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, water polo and netball all on horses was a sight to behold. Finally, the horse whisperer took over demonstrating almost impossible skills on a horse and getting his horse to do anything he wished. This culminated in the horse lieing on his back with all four legs straight in the air. Then it was times for lunch, which was a traditional meat feast all cooked on the open fire over coals. Not much chat but plenty of happy faces. The finale was traditional singing and dances for couples. The ladies soon had our reluctant lads up dancing, as they tried an Argentina Ceilidh. Another trip along the muddy road in 4x4’s concluded an exceptional day out, with much chatter on the various highlights on the long trip back to Buenos Aires, which unfortunately landed up being a lengthy 4hr trip as the streets were mobbed with the Abortion ruling about to be announced late last night. The boys arrived safely back at the hotel, to pizzas and a lie in before tomorrow’s match versus St George’s.