Doing the Camino de Santiago on horseback is an option that has been gaining more and more followers during the last years.
This tradition has been maintained since the Middle Ages, when some pilgrims began to walk to Santiago in this way.
Planning
Unlike the other ways of making the Way, this requires much more meticulous planning in advance.
It needs a more in-depth planningthan other ways of transport. Previous horse riding skills are a must, otherwise, it’s quite easy to get injured.
About the horse
The most recommendable thing is doing the way horseback with your own horse or with a horse that is accustomed to you, but this is not the most important thing. Avoid using a skittish horse because you will find vehicles along the way
Go in a queue near the hard shoulder to avoid accidents.
Be easily seen by the others, especially by cars Wear a helmet.
Equipment
Regarding the necessary material that every good horseback pilgrim must carry, it is included:
- Riding saddle and the blanket
- The stirrups
- The bit
You should also take a little “first-aid kit” with tar for the hoofs and some other materials for prevention.
The rider should always wear a reflecting vest and a helmet. You should also wear appropriate clothes for riding a horse and also gloves and a raincoat. It is advisable to wear suitable riding clothes, as well as gloves and a raincoat.
Organization
The best thing is to hire an organized trip. It is very difficult to find lodgings with stables or, if you find it, they will be far away from where the riders should sleep.
In recent years several posts have been built between stages, especially on the French Way, where you can rest next to your horse.
If you need more information about doing the Camino on horseback, please contact us. In the meantime, we leave you the stages that cover the main stretch that exists for horseback riding.
Stages of the French Way on Horseback
| Stages | Begging | Ending |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | O Cebreiro | Samos – Sarria |
| Stage 2 | Sarria | Portomarín |
| Stage 3 | Portomarín | Palas de Rei |
| Stage 4 | Palas de Rei | Arzua |
| Stage 5 | Arzua | Santiago de Compostela |