ABOUT THE RIDING

Style of Riding: Chilean-Andalucian, relaxed classical. As the style of riding adopted has a Hispanic origin, the reins are taken in one hand only and the rider is seated with their weight in the saddle

Type of Riding: Trail ride. Long deserted beaches, ideal for galloping and steep mountain paths where you may need to dismount and lead your horse.

Type of Tack: The Chilean saddles used are high both at the front and back allowing the rider to sit without difficulty in the seat. The saddles are covered with a sheep skin, making them particularly suitable for long distance rides. Each comes with a waterproof saddlebag for your personal belongings, rain gear and other items that you will need to take with you on the trip. The reins are also Chilean; made of old braided leather. The stirrups are covered in leather or wood in order to protect your feet from the rain or tree branches in the mountains.

Hours in the Saddle: Up to 6 hours a day.

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate upwards. Although Huepil-Malal has horses to suit all abilities you need to be comfortable at all four paces for this ride. Beginners and novices are welcome at Huepil-Malal.

Maximum Weight: 90 kgs (14 st)

Number of Guides per Ride: 1.

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

Huepil-Malal's horses stand out from others in that they are obedient, a pleasure to ride and extremely well-schooled. All of the horses have been personally selected, backed and trained at Huepil-Malal. Rodolfo ensures that each horse is maintained in perfect physical condition and has a temperament ideally suited to both beginners and experienced riders. All of the horses are sure footed and able to face topographic difficulties.

These Chilean horses are muscular, strong, fast and agile, with unique breed traits that are well defined. They combine a balance between their aptitudes as a saddle and stock horse. A direct descendent of the horse of the Spanish origin, they have conserved their purebred status since their ancestors first arrived in America alongside the Spanish conquistadors.