Landscapes of Bizkaia, on horseback

LAND

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January 2026

Discover the landscapes of Bizkaia on horseback with guided routes. Explore everything from the forests of Butrón Castle in Gatika to trails with sea views in Barrika. There are options for all levels that cover Durangaldea and Enkarterri. A unique equestrian tourism activity in the Basque Country.

There are numerous trails through forests and paths along riverbanks or overlooking the sea in Bizkaia. Travelling
along them on horseback makes it easier to connect with the landscape, nature and a more remote time. The routes, which are often guided, take you to hidden places that cannot be reached by road.

There are several local companies, offering routes adapted to different levels of riding ability.

Castillo de Butrón Equestrian Club

One of the most popular routes starts near Butrón Castle, in the town of Gatika. After a brief introduction to horse riding, the ride takes you through forests and landscapes near the Butrón River.

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In Barrika, you can choose from routes lasting between one and three hours, riding along trails with sea views, surrounded by the scent of the forests and the salty sea breeze.

Club Hípico Kati-Bi

Kati-Bi Equestrian Club in Amorebieta-Etxano offers a different kind of equestrian experience that includes guided routes combined with accommodation in rural guesthouses for riders and horses. It is an activity suitable for people who know how to ride.

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You can also find horse riding trails through the valleys of Durangaldea and Urkiola Natural Park, accompanied by the tinkling of the bells of Latxa sheep and the murmur of water flowing through the streams.

Enkarterri, one of the least known regions of Bizkaia, is home to unique landscapes with limestone peaks rising above green hills.

Mendian Zaldiz-Enkartado Equestrian Club

Mendian Zaldiz-Club Ecuestre Enkartado organises various rides from Sopuerta, for all types of riders: from the old railway line to Cerezal, Castro-Urdiales, Artzentales and the El Pobal ironworks. It has pottokas (a native breed of small horses) and also ponies for children.

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These are only some of the numerous possibilities you have to explore Bizkaia on horseback.

Enjoy it.

Pottoka, the native Basque horse

Living memory of the Basque mountains, between tradition and the future

The origins of the pottoka date back to prehistoric times. Their morphological characteristics —small size, strong head, short limbs and great endurance— place them among the ancient equids that inhabited Western Europe after the last ice age. For centuries, the pottoka lived in semi-freedom in the mountains, adapting to harsh climatic conditions and poor nutrition, which forged its proverbial hardiness.

This animal was key to the rural economy. Used for carrying loads, light pulling and, to a lesser extent, agricultural work, the pottoka accompanied generations of shepherds and farmers. Its value lay not in its speed or physical strength, but in its reliability and low maintenance. It was even used in mines to pull wagons. However, as agriculture became industrialised and mechanised throughout the 20th century, its traditional role gradually became less important.

Today, the Pottoka is an officially recognised and protected breed. Its ecological role has been re-evaluated: extensive grazing of the pottoka contributes to landscape maintenance, forest fire prevention and the conservation of mountain ecosystems. Livestock fairs, cultural events and educational projects present it as part of the living heritage. Pottokas