Meet Baloo, Borges and Mandarina, Our New Horses

There is a particular kind of excitement that comes with welcoming new horses to the estancia. Each one arrives with their own history, their own quirks, and before too long their own place in the daily rhythm of life here. This season, we're delighted to introduce three horses who have already begun settling into that rhythm beautifully.

Baloo

Named after the beloved bear from The Jungle Book, Baloo lives up to his namesake in every way. He is a lovely, kind horse with a calm and dependable nature sweet, gentle, and always willing. Out working with cattle in the campo, he is exactly the sort of partner you want by your side on a long day: steady, sensible, and unflappable.

But like Baloo the bear, there's more to him than his easy-going charm suggests. Ask a little more of him, and he'll happily oblige, with just the right amount of spice and energy to keep things interesting. Reliable, kind-hearted, and full of character, he's already become a firm favourite around the estancia the sort of horse everyone finds an excuse to visit.

Borges

Our wise mestizo carries a name that could belong to no one else: Jorge Luis Borges, the celebrated Argentine writer. And somehow, it fits perfectly. There's something thoughtful in his eyes, something almost knowing in his expression, and he moves through the world with a quiet confidence that's hard not to admire.

Kind, willing, and full of good energy, Borges has a calming presence that guests and staff alike have come to rely on. He's the kind of horse who makes everything feel a little more settled simply by being there a trusted companion, and quickly becoming a favourite wherever he goes.

Mandarina

If Baloo is easy-going and Borges is contemplative, Mandarina is pure fire. Our vibrant Criollo cattle horse takes her name from her striking mandarin-orange coat, and with her bold cara blanca marking, she is genuinely impossible to overlook.

She's quick, agile, and always ready for a day's work with cattle the kind of horse who brings both athleticism and heart to everything she does. Eager to please and full of personality, Mandarina combines dependability with a spark that makes her utterly unforgettable. We have a feeling she's going to win over a great many hearts this season.

Three very different horses, three very different personalities and yet each one embodies exactly what we look for here at Estancia Los Potreros: quality, sure-footedness, and above all, a generous temperament that makes every ride a pleasure. Over the coming months, Baloo, Borges, and Mandarina will become familiar faces on the mountain trails, carrying guests through hidden valleys and along high ridges, and adding their own character to the rhythm of life in the Sierras.

We can't wait for you to meet them.

Why the Argentine Criollo Is Perfect for the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba

There are few horses as deeply connected to the Argentine landscape as the Criollo horse. Tough, intelligent, and incredibly resilient, the Criollo has spent centuries adapting to some of the harshest environments in South America.

From the windswept Pampas to rugged mountain trails, this breed has earned a reputation as one of the hardiest horses in the world. And nowhere is that more evident than in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba. For riders, breeders, and rural landowners in the region, the Criollo is more than a beautiful horse, it is a natural partner for life in the mountains.

A Horse Forged by Survival

The story of the Criollo begins in the 1500s, when Spanish settlers brought Iberian horses to South America. Some escaped, others were abandoned, and over generations these horses spread across the continent, surviving entirely on their own.

Only the strongest endured.

Extreme heat, cold winters, rough terrain, predators, poor grazing conditions, and long distances shaped the breed naturally over hundreds of years. The result was a horse unlike any other: compact, powerful, intelligent, and astonishingly durable.

Unlike many modern breeds developed primarily for appearance or speed, the Criollo was shaped by necessity. Every trait had to serve a purpose.

Built for Endurance and Strength

The Criollo may not be the tallest horse, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in capability. Known for:

• Strong legs and dense bone structure

• Extremely hard hooves

• Natural balance and agility

• Calm, dependable temperament

• Excellent endurance over long distances

Criollos are famous for their ability to travel across difficult terrain while requiring relatively little maintenance. They are efficient grazers, adaptable to changing climates, and capable of working long hours without exhaustion.

One of the most famous examples of the breed’s endurance came in the 1920s, when Aimé Félix Tschiffely rode two Criollo horses from Buenos Aires all the way to New York, a journey of more than 21,000 kilometers.

That legendary expedition helped establish the Criollo as one of the world’s great endurance horses.

Why the Criollo Thrives in the Sierras Chicas

The Sierras Chicas offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in Argentina, rolling hills, rocky trails, native forests, streams, and mountain terrain. But they also demand a horse capable of handling:

• Steep inclines

• Uneven rocky ground

• Dry conditions

• Seasonal weather changes

• Long rides across rugged terrain

This is exactly the environment the Criollo was made for.

Sure-Footed on Mountain Trails

The compact build and natural balance of the Criollo make it exceptionally stable in rocky and uneven terrain. Riders in the Sierras Chicas often value confidence and safety over speed, and few breeds move through mountain trails as naturally as a Criollo.

Adapted to Harsh Conditions

Córdoba’s climate can be demanding, with hot summers, dry periods, and cool winter nights. Criollos are naturally resilient and capable of thriving in conditions where more delicate breeds may struggle.

Low Maintenance and Efficient Grazers

One of the breed’s greatest strengths is its efficiency. Criollos evolved in environments where food and water were not always abundant, making them remarkably easy keepers compared to larger sport horses.

For landowners and rural properties in the Sierras, this makes them both practical and sustainable.

Perfect for Rural Lifestyle and Adventure Riding

Whether working cattle, exploring trails, or enjoying long mountain rides, the Criollo combines versatility with reliability. Their calm temperament also makes them excellent companions for riders seeking connection with nature rather than high-intensity competition.

Meet the Criollos of Estancia Los Potreros

Here on the estancia, our Criollos have two jobs, and they're good at both. With the gauchos, they're working horses: sure-footed on rocky slopes, calm around cattle and strong enough to climb up and down the hills all day with whatever kit is needed. They make it possible to check the herd often and move it when the grass or the weather calls for it.

With guests, the same horses become easy-going trail partners. Their comfortable stride makes long hours in the saddle a pleasure, whether you're helping the gauchos and trying your hand at cutting cattle, or riding out to one of our waterfalls or up to the hilltops for the views.

Above all, each one has a character of its own. Condimento, Campeón and Guillermo are just a few of the names guests still talk about long after they've gone home. Campeón has a soft mouth and a sweet, endearing personality, and Guillermo is utterly reliable and kind. Most guests leave with a favourite.

More Than a Horse - A Symbol of Argentina

The Criollo is deeply woven into Argentine history and gaucho culture. It represents endurance, freedom, and a close relationship with the land. In many ways, the breed reflects the spirit of the Sierras Chicas themselves: rugged, authentic, and resilient. For anyone living, riding, or exploring Córdoba’s mountain landscapes, the Criollo is not simply well suited to the region - it belongs here.

The Argentine Criollo remains one of the most practical and remarkable horse breeds in the world. Its history of survival, unmatched endurance, and adaptability make it uniquely equipped for life in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba. In a region defined by mountains, trails, and rural tradition, the Criollo continues to prove why it has endured for centuries: strength, intelligence, and harmony with the land never go out of style.