Explore the Pyrenees on horseback
Mérens, a small village in the high valleys of Ariège, gave its name to an ancient breed of native black horses celebrated for their gentleness and sure-footed endurance. Prehistoric paintings of animals resembling these horses have been found in caves in Ariège. They're ideal mounts for treks into the hills; the many "fermes equestres" and riding centers dotting Ariège attest to the popularity of this leisurely mode of siteseeing. Most of these centers offer riding lessons as well as guided outings and trips lasting from a few hours to over a week.
Horseriding centres and farms: (or see them on a Google map)
Riding centre BOUTOU
in Massat offers promenades of 1 to several hours on local trails and lessons year-round, including ski-jorring in winter. Perfect your rusty riding skills here before a trek.
Caval'Rando
in Saurat near the Col de Port offers trips of 2 to 8 days over a vast network of trails in Ariège, Cathar Country, along the border and in the Spanish Pyrenees.
Cavalus is a Mérens horse farm offering 3 to 6-day trips in the Ariège Pyrenees.
La ferme du Mont Béas offers bed and breakfast accommodation and horseriding outings and treks for both beginners and experienced riders.
Les Ecuries du Biros offers horseriding treks and promenades lasting from one hour to several days. Beginners accepted for promenades of half a day or less.
Equiloisirs offers horseriding trips and riding holidays for adults and children of all levels of ability, including beginners, from a farm in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
L'Esprit du Cheval near Mirepoix offers treks with Mérens and Castillon horses in the French and Spanish Pyrenees and in Morocco.
Haras Picard du Sant is a Mérens horse farm that offers promenades and treks, as well as themed weekends in their B&B accommodations.