Horse rental AL PASO in Las herrerías

[Deleted member 91636]

Greetings!

I've read that there is the option of renting a horse for a short tour from Las herrerías to Pedrafita do Cebreiro. It costs around 35€ and lasts for about 2 hours.
In the past, I've had some not so nice experiences with horse rentals in terms of the health and the treatment of the horses so I want to make sure they are treated well before I agree to rent one.
Has anyone made any experiences with this specific rental and tell me a bit about the health state of the horses? Greatly appreciated!
Regards, Hannes

 

[NorthernLight]

To Pedrafita do Cebreiro or to O Cebreiro?

When I've been passed by horses on the climb to O'Cebreiro, the horses have looked healthy. When they've delivered the pilgrims to the top, the horses have a rest and then are let loose to go home, and they run down the path to get there! I nearly got trampled by them one time and flung myself out of their way.

I think there's just the one place that does horse rides out of Las Herrerías. Others may have better info.

 

[Ian @ Camino Ramblings]

Greetings!

I've read that there is the option of renting a horse for a short tour from Las herrerías to Pedrafita do Cebreiro. It costs around 35€ and lasts for about 2 hours.
In the past, I've had some not so nice experiences with horse rentals in terms of the health and the treatment of the horses so I want to make sure they are treated well before I agree to rent one.
Has anyone made any experiences with this specific rental and tell me a bit about the health state of the horses? Greatly appreciated!
Regards, Hannes

Hi – after arriving in Las Herrerias in July 18 , my feet had decided they would enjoy some enormous blisters after 650 K of no problems - strangely.
I went with another pilgrim staying with me at Casa Lixa with the same issues and found “Victor the horse guy“ the evening before as he does get booked up . Early next day he got us to O Cebrerio no problem.
The horses appeared well looked after – and rested adequately in shade at the top as a group of six disparate friends enjoyed our first taste of Pulpo with a friend of Victors at the top.
A fantastic experience and a great way to enter Galicia .

there are pictures and descriptions of this hidden somewhere in my blog for July 2018– on Caminoramblings.com .

- and It’s an interesting conversation to have at the pilgrims office when you reach Santiago – as when they ask how did you get there – foot , bike or horse . ??

I could say – laughing - “all of them “ !!

Good luck - Buen Camino

 

[Chris Gi]

Greetings!

I've read that there is the option of renting a horse for a short tour from Las herrerías to Pedrafita do Cebreiro. It costs around 35€ and lasts for about 2 hours.
In the past, I've had some not so nice experiences with horse rentals in terms of the health and the treatment of the horses so I want to make sure they are treated well before I agree to rent one.
Has anyone made any experiences with this specific rental and tell me a bit about the health state of the horses? Greatly appreciated!
Regards, Hannes

Victor owns 6 or 7 horses in Las Herrerias. They are exceptionally well taken care of. Victor is a great horseman and loves his horses. The link to his phone # is in Brierly guide book and Victor speaks perfect English. It takes about 2 hours and is a delightful way to get up to O Cebrerio.
If you do this I recommend you spend some time with Victor - buy him a drink or something and chat with him - he has a very interesting background.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I am a longtime horse person who has spent considerable time in that neighborhood. I know most of Victor's horses. Some of the animals are getting on in age, but all are in good shape, well-shod and decently fed if not always perfectly groomed.
The tack is worn, and the "safety" helmets really need to be replaced. The last time I rode there I held my helmet on my head by tying a scarf over it, as the buckle was broken. It would have been useless in an accident.
I have never seen the horses sent down the mountain unattended, but that doesn't mean it never happens!

My only real criticism of the operation is the advertising signs that are nailed and stapled onto living trees, all the way back to Villafranca. This visual pollution violates UNESCO norms and shows a disregard for the pilgrimage path, pilgrims, and other living things.

 

[JennyH94]

Here are a couple of photos I took of Victor’s horses in late July outside the albergue at La Laguna - they look well and of course they’re gorgeous.



Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

 

[NorthernLight]

I should clarify my earlier post, that while the horses were galloping freely for home, their handler on his horse wasn't far behind.

 

[Rachel from Seattle]

I should clarify my earlier post, that while the horses were galloping freely for home, their handler on his horse wasn't far behind.

When my granddaughter and I rode up last June in a party of six, we were accompanied by Victor and three young men who walked beside. They were very attentive to safety and the whole thing was very pleasant. After joining everyone for a drink and a snack at O Cebreiro the men returned to the horses to shepherd them back. Agree that it would be nice to replace the helmets but all buckles were working fine for our group. I must report that we were quite sore for a couple of days after though but it was worth it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have only seen the horses in 2017 up near O'Ceibrero. They looked healthy to me. I doubt they make very many trips up each day as they were tied up and resting in the shade.
That said, on the island of Santorini, Greece, donkeys (or mules) were used all day long, up and down a steep cliff to transport people continuously to the town on top. I felt very sorry for them.

 

[TaraWalks]

Hi, I've ridden with Victor and his horses. They are well groomed and definitely well fed as well as loved. The tack and helmets could use an update though - a bit scrappy. Loved the experience.

 

[Qhrider]

Here are a couple of photos I took of Victor’s horses in late July outside the albergue at La Laguna - they look well and of course they’re gorgeous.

View attachment 65436View attachment 65437

Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

can you book the horse ride in advance?

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Qhrider - thanks for your post. Yes, you can book in advance. Here are the details :
Phone : +56 63 804 1823.
Email : v.vigaray@gmail.com
Victor’s on Facebook - his Facebook page is called Al Paso.
I’m not sure of the current cost - Victor will let you know when you book.
Have a wonderful horseback experience in this most beautiful area.
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny