WHEN
First and third weekend of June, every year. Maximum one group per date.
PRICE
from 2.900€ pp excluding flights (based on 2 people sharing)
HOW LONG
4 days and 3 nights
Join the Expedition
The area of OIA is home to the largest herd of wild horses in Europe. Over 4,000 years ago, these horses forged a strong relatonship with the people of Oia: they would live free in the mountain and protected by humans, and, in exchange, they would stay away from the crops and give away their mane.
Today, horse hair is now not as important as it used to be for trade. However, the agreement is kept alive through a very traditional local celebration. On this expedition, you will be part of this tradition and ride the mountains where the the Galician Pure Breed horses live, hosted by an specialist horse breeder.
Join us on this equine experience and ride to the Curros of Oia.
Join a local family of breeders to deep dive the tradition
Learn about the equestrian culture of Galicia from inside. In this expedition your host will be a local horse breeder that has both trained animals and wild “burras do monte”. You can even have the option to stay in local houses for the night to immerse deeply in the equestrian culture of Galicia.
They will provide us with Galician Pure Breed animals to ride, take us to see the horses wild before the rapa occurs and allow us to participate in the capture together with them.
*burras do monte = “burras” means donkies and “do monte” from the mountains. Together they refer to the time when some of these horses were tamed to assist locals with bringing the crops to the water mills and back, Their resistance and adaptation to the irregular paths made them better than donkies.
Become part of the tradition, on horse
This expedition to Galicia is a full fledge horse riding experience where you will spend almost two days on horse. They will be our companion as we go up the mountain to get the herds and they will take us back home at the end of the day.
It may seem a contraditction to ride a tamed horse while you are looking for the wild ones, but this will also bring us the opportunity to learn why these breeders keep their herds wild, how they choose which ones are tamed or not and the responsabilities behind the tradition of “rapa” Galicia.
*rapa = the act of cutting the horse mane and deworming, which is performed once a year in different parts of Galicia.
Enjoy local food and wine
The “curro” at Oia is kept as a very local livestock family tradition, so villagers bring their own food and drinks to the Rapa for the day. We will share our food with the family and you will have the chance to test true galician recipes homecooked.
Please take into consideration that Galicia is only accidentally vegan, so let us know your food choices beforehand and we will make the needed arrangements. Other food choices may become available.
*curro = the place where the herds are taken to perform the rapa. Here at Oia area, there are three different “curro” precints.
What's included
- small group, up to 6 adults
- homestay accommodation or 4 star spa hotel
- coordinated pickup at the airport (SCQ or VGO) or train station (Ourense or Vigo) and back
- horses, equipment and guide
- support car
- accompanying English speaking guides
- meals: 3 x lunch + 3 x dinner, 3 breakfasts
- english type saddles
- travel insurance
- local SIM card or eSIM
Restrictions:
- weight limit up to 85 kilograms
- kids below 14 years old are not allowed
- no horse-riding lessons will be included on this expedition
¿Need more reasons to join this expedition to Curro de Oia? This adventure is perfect for horse lovers, emotion seekers and explorers. A unique experience you will remember forever.
Extras:
Add extra days and night or day activities around winemaking, nature & hiking, sailing… Just let us know your interests and we will tailor-design it for you.
