Arab Horse Riding in the Sea
Arab horse riding in the sea is one of our favourite programs for several reasons. First of all, the horses. They are Arabians from a lineage that began to be bred several years ago. Secondly, the combination of the countryside landscape with that of the sea results in an immense landscape, where ochre, turquoise, and green colors prevail. Thirdly, the lodge is first class and has all the amenities. Its large windows invite you to sit in the living room and enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets. And fourth and finally, the hosts: Andy and Mora and the rest of their family and friends, make you feel at home.
Andy and Mora, father and daughter, deserve a special mention. Horseback riding enthusiasts like us, they have several years of experience creating horseback adventures. They have primarily done this in Southern Patagonia, and now they have transformed what was once their horseback riding outings with friends into one of the best sea offerings we have to present.
The horses come from the breeding of Andy’s father and Mora’s grandfather, Dr. Miguel Pavloski, who started this passion in the 1970s and achieved excellent results. Their most renowned specimens are Moro Famoso and Moro Fugitivo. Known in the world of Endurance, today they offer the opportunity to ride their Arabian horses in unique landscapes as well as learn about this thrilling sport.
The lodge is located in the Centinela del Mar area, a beach that is hidden between the towns of Mar del Plata and Necochea. It is usually very sparsely visited. The rooms are very comfortable, with king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, and views of the park. It also features amenities like paddle and tennis courts, and a gym. The sitting area, decorated with countryside, horse, and sea paintings, invites you to relax, have a glass of wine, and contemplate nature.
- Destination
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Departure
Mar del Plata
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Departure Time
10 am
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Return Time
11 am
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Included
AccomodationAdvancedAlcoholic DrinksBreakfastDinnerEndurance HorsesFull Board AccomodationLunchLuxuryprivate GuidesTransport
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Not Included
BeginnerCaballos de equitaciónEconomicEquipmentGimnasioHalf Board AccomodationIntermediateJumping HorsesLocal ToursPolo HorsesRiding HorsesSpaTickets to National Parks
Itinerary
Day 1:The first day is an introduction to the horses, the place, and the hosts. You can arrive by car, as it is only about a 5-hour drive from Buenos Aires, or by plane from Buenos Aires to the city of Mar del Plata - a 40-minute flight. If you arrive by plane, a driver will be waiting for the riders to take them to Tinto.
From Mar del Plata it is 70 km, approximately a 45-minute drive.Upon arrival, Andy and Mora (the hosts) will be waiting at the lodge. First, they will settle the riders into the spacious rooms, and then offer a welcome tea in the house galleries or the main living room. This will be the moment to assess the riders' experience level and explain the plan for the coming days.
It is important to try to arrive early to have time for a short ride and check if the riders adapt to the horses. It is important to remember that this ride is for experienced riders. The Arabian horse, very loyal and resistant, tends to be very attentive and unpredictable.
In the evening, you will have dinner at the main table, sharing stories about the area, the horses, and the horseback rides with the family.
Day 2: In the morning, after a delicious breakfast - coffee, tea, toast, fruits, scrambled eggs - the riders will get ready for the first day of the ride. The plan is to ride out from the lodge towards the dirt road that leads to Centinela del Mar. It is an old local road used only by residents. The road is ideal for long gallops. Gradually, the sea air can be smelled, and it slowly leads to a dreamlike little town. This town was planned in the 1950s, with the idea of subdividing land and creating a summer village. A hotel was built on the cliffs along with a church. Despite efforts, the town did not prosper and was abandoned. Over time, local residents began building their small seaside houses. Even today, the houses can be counted on one hand.
The first stop is a very picturesque and cozy wooden house. The house has a corral with incredible views of the cliffs – a characteristic feature of the area. This is the chosen spot for lunch and a nap.
Once the riders and horses have rested, they will prepare to leave for the second stop. First, they will ride through part of the village, then take a sandy path along the cliffs that gradually leads to the beach. The views are unique: to the left, the imposing sea; to the right, the typical fields of the area.
They will then enter the giant sand dunes – a moment when the Arabian horses will demonstrate their strength and endurance, galloping up these sand mountains. In the afternoon, they will arrive at an estate to leave the horses while the riders will be driven to the lodge.
Day 3:After a good rest in the comfort of the lodge rooms, the third day will begin. Around 10 a.m. – enough time to rest – the riders will head by truck to where they left the horses the previous day. From there, they will ride along a sandy road surrounded by wheat, sunflowers, or the current crop, until they gradually make their way toward the sea.
Once on the vastness of these desert beaches, they can gallop for several kilometers. A must-see stop is where the old, huge, rusted buoy from one of the many shipwrecks in these waters can be found. Also, if one looks closely, they might find old English china and fossils.
After about two hours, they will reach Arroyo El Moro, the chosen spot for lunch. Andy – the chef extraordinaire – will be waiting for them with the table already set and the fire burning in the grill.
After a while, following a nap and tightening the girths, they will set off again for the return ride along the seaside. They will arrive at the same spot where they started. The riders and horses will then return by truck and trailer, respectively, to San Eustaquio – the estate where the stud farm is located.
Upon arrival, they will have the chance to tour the stud farm facilities, see the new specimens, and then return by truck to Tinto. Once there, they will have some relaxation time and a farewell dinner with Andy, Mora, and the Pavlovski family.
Day 4: After breakfast, you can relax and enjoy the facilities: gym, tennis, paddle. Those who wish can add a polo lesson. Before noon, those with flights will head back to Mar del Plata; those with cars can head to a coastal destination such as Mar del Plata, Miramar, or Necochea; or back to their place of origin. End of the experience.
It’s worth noting that this experience can be extended with an extra night in the town of Centinela del Mar, or shortened to two or one day for those with less time.
Location
General Alvarado District. The lodge is located on Provincial Route 88, which connects the town of Mar del Plata with Necochea. Specifically, the Centinela del Mar area.
Other activities for riders and non riders companions
The coastal area of Argentina offers various activities, and one of them is simply enjoying the beach and the sea. Centinela del Mar beach is about a 25-minute drive from the lodge. Those who do not wish to ride can either accompany the support vehicle and visit all the stops the riders make, or simply stay and enjoy the beach. The lodge also offers activities such as a gym, tennis, and paddle.
Nearby the Tinto lodge is the Las Toscas area, where there is a leatherworking shop, and sometimes rodeos and local celebrations take place. There are several other activities to do in the area, such as visiting the port city of Necochea, or dining at one of the many restaurants in the city of Mar del Plata.