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Horse Riding in Carlos Keen, Buenos Aires

by Cami

 

Horse riding in Carlos Keen is a great escape near the city for horse addicts. Argentina is full of horses, and places to ride, but as an Argentinian, I can say it is pretty difficult to find good places to ride near Buenos Aires city. And I should know, I live in Pilar, a city on the outskirts, well known for being a more rural place and for hosting many polo clubs and players.

 

A little background history

Since very young I have been a horse addict. My family owns a farm 400 kilometers away from Buenos Aires city and since I can remember I was already riding. I just love spending time with horses, being with them, riding together in endless adventures. I got to go to the farm during the summer vacations, but then I was forced to go back to the city to continue my studies. On the farm most of my days were spent with the horses. Every chance I could I would hop on one and go for a ride. Many times I went on my own, which I enjoyed a lot, and still do..

 

Being back in Pilar, it was impossible for me to ride unless I would go to a jumping lesson in a nearby club. Out of desperation, I did try this once. I thought maybe it would be a good substitute for my riding days on the farm. Well, all I can say is that it was expensive and just not what I was looking for. I just wanted a trail, a rural area, a horse and nothing else.

 

Carlos Keen, just around the corner

 

It wasn’t until I was older, in my 20’s, that I discovered the Open Door – Carlos Keen area. This is very near Pilar, more or less 25 minutes away by car. Even nearer this is Lujan, at only 16 kilometers. All these are great rural towns that had a great development the last few years. They are important cities, but they maintain the “rural vibe”.

Carlos Keen is the exception of a big city. It is a very small town and it is well known for its gastronomy and green spaces. Many people come here during the weekends to grab some fresh air and enjoy nature. As for me, I got to know the place thanks to a friend of mine who used to volunteer in a place where they tamed and trained polo ponies. She was learning to tame, and as a consequence, she was able to wander the lands around the establishment.

 

As soon as I could, I forced myself to come with her. She was always happy to have me around, so I took all the chances I could. That’s how I got to know that there are many incredible trails to ride around Carlos Keen. The options and distances are enough to entertain an addict like myself.

 

Marcelo’s place and horses

 

Unfortunately, my friend no longer works in that establishment, and so I was again clueless as to where to ride. But it takes another horse addict to solve this problem! Years later, me and my partner, Majo, came across Marcelo, another horse lover. Just like us, he loves horses and enjoys riding more than anything. He found an old and semi abandoned stable in Carlos Keen and took the opportunity to make it his own riding place.

 

Marcelo got together some horses, mainly Criollos, and is ready to offer the rural experience to any rider interested. His aim is clear and simple: to enjoy a good ride and the company of these beautiful creatures (the horses). His place is of no luxuries, he doesn’t pretend any of that. He’s just a simple man who cares for horses; he had the late realization that the time he spends on them is precious and he wants to share that with others. Going to his place is like going to a real gaucho’s place. He will receive you with some mate, make a quick introduction, and then give you a halter and walk with you to the pastures to get the horses.

 

A simple man, a simple view, a simple place. The experience is as real as it gets. The horses are well taken care of, round and fat. As Marcelo will tell you, most of them are easy to ride and well mannered. They are used to the rides, and they are fit for every level of rider. Those who want a peaceful ride will have one, and those who prefer a more active horse will find that too.

As for the riding

 

With the help of Marcelo, you will get your own horse ready for the action. Saddles and bridles on (everything very Gaucho style) the adventure begins. The good thing about the place is that there are many trail options. Carlos Keen is surrounded by rural roads, enough to give you a satisfying ride. You can go around the town, through some of them, or even go for the whole ride and move along some of the nearby towns. One of his best rides, still on my list of things I must do this year, is the 3-day ride to Vagues town, right next to the famous San Antonio de Areco.

 

The day we went was a very, very hot day, and we could only go for a couple of hours. January is a super hot month in Buenos Aires. Actually, all summer. So, if you are visiting in summer (November to March), we recommend an early ride, or a late one, after 5 PM. We were a bit late for our early meeting, so the sun really hit us that morning.

 

Anyway, we had a great ride with Marcelo. We took it slow, due to the weather but also because we were talking a lot, getting to know Marcelo and his story. He told us all about his rides, the trails, and the nearby towns. He told us many people have come to ride with him, many foreigners too. Everybody is very surprised with the experience. He even has a special full moon, night riding adventure. This was very tempting for our eager ears.

How to get there

 

You can get to Marcelo’s place by different means. The easiest and maybe the most advisable is to rent a car. This way, one can manage their own times easily, and also get the chance to meet the towns nearby. It ‘s worth it.

 

One can also get there by taking a bus from Buenos Aires City to Lujan (from Plaza Italia), and then get to Carlos Keen by car (a taxi or an arranged pick up). Marcelo will most definitely help you with the arrangements and doubts.

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