Every summer, many riders from all over Europe come together for a unique event: Equirando, the biggest horseback trail ride in Europe. Held every two years, this unique gathering is dedicated to horse lovers of all nationalities who travel the trails on horseback to share their passion and live an extraordinary adventure.
For Horse Holidays France, this is the forth time taking part, and the beginning of many more to come. We offer a variety of routes to showcase the richness of French landscapes, as well as the warm welcome of our hosts.
What is Equirando?
Equirando is a major horseback trail ride that brings together riders from all over Europe. The idea is simple: reach a common meeting point after spending several days on horseback crossing some of the most beautiful landscapes. It is a sporting, cultural and human experience that celebrates travelling on horseback and the joy of being together.
For this edition, the Horse Holidays team included 8 riders from different backgrounds: India, the United Kingdom, Sweden and France. They were, of course, accompanied by 5 of our loyal riders from Maisons-Laffitte for 8 very full days.
Equirando is, above all, about meeting people: an international atmosphere where riders exchange around their shared passion and create lasting memories together. This is a spirit the Horse Holidays France team particularly enjoys fostering during its various activities.
How does Equirando work?
Equirando is designed as a true travelling adventure: every day, riders and horses head for a new destination. It is an opportunity to discover a wide range of landscapes while riding from one point to another, to meet new hosts and to share unique, enriching moments. Riders are sometimes even guided by the hosts themselves, for example when leaving Bagnole de l’Orne: “We set off with the director of the stables, who showed us hidden treasures and little paths that are not easy to find,” explains Anna.
The horses are welcomed in good conditions, either in boxes or in paddocks, which marks the start of their own holiday. In the evening, the atmosphere is always warm and lively: the trail riders get together to share their experiences, enjoy a meal and take part in friendly evening activities. “We even met up again with three British riders we had already met in 2019 at Equirando in Les Bréviaires!” Anna recalls.
This blend of sport, discovery and conviviality is what makes Equirando so special.
What did we discover along the route?
From Maisons-Laffitte to Suisse Normande, every stage brought its share of emotion:
- A visit to the Haras du Pin, cradle of the French sport horse.
- Trail rides through rolling, wooded countryside, sometimes along technical paths.
- Encounters with cattle along the way, a first for our horses, who were a little impressed!
- Unique moments, such as an evening at the Théâtre Équestre de la Pommeraye, along with many shows.
Although the event also brought its share of unforeseen situations, these turned into opportunities to make new connections and benefit from precious support, thanks to the help of the local vet and farrier.
