Day 7 - Ranching And Gauchos
The bus departed early for rural Buenos Aires to a small working ranch Estatio De La Areco on a cold rainy day. Due to the rain, the bus had to stop a couple of miles before the ranch and the boys were greeted by Gauchos in traditional dress and 4x4’s ready to take the group to the ranch on the mudddiest roads we had ever seen. A fun filled trip slipping sliding along muddy roads ensued and the squad arrived elated, at the farm, to saddled horses. The first group when riding around the farm whilst the other group relaxed with traditional pasties (empanada,s). Although initially very cautious, both groups soon grew in confidence (well some more than others) as they soon learnt to trust their animals. The highlight was to follow, as the group was given access to a live show of Gaucho horsemanship. Simply amazing!! The riding skills are out of this world, from collecting rings off a goal post at full gallop with a tiny pointed stick, to their traditional game Pacho, a mixture of rugby, wa...