- 8 mins
Horses are at the heart of what Las Torres Patagonia is all about. You will be able to see horses around the clock, either grazing in one of our gardens or traveling in herds to spend the night in the valley. When you visit Torres del Paine, don’t miss the chance to experience riding a horse across the Patagonian pampas. Once you get here, our baqueanos will guide you on your adventure. In the meantime, here are some tips to keep in mind when riding a horse for the first time.
The horses of Las Torres
Las Torres Patagonia is home to around 200 horses, each with its own name. Corsario, Chamamé, Sultán, Canario, Tornado, and Arbolito are just some of the fun names we give to our horses, and you should learn your horse’s name so you can give it instructions during your ride together.
If you want to get acquainted with our trusty companions before venturing out on a horseback ride, you can always visit our stable and the horse corrals. All the animals chosen for horseback riding are gentle and have been trained to respect their rider and take you on a pleasant and exciting ride.
The equipment you need for your ride
Safety always comes first, so you should always listen to the instructions of your baqueano or guide. But for a start, we recommend you wear long pants to avoid chafing your legs against the sides of the horse, which may be uncomfortable, and it is also recommended to carry a small backpack that doesn’t weigh you down in case the horse picks up speed.
At the stable, our baqueanos will equip you with a helmet that you must wear at all times and gaiters or leggings that will help prevent you from rubbing against the horse’s body or the surrounding vegetation.
When approaching your horse, remember that they are sensitive animals that react quickly to loud noises or sudden movements, so it is important that you approach slowly and let the horse warm up to you.
Communicating with the horse through your heels and reins
Your heels and the reins are how you communicate with the horse, steer the course, and control its speed.
The reins, which you must hold on to at all times, are connected to the bit (also called bridle), which is a piece of metal that is placed in the horse's mouth. You can steer the horse by leading the reins to the left or right, or by gently pulling them up to slow or stop the horse.
Using your heels, you can indicate to the horse that you want to move forward or go faster. To do this, you should let up on the reins and gently tap the horse’s sides with your heels.
Horses tend to follow the behavior of the group, so if your guide is going in a certain direction, it is very likely that the rest of the group will follow, and your horse will probably not go off on its own.
Safety precautions during your ride
Before setting off, remind the baqueano or the guide accompanying you to make sure that the saddle is well-adjusted, especially if you are going on a long ride.
Horses are highly perceptive, so they will always be aware of anything that might happen during a ride. Pay attention to their ears, which they often use to guide themselves.
Our horses are prepared for the weather and natural conditions found in Patagonia, so whether you are crossing a river, muddy ground, or wet conditions, you can rest assured that our horses will get you to your destination on any of the many horseback rides we have to offer.
