Latin America has a deep equestrian culture which predates the start of Western riding culture by several centuries. 'Cowboys' and their horses are scattered throughout Latin America: gauchos in Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil; vaqueiros in northern Brazil; pantaneiros in the Pantanal; huasos in Chile; and llaneros in Colombia and Venezuela. Today there are many opportunities for world class recreational and advanced riding as horse culture remains strong.
Latin America offers some of the best riding in the world, across vast and varied terrains. Many countries maintain strong cowboy traditions and horses are still central to their way of life. Rides can last from anything from half a day to a full week, so wherever you want to be and whatever level of riding you want to do, we can arrange the perfect rides for you. Whether a solo trip, or riding with family and friends, we can suggest options for all ages from children to grandparents, with a range of horses for all abilities.
The Spanish Conquistadors brought Andalusian horses to South America and most countries have their own variation on the Criollo breed - the traditional South American working horse. In every country these horses managed to adapt and improve depending on the geography and uses. In general these reliable breeds are medium in size but extremely strong, sturdy and fast, with a docile temperament.
Along with the horses, the classical Western saddle came to the Americas with the Conquistadors. The South American saddles widely used today are derived from the Western saddle though there is no horn because South Americans traditionally used bolas rather than lassos for cattle and wild game. They are heavily padded, laden with thick soft sheepskins, adding comfort for long days in the saddle. Bridles are also western style, the horses are trained to neck rein, leaving one hand free to rope if necessary and to allow the horse to go more independently. English riding style is possible in Ecuador upon prior request.
For dedicated riding trips the best options are in the northern Andes (Peru, Ecuador or Colombia), Patagonia (Chile or Argentina), the Pantanal (Brazil) and Uruguay. For more casual riding, nearly all our favourite estancias, fazendas and haciendas have horses available for rides.
Polo season in Argentina runs from October to early December. The three most important polo championships, collectively known as the ‘Triple Crown’ are all played in Buenos Aires. Two take place in the leafy suburbs of Hurlingham and Tortugas but the most celebrated tournament is the Abierto Argentino (the Argentine Open) set in Palermo’s Campo Argentina de Polo, known around the world as the ‘Cathedral of Polo’. The tournament pits eight teams against each other, providing visitors lucky enough to be in town a ringside seat to witness the high-speed drama of a match, while also getting a glimpse into the lives of Argentina’s bourgeoisie.
For those who want to try their hand in the sport, a trip to one of the polo schools or estancias just outside of Buenos Aires is a special experience. The instructor-guides give you an introduction to polo in Argentina and, of course, to the magnificent Criollo horses. Learn the basics as you take the reins of extremely well-trained horses. Prior horseback riding skills are not required as instructors, horses and equipment are available to riders of all levels. The expert instructors teach you how to ride, how to hold the stick and how to hit the ball – as you sit on a wooden horse, before moving on to a real one. Finally, end the day playing a chukka yourself, and for experienced riders, be ready to gallop! Home-made empanadas, delicious Argentine wine and a traditional asado (meat grill) are served after the lesson.
For friends or family members who do not wish to take polo lessons, they can walk around the estancia's sprawling grounds and enjoy the birdlife and nature, relax by the swimming pool, do a wine tasting, even ride one of the beginner horses or learn how to prepare and cook an authentic Argentine barbeque for the riders.
