German
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SpanishInterview with María José Pérez Asensio: Her experience in the Rider’s Association of Catalonia
By: Natalia Imberti Posted: 13/08/2024
Ampascachi only offers horse riding holidays in Argentina.
Horse culture is part of Argentina’s traditions.
Exploring this country on horseback is an unforgettable experience.
Beginnings and love for horses
How did your love for horses start and why did you take up horseback riding?
When I was a child, I always asked for a horse for my birthday or when they asked me what I liked the most... Until I was 45, I didn't have the chance to start riding as a hobby.
What aspect of the relationship between horses and humans do you find most fascinating or rewarding?
I am fascinated by the way horses realize how we are just by looking at us, they know how to communicate and give us harmony and balance.
Is there a horse in particular that has left a lasting impression on you? Why?
Gino was my first horse and now with my mare Nuka, I have a bond that goes beyond the pleasure of riding. Just being together helps me heal and makes me happy. She is like my alter ego.
Could you share any memorable experiences you have had during a ride or horseback riding tour?
There are many beautiful experiences, in which horses gave me the peace and harmony I needed. Specifically, during the ride I did with you, one night, when I was remembering my missing loved ones, I went up to the horses, at night. While I was with them, one horse in particular, Homero, stayed with me, he lay down on the ground and let me lean on him.
And he was calm despite I was lying on him. Needless to say that for me it was the perfect cure for that moment of sadness!
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AMAC: the riders’ association of Catalonia
What are the aims and objectives of the riders’ association of Catalonia? Why did you decide to join them?
The members of this association are riders who meet to ride together on tours organized by themselves, to share their love for horses and nature. What I liked about them was their spontaneity, the nice family environment in every ride and the spirit of fellowship between riders and horses.
As a member of the association, what is your main role or responsibility?
I have been a member of the board for many years, working as a lawyer for the association, and I have enjoyed many rides with the rest of the members.
Equestrian Tourism in Catalonia
How would you describe the equestrian community in Catalonia as compared with other regions and how do you see the future of horseback riding?
Although Catalonia is not the region with the most horseback riding tradition in Spain, there are many beautiful trails to do. The future of the non-professional equestrian industry is closely linked to your financial situation. Unfortunately, near the big capital cities, it is a difficult and expensive hobby to keep.
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Work and future projects
We know that you write for a horse magazine, which one? How do you get the inspiration to write the articles? What topics do you like to write about?
I write for Hípica Catalana, in the AMAC trail riding section. Each article is different, I could write about a specific activity of the association or more personal articles on different subjects or experiences, always related to the world of horses.
In the future, are there any exciting horse-related projects that you plan to take part in?
At the moment, I am involved in the organization of a summer ride in the North of Spain for any riders who want to join in!
What advice would you give someone interested in taking up horse riding or joining an equestrian association?
The first thing is to learn from what this beautiful animal has to offer. Be respectful and never give up because you might find this discipline hard. With all this, you will see this experience becomes more and more necessary each day...
Ampacachi and the Peruvian Paso Horse
You have recently been on a horse riding holiday with Ampascachi. Could you tell us about your experience?
It was something unexpected but amazing. In a vital moment of impasse I found peace, a very friendly organization and a spectacular team. With their professional experience and their kindness, they made me feel at home right away.
Had you ridden a Peruvian horse before that? What do you think of Ampascachi’s Peruvians?
I had never ridden one and the truth is that I was very surprised to see how comfortable their gait is, even after long hours in the saddle with technical terrain. Besides their smooth ride, these horses are very reliable which makes it easy to enjoy the scenery or a conversation with your fellow riders. I loved it! I'd bring one home!!
In a nutshell
In this interview, María José Pérez Asensio has offered a comprehensive and passionate vision of horseback riding in Catalonia. From her personal experience to her activities with AMAC, the human-horse bond is always there. We would like to thank her for her time and for inspiring us with her commitment to horseback riding and nature.
/ Photos: María José Pérez Asensio /
Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?
Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.
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MESSAGE TO OUR READERS
The content creation team at Ampascachi Horse Riding Holiday would like to thank our readers who have written a comment on this interview with María José Pérez Asensio from AMAC.
We would like to clarify that the content creation team does not make comments or judgements on the answers of the interviewed person.
In this case we solely publish the opinions of our blog readers about the concepts of the interview, whenever they do not offend the interviewed person.
Thank you again for your comments.