From Fear to Freedom: An Unforgettable Horse Riding Adventure with Caballos A La Par in Buenos Aires

Our journey into the captivating world of Argentine equestrianism began not with a majestic gallop, but with a warm smile and a memorable first encounter. It was the first time we met Miriam, my delightful Dutch friend, whose infectious energy and life story immediately resonated with us. I distinctly remember the day Miriam picked us up in her sturdy four-wheel drive, a vibrant, tall woman with an infectious smile and a cascade of wavy brown hair. Her English, though marked by a charming Dutch accent, was clear and enthusiastic as she began to share her fascinating journey.

Miriam recounted how she had bravely uprooted her life from the Netherlands, leaving behind a stable but unfulfilling career at the Dutch embassy. Her path had eventually led her to the bustling heart of Buenos Aires, where she had found her true calling as a horse-riding trainer. With a hint of a sheepish grin and an undeniable twinkle in her eyes, Miriam looked at me when we paused at a traffic junction. “I like horses and I was getting sick of my previous job – so now I do what I love,” she declared simply, yet profoundly. In that single sentence, she conveyed a powerful message: her willingness to sacrifice job stability for the pursuit of passion, a risk that ultimately led her to live her dream, teaching others the art of horse riding and spending every day surrounded by these magnificent creatures.

It’s truly hard not to instantly warm up to someone who opens up so effortlessly, sharing such an inspiring testament to courage and conviction. Between snippets of lively conversation and a mere half-hour later, we arrived at the stables, which were nestled just outside the capital city, en route to La Plata. Despite the brief car journey, Miriam’s cheerful, jovial personality had already forged a connection, making me feel as though we had been friends for years.

Discovering the Magic of Caballos A La Par

Upon our arrival at the picturesque stables, we were warmly greeted by Adrian, the co-owner and equally passionate horse-riding trainer. Dressed impeccably in a checkered shirt tucked neatly into his faded blue jeans, the tall Argentine cut an imposing figure. His booming voice and impressive height could initially seem intimidating, but his expansive smile and huge, friendly round eyes quickly put us at ease, effortlessly breaking any ice. Adrian embodies the spirit of an Argentine gaucho, not just in appearance but in his profound connection to horses and the land.

My discovery of Caballos A La Par was somewhat serendipitous. While meticulously planning my sister Valerie’s itinerary for her 2011 trip to Buenos Aires, I stumbled upon this gem through TripAdvisor, a travel guide website I’ve come to implicitly trust. It was consistently rated among the top activities to experience in Buenos Aires, and although the price seemed a little steep at first glance, I felt a strong intuition that it would be an absolutely worthwhile adventure. This hunch proved to be entirely correct.

The name “Caballos A La Par” translates literally to “horses side by side,” a common and meaningful horse riding terminology in Spanish. Adrian passionately explained his choice of name, revealing that it perfectly encapsulated their philosophy. It symbolizes the unwavering dedication and careful guidance provided by the trainers, who are always close by, riding alongside their students, ensuring safety, confidence, and a truly personal learning experience. This commitment sets Caballos A La Par apart, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced riders seeking an authentic Argentine equestrian adventure.

To be entirely honest, I wasn’t initially a huge enthusiast of animals. So, when Val expressed her desire to go horse riding, my primary intention was simply to accompany her, offering moral support rather than actively participating. I certainly didn’t anticipate falling completely in love with the act of riding horses, nor did I expect to be so thoroughly embraced by Miriam’s and Adrian’s exceptional hospitality. More astonishingly, I was utterly taken by surprise that within just a couple of lessons, I found myself not only enjoying the rhythmic cadence of trotting but also delighting in the exhilarating thrill of cantering. Despite this newfound joy, a lingering fear of going too fast on horses persisted—perhaps linked to a general apprehension of speed, although my inexplicable love for roller coasters remains a curious outlier to this day.

A Cherished Reunion: Two Years Later at the New Stables

That initial, transformative experience took place in September 2011. In what felt like the blink of an eye, two years had passed. Now, with Valerie and my mum visiting me once again in vibrant Buenos Aires, we eagerly set our sights on a return to Caballos A La Par. This time, our group included Juan, and we were headed to a brand new property Miriam and Adrian had acquired – a significant upgrade from their previously rented stables. This move marked a new chapter for their dream, a testament to their hard work and unwavering passion for horses.

The new, expansive stables were situated delightfully off the beaten track, tucked away in the serene, small town of Villa Elisa. Miriam, ever thoughtful, had forewarned me that the exact address might not be readily detected by all GPS systems, a common challenge in Argentina’s more rural areas. To ensure we wouldn’t get lost on our exciting return to the equestrian world, she had provided us with meticulously detailed, turn-by-turn instructions, enabling us to navigate there even without any GPS assistance. The lengthy paragraph of directions, carefully crafted to guide us through unfamiliar roads, concluded with a wonderfully reassuring phrase: “Follow that road for about a kilometer and you will see us on the left side. It’s the only place with a house with two floors and a green roof. And you will see the horses of course.” Twenty minutes on the expressway and a few kilometers of winding roads later, Juan expertly turned his Volkswagen Golf right into a tiny dirt path, and just as promised, we eventually reached the inviting entrance of the new stables. The sight of the green-roofed house and the magnificent horses instantly filled us with anticipation.

Val and I were both bubbling with excitement to see Miriam again. You see, I hadn’t seen her since we met up for a quick coffee in 2012, and even then, it had felt like a joyous reunion with an old, cherished friend. Valerie, on the other hand, hadn’t seen her since that very first trip in 2011, making this reunion even more special. The moment we saw her, it was as if no time had passed at all. This photograph perfectly captures Miriam’s joy with my sister and my mum; doesn’t their happiness radiate?

Reconnecting Over Mate and Majestic Horses

As was their endearing custom, we caught up over delicious biscuits and steaming hot mate. This traditional South American infused drink, made from the dried yerba mate leaves, is typically shared and sipped from a communal calabash gourd using a distinctive metal straw. It’s a ritual that fosters connection and camaraderie, perfectly setting the tone for our day. We shared stories, laughter, and the distinctive flavor of mate, deepening our bonds before the riding began.

This visit marked my mum’s first serious horse riding lesson, and I could discern from her slightly apprehensive expression that she wasn’t exactly keen on the idea of mounting a horse, let alone cantering. However, after some gentle prodding and enthusiastic persuasion from our end, coupled with Miriam and Adrian’s reassuring presence, she eventually conceded, though still visibly unconvinced of her own capabilities. We knew, however, that the magic of Caballos A La Par would soon work its charm.

The new stables themselves were truly impressive, thoughtfully designed and meticulously maintained. They could comfortably house around 16 magnificent horses, a testament to the growth and ambition of Miriam and Adrian’s venture. Julio, the dedicated caretaker at the stables, had ensured every corner was kept impeccably clean and organized, providing a pristine and welcoming environment for both horses and riders alike.

My Personal Transformation: Riding Without Fear on Indio

There, amidst the well-kept stalls, I had the joyous experience of being reunited with Indio, the beautiful brown-and-white patched horse I had ridden two years prior. It felt like meeting an old friend, a sense of familiarity washing over me. As we all mounted our horses, Adrian’s loud, commanding voice boomed with a crucial piece of advice: “The important thing is to be in control. Horses know when you are not in control, and they will take over if they sense fear.” While I knew he was particularly addressing my mum, whose apprehension was palpable, I recognized it as invaluable wisdom for all of us. Especially for me, as I vividly remembered the gripping fear with which I had clung to the reins the last time Indio decided to move a little too fast for my comfort.

This time, however, everything felt different. As I mounted Indio, gently stroking his mane and speaking to him softly – as if he understood my English words – it seemed as though all traces of the fear I remembered from our previous sessions two years ago had completely vanished. A profound sense of calm and confidence had replaced it. I effortlessly fell into rhythm when Indio began trotting along the dusty path leading towards the expansive nature reserve where our lessons would take place. And when the moment arrived for us to loosen the reins and break into a canter, it was not fear that gripped my heart. Instead, a surge of pure adrenaline coursed through my veins, and an unadulterated thrill filled me, a testament to the trust and bond I had developed with Indio and the guidance of Miriam and Adrian.

A Family Affair: Joy and Discovery on Horseback

Throughout our exhilarating ride, I frequently glanced back at my mum, who was a few meters behind us, navigating her own journey. At first, her face was a mask of anxious fear; it was clear she was intimidated by the prospect of not being able to control Isabel, the charming black and white horse that, with its distinctive markings, indeed looked like a cow in disguise. Yet, as the minutes gracefully rolled by, and with every new trot and confident step, my mum’s face gradually relaxed. Slowly, tentatively, she even broke into a wide, triumphant smile, waving her hands joyfully at the camera Adrian was holding as she cantered alongside us. It was a beautiful sight, witnessing her transformation from apprehension to pure delight.

Valerie, meanwhile, was unequivocally having the time of her life on Bandida, a truly beautiful dark brown horse whose glossy fur shone brilliantly under the Argentine sun. Her laughter echoed across the fields, a clear indication of her unadulterated enjoyment.

And Juan, whose childhood love for horses had evidently never diminished, had developed a soft spot for his magnificent white horse, Lindo. He exuded a natural confidence and connection, embodying the very essence of the Argentine cowboy spirit. Doesn’t he look incredibly manly and perfectly “gaucho” here?

Embrace the Equestrian Dream: Your Next Adventure Awaits

Our magical experience at Caballos A La Par was so profound that we’re already planning to head back again this Saturday, and quite possibly several more times in the near future. The call of the open fields, the bond with these majestic animals, and the inspiring company of Miriam and Adrian are simply irresistible.

If you’ve ever contemplated horse riding, but perhaps hesitated due to fear or uncertainty, I wholeheartedly urge you to take the leap and experience it. It is an incredibly amazing, transformative experience that connects you with nature, challenges your comfort zone, and leaves you with an exhilarating sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete novice, Caballos A La Par in Buenos Aires offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Argentine gaucho culture and forge unforgettable memories. It’s more than just a ride; it’s an adventure for the soul.

Watch Valerie Canter!

To give you a glimpse into the pure joy and freedom of horse riding, here’s a lovely video of my sister Valerie cantering! I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I did capturing and reliving that moment!