Chile | Horsies

Marta was scared of horses. Ever since she catapulted over on in Glenorchy, she vowed never to mount one again. And yet, seemingly inebriated with crisp Patagonian air, here she was, debating whether our horse trek through Estancia La Peninsula should be 3 or 4 days. 4 days it was.

Beginnings were shaky. Marta and Ginger, her horse, assessed themselves. The first few hours were a slow walk, with continuous imploring to not start trotting under any circumstances. As the vistas opened and sounds of the Natales were left behind, courage grew, first to trot and then to gallop. We were smitten.

Having arrived into the Estancia, we were treated to asado al palo, or lamb from the cross - all over a glass of Malbec and after a round of mate. Sheep were sheared, further glasses of wine were drunk and I was soon vowing to change my profession and become a gaucho. Thankfully for the local sheep population, these desires evaporated together with Malbec.

The next day, we traveled deeper into the estancia and spent a night at a remote outpost, La Barrosa. We were treated there to more Malbec and a rendition of piercing Chilean folk song, ‘La Jardinera’, by Trish, our guide.

Our gaucho experience culminated with rounding up sheep and cows from the faraway hills together with the owner and her son. While I am sure we did not make the task any easier for them, they were quite gracious about our lack of equestrian skills.