Huechahue is home to about 80 horses and with 15,000 acres, as much as is possible they live as 'wild' horses. Our prize-winning Crillo stallion, a beautiful 'lobuno' colour can be seen taking care of his mares and foals. Our riding horses are criollo crosses, part anglo-normando, of about 15.5 hh. They are bred and trained on the Estancia and are sure- footed and generally well behaved. As much as possible we like to have them out enjoying the freedom of the water meadows which makes for an exciting ride rounding them up! We ask arriving guests to provide us with an insight into their riding experience and history so we can try and get a feel for the type of horse would be a good match. We have an eclectic selection of horses allowing us to cater to all riding abilities and confidence levels. They are neck-reined and the riding is similar to Western style. 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 our saddles. The saddles are sinched using leatherhide, a custom not forgotten from the days when gauchos, like the American cowboy, would ride into the wilderness unable to replace a broken buckle. Our gauchos continue to practice this and you will see them fully equipped with their lassos, gaucho knives and boleros.

When we set off into the mountains for our pack trips, your saddle becomes your bed and the sheepskin is a favourite when it is time to take an afternoon siesta in the shade.

"These Patagonian jobs are neat elegant and as sure-footed as cat burglars, and they're automatic. You drive with split reins in one hand, held loose, left to go left, right to go right." (AA Gill)