About us
In 1996 the coin landed on ‘heads’; heads was Ecuador. After a glorious holiday -completely taken by the country, I left my life in Paris and moved out to Ecuador. First working with the horses at an historic Hacienda turned into a country hotel then for a new travel company offering tours in several South American countries, I then set up ‘Ride Andes’.
The objective: use the best possible, healthy & happy horses in each area. Work alongside the fascinating local horsemen and give this dying breed as much work as possible.
Almost 25 years after leading my first riding tour, I feel that the mission has been accomplished. Working alongside incredible teams of like-minded horsemen in six different countries, Ride Andes offers the most incredible riding routes always on board excellent, well cared for horses.
Meet the team
The Horses
Palomo
Palomo had a very slow start with us. He was bought as a youngster and had already been worked much too hard. However, after plenty of rest, he is happily in work with our riders. He is loving it and is responding very well! He
is giving the volunteers and guests lots of joy here in Ecuador.
Sam
Our tallest horse, is part thoroughbred and took some time to develop. But the schooling paid off and this pretty boy is now a firm favourite.
Mo
Named after famous track star Mo Farah, Mo is known for saving his energy for when it matters most! His notoriously smooth paces and mellow demeanor are a comfort to new riders.
Fabiancito
With his Paso blood and youthful character, Fabiancito is a brave little horse with plenty of energy to go for hours on the trails. He loves to work, and takes pride when it is his turn to lead the others!
Henry
Henry is a kind soul. He is proud to have many years of tour experience under his belt! He is half Andalusian, which is where he gets his beautiful white coat and gallant canter.
Lucas
Sporting his stunning gold coat and fearless spirit, Lucas has happily led many tours with Sally. His endless strength powers him forward, encouraging the other horses to keep up the pace!
Eric
Eric is a notorious favorite among guests. He always has his ears forward, excited for each adventure as he follows his friends along the trails.
Alvarito
Alvarito is one of the first horses Sally trained for tours. His expertise makes him a steady, confident ride for guests, and a calm partner for younger horses.
Negro
Negro's shiny black coat and impressive endurance make him one of the best lead horses. With years patience and training under Sally's direction, he has learned to trust and love humans again after suffering from a past abusive owner.
Capuli
Named after a native berry, Capuli is well-loved for his sweet and mellow personality. He is a legend among guests, having carried riders for years of adventures. He likes to spend his days off with his lifelong best friend, Tostado.
Tostado
Tostado has Appaloosa in his breeding, which is given away by his silver spotted coat, and his clever mind! Because of his courage, no ride is too much for him! Tostado has been on every quest, from moonlit trail rides to sun-scorched mountain passes.
Frijolito
Frijolito is our only chestnut 'redhead,' and has been adored for years because of his exuberant spirit and endless energy to explore new trails. He is enjoying retirement in our lush pastures nestled between the Andes mountains.
Annemieke
The first horse that Sally bred in Ecuador (by accident!! - do ask for the full story). An incredibly bold lead horse that Sally often takes when she is exploring new routes.
Antares
He was previously a roping horse. He's good on his feet, easy to ride
and is now basically retired from our tough rides. He is 30 years old and gives tiny children occasional riding lessons alongside Gitano (29 years old) and General Pintag.
Jalisco
A very gentle character with an incredibly smooth canter. But don't ever eat a banana near him - he will be sure to steal it!
The People
Sally
Started her horse trekking business in 1996, after visiting Ecuador and falling in love with the colorful local culture and magnificent scenery. She is passionate about her 15 horses and her two rescue dogs, Stanley and Erica. Based in Ecuador, Sally still guides many of the Ecuador rides and each year usually guides several tours in the other destinations.
César
Our resident lasso teacher! A real life 'chagra', Cesar has his own animals and land and is one of our local horsemen. He has been working with us for almost ten years. The poncho isn't for show! This is the typical and very practical dress of the chagras.
Christian
A very experienced Ecuadorian guide, accompanies a lot of our guests while they are not on a horse. Guests particularly appreciate his knowledge and very safe driving.
Daniel
This is the Brazil Pantanal guide, he is riding a horse called Mayonnaise. Daniel was born and brought up in the Pantanal, where we offer private rides and set date departures. This region is fascinating and teeming with wildlife and Daniel is passionate and very knowledgeable. Great rider, been guiding for many years.
Alexis
Has been selecting and training horses for the Ride Andes tours in Uruguay for many years now, he accompanies us on the rides. As well as training horses, he makes his own tack, shoes the horses and guests watch him in awe as he arrives and departs with a string of horses. He is also an excellent cook (as long as it involves 100% meat!)
Chalas
Chalas in his new office! He was meant to be a lawyer but shortly after starting his career in an eminent Bogota lawyer's office, he walked away. Luckily for us, he followed his real passion: spending as much time as humanly possible the saddle. He guides rides for us with great
professionalism and a lot of fun.