Check out this Great video Showcasing Gaucho Culture

Gaucho culture really is a fascinating way of life.

When I teach geography to freshmen students at our school, part of my job is to get them to understand human geography. That is, how different groups of people around the world live. In other words, to understand different cultures. Admittedly, when I was growing up I had a negative view of culture. To me, “cultured” people went to the opera, ate strange food, and dressed in fancy clothes. Culture was the last thing I was interested in. However, as I grew up and learned more about what actually culture is, it has become a subject that really captures my attention. Like many of you, I enjoy learning about how people from around the world have grappled with the same fundamental questions.

As horsemen, we should be able to understand this concept as well as anybody. We can look around the world and recognize that horsemen all have the same basic challenges. For example, they all have to control the horse’s speed and direction. Generally, part of that is by using a bit of some sort. Around the world, people have come up with different ways to reach that goal. From the ring bit to a simple rawhide string wrapped around the horse’s lower jaw, people have figured out in their own unique way how to achieve the same goal. When it comes to seeing how different horsemen do things, the gaucho culture really is enjoyable to learn about.

Gauchos, and gaucho culture, are still alive and well in south and central South America. Particularly, they are most prevalent in the pampas of Argentina and Uruguay. They are expert horsemen and stockmen, and they perpetuate a traditional way of life in the modern world. As you might guess, they have a distinct way of doing things. Many American horsemen will enjoy seeing some of the similarities and differences in how they handle their animals.

Recently, I discovered this great video showcasing gaucho culture, and I wanted to share it with visitors to this site. I hope you enjoy it.

Personally, as I watched the video series about gaucho culture, a few things jumped out at me.

First, I certainly appreciated the way in which the men interviewed described their relationship with their animals. They are both practical and caring. They truly enjoy their horses, but they still expect their horses to be there for them when they need them. It’s a close partnership but the gaucho is in charge.

Secondly, in episode two (starting at around 10:21), the man named Luis enters into a discussion about tack. He talks about how he appreciates tack and enjoys making his own. At one point, the translation records him saying, “After all, it’s not just the horse. It’s the tack, the tools we use. A soldier does not go to war without a weapon. In the field, I am a soldier and I need those weapons. If you don’t have the right tool, you don’t do the job well. If you don’t have the good tack, you won’t have a good horse.” The video shows him making his own gear.

Personally, as I watched, I felt like I understood where he was coming from. Luis may not win any sort of craftsmanship awards. His gear is good (certainly better than mine), but perhaps not art-show worthy. However, that’s not what it has to be about. For him, it seems to be more about living out those other activities of gaucho culture. It’s about being not just a better rider, but a better horseman, in the sense that a horsemen can not only use the gear but make the gear as well. Traditionally, at least, that seems to have been a very common theme.

Finally, in episode 1 (at about 21:50) the gentleman talks about visiting other parts of the world. According to him, although he’s never left his region, he does want to explore other places. In his words, “I really feel like visiting other regions, other cultures, other people, but as long as it is on horseback it can be anywhere for me.”

In this portion of the interview, he is acknowledging the universal similarities all horsemen have. He knows that no matter where he goes, he will understand other horsemen and be able to get along. To me, it really is a manifestation of an understanding of how similar we all really are. The horse truly is an animal that can connect people across space and time.

I’m sure you enjoyed the video series about gaucho culture, and hopefully, my comments can provide you with some things to think about as you ponder your own life and journey with your horses.