Renting horses to climb O'Cebreiro

[Angus]

My friend and I will be near O'Cebreiro near May 8-10, probably staying in Herrerias or LaFaba the night previous. My friend really wants to ride a horse up he hill(s). Has anyone done this before? Would love to learn about your experience and/ or how to make the connection with the proper folks to rent the horses. I leave Costa Rica and she leaves Boston on April 27. We are filled with nervous energy and a heart full of positive vibs. Buen Camino to us!

 

[whariwharangi]

Horses would do damage to the walking path. Its just a steep trail through the woods already at risk from runoff from rain and melting snow.

 

[PANO]

When I saw the posters advertising the horse-ride on the way toward O'Cebreiro, I was immediately interested in the experience but decided to walk on when I was told that I would have to wait more than two hours for the next ride. A while later, I crossed with two horses and their keeper coming down. I WAS EVER SO GLAD THAT I DID NOT USE THIS SERVICE!
I never before saw horses is such pityful condition, worn down, malnourished and obviously very badly treated. The path further up was steep, slippery and very hard to walk, depressing to think that these poor animals are forced to do it several times a day. I actually contemplated to report the blatant maltreatment of these poor creatures and was angered for several days at myself for not doing it.
No selfrespecting peregrino should ever support this terrible enterprise and the authorities would be well advised to put these people out of business.

 

[cher99840]

When I walked there was someone at the base of the hill offering horses for hire. I declined and continued to walk, but no doubt your friend will have the opportunity to ride if that is their choice. No arrangements need to be made in advance.

 

[Juno]

Horses would do damage to the walking path. Its just a steep trail through the woods already at risk from runoff from rain and melting snow.

Oh boy! That's the least of your worries! I got charged at by two riderless horses last year as they were being brought back down the mountain by a man on a third horse. He shouted to me to put my hands up, in Spanish and I said que? Big mistake as he then shouted at me whilst waving his hands about. Before I could grasp the situation, one of the horses fearing for his owner, came charging down said narrow path, at which point I did put my hands up. Horse one came to an abrupt stop next to me & thankfully started chomping the grass from the cracks in the rock face. Second horse came by with a green moustache, savouring his greens! That's what you call a close shave! His horses looked healthy enough to me but I didn't hang around!

 

[Nancy P.]

My friend and I will be near O'Cebreiro near May 8-10, probably staying in Herrerias or LaFaba the night previous. My friend really wants to ride a horse up he hill(s). Has anyone done this before? Would love to learn about your experience and/ or how to make the connection with the proper folks to rent the horses. I leave Costa Rica and she leaves Boston on April 27. We are filled with nervous energy and a heart full of positive vibs. Buen Camino to us!

I love the horse ride. Call Victor at 638 041823 for a reservation when you get close. He only goes if he has at least 3 people, but he can fill up.

 

[naplesdon]

I did it last year in July during a sleet and rain storm, brrr; walking the hill would have created more body warmth than riding under a sweaty poncho. The horses walk about the same pace as the pilgrims and they do not tear the path up any more than the rain water streaming down the hill. There are many people who love Victor and his horses and I really don't think these horses are malnourished.

 

[antjie]

My friend and I will be near O'Cebreiro near May 8-10, probably staying in Herrerias or LaFaba the night previous. My friend really wants to ride a horse up he hill(s). Has anyone done this before? Would love to learn about your experience and/ or how to make the connection with the proper folks to rent the horses. I leave Costa Rica and she leaves Boston on April 27. We are filled with nervous energy and a heart full of positive vibs. Buen Camino to us!

In 2013 I came across these horses on a day when I was feeling really sorry for myself - and it was MAGIC! The horses are gentle, walk at a comfortable pace and I could observe the beautiful environment from a height without having to look down on my feet! It gave me the break that I needed so I could continue my camino with a song in my heart.