Hidden between the misty green mountains of Galicia and the wild Atlantic Ocean lies a small family-run horse farm where time seems to slow down.
If you are looking for a slow-paced riding holiday for intermediate and experienced riders, long days in nature, connection with horses and people, and the feeling of becoming part of a local Galician family for a week… then you found your next adventure!
Your guides, Adrián and Paloma, will take you along ancient trails, through eucalyptus forests, tiny villages and rocky mountain paths with breathtaking ocean views around every corner. Think homemade food shared around big tables, long rides through dramatic landscapes, and wild horses roaming free in the mountains. Your evenings will be filled with wine, laughter, and stories in a beautiful coastal town in northern Spain.
The terrain here is naturally technical: expect rocky mountain trails, steep uphill and downhill sections, river crossings, and narrow forest paths. There are some opportunities for trots and canters where the terrain allows it, but the focus of this trip is nature and connection rather than speed.
DATES
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Hooves Around Galicia, Spain booking page.
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Written by Tereza
2026 Price: 1750 EU
Included: meals (the meals you have in Baiona town are not included, you will have 2 or 3 meals in Baiona during the trip), accommodation, horses, transportation between accommodation and stables and other activities
Excluded: flights, transport to Baiona, travel insurance - we recommend getting Global Rescue insurance for your trip.
Max. 5 riders
Intermediate and experienced riders only
Helmets are compulsory - you can bring your own or borrow one of Adrián's helmets.
Weight limit 85 kg
The ranch is run by Adrián and Paloma, surrounded by Adrián’s family who have lived in this region for generations. Horses have always been a way of life here, and Adrián grew up riding these mountains from a young age. Today, he knows every hidden trail, tiny village, and wild horse herd around Baiona.
Besides being an experienced trail guide, Adrián is a talented horseman with a beautiful, gentle approach. During your week, you will not only ride with him but also learn all about Galicia’s famous wild horses: their history, traditional management, and relationship with the local people.
Paloma is truly the heart of your experience. She makes sure you feel completely at home, helps with anything you might need, shares the best local recommendations, and often guides or accompanies the rides to ensure everyone is happy and enjoying every single moment. Since we normally don’t send a host on this trip, it’s crucial to have her there.
Adrián’s English is improving, but still limited at times. If you speak Spanish, amazing. If not, don’t worry; we always make sure somebody is there to help translate whenever needed, usually Paloma or one of us accompanying the group.
At the moment the ranch has Grelo, Piti, Farruco, Bongo, Oreo, Mulato, Charro, Trono, Cova and Apache.
The horses live outside year-round on large green pastures and are brought into the stables every morning for us to prepare together. We believe that bonding with your horse is a massive part of the experience. You will get to tack up, untack, and care for your horse daily (lots of horse cuddles included)! Don’t be surprised if your assigned partner becomes your emotional support animal by the end of the week. 😉
The horses are calm, experienced and incredibly sure-footed. Because the terrain can be technical and physically demanding, riders should feel comfortable and confident in the saddle for several hours each day.
Food is a huge part of this trip. Breakfast, lunch and three dinners are included throughout the week.
Here are a few tried and tested local spots you can try, but you can always ask Paloma and Adrián for an updated list:
You will stay in charming apartments located directly on the family property. Each apartment offers both shared and private room options, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and a garden area. It gives you the perfect balance of privacy and your own quiet space, while keeping you immersed in the warm family atmosphere of the ranch.
Most guests arrive via Vigo, we organise a group transfer straight to the accommodatoon. Vigo is accessible by plane, train and long-distance bus, and there is a direct bus from Vigo Airport to the city centre. If you fly into Porto Airport (Portugal), we can arrange a separate transfer for you at an extra cost. Another easy option is taking a bus from Porto to Vigo and then joining the group transfer from there. On departure day, you can either jump on the group transfer back to Vigo or continue your travels independently. Group transfers to/from Vigo cost a small extra fee which is split between the guests. Renting a car and driving yourself is also an option!
Please note: Our exact routes and activities always depend on the weather, the horses, and the group dynamic.
After arriving at the ranch and settling into your apartment, your first day is all about slowing down. Take some time to unpack, explore the beautiful coastal town of Baiona, walk along the historic castle walls, grab a coffee, and get to know your fellow riders. In the evening, everyone gathers for a homemade welcome dinner cooked right in Adrián’s grandmother’s kitchen. The very place where horses have been a part of this family's history for generations.
Riding time: ~3–4 hours
After breakfast, we head to the stables to meet the horses. We’ll spend a little time riding in the arena first to ensure you feel perfectly matched and comfortable. From there, we head straight into the mountains rising up right behind the ranch.
The trails climb through forests and rocky paths, with nice opportunities for short trots and canters. Our route leads us toward a beautiful waterfall and lake where, in the warmer months, you can actually swim with the horses!
After returning to the ranch, we untack the horses together, have lunch and relax in the garden. We head into the mountains by car and foot to search for Galicia’s famous wild horses and their foals roaming freely through the hills. The evening is left free to explore Baiona’s restaurants, tapas bars and little streets together.
Timing Tip: If you book your trip for June, you will get to experience the traditional Rapa das Bestas festival, an incredible cultural event where wild horses are gathered from the mountains for health checks and care before being released back into the wild.
Workshop: 3 hours | Riding time: ~2–3 hours
Today begins with a Liberty Workshop led by Adrián. This session is entirely focused on connection, trust, and communication without ropes or force. Watching Adrián work with his horses using subtle body language and patience is amazing. and after the demo, it’s your turn to try it with your horse! You’ll also get a chance to try bareback riding, which is a wonderful way to build trust.
After a hearty BBQ lunch, we saddle up for a relaxed ride through pine forests, tiny village streets, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Adrián’s two dogs often join us, effortlessly keeping pace with the group the entire time! The evening is free for everyone to enjoy however they want.
Riding time: ~4–5 hours
After breakfast we saddle up early and head towards the coast, riding on scenic tracks close to the Atlantic Ocean. There are opportunities for trots in suitable places, river crossings and endless beautiful scenery throughout the day.
For lunch, we pull up to Adrián’s grandmother’s house for a massive, traditional feast prepared by the family. Expect a table packed with calamares, empanadas, warm pumpkin soup, local meats, and plenty of wine. Afterwards, we enjoy a scenic ride back to the ranch. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Riding time: ~4 hours
Today’s ride includes lots of uphill mountain riding, dramatic viewpoints and searching for Galicia’s wild horses roaming freely in the hills. We’ll stop for lunch at a tiny mountain village restaurant to share seafood pasta, hot cabbage soup, and local wine.
In the evening, it’s time to dress up a little! Adrián and Paloma will take you out for an authentic Galician dinner. Sitting at tables overflowing with local seafood and regional specialties, you'll feel like you're dining as a local rather than a tourist. If you have the energy, we'll head into town afterward for drinks at a local bar.
Riding time: ~3–4 hours
The final riding day always arrives too quickly. Today we ride high into the mountains to visit ancient Galician petroglyphs carved into the rocks thousands of years ago. Some of these prehistoric carvings include horses and riders, showing how deeply horses have always been connected to this region and its people.
After one final mountain ride and lunch at the ranch, it is sadly time to say goodbye to your horse. To cheer everyone up a little, we decided to take a trip to a local tack store (perfect for picking up boots, breeches, or unique souvenirs) followed by a relaxing soak in nearby natural hot springs hidden in the forest.
For the final evening together, Adrián and Paloma will organize a farewell dinner. In our case we went to a very local Galician experience called a “furancho.”
A furancho is a traditional Galician wine house where local winemakers are legally allowed to sell their homemade wine and simple food for only a few months each year. We shared tapas, drank wine from ceramic bowls and spent one final evening laughing together before departure day.
On Day 7 you will have breakfast before catching your transfer home or continuing your journey independently.
Galicia weather can change quickly, so we recommend checking the forecast before your trip and packing layers. Both riding boots and cowboy boots work perfectly, and you can ride in either breeches or jeans; whatever you find most comfortable.
You are welcome to bring your own helmet or borrow one from the ranch (though please note Adrián mostly has larger sizes available. If you need a smaller size, it’s best to bring your own or let us know well in advance!). Especially in the spring, Galicia gets its beautiful green colour from the rain! If you have rain pants, waterproof riding gear, or a trusty rain jacket, definitely pack them (though the ranch has some rain jackets you can borrow too). Don’t forget your swimwear as well. You might need it for the hot springs or swimming with the horses!
Other useful things to bring:
Comfortable clothes for evenings in Baiona, sunscreen, a small backpack, portable charger and plenty of phone storage for photos because your camera roll is about to explode 🤍
