Going by horse from France to Santiago, how difficult is it?

[stb001]

Hi, I live in Spain on the Costa Blanca, and I wish to ride my horse from Le puy or Vezelay to Santiago. I'm wondering how far this is possible, and if it's asking to mutch to my horse. I plan to ride about 30 - 40km a day, and to camp each night, while my partner gets his rest.
My questions are about water, food, and place for the horse, knowing it's a full one. I'm used to travel with absolutly no confort, but I've never had to care of an animal during those trips, so I'm not worried for me only for the horse. The horse has no shoes, and is used to go long distance.
Has someone already done this?
Is it hard to find a wood, or a field where to camp each 30-40 km?
What trip would be the best to do?
How does it happen in Santiago with a horse, Am I alowed to reach the Cathedral with it?

Any experience interest me, and if someone wants to join me during the summer 2010-2011 (the year is not set yet) please let me know.

 

[ivar]

How does it happen in Santiago with a horse, Am I alowed to reach the Cathedral with it?

I don't think so, I seem to remember that you need to "park" (you can see i have not too much experience with horses) it somewhere before entering old town.

I had a quick search and found this:
http://www.elcaminoacaballo.com/

..seems like this is the guide you are looking for.

Please keep us updated on your adventure!

Greetings from sunny Santiago,
Ivar

 

[sillydoll]

http://www.csj.org.uk have “The Way of Saint James on horseback: the complete guide” Javier Pascual:

 

[William Marques]

The Richard Hanbury-Tennyson and Babette Gallard books are both good reads. Babette's book will be easier to get hold of and cheaper.
http://www.pilgrimagepublications.com/r ... %20WAY.htm

Buen Camino
William

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I rode a section of the Via de la Plata several years ago. It was a blast, but the logistics were a nightmare. (mare... geddit?)

We traveled with Jesus and Angel (for real) at Equigredos, a long-distance equestrian outfitter based out of the Parador de Gredos, near Avila. I can recommend them highly, but I don´t know if they do Camino Frances routes. They could at least advise you.

Reb.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Seems like traveling with Jesus and an Angel would have given you especially good luck, or at least an indulgence or three? :lol:

I met one person on my camino who was traveling with a donkey -- they had problems finding places to "park" the beastie along the way.

But it sounds like fun and a wonderful way to travel, if you know what you're doing!

 

[elzi]

Hi, we saw a guy riding a horse on the Le Puy route. As I understood it he arrived at a place then asked around the locals (farmers presumably?) if there was field etc he could leave it in.
I saw two gites on the Le Puy route that advertised they took donkeys. Last year on the Frances we walked alongside two french guys with a donkey who we saw often along the route. I think they had more trouble finding somewhere to park him and he often ended up just tied up soemwhere near the albergue. They did have to walk further some days to find donkey-friendly albergues...
Good luck! It was magnificent watching the horse-riding pilgrim gallop past us on his big white horse through the fields in France!

 

[stb001]

Thank you all for your answers. I definitely gonna get some of the books recomended upstairs.
I wish I could do the trip next year because it's a "año santo" and that next one won't come before a lot of years, but I think I won't be ready at time.
I keep interested in any information, and of course I'll let you know about every thing.
I'll try to do a nice photo-reportage about this experience, to remember mutch of you some of the place you may have seen.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

You are in for a treat if you pull it off. One thing that´s striking: I found many of the carvings and decorations on the fronts of buildings were designed to be viewed from atop a horse or a carriage. You get a much better sense of the proportions of squares, buildings, and public spaces when you show up on horseback, and if you keep your eyes open.

Maybe I´m imagining things, but I think it´s true. Just another little way the rich and powerful flattered one another, whilst the "little people" craned their necks down on the ground.

Reb.