Apart from the logistics, isn't that a bit stressful for the poor animal who has already indulged it's owner considerably?
If you've never had a horse in your life, you won't understand the nature of the unique bond that forms. A horse is a partner, not a possession, and you take care of his or her comfort first, before you take care of yours.
So 'poor animal' ... not likely.
Not to mention that horses like getting out as much as we do, and I've known horses who would practically run into a trailer, knowing an adventure was afoot.
Anyone navigating the challenges of riding to Santiago from France would not be alone in that journey. The horse is an equal partner who must be be listened to, and whose limits must be absolutely respected. The OP says her friend is a 'keen horseman,' and if so, he would likely live from this place.
So if you are coming from
please wait a bit before you share your opinions and assumptions.
About the original question...
@LesBrass, I did a quick search and found these links, which give a good sense of what your friends (he and his horse) would be facing:
In April 2002 my sister Susie and I set off from Canterbury Cathedral to raise money for charity by riding our Appaloosas along the mediaeval pilgrim routes through France and Spain, known as the Way of St. James. We’re just middle-aged happy hackers who had never done any endurance riding, and...
santiago-compostela.net
lll➤ Do you like riding? Have you thought about doing the
Camino de Santiago on horseback? ✅ We give you some tips to do the Camino on horseback ✅
santiagoways.com
This site and t
his one organize equine caminos, and it is obviously possible to enter Santiago on horseback, with official permission:
Just outside Santiago the riders reach the village of Lavacolla for the final night, near Monte do Gozo. This is a significant hilltop landmark - for your first view of Santiago Cathedral towers in the distance.
On the final morning, you have an early ride into the famed City and its magnificent Cathedral. We have special dispensation to enter the Cathedral Plaza early in the morning. It is a memorable experience to arrive here before the city is fully awake and the main body of pilgrim travellers arrive on foot.
The
official Spanish tourism site says this is what you need to do:
You must notify the Local Police (call 092) when you arrive in Santiago de Compostela so they can tell you the times and routes for taking your horse into the city and to the cathedral. The Local Police will also give you a permit to enter the Plaza del Obradoiro square and stop briefly in front of the Cathedral with the horse.