If you love horses, it doesn't get any better than this: sea, sun, and a steady mount, a vision of pleasure and relaxation. In fact, there's virtually no limit to the horse-drawn daydream you can bring to life in Costa Rica. Perhaps an afternoon ride alongside a clear mountain stream, the morning mists retreating to reveal a majestic vista of valley and volcano. Or how about a brisk beach ride in the cool of a coastal morning, greeted by the booming hoots of the howler monkeys and the splash of diving pelicans as you veer into the shade of a giant ceiba, the Mayan tree of life. There's no doubt that if you are so inclined, much of your exploration of this beautiful country can best be done on horseback.
Horse lovers will find many Costa Ricans who share their persuasion, and no small wonder. Horses have played a central role in Costa Rican history and culture since the arrival of the first Spanish settlers in the 16th century. From coastal towns to cloud forest passes, you are sure to notice that horses continue to be a principal means of transportation for quite a few Costa Ricans. Even among those with more frenetic modern schedules, sentimental ties to the horse remain strong. Many urban and semi-urban Costa Ricans whose families have long left the farm nevertheless keep a steed in a stable to saddle-up in their spare time.
Costa Rica's frequent fairs and festivals typically feature several horse events, the most popular of which is undoubtedly the tope (literally, the 'bump'), a rollicking horse parade in which horse lovers of all stripes, from country cowboys to city slickers, can don their fanciest duds and prance stirrup-to-stirrup through the streets. The comfort and ease with which rich and poor 'bump' and mingle en masse reflects not only Costa Rica's relative social equality but also the ongoing cultural emphasis on honoring agricultural traditions. It is the same impulse to hold the land and those who work it close to their hearts, to remain humble regardless of station, which prompts even wealthy Costa Rican families to take their youngsters to pick coffee at least once a year.
Costa Ricans' reverence for the horse is also reflected in national musical tastes, among which the ranchera is a perennial favorite. The traditional music of the mounted campesinos (country folk) from the deserts of northern Mexico to the Argentine pampas, ranchera music punctuates its stories of valor and betrayal with surging horns, enthusiastic vocal whoops, and exaggerated sobs. With songs such as 'My Shining Cinnamon Steed' and 'The Famous Black Stallion,' ranchera music is more likely to be an ode to a favorite horse rather than a paean to romantic love. Costa Rica counts among its native-born one of the few women superstars of the genre, the gun-toting, cigar-smoking Chavela Vargas, a close friend of Frida Kahlo who, after decades of success throughout Latin America, finally made her 2003 Carnegie Hall debut at age 83. Anyone interested in understanding ranchera's popular appeal should attend one of the several ranchera festivals Costa Rica hosts each year throughout the country, delightful showcases of stirring music, superb singing, and impressive horsemanship.
Some who are choosing Costa Rica as 'the' place to live are drawn precisely because of its horse-friendly ways. 'We have noticed an increase in inquiries from people looking for horse properties,' says Pamela Wright, co-owner with her husband, Terry, of Beach Properties of Costa Rica. Just why that might be Tanya Herrington, owner of the Finca MÃ?s Tranquila (No Worries) horse farm outside Quepos, is quick to explain: 'You really bond with nature riding in the countryside here. There's nothing like it!' Tanya designed her wide-windowed home to sit atop the stables, allowing her to keep close watch on her horses and take best advantage of a great view.
Ray and Elizabeth Moss of Nosara say that Costa Ricans' boundless enthusiasm for horses helped convince them to relocate here from the wine country of California, bringing their three horses with them (see 'Journeying With Horses to Nosara' in current issue). 'Everywhere I ride, people just come on over to chat and check out the horses,' says Elizabeth. 'They love them...it's just a horse-crazy country.'
Those who decide to buy their horses here will find a healthy and varied market, with prices beginning at only a few hundred dollars for horses that elsewhere would be worth much more. Indeed, it seems that the world is discovering what Costa Ricans have long known, that the country's native Iberoamerican breeds are strong, beautiful, and spirited. Demand is growing both domestically and internationally, and top prices can reach $35,000. Sign of the growing reputation of this breed is the fact that singer Vicente FernÃ?ndez, the Mexican king of ranchera music, traveled to Costa Rica to bring home a Costa Rican Iberoamerican to his ranch in Mexico, a fitting tribute to a worthy horse.
Riding is easy to arrange, no matter where you are. It is safe to say there is not a town or hamlet throughout this horse-loving nation without opportunities for recreational riding. More formal equestrian clubs featuring horse-boarding, riding lessons, and training and competitions in dressage and jumping have long been in existence throughout the Central Valley, and are now to be found in Guanacaste and other areas as well.
For suggestions on horse-riding options and properties suitable for horses in your area of interest Contact .
With sound advice from the , you'll be able to ride off into the sunset-every day of the week!