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On horseback |
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Problems and obstacles |
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Trekking the open backcountry cannot be compared to flat landscapes, particularly when horse-trekking the Chilean Andes Mountain Range. Therefore, always keep in mind some basic rules:
On an uphill ride, your horse will experience exhaustion faster than on normal flat areas, therefore, help it by bending forwards on the landscape inclination and relax the reins a bit further (avoid letting them hang loose!). If the climb is steep and you begin slipping back on the saddle, hold on to the mane, never pull the reins.
Riding downhill demands a great deal of concentration from your horse; it has to avoid stumbling or slipping. Relax the reins a bit allowing your horse some steadiness. If your horse is descending too fast, slow it down by pulling the reins slightly, lean back following the approximate degrees of the mountain slope, stretch your legs forward a little holding the stirrups better. Do not attempt to trot or gallop while going downhill, unless you are on good ground surface.
If the downhill ride is much too dangerous, get off your horse and do one of the following: If the path is broad enough, it is best to lead the horse with a certain amount of distance to your right side (i.e. walk on the left side of your horse within its line of sight). If the path is too narrow, walk in front of the horse letting the reins relatively loose. This option however, puts the rider at risk should the horse fall.
Chilean horses are used to going downhill on their own, and remaining close to their herd. The arriero or your tour guide will usually remain on his horse even at complicated areas, driving the entire herd downhill whistling and shouting. If this occurs, simply fix the reins on the saddle (i.e. put them beneath the stirrups) and let your horse descend on its own. You should follow at a distance.
Other possible obstacles you may find on your path will be low hanging tree branches, overhanging rocks or boulders. Be attentive and bend down in time, watch for your knees and saddlebags. If tree trunks are blocking the way, you should go around them, avoid jumping as you don't know the horse's capacity to jump or the ground that lays ahead of the trunk well enough.
Bridges may also bare certain risks, particularly old wooden bridges, which tend to be water-soaked and slippery after rainfall. Cross these carefully. If you face very instable or rope bridges, make sure you cross one horse at a time.
Generally speaking, try to remain aware and recognize threats early, before your horse gets startled!
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