Horse riding in Andorra, from a pony ride to a trek through Comapedrosa

Horse riding isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Andorra, and that’s exactly why I like the idea. It’s one of the most relaxed ways into the mountain landscape without slogging up a climb, and it works just as well for a five-year-old as for someone who’s never been on a horse.

Where to ride, the three centres

Andorra Turisme lists three riding centres. The L’Aldosa riding club, on the L’Aldosa road in La Massana, has more than 20 years behind it, with a riding school, beginners’ lessons, show jumping, dressage and trekking, and the widest choice of rides. Its horses are Spanish crossbreeds picked for temperament and how they cope at altitude.

In Canillo parish there’s the Nòrdic Aventura riding centre, at the foot of the Grandvalira slopes in El Tarter, part of the Hotel Nòrdic. It runs rides of 30 minutes to an hour around El Tarter and Soldeu, always with a guide. It has 10 stables and rides Mérens horses, the mountain breed of the Andorran Pyrenees, the Cerdanya and the Ariège. Canillo council also mentions a stable in Grandvalira’s Canillo sector.

The third is at Naturland, which according to Andorra Turisme runs guided rides during the summer months.

Which ride should you choose?

At L’Aldosa, the littlest ones get pony rides and a half-hour first taste. For anyone who’s never ridden, there’s the one-hour circuit along the Camí de les Molleres and the Giberga slopes, on a horse or a pony. With a bit of experience, the two-hour loop through Anyós climbs the Solà path with a gallop of more than a kilometre and comes back past the old barns.

The one I’d do in summer is the guided trek through Comapedrosa Nature Park, which L’Aldosa runs daily and which suits all levels and ages. It crosses rocky ground, pine and fir woods, clear streams and paths full of grandalles, the poet’s narcissus.

How much is it and how do you book?

Let me be honest about this part. No official page publishes prices. Andorra Turisme explains that each centre sets its own, depending on length and pony or horse, and that a pony is the cheapest. Rides range from half an hour to half a day. Some centres sell multi-ride vouchers or packages with accommodation or a meal.

You book by phone, online, in person or through partner hotels. I’d ring direct, on (+376) 837 329 for L’Aldosa or (+376) 739 500 for Nòrdic Aventura. Have your dates, the riders’ ages and their experience ready when you call.

Children, beginners and snow

You don’t need to know how to ride. Rides are designed for all levels and instructors look after beginners. With children, ponies are the norm; L’Aldosa has them for ages 2 to 10. It pairs nicely with other ideas in Andorra with kids. A half-hour pony ride is also a gentle way to test whether a nervous child enjoys it before you commit to anything longer.

Summer is the main season, but Andorra Turisme also describes rides on snow, with horses used to altitude and cold, and says some winter routes are within anyone’s reach. After the thaw, the ski slopes around Soldeu and El Tarter are used for easy rides. As ever for British visitors, the GHIC won’t cover you here, so confirm riding is included in your travel policy.

Where to stay for a riding break

If riding is the main point of your trip, I’d base myself in La Massana. L’Aldosa is on the doorstep, the Comapedrosa treks start in the same parish, and you’re a short drive from Andorra la Vella for the evenings. If you’d rather mix riding with the high valleys of Canillo, El Tarter puts Nòrdic Aventura within walking distance of the hotel and the Incles valley a few minutes away. In both cases I’d book the ride before the room, because summer places at small riding centres are the scarce part of the equation.

More adventure nearby

If riding leaves you wanting more, try the zip lines Andorra offers or walk the Incles valley, ideal after a ride around El Tarter. And in La Massana, Comapedrosa lends itself to a morning in the saddle followed by an afternoon’s hiking.