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Exploring a foreign country like Catalonia on a horse sounds good. That sounds like adventures, challenges, a lot of nature and a touch of danger. Exactly the right thing to escape the stress of everyday life and let go for a week to unwind and enjoy the nature of the back of a horse.
Together with a friend I ride such self-guided trails for several years and it is always a great experience. Each country has its own beauty and you can not only see it from the back of a horse, but also smell, feel and experience it.
After beautiful self-guided trails in Ireland and Greece (Crete), Catalonia sounded fantastic as a new destination.
However, to really relax while riding, everything must be well prepared and the horses and equipment must be in good condition. This is not always the case, especially in southern countries.
What can I say, we were not disappointed. What Rudi had prepared for us about two weeks ago was first class. The two-hour briefing, the printed maps (only for a rough orientation), the plugged in GPS, the prepared accommodation for rider and horse gave us sufficient security to master the trail.
Finding the way was really child's play thanks to GPS on the wrist. The horses were excellent. They were persistent, hard-working, reliable and very light-footed. My first trail ride without muscle soreness, thanks to my four-legged buddy Rayo (in English: Blitz).
Due to the comfortable saddles, the many hours in the saddle were no problem at all.
The track was well selected and we got to see a lot of Catalonia. The different landscapes and the partly very untouched nature knock one over.
While the first three days are still very easy to ride, it will be much harder for riders and horses in the mountains. Then you have to climb a bit or lead the horses along a very narrow trail along a ravine. Comfortable but strong hiking shoes and a little trust in God are needed. But with the sure-footed and deep-relaxed horses no problem. You will be rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views.
Catalonia is not Spain you always read again and I think there is something in it (even if the Catalans think differently). It is a very special beautiful place with nice people, good food, good wine and so much oxygen in the air that you feel 10 years younger. So much forest and green I would not have expected in Spain.
Most of the accommodations were very comfortable, two more basic but always clean and adequate, with a cosy charm. Shower, free wifi, breakfast, comfortable beds, but were always available. All the people always nice and accommodating, there is nothing to moan about.
Recommendation: In Santa Pau you can eat very nice and comfortable at "Can Rafelic". Link to pictures of the restaurant can be found on Google. The restaurant was closed on the day of our passage but Rudi had kindly arranged a meal for us. Thanks again for Rudi. It was really delicious. As always, you were right.
By the way, food and drink are very cheap in Catalonia.
All in all, one of the most beautiful trails I have ridden so far. Thanks to the good organization and the great horses an absolute relaxation trip I can only recommend.
Greetings from Büren,