Before visiting Sayta-Cabalgatas I had never been horse riding before, nor had I had any desire to do so. In fact, my planned day of city sightseeing in Salta had become waylaid by my sister, who had been strongly recommended that if there was one thing we were to do while travelling in Argentina, it would be to visit this place. Still, I could have happily ignored the recommendation, especially as this would mean avoiding having to confess that horses actually scare me senseless. Yet wanting to avoid any arguments, and being the younger, I eventually gave in to her persuasion.
On arrival at the ranch the welcoming gauchos at Sayta assured me they had been riding since they were two years old, and began competing in rodeos not long after, so I was in the very best of hands. Still, sitting 5ft from the ground, I felt no more at ease. Once we set out, however, I soon left behind any anxieties that I'd had. As we were led down gentle shaded streams with stunning views of the Andes constantly at our side, what I thought would be a nerve-racking ride became a peaceful and relaxing few hours in the most beautiful surroundings, with no other people in sight.
The morning ride was also a great way to work up an appetite for a large Argentine parilla at lunch! As soon as we came close to conquering the stack of meat before us, Enrique, the owner of the ranch, would top up our plates (and our wine glasses!). We just about managed to climb back onto our horses for a further three hours of trekking, by the end of which, and due to a slight mistranslation, I was galloping across the dusty and deserted Lerma valley.
We were driven back to our hostel that evening as we sipped mate and the sun set over the mountainous landscape, and I realised that this was exactly the image I had of a South American ranch. A truly unforgettable day and the perfect introduction to horseriding - gaucho style!

www.english.saltacabalgatas.com.ar/index.html
+54 9 387 6836565
Google map: bit.ly/uhLvxx

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