Our animals

The Chilean horses, Raza Chilena, often called Criollos, are known for their endurance, resistance and adaptability. Despite their height of “only” 1.40 m – 1.50 m, they are very powerful and can carry also heavier persons through the area. All colors are represented, however, paints occur almost only with “Mestizos”, not pure-bred Criollos. Chile is a very elongated country and crosses different climate zones, which presupposes that the horses are adaptable. In the north they have to cope with the hot and dry air of the desert, in the south with strong winds, snow and sub-zero temperatures. What fascinates me most about this breed is the incredible surefootedness with which it leads us safely through the rough landscape of the Chilean Andes.
Our horses

Camelia Camelia is a purebred mare of the Raza Chilena, born 2005. In 2010 I bought her from her breeder in the Rio Hurtado valley. She has a very sensitive character and the training as a rodeo horse was too fast for her, so she started to defend herself against it. Since I don’t ride a rodeo, she can now prove her ability and endurance on long tours. Camelia also accompanied me on the three-month ride through the south of Chile. Due to her beautiful appearance and her strong character, she made a name for herself all over Chile.

Chamantiada After Camelia was with me for a few months, she became thicker and thicker. Soon it became clear that the reason was not the food, but Chamantiada. In September 2011 she saw the light of day and immediately catapulted herself into our hearts with her great character. Chamantiada is very calm, strong nerves and full of thirst for action. Just like her mother, Chamantiada was allowed to spend her youth in the herd high in the Andes. This has strengthened her natural surefootedness and it is a pleasure to ride through the mountains with her. Since her father is a fleeting pasture acquaintance of Camelia and thus unknown, Chamantiada is a so-called Mestizo.

Mañanita Yeah, I’m a mule fan! Mañanita came to us in March 2019. She is a young mule mare and very tall for our region. She has a super sweet character, is extremely calm and still has a good forward drive. As she is still very young, she was allowed to spend one winter in freedom in order to develop. She has settled in very well with the herd and even Camelia has learned to accept her. Mañanita accompanies us as a pack animal or riding animal.

Canelo Canelo is our experienced mule gelding who has accompanied us on several tours. Canelo belonged to my father-in-law. Since he has no more work for him, because he reduced his goat population, Canelo was allowed to stay with us. We like him very much and he obviously enjoys being with the herd. Canelo carries our luggage during the riding tours.

Negro The beautiful black horse belongs to my father-in-law, but we are allowed to use him on the riding tours. Negro is a very experienced horse, whoever rides him on the tours is reluctant to part with him in the end. At the beginning he is very shy. Since he spent half his life in the mountains, he is a little suspicious of the people. But if the people are good to him, he quickly gains trust. He doesn’t like hectic movements of people, but he is very safe in the terrain. Negro has a lot of experience in the mountains, is very sure-footed, persevering and very fine to ride. He is a top horse and we are very happy that he is allowed to work for us. Camelia and Chamantiada are also in love with him and court him with all their charm.

Princesa Princesa belongs to my brother-in-law and knows what she wants. A few years ago I started to break her in, but unfortunately she wasn’t needed for some time. After a few years in freedom we had to start working with her again. She is still not a beginner horse, for someone with riding experience, who radiates peace and trust, she is a great horse with a lot of drive. Princesa also knows the rough terrain in and outside and is very sure-footed and enduring. Unfortunately, like Camelia, she is an Alpha mare and neither of them wants to give in. The two don’t like each other very much and you always have to be careful when they get too close.
Our dogs

Aria Energetic and exuberant, this is our Bordercollie Aria. She accompanies us on every horseriding tour, no matter how far, no matter how long. She loves being outdoors, romping around and making friends with our guests. She has good manners, doesn’t come too close to anyone who doesn’t want to, doesn’t beg when we’re eating, but lets herself be devotedly cuddled when she has found a dog lover. She is not only lovable, but also very work loving. She spends the winter with my father-in-law and his goats and actively supports him in herding.

Suspiro
When someone asks me what breed Suspiro is, I usually answer, a mixture of greyhound and calf. Greyhound is definitely in there somehow, he is big and strong, extremely fast and persistent. And calf, well, probably not, but the colour would be right… Suspiro is an extremely kind and submissive dog. We took him over from my father-in-law, but he is now extremely happy to go riding with us and to be part of our family.
Our cats

Pelusa and Gini The long-haired Pelusa came to us as a three-week old ball of wool in October 2018. A few weeks later we got Gini as a holiday guest. The two became one heart and one soul and so the holidays became a permanent condition. We love them above all else and couldn’t imagine a life without them anymore. As we say: “A home without cats is only a house”.
Our goats

Cabra, Muñeca, Estrella, Dulcinea, Bombon These are our five goats that are still living with my father-in-law. We have a special relationship with Cabra, she came to us when she was three months old and lived with us for five months. She could be called the third dog, at least she felt that way. Cabra was neither tied nor fenced in and even accompanied us everywhere within the village.