Horse Rides from Vielha, to Vilac or Mont

The Escola d'Equitació Val d'Aran is a family stable on the Carretera de França, 22, on the way out of Vielha towards France, which has been taking people horse riding around the valley for more than forty years. From there leave the routes to Vilac and Mont, the two villages that look down on Vielha from the hillside: mountain paths, tunnels of woodland and the river Salient, with the valley ever further below. You don't need to have ridden before.

Before you mount

Before setting off they teach you the basics: how to get on the horse, how to hold the reins and how to stop it. Then the house guide goes in front, sets the pace and your horse follows the one ahead. The school chooses a horse for each person according to weight and experience; if you have doubts about weight, say so when booking. Aran Experience, which resells these outings, gives as a reference a minimum age of 8 and a maximum weight of 95 kg. The price includes horse, helmet and guide.

Vilac, Mont or the whole morning

• Route to Vilac, one hour, €30: a path that crosses a tunnel of woodland and ends with Vielha at your feet. It is the one beginners and families choose.
• Route to Mont, two hours, €60: more woodland, the crossing of the Salient river and arrival at Mont; the return passes through Vilac.
• Long route, three hours, €90: it climbs higher than the others. It is new and the school is still finishing preparing it, so ask about the route.

Any of them can be private, only for your group, from four people: €60, €120 and €180 per person. For schools and companies they prepare group outings.

Ponies for under-fives

For under-5s there are pony rides of a quarter of an hour around the ring, led by hand by an instructor, for €10. For older ones, the school asks for the ages when booking and recommends a route and horse. Lessons of one hour, in the Vielha ring and all year, cost €35, for those who want to learn to handle the horse on their own. Experienced riders can request one- or two-night treks through the high mountains; the price depends on the trek.

In summer, from Beret

From 5 July to 15 September the school has a base at Pla de Beret, at 1,850 metres, above Baqueira, and runs routes across the plateau. In winter, at the same Pla de Beret, it harnesses the horses to the horse sleigh.

What to bring and how to book

Long, comfortable trousers, closed shoes, preferably with a bit of heel, and no sandals. Water, a cap, sun cream and a jacket, because in the mountains the weather changes quickly.

You fill in the form on its website with the day and number of people, and they confirm availability by phone or WhatsApp, usually the same day. Also on 629 46 38 05 or at [email protected].

After the ride, Vielha is a step away: the church of Sant Miquèu holds the 12th-century Christ of Mijaran, and at Era Lucana there is a set lunch menu at midday.