El Calafate horse riding

After our failed attempt to go horse riding in Bolivia, we finally got the chance in Argentina on Saturday. We were reassured that it was going to be OK for (at best) very out of practice riders - I hadn't been on a horse for nearly 7 years, and Andrew more like 15! Also, after my concerns about not having a helmet for riding in Bolivia, I was a little worried that there weren't any here either. The difference was, however, that the company running it seemed to have lots of experience and know exactly what they were doing so we decided to go for it.

The ride took place about 20km outside El Calafate so we were picked up from our hostel and driven out along the bumpy roads in a jeep (exactly a month after our last jeep trip, brought back some memories!). The ride took place in what seemed like a huge estancia (ranch), although we later found out that it was one of the smaller ones in the area; there is a massive amount of open space here. At the starting point we already had great views of the Lago Argentino and surrounding mountains, so were looking forward to seeing some more of the area. We were introduced to our guide and our horses, given a few pointers, then together with a couple from Madrid off we went.

I was initially concerned that the horse I had was much bigger than those I had ridden before - when I was a teengaer I used to go pony trekking in Wales, so quite a different matter! However, we were both fine and enjoyed a really relaxing few hours admiring the beautiful views. The guide and the other couple with us were lovely, and fortunately the horses were muy tranquilo ie very chilled out. We were also joined by the resident dog Colin who is quite possibly the luckiest - and healthiest - dog alive as he spends all days running through open countryside...



Afterwards we helped to set the horses free, as they are able to roam around until they are brought back to work the next day. The only was that the Spanish woman set one free which was meant to be kept back to help round up the others the next day, much to the horror of the guys who would probably would have had an earlier than usual start on Sunday! We then had a great dinner (asado, of course) in the beautifully located dining room, and admired the multi-coloured sky as the sun set. All in all, not a bad way to spend and afternoon/evening...

Me looking slightly relieved after getting off the horse in one piece!