ABOUT THE RIDING

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

Type of Riding: Centre Based & Trail ride. The speed of ride is dictated by the terrain. The flat glacial valley bottoms are ideal for extended gallops.

Type of Tack: The saddles used 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. When you set off into the mountains on a pack trip, your saddle and sheepskin become your bed.

Hours in the Saddle: 5 to 8 hours a day.

Riding Ability Required: Intermediate upward. However a fit and very confident novice rider would be able to participate.

Maximum Weight: None

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

Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 2/9

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 herd of 80 horses includes a Crillo stallion, mares and young. There are about 50 rideable horses at any one time. Most of these 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 generally well mannered, 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.