Terrain and horses
Although the terrain is often steep and rocky, there are good paths and the horses which we provide (and indeed most Chilean horses) are much quieter and better behaved than European horses (anyway in my experience). This means that there is very little danger from the horse, who will in most cases have spent the first 3 years of its life in the mountains, and who is incredibly surefooted and strong. Although quiet they have ‘go’ and are strong and energetic. Some are well bred corraleros, some mountain horses
Beginners or expert riders
The only thing that you have to do is not fall off. This is also made easy by the design of the saddle which is comfortable and supportive, so that it is most unlikely that you would fall off. There are trails that are relatively easy, and some a little more hair-raising for the experienced riders, although quite safe. The experience can be tailored to your personal needs and preferences.
Families and children
I took my 3 grandchildren on a 3 day ride in January this year – two 5 year olds and an 8 year old. None had riding experience. After the first day the 8 year old rode alone but the 5 year olds had leading reins with experienced arrieros, fathers themsleves, in charge. It was the adventure of a lifetime – they felt like real cowboys and explorers, camping up at 2,500 metres and riding the rocky trails, crossing rivers. They tired after about an hour, so we kept the rides short, stopped for longish picnics in special places and also enjoyed the camp site with its little streams, flowers, birds, tadpoles and multiple wild life.
For more details, or to go Back to http://www.horseridingchile.com
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Tags: arriero guides, children, experienced guides, expert riders, family rides, inexperienced riders, mountain trails, riding holidays
Horse riding holidays
Riding in the Andes of Chile near Santiago: What to wear/bring
This is a list for people who come riding with us, via www.horseridingchile.com, but will be useful for anyone thinking of riding in the Andes.
1. For a one day ride you need to wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt and jeans, trousers or jodhpurs. A wide brimmed hat, gloves if you like, and most important of all, sunbloc and sunglasses. Trainers or boots are good footwear. A jersey or jacket in winter.
2. For a longer ride there are all kinds of extras. Some people like to wear padded pants, such as bicyclists wear, to stop the potential soreness. Also chaps for leg protection. A t-shirt under your long-sleeved shirt as we ride high and it is sometimes cold. Swimming things. Lots of warm clothes for the night – long johns, vest, jersey, fleece, parka, woolly hat and scarf, plus a high quality sleeping bag and an air mattress such as a Thermarest. Some change of clothes but not too many as it is easy to wash and dry things very quickly.
Cold-wash liquid – ecological if possible. A water bottle. Your own personal items and medicines but remember we have a good first aid box with everything except specific medicaments which you personally are taking. There is no need for everyone to duplicate all the standard remedies.
That is really enough. All the silly things on many of the riding holiday lists are unnecessary unless you have a particular condition or requirement.
Some people like to wear hard hats – riding helmets. These are not available in Chile as wide-brimmed hats against the sun are more usual, but you can bring your own.
For more details, or to go Back to http://www.horseridingchile.com
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Tags: Andes, Chile, horse riding, horseback, horseback riding clothes, mountain ride, rides, riding holidays, riding near Santiago, what to wear
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