ESTANCIA IN THE WILD

What could supercede my visit to Torres del Paine with a nights stay in a yurt?  It is really hard to imagine.  Howev er, that said....next stop and estancia in the middle of Patagonia.

Cerro Guido is just that....one of the earliest ranches (estancias) in this area.
Founded in the late 19th century as part of “Sociedad Explotadora Tierra del Fuego,” the largest and most prominent sheep-farming company in Patagonian history, Estancia Cerro Guido flat out in one of the most desolate areas on earth.  Surrounded by Argentina on all sides, the Estancia is located in Chile almost at the base of the famed Torres.

Due to climatic conditions and its location, the Estancia  developed a lifestyle all on its own.  In order to survive, the crop was sheep farming and the need to be self-sufficient led settlers and workers to live with their families and work in a small village.  Here are Cerro Guido there is a school, a medical station and residences for the part time workers.

I was here to ride horses....one of my passions.  I love horses...and at Cerro Guido there are 150 in their herd.  These horses live on the grasses and flowers of the fields.  The Huaso's (Chilean cowboys) coral  them once or twice a week to pick out one to ride or to change their shoes or do what is necessary to maintain them.  These wild horses are different from those at home in that they have mustaches.  These mustaches allow them to dig through winter snows to get to their feed, the plants below.  They are so funny.....and to feel a mustache nuzzling you tickles.

But what a wonderful experience a ride up to the top of the Las Chinas,  high above the Estancia to look down and know that two countries are included in the vista below.   There are no trails, no rings, and  the saddles are Chilean....a combination of English and Western without a pummel.
You don't ride western style with legs hanging down, nor English style with your knees pressing high along the body of the horse.   Chilean style is halfway between ....a relaxed  ride.

And these wild horses know that the rider is either experienced or not.  Like all animals....they know fear.  So if you are afraid of these wonderful creatures, don't bother to go for a ride. If they want to run and you do also....you are off to the Torres, Las Chinas or down into the valley...for an exciting ride with your own private huaso.

The estancia itself is like being a guest in an old Chilean home....complete with fireplaces in every room, dining room and library.  Only one thing is different...there is satellite wi-fi in the main house.
The owners have their own garden where they grow  vegetables for the kitchen and the daily menu is sure to include lamb or salmon which is fished from the rivers nearby.

So I am in heaven here....with my horse ....no several horses following me around the pasture.  I do have treats in my pocket, but they are just happy to have me scratch their heads or tickle their mustaches.  This may be wild...but I am right at home.