Transhumance Routes and the Shepherd's Horse
Transhumance — the seasonal movement of livestock between summer and winter pastures — has been a working horse activity for over 5,000 years. Across Europe, North Africa, and the Andes, ancient transhumance routes still see horse-mounted shepherds and herd movements each spring and autumn.
Spanish Cañadas
Spain's medieval transhumance network — the Cañadas Reales — total 125,000 km of legal drove roads. Still used today for sheep movement between Extremadura and the northern mountains.
French estives
French transhumance moves cattle and sheep to high-mountain pastures (estives) in the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central. The June 'montée' is a traditional event.
Italian tratturi
Southern Italian transhumance moves sheep along ancient tratturi between Abruzzo highlands and Puglia plain. Some are UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.
Romanian highlands
Romanian shepherds still transhume Carpathian sheep on horseback in summer. Visiting on horseback during transhumance is offered by specialised operators.
Andean transhumance
South American transhumance moves Quechua and Aymara herds between altitudes in the Andes. Aymara shepherds ride small criollos.
North African
Berber transhumance moves Atlas Mountain sheep and goats between summer alpages and winter coastal pastures. Several operators run multi-day rides following transhumance.
Mongolian seasonal moves
Mongolian herders move with yurts to seasonal pastures four times a year. Visitors can participate through homestay tourism.
Cultural events
Many transhumance regions host festivals celebrating the moves. The Spanish Trashumancia festival, French alpages welcomes, Italian tratturo events.
Where to follow
Specialist tour operators in Spain, France, Italy, and Romania offer multi-day rides following actual transhumance routes.
Best season
Spring (May-June) for movement up to summer pastures; autumn (September-October) for return movement.
Pace and conditions
Transhumance pace is slow — 15-30 km/day — but conditions can be difficult (heat, mountain passes, mixed terrain). Suitable for intermediate riders.
Reading and resources
La Trashumancia (Spanish), L'Office français de transhumance — many resources document active routes. Several film documentaries available.
Booking
Specialist operators in each country handle bookings; book several months ahead for spring/autumn moves.
Explore on the map
All venues mentioned above are pinned on the interactive map. Use it to plan a visit, compare regions, and find centres near your travel route.