ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: Basically western - the horses are schooled to neck rein.

Type of Riding: Expedition, trail ride. The terrain is steep and treacherous in places and you will need to dismount and lead your horse. This is a ride for those looking for an adventure, a true expedition into the Andes Mountains.

Type of Tack: The saddles used on the Huechahue horses are "montura de monte" which are similar to old English army saddles with a sheepskin on top. Following traditional gaucho methods, you will find only the stirrups have buckles on the saddles. The saddles are cinched using leatherhide, a custom not forgotten when the gauchos, like the American cowboys, would ride into the wilderness unable to replace a broken buckle. The gauchos as Huechahue continue to practice this custom and you will see them fully equipped with their lassos. Gaucho knives and boleros. On one of the nights in the mountain your saddle and sheepskin become your bed. In Chile the horses have Chilean saddles, which are very comfortable and particularly suitable for long distance rides.

Hours in the Saddle: Up to 10 hours a day.

Riding Ability Required: Experienced Intermediate upward. This ride is only suitable for experienced riders, who are fit enough to canter for extended periods and spend long, sometimes arduous hours in the saddle.

Maximum Weight: None

Number of Guides per Ride: 1 plus 1 for every 6 guests.

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 2/12

Looking after the horse: Guests are not expected to groom or tack up their horse but are more than welcome to assist.

ABOUT THE HORSES

The horses at Estancia Huechahue are Crillo x Anglo Norman, TB or Percheron; although there are some pure bred Crillos. They range in height from 14.2hh to 17hh. The horses are well schooled, sure footed and willing. There are some steady horses for less experienced riders and others that are more forward going and lively for more experienced riders. The horses in Chile are Chilean Criollos horses and x's, all of which have been personally selected by Pamela and Loth.