Kristen la Exploradora: Home on the Range

Dan and I quickly turned from Porteno city slickers to Argentine gauchos at La Estancia Los Dos Hermanos, a small family-owned horse ranch in quaint San Antonia de Areca, Buenos Aires. The plan was to spend two nights at the ranch (16-17 de abril), go on a few horse rides, but aside from that, I had no idea what to expect.

When we arrived at the La Estancia Los Dos Hermanos, the owner warmly greated us with a kiss on the cheek and showed us the way to our casita privada. Next we met the rest of our riding group - sweet couple from Madison, WI, five frenchmen, and our guide, Rosario. Rosario was very sweet, and funny, but when it comes to horses, it's nothing but business for her. With a very serious face, she got us suited up, explained the riding rules, then hand-picked one of their 50 horses for us to ride. I'd ridden a horse several times as a kid, but it had all been very mellow, slow paced rides. All of the jerky trotting that we did through their fields was not only scary but tough on the butt! We went on two 1 1/2 hour long rides split up by a giant lunchtime feast prepared by the cook/caretaker, Veronica. Veronica's empanadas really were something else... add the asada (BBQ), a few side dishes, vino, and dessert... now you've got an instant food coma! Makes it difficult to climb back onto a horse!!

Later that evening, the rest of the guests went back to their Buenos Aires hotels, while Dan and I stayed behind for the overnight experience with Rosario and Veronica. Rosario opened up to us much more over dinner, and aside from our riding instructions, all conversation was in espanol!!!

Day two was much the same as the day before, the biggest differences being that:

1. Dan and I were the only guests on the ranch;

2. every muscle in my body ached like never before (simple tasks like getting out of bed were big feats for me);

3. fewer mosquitos;

4. we had more confidence on the horses; and

5. we learned that cantering/galloping is way more fun and 10x less painful for the butt than trotting!

All in all, fun times with Rosario and the horses!

Below are a few pictures from our brief time as Argentine Gauchos...

Day 1 - all suited up for the ride!