Crossing river on horseback with children

Holidays on horseback with all the family are possible, even in the Andes mountains. The place where we camp is a lovely hidden valley high in the Andes. It is sheltered and full of little streams and pools which irrigate the valley so there is pasture for the horses and water for the many little birds – especially humming birds – and flowers that live there. There is a small river passing through – El Clarillo – and this meets a red river – the Morado – at one edge of the valley. It is a perfect place for chidren to play – with rocks to climb and shallow water to play in. There is a little lake for swimming.

We take long rides out from here but there are also short rides of great beauty, visiting waterfalls, what remains of the snow (depending on the month), crossing rivers, sometimes we get the chance to herd some cattle to help our guides as we ride.

our guide giving a young visitor a lesson in how to use a lasso

Riding in the Andes for children is often not recommended and many of the rides are too long and tiring. In this little paradise we can tailor the rides to the length that your family will enjoy. We have guides who are family men and who take immense care of the children, using a leading rein if necessary, or even, in the case of my 3 year old granddaughter, sitting her in front of them in the saddle. (This was a special case and not really an option for unknown children.) A large strong 5 year old or upwards, perhaps better at 6 years old, can get untold pleasure from this. For children and teenagers it is a cowboy dream and the parents can have the holiday of a lifetime without leaving the children behind.

These rides, with camping,  can only be organised in the summer months of January and February. We can take day rides in the time from October through to April, but these are better for children of 8 years and over.  More information at www.horseridingchile.com and

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

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