Argentina – a New & Exotic Destination

 
   

Located in the southern extreme of South America with its 2,8 million km2, Argentina offers the widest variety of landscapes: the endless plains, the ancient forest, the glaciers, the astonishing lakes, the giant falls of Iguazu, the long sea shore and the world’s end city: Ushuaia.

 

Together with its rich flora and fauna, they compose a unique ecosystem that keeps visitors from all over the world surprised.

 

We would like to share some of the main attractions of Argentina. Feelings, astonishment, traditions, history and the best horses, invites you to the adventure of discovering this wonderful country.

 

Main Regions of the Country

Heaven and Earth (North Region)

 

Visiting the northwest of Argentina is like traveling to the past. The Inca inheritance lives together with the colonial past in peculiar harmony. The quiet inhabitants have the mark of their land under their skin, while their little towns rise among white churches, some of which of full baroque-American style. The immensity, the eternal silence and the omnipresent ochre make it special. This is one of the most historical areas in the country.

In this vast territory the Peruvian Paso breed is raised. This horse comes from its Iberian, Berber (Barb), Andalusian and Frisian ancestors which were introduced by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. This breed is notable because it gait which is called “the paso llano” or natural broken four –beat movement allows the rider to remain practically motionless, thus being able to ride very long distances swiftly and comfortably while going through trails which would be difficult even for humans.

Image the beauty, cadence and the willing disposition of these horses in contrast with the landscape offered by this region ….   

 

Big, Shining Waters (Littoral Region)

 

Thundering waters, mysterious forests, Endless Horizons, perfect habitats for fascinating endangered species, jungles, swamplands, and legends of power and love are the essence of this region.

 

The Pampas Land of Horses (Central Region)  

 

The Pampas plains are amongst the richest areas in the country for agricultural, cattle breeding and Horse breeding. They have the magic of wide-open spaces with an unlimited horizon that amazes its visitors with its soft waves and wide rivers. The gauchos (cowboys) lived an isolated and independent life along the perimeter of civilization, improvising poems and songs about their deeds. They often accompanied their songs on the guitar. The gaucho folk culture flourished between 1750 and 1850 and ended with the fencing off of the Pampas. However, the gaucho remained a source of inspiration for Argentine literature, music and art.

The estancias (ranches) are remarkable because of their varied architecture. They were built in widely differing styles such as colonial Hispanic-American, English Tudor, and classic French. Many of them have been transformed with the best comfortable and luxuriously accommodations.

 

The chosen mount of legendary Gauchos, the Criollo horse is the symbol of equestrian cultures in Latin America. This hardy little horse is exceptionally easy-handling. Concerning its temperament, can be fearless and independent. It is often said that is a one-man horse; it is often very affectionate, but doesn't trust just anybody. Once trust is established, it gives all of itself with amazing courage and tenacity. It fears nothing and goes absolutely anywhere! With its limitless generosity and its capacity to adapt itself to the rudest natural conditions, it is not surprising to see that the most famous long-distance riders chose the horse of the Pampa as their partner in adventure; among them Tschiffely, who covered 18,000 kilometers (12,000 miles) between Buenos Aires and New York; and much more stories.

This horse is also appreciated in many traditional equestrian games. One must also mention "Pato", the origin of today's horse ball. Each of these games shows off the extreme easy-handling of Criollo horses and the level of horsemanship of their riders. 

To invoke its name is to fuel dreams of adventure... 

 

Tango Buenos Aires (Capital City)

 

The great metropolis of Buenos Aires is the most European of all Latin American cities, which displays an intense cultural activity. With its wide boulevards, leafy parks, grand buildings and varied culture and nightlife, the city is reminiscent of Paris or Barcelona. The Porteños ('people of the port'), as the residents of Buenos Aires are called; most are descended from European, predominately Italian, immigrants who settled here in the 19th century. With them came a culture and a cuisine that still flavours the city and can be enjoyed in countless art galleries, theatres and museums, as well as fine restaurants. But the city has also spawned its own art forms, notably the tango, for which Buenos Aires is famous. It is sensually dance hand-to-hand at the rhythm of two beats to four, having the bandoneon – type of accordion – a key role in it.

 

Patagonia

 

Must be the last virgin territory in Argentina. It is because of its location, severe weather condition, as well as the myths around it, that man has not spoiled it yet.

Land of the travelers, colonist, explorers and all kinds of adventurers, it has vast riches. From the richness of the fauna – that includes whales, penguins, seals and walruses – to its imposing Glaciers in the mountain range, Patagonia is the ideal place to see and enjoy nature in its utmost expression. From the mountain lakes, through the endless plateau to the vast seacoasts, this place is an experience that cannot be overlooked.

 

 

End of the World

 

In the south, Tierra del Fuego and the World’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, are the gateway towards the vast and mysterious Antarctica.

www.horsesinargentina.com

Samantha Parsons

(C)2007 Copyright images.  Australian Eques, SLM Photography Concepts,

Eques Magazine | Eques Forum | Eques Alternatives

Eques Horse & Rider Magazine