An Experience as Unique as White Sand Beach Rides and Sunny Heat in November
As we plan to embark on a holiday that will be sure to make your equestrian and non-riding friends alike envious, we look to Brazil for a variety of reasons. Their gorgeous and warm climate through what most of the world considers to be winter, in addition to the beautiful backdrop of white sand beaches, make this the perfect destination before we even begin to consider what makes it such a unique and desirable destination for equestrians worldwide.
The Mangalarga Marchador, often hailed as Brazil's national horse breed, embodies a rich history and unique characteristics that set it apart in the equine world. Originating in the 19th century, this creole breed was developed through a meticulous blending of Portuguese Alter Real, Barb, and Andalusian bloodlines, resulting in a horse renowned for its versatility, endurance, and amiable temperament. The breed traces its roots to the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, where the terrain demanded a sturdy yet agile horse capable of covering long distances comfortably, resulting in the highly desirable paces we know today and ideally suited to our horse riding holidays.
Some technical information for you (but come test drive them for yourself!): the breed is smooth-gaited, with two natural intermediate speed ambling gaits, called marcha; the marcha picada, a four-beat lateral gait, similar to a stepping pace and suitable for long distances, and the marcha batida, where the feet move diagonally, in a manner similar to a fox trot, offering a smoother ride ideal for leisurely outings.
In addition to the distinct gaits, their excellent temperament and their stamina all combine to make them highly-regarded for horseback riding in Brazil. Known also for their docility and intelligence, Mangalarga Marchadors are easy to train. Their gentle disposition makes them suitable for riders of all ages and experience levels. These horses excel not only in endurance riding and working cattle but also in competitive trail riding, dressage, and pleasure riding. Their adaptability makes them prized companions for both leisure riders and seasoned equestrians, offering a unique blend of beauty, temperament, and functionality that continues to captivate equestrian enthusiasts worldwide.
The Mangalarga Marchador stands as a testament to Brazil's rich equestrian heritage, blending the elegance with the resilience demanded by the Brazilian landscape, cherished for its distinctive qualities. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or simply fascinated by the world of horses, our Brazilian trail ride options atop the Mangalarga Marchador promise a journey into a realm where history, tradition, and equestrian excellence converge.
Ride Andes guests can join us in November 2024 on the first date - a brand new version of a well-established trail - along the coconut palm-lined white sand beaches of north-east Brazil. New overnight stopovers have been added on this 8-day horse riding tour - even more fun and diversity packed into this riding vacation.
If a dramatic, escarpment scenery away from the coast interests you more, join us inland on these very same MangaLarga Marchador horses, in June 2025.
Contact us for other date options including bringing your own group of family and friends; rides can be adapted in length and content.
Enjoy riding the local creole horses? Then join us in June or September on the wildlife-rich Pantanal Paradise ride atop the Pantanero horses, with their special front leg movement to power them through the water. Contact us for other dates for private groups – December, for example, is also a great time.
Ride Andes, established in 1996, based in South America, offers unique riding experiences in many destinations in South America – from horse riding in Argentina (southern Patagonia) to horseback riding in the coffee region of northern Colombia.
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