Spain - Transhumance
This ride takes you along drover routes that are over nine centuries old. These paths which the Spanish call “Canadas Reales” are still used by cattlemen who practise transhumance, spending summer in the mountains with their livestock and returning each winter to their pastures in the lowlands. The direction you follow depends on whether you join this trail in the Spring or Autumn. Please note that you will not be moving livestock during this trail.
The horses are good natured, willing and sure footed and you stay in simple guesthouses along the way.
There are some long riding hours on this trip, and these hours in the saddle combined with long lunchtime siestas, will result in arriving at your guesthouse quite late into the evenings most nights. Just in time to shower and then eat supper.
The trail is personally guided by the experienced owner Emilio Rodriguez. Emilio is a quiet man and an expert rider and has a special ability to relate well to his horses leading to even tempered, confident and well-mannered horses that are a pleasure to ride and be around. At the front he quietly guides you each day, allowing you the chance to breathe the air, listen to the birdlife and take in the wonderful scenery you pass through.
You could be riding for between four to seven hours a day and so it is important to be as riding fit as possible. If the guide believes that you are not safe on the horse then you may have to go in the support vehicle.
On most days you may get the opportunity to enjoy some trots and canters (terrain permitting). You should be competent at walk, trot and canter outdoors in a group environment.
The horses are an excellent mix of Hispano-Arab, Spanish, Andalucian PRE and Andalucian crosses ranging in height from 15 to 16.2 hands. They are happy, loved and comfortable to ride, with an enthusiastic walk and an easy collected canter.
They are all ridden in comfortable English GP saddles and bridles. Seat savers and saddle bags are also available. Some of the horse are ridden in bitless bridles.
You may be responsible for feeding, grooming, and tacking up your own horse each day (both first thing in the morning and after the long riding day too) and help and guidance is on hand should you require it.
The accommodation along the trail is comfortable but simple rural guesthouses and hotels.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
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| Transhumance South Ride | 3 Nov 2024 - 11 Nov 2024 | 8 nights 8 ngts | £2,094.08 |
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| Transhumance South Ride | 8 Dec 2024 - 16 Dec 2024 | 8 nights 8 ngts | £2,094.08 |
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| Transhumance South Ride | 11 Jan 2025 - 19 Jan 2025 | 8 nights 8 ngts | £2,222.29 |
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| Transhumance South Ride | 1 Nov 2025 - 9 Nov 2025 | 8 nights 8 ngts | £2,222.29 |
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| Transhumance South Ride | 6 Dec 2025 - 14 Dec 2025 | 8 nights 8 ngts | £2,222.29 |
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INCLUDES Accommodation; full board (including wine with meals); transfers at a set time from Madrid airport.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement of £230.78 is payable if you are in a single room (£247.87 in 2025). The single supplement is refunded if you are willing to share and we can find you a sharer for you. Single rooms are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Entrance fees to Museums and Monuments; drinks/snacks in bars; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; tips (c. €35- €50).
NEAREST AIRPORT Madrid.
TRANSFERS Shared transfers (set time only) are included from Madrid airport. If you cannot meet these shared transfer times taxis can be arranged at an additional cost (payable locally).
The meeting point is in Madrid Airport at 15:00 and so your flight should be scheduled to arrive before 14:00.
You will be transferred to your first night's accommodation.
The transfer back to the airport will arrive at Madrid Airport at about 12:00 so flights should depart after 14:00.
Extremadura lies to the west of Madrid. It's sparsely populated which makes it one of the best places for wildlife in Spain.
The climate in this region of Spain is continental with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Extremely varied terrain from the wide expanses to the mountains at the altitude of 1324 meters.
A lot of the ride takes place at walk, but where the terrain allowed it, we rode many good canters. In total we covered about 190 km and approx. 38 hours in the saddle. Emilio and Mamen made a great effort to give the group a really good riding experience.
Erik ,
Overall rating: 4/5
