone know what time they start in the morning and how long they take to get to the top?

 

[xin loi]

My novia could not start until 0900 because they had to wait for others who had made reservations to start at that time. Horses go up twice a day. Not sure but I think it took her group 3 hours to climb the hill because of problems with one rider who was terrified to be on a horse.

 

[Magwood]

Presumably backpacks are transported by road? Those horses must be very strong to tackle that climb, particularly with inexperienced riders who are probably not well balanced and make it more difficult for the horse. They must work extremely hard - I hope they are well cared for.

 

[xin loi]

packs are hauled by taxi to whichever albergue you wish for 5 euros. Horses don't follow same path as hikers as I'm sure you noticed some sections of Camino had lots of signs of horses while others had no indications of use by nags. Horse were in excellent condition. Novia was surprised they use English saddles for trail walking--not done in US.

 

[StuartM]

Novia was surprised they use English saddles for trail walking--not done in US.

That's pretty much standard in Europe unless you go somewhere that specifically advertises Western saddles. Dont think I've ever been given a horse with a western saddle anywhere in France, Spain or the UK.

 

[Iamherdingcats]

packs are hauled by taxi to whichever albergue you wish for 5 euros. Horses don't follow same path as hikers as I'm sure you noticed some sections of Camino had lots of signs of horses while others had no indications of use by nags. Horse were in excellent condition. Novia was surprised they use English saddles for trail walking--not done in US.

Actually the horses follow the exact same path as hikers. Victor, who owns and runs the service is very knowledgeable about the area and loves his horses.
He walks up twice a day, and is happy to offer a free ride down as it is easier to have riders to return then horses without riders.
Down is more difficult then up!

 

[Al the optimist]

I enquired this spring. He needs a minimum of 3 people and charges 30 euros each.

 

[jdpiguet]

They are advertising well in advance...

 

[Nancy P.]

They are advertising well in advance...
View attachment 14510

Watch for the sign that says, "Do you need a horse?". Or just take this number with you and call Victor. 638 041823. He will need 3 riders.

 

[Robo]

Now that.........looks like a very sensible way to enjoy the steepest climb on the journey

 

[donalomahony]

 

[Robo]

Does 'Victor of the Horses' speak English? Or do I need to add appropriate phrases to my Spanish lessons?

I am totally 'stuffed', please keep a spare horse for me tomorrow....
Your fattest and slowest Horse will suit me just fine...
If you need 3 people to make up a trip, I will happily kidnap two more and pay for their horses!

Whilst Horse Riding is not something I have 'mastered' as to me it feels only slightly more comfortable than riding an Elephant (Horse saddles are closer to the ground), it certainly sounds like something that could be fun and help a tired body at just the right time.....

 

[Nancy P.]

He speaks English. I may have the phone number to send when I get home.

 

[naplesdon]

There is no problem with his English but he only has four horses and he only does two treks a day. The horses walk at the same pace as the pilgrims and the saddles are English. It is not that steep walking up to O'Creiriro.

 

[Nancy P.]

There is no problem with his English but he only has four horses and he only does two treks a day. The horses walk at the same pace as the pilgrims and the saddles are English. It is not that steep walking up to O'Creiriro.View attachment 16373

He had 6 horses when I went last September. It was great - not because it was steep, but because it was fun and the views were great when we sat on the hirsez above the foldage.

 

[Robo]

There is no problem with his English but he only has four horses and he only does two treks a day. The horses walk at the same pace as the pilgrims and the saddles are English. It is not that steep walking up to O'Creiriro.View attachment 16373

Would I notice the difference between an English saddle, a Western saddle or any other type of saddle? Probably not. They all feel like I am about to fall off!

At least Elephants have a seat rather than a saddle!

 

[Nancy P.]

Don't worry about the saddle. You are only walking the horses.

 

[naplesdon]

Don't worry about the saddle. You are only walking the horses.

Nancy, I assume you mean the horses are only walking.

Robo, the difference in saddle styles is an English saddle has no pommel to hold on to and for those of us who rarely ride a horse it is like driving a car without a steering wheel.

 

[xin loi]

Victor speaks English. He and I had a lot of laughs on the top about me beating my novia up the hill while she rode one of his horses. Smart guy--he brings riders up the hill and flirts with the women riders, but his daughter has to walk the riderless horses down hill while he takes a taxi.

 

[Al the optimist]

There is nothing quite like being ever so slowly being overtaken by a horse with wind!

 

[Nancy P.]

You are not suppose to hold the horn on a western saddle. This is a very easy ride. If you have the strength in your legs to walk the Camino, you can certainly sit on top of a saddle while the horse is walking. Don't let the saddle deter you from doing this fun activity. He both walked up behind the horses and walked his own horses down the day I did it. He will need to have 3 riders before he is willing to go. If you have phone service, it is probably best to call ahead and reserve. His number is 638041823 which I just realized you can see on the sign posted above. I told him that his sign should read, "Do you want horses" instead of Do you need horses." I didn't need a horse to get to the top, but I wanted the experience of riding one. Go for it.

 

[Al the optimist]

As an Englishman only accustomed to riding with an English saddle I would comment to avoid any ambiguity that we ride with bent legs holding the reins not the pommel.

 

[kelleymac]

Nancy, I assume you mean the horses are only walking.

Robo, the difference in saddle styles is an English saddle has no pommel to hold on to and for those of us who rarely ride a horse it is like driving a car without a steering wheel.

Grab the mane. It doesn't hurt the horse. Lean forward when you go up the hill. Keep your heels down.

 

[kelleymac]

Thanks Sounds like fun!
By any chance do you remember the name of the company?

alpaso.eu owner's name is Victor, he speaks english fairly well.