Milliron Monday: Cowboys are Forever 8 19 19

Abbott "Pete" Smith, D.V.M.

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and  Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire. 

After writing Dr. Smith’s biography and delving into his life, there is one thing I know for sure – he was witty, intentional, and confident. His deep witty laugh could be heard often through the halls of his own Milliron Clinic. He was intentional in living and certainly confident in his approach to veterinary medicine.

A scholar in every way, Dr. Smith had a pocketful of quotes, lyrics, jokes, and (sometimes) serendipitous banter. Interviewing clients for Dr. Smith’s biography, almost everyone had  something to say about Dr. Smith’s ability to shoot off an amusing line at the appropriate moment. Transcribing interviews, I found myself laughing at the same jokes (rhymes and lyrics) that amused his family and clients. I am sure Dr. Smith is leaning over my shoulder, impressed that his rhetoric continues to have an impact.

Jessica, Dr. Smith’s daughter, recently texted me one of Dr. Smith’s favorite sayings. Dr. Smith, the forever cowboy, enjoyed camping – mostly with his horse and rider friends. Settling down for the night, he would stomp out the campfire. “Call in the dogs. Piss on the fire. The hunt is over,” Dr. Smith said as he was off to bed.

This quote seemed familiar to me. I found it was first published in 1969 in the novel Defender of the Angels; A black policeman in old Los Angeles, by Jess Kimbrough (New York, NY: Macmillan 1969; pg. 71): “You can piss on the fire and call off the dogs ‘cause we’ve hunted the woods all over. And what I mean, we ain’t missed nothin’.” 

The quote has been used many times since – in literature, plays, and movies (and mostly every day in Texas). To “piss on the fire and call in the dogs” is an old cowboy saying at days end.

I don’t think Dr. Smith really pissed on the campfire before he turned in, but then again, he probably did.

Connect with Gina

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

Letters from Larry: Rose

Today's story is about a college student named Rose. I taught college for about 50 years, but never had an 87-year-old student... had several in their 70's though. Anyway, read this true story about "Rose."

An 87-Year-Old College Student Named Rose

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know.

I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.

She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.

"Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked. She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids..."

"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months, we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium.

As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed, she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day.

You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old.

If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything, I will turn eighty-eight.

Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change.

Have no regrets.

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.

At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it!

These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL!

We make a Living by what we get, we make a Life by what we give.

Remember Rose today!

Larry 

Larry Perry resides in Tennessee USA. To receive Larry’s newsletter, send an email to larryperry11@comcast.net

Quotes, Quips and Wisdom 8 14 19

Monday Creek Publishing

Quotes, Quips, and Wisdom

mondaycreekpublishing.com

Follow us on fb Monday Creek Publishing

Monday Creek Publishing

Quotes, Quips, and Wisdom

mondaycreekpublishing.com

Follow us on fb Monday Creek Publishing

Congratulations to 2019 Athens County Fair 4-H Participants!

Congratulations!

2019 Athens County 4-H Participants!

We are proud supporters of the Athens County 4-H Horse Council

“Like” the Athens County 4-H Horse Council’s facebook page here!

Athens County Fair

Monday Creek Publishing

Thanks to Champions Marcus and Speedy for the photo.

Milliron Monday: Trail Ride II

Abbott "Pete" Smith, D.V.M.

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace.
Ovid  

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Pete Smith, D.V.M., and  Milliron: Abbott “Pete” Smith, D.V.M. The Biography (Monday Creek Publishing 2017). A graduate of Colorado State University and a well-known veterinarian in southeast Ohio, Dr. Smith continues to motivate and inspire. 

Welcome to the Milliron Clinic Trail Ride... the headline at the top of the trail ride map, indicating which of the three trails would take riders to the Milliron cabin, where volunteers were busy preparing a feast. 

Last week, I indicated that the Smith family worked hard to prepare for the annual ride; blazing trails, cutting vines/brush along the trails, finally roping off selected trails so riders would be safe. But Dr. Smith was busy vetting, and the event took many volunteers. Jody, Dr. Smith's widow, called me over the weekend and we talked about the people who gave up weeks - even months - of their time to make the ride the best that it could be. 

There were people designated to help with parking, unload horses, help riders find the right trail, fill the wagon with food to take to the cabin, guide those who were lost, rescue those who were totally lost, distribute maps (below), and help those who had tack or other horse-related issues. If it were not for the many volunteers (most of whom were clinic employees or clients), the ride would not have been possible. 

This week, we recognize all the people who made the Milliron Clinic Trail Ride a success for so many years! Hats off to you! Together, with other volunteers, you helped to create a fond memory for so many people. To see photos of the event, visit Milliron's fb page here. If you have a story or photo to share, please do! We appreciate your continued support of Dr. Smith's legacy and the Ohio Valley that he loved.

Do you remember this map? Circa 1998.

Connect with Gina

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

Quotes, Quips and Wisdom 8 11 19

Monday Creek Publishing

Quotes, Quips, and Wisdom

mondaycreekpublishing.com

Follow us on fb Monday Creek Publishing

Monday Creek Publishing

Quotes, Quips, and Wisdom

mondaycreekpublishing.com

Follow us on fb Monday Creek Publishing

Sliced Dark: An Interview with Ohio Poet Wendy McVicker

Sliced Dark: a collaboration of poems and pictures

by Wendy McVicker & John McVicker

Sliced Dark: An Interview with Ohio Poet Wendy McVicker

Wendy McVicker is a gem in SE Ohio. She is a poet and Ohio Arts Council teaching artist. Wendy is the author of several books, including her most recent, a collaborative book project with her husband, John McVicker, Sliced Dark.  Spending time with Wendy earlier this year at a local poetry workshop was inspiring. She has a handle on writing poetry; it comes from deep within, the place where all great poetry resides. 

Sliced Dark is recommended reading and one of my favorite poetry collections. Recently, I caught up with Wendy and we talked about her poetry and much more.

Welcome, Wendy!

GM: At what age did you write your first poem?  

WM: I started writing stories for my younger brothers as soon as I learned to write. I think my first poem was a celebration of horses, written in the 3^rd grade. I’m sorry I can’t share it with you, but that’s probably just as well. I remember writing a Poe-like poem in 9^th grade about an abandoned mansion deep in the woods near my neighborhood — I was working on it in science class, and my science teacher called me in after school and told me I wouldn’t amount to much if I didn’t focus better in class! In high school I wrote moody pieces I called “thingies,” which I realized much later were prose poems. They’re all lost, too, thankfully! I only shared them with my two closest friends. 

I went on to college and majored in philosophy, so I wrote a lot of abstract papers, and letters to my friends far away. I took lots of English classes: I was (and am) a fiction junkie. My dream of writing, as old as my awareness of books, went underground, but if I thought about it at all, I assumed I’d write fiction.

After college, where I met my now-husband, creative- and life-collaborator, we moved to French-speaking Switzerland, where he had a teaching job. Fumbling through a new language, I turned to dance for my creative expression, and did that for a few years until we had our first child and decided to return to the States. Our second child was born in Kansas, where John was in grad school and I was falling in love with English all over again. This is when I started writing poetry, in secret, in those brief moments of quiet that were naptime. The first poem I remember completing was about the silvery olive trees outside the Friends Meetinghouse window — sadly, I’ve lost that notebook in various moves. I did write my first published poem, Evening Dishes, there.

We moved to Athens in 1985, when John got a job teaching English to international students at Ohio University. I was still a closeted poet, but when the clerk of the Friends Meeting arrived on our doorstep with flowers and tomatoes from her garden, I wrote her a thank you note that was really a sort of poem. She immediately called me up, said, “You’re a poet!” and pulled me out of that closet for good. She turned me on to the publication Friendly Woman, where I had my first publication, to a poetry workshop at Communiversity (remember that??), to Wayne Dodd’s graduate poetry workshop at Ohio University: to a whole new world I’ve been exploring ever since.

GM: You collaborated with your husband, John, on your current book, Sliced Dark. Tell us about the process...

WM: John was a Fine Arts (painting) major in college, but as you’ve seen, life took him in other directions. In retirement he has returned to this first love, and to photography, which had always been part of his creative process. Our first collaborations were in the form of “poem cards,” for which we paired a poem with a photograph he had taken. At some point, he began to feel that these were too illustrative, and he wanted to “riff” more on the poems. He was also interested in honing his skills in digital collaging. Thus, this project began: with his asking me for poems to meditate and “riff” on. First came broadsides, and then the book collection.

GM: Do you have a favorite poem of your own? 

WM: I always feel that poets say their most recent poem is their favorite: it still has the sheen of birthing on it! Thank you for mentioning The Names of Things; I love it, too, in part because I am deeply grateful to my father for having passed on to me a love of language and literature. But another fave is oh it’s snowing, in part for the memories it evokes for me, in part because I am happy when I feel I have (as Alicia Ostriker said) “pressed the most matter and spirit into least space” — or at least come within sight of this goal. I am fond of the lines “When you have become cloud/I will wait for rain” in Seawalls. They were a gift, dropped from the sky, and I continue to be grateful for them: my muse is rarely so generous!

GM: How do you maintain thoughts and ideas?

WM: Well, of course, I don’t always, like anybody else! But I do carry a notebook and pen with me, and I try to note down things I hear, things that come to me, phrases, images. I used to be much more casual about this; now I know that this is my toybox, and I need to keep it filled!

GM: What are you currently writing?

WM: I have been involved in a residency in Cincinnati, at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center, for the past month, in collaboration with my friend and gifted fabric artist, Nancy Gamon. Our project is called Common Threads, and we invited people to write and then get their words (stories, poems, thoughts) onto an already-existing garment, thus creating wearable art and (we hope!) connections. I have been working on several poems about hands (all that hand work! not my forté, exactly); a poem about aging; and reworking a couple of older poems. I’m not ready to share any of these just yet! But here’s a piece:

These hands 

have work to do:       

Grabbing hold  

and getting to know,

taking notes, recording:

This is their work

and they won’t let go

GM: Beautiful, Wendy. I love reading your poetry. In your opinion, what makes the perfect poem?

WM: Oh my gosh! I love a poem that is economical in its language, touches my senses, speaks to something deep — without being heavy, without telling me what I should think or feel. I love rich imagery and the sounds of language — I want these to play off each other in a poem. Some poems touch me at a particular moment, and then lose their power — others stay with me, reading after reading. These become favorites.

GM: Who is your favorite poet? Do you have a favorite poem?

WM: I never know how to answer this: there are so many poets and poems that speak to me at different times. Poets I return to over and over are William Stafford, Mary Oliver, Mark Strand, Anne Carson…for different reasons, but all because they can go deep with apparently simple language, and with rhythms and imagery that stir me.

GM: Do you have advice for novice poets and those looking to put their thoughts on the page?

WM: Two of my favorite writers have what I consider to be great advice: Grace Paley said, “…if you say what’s on your mind in the language that comes to you from your parents and your street and your friends, you’ll probably say something beautiful,” and William Stafford said, “Each poem is a miracle that has been invited to happen,” and “Poetry is language with a little luck in it.” I encourage people who feel compelled to put their thoughts, musings, words, on paper or screen, as many of us do, to trust that impulse, and trust the language that comes to them. Also: read, read, read! Read what you wish you could write, read to learn as well as for pleasure. Carry a notebook. Scribble. Let your hand and your mind develop the habit of writing. When it gets scary or hard, know that you are really doing it, and the rewards of living a deepening life are well worth it.

About Sliced Dark (from blurb.com)

Poet Wendy McVicker and artist John McVicker have created a collection of twenty-one poems, each with an accompanying digital collage on a facing page - each image is a sort of meditation on the poem with which it is paired. The book explores love, loss, and roads not taken, and the poems and images are intended to invite repeated reflection, producing thoughts and visions that weave themselves into your dreams. 

“The choreography between the words and images in this quietly visionary project is luminous and unsettling. Look, then look again.” Claire Bateman, poet, author of The Bicycle Slow Race 

“The waters run deep in this modest, evocative tome and it deserves to be read and read again, with each new reading providing new revelations.” John Zorn, musician.

Order your copy of Sliced Dark here.

More poetry from Wendy...

Riding in Argentina: An Interview with Leonardo Palmero

Riding in Argentina: An Interview with Leonardo Palmero

By Gina McKnight

Archived from the July 2019 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete

No duplication without permission (c).

If you’re a horse enthusiast and looking for a place in the world to experience something new, you may consider riding in Argentina. Leonardo Palmero, the commercial director for Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays, tells us why riding in Argentina is a good choice. Leonardo met his first horse, a Peruvian Paso, when he was 30 years old. Falling for the Peruvian Paso breed, Palmero is now “living the dream” at the Peruvian Paso stables, meeting riders from around the world. With beautiful facilities, Ampascachi offers quality accommodations, sturdy horses, and the some of the most scenic trails worldwide.

Welcome Leonardo!

GM: When was your first encounter with a horse?

LP: It was in the year 2000 and I was 30 years old. I was invited to organize the first Regional Meeting of Peruvian Horses in Cordoba Argentina. The Ampascachi breeder of this race invited me after the Conquest, which was, on the other hand, a very successful event for the number of horses that participated and by the amount of public in general that came to the event to know their Estancia Haras Ampascachi (the family ranch where these horses are raised). There, I rode for the first time in my life and I fell in love with this equine breed. Eighteen years later I was offered my current job as Commercial Director of this company – “A dream come true.” Hara Ampascachi - the traditional Estancia Haras Ampascachi - has a park of more than eight hectares [one hectare is about 2.5 acres] surrounding its country house and more than 500 hectares intended for horse breeding. It is located near a small town in Córdoba called Nono, nestled in the stunning setting of the Valle de Traslasierra.

GM: Ampascachi, with the Peruvian bloodline and beautiful landscapes, sounds like every rider’s fantasy. Describe Ampascachi Horse Riding and what to expect when riding at your facility.

LP: From arrival to departure from Argentina, Ampascachi offers you outstanding services for making your riding holiday an unforgettable and wonderful experience. Depending on the riding holiday chosen, we pick up travelers at the airport and take them to their destination in Argentina; whether to a meeting point or to the location where they will be staying. Our logistics team is in charge of preparing horses, setting up camps, cooking and serving menus, providing riding wear, transfers in our vehicles, tour-guiding and taking care of and accompanying guests along the ride. Our logistics team is responsible for customer service and the entire organization of the vacations. Besides, they are entitled to provide the saddles and all necessary equipment for the rides and camps as well as taking our vehicles, guide, care for and accompany our hosts during all the holidays. The Logistics team will offer you communication services during the equestrian routes with satellite phones, book all accommodation and restaurants, offer any special menus if specified beforehand and guarantee the highest standards in customer service for your riding holiday.

A relevant element for our logistics team is our horses. All our horses are of Peruvian Paso breed and they are property of Ampascachi. They are and have been constantly bred, raised, selected, tamed, trained and cared for at our equestrian centers. We always ensure that a spare horse is with us on every trip in case that it would be necessary.

GM: How many horses do you stable? What are the characteristics of the Peruvian Paso?

LP: In Ampascachi we raise only Peruvian Paso horses, and we have more than 150 horses, including mares, stallions, colts and geldings. The Peruvian Paso horses are worldwide famous for being the best saddle horses as well as for their fascinating gait. Passion for horses has been of utmost relevance; something that started as a family hobby soon became the starting point of an initiative that crystallized a long time ago: the breeding, taming and training of the Peruvian Paso horses which soon spread from Argentina to other countries.

Devoting ourselves to the Peruvian Paso horses has been a conscious choice which also implied knowing the history and development of this wonderful breed after five hundred years of functional and natural selective breeding. Genetic inheritance combines the characteristic traits of the Berber [Barb] horse, adding strength and a natural ambling gait tendency with the Andalusia breed, combining an energetic gait and rack.

The Peruvian Paso horse’s gait, like a subtle and wonderful play of horse legs which seem to recreate in the air, is its main characteristic. Horses’ gaits are categorized into two different groups, before they start galloping: “trot” and “ambling” gaits. The distinctive feature of the trot is that, when they go forward, it is a two-beat gait involving moving legs in unison in diagonal pairs. The primary feature of the “ambling gait” is that the front and hind feet on both sides move in sequence. It is also called a four-beat; lateral “Gait or Paso Llano” which is the most comfortable walking gait for its smooth ride and ideal for traveling long distances. This characteristic has led this breed to be known as “the best saddle horse in the world” since the horseman rides comfortably and smoothly at a speed of nine or ten kilometers per hour allowing a longer travel in which neither the horse nor the rider gets tired. It should be pointed out that other breeds reach this speed in short gallops or fast trot which impact directly on the horseman.

If the rider wants, he or she can lead the Peruvian Paso to perform the gallop rack without any effort as all our horse at Ampascachi have been trained in both the “Paso Llano “rack and the “gallop” rack.

The Peruvian Paso horse has a smooth temperament, is dedicated and has a suitable disposition.

GM: Do I get to choose my own horse, or does your equestrian staff choose a horse for me?

LP: In the second day with us, go to our Ampascachi Equestrian Centre, Haras Ampascachi in Cordoba and La Casa de la Tradición Ranch in Salta. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to other tour guides and the equestrian route staff, members of our team of Ampascachi that will guide us through the horse rides. We will meet the Peruvian Paso horses and choose the horse which will be our ride companion along the rides. A two-hour ride will be taken around the Equestrian Centre for recognition and adaptation to the saddle and the horse chosen. This routine is repeated in all our routes on horseback

GM: What do you suggest to bring along when horseback riding at Ampascachi?

LP: Ampascachi will provide you with the necessary equestrian tourism equipment so you do not have to carry an excessively heavy baggage. We take care of saddling up, unsaddling, setting up the tents and transporting the equipment. You can visit our website for the list of items we provide. It is only necessary for you to bring suitable clothes for the weather according to the time of the year.

GM: Describe your riding trails and landscapes...

LP: Horseback riding vacations in North Argentina - Province of Salta - it is called Salta “The Pretty”, and it is not a compliment, it is the reflection of this marvelous place. The province of Salta is located in the northeast of Argentina and it borders on Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay. The city of Salta, known as “The Pretty”, shows a soft contrast, keeping its style with colonial Manor houses and new buildings. Surrounded by hills and the green landscape of its subtropical flora, this province welcomes its visitors with its charm and fascination. The most beautiful landscapes of Salta can be seen along the valleys of Valle de Lerma and Valles Calchaquíes, where you can visit memorable places such as: Cafayete and Cachi.

The climate in Salta is template during the year what makes it ideal for horse riding and rural tourism. It includes four geographical areas clearly differentiated, turning it a place worth visiting. Landscapes vary from east to west; the Puna, almost deserted, with a few inhabitants and a dry climate; the East Cordillera, with a Western chain of hills higher in altitude and including several chains; the Eastern Chain, lower in height and without snow peaks; the Sub Andean Hills showing a humid, jungle subtropical climate; and finally, the Chaco Plains (Llanura Chaqueña) offering plain land and dry subtropical climate. Salta is also well known for its history, culture and touristic places which welcome every traveler with one of its great attractions, the wine tours. Wines from this province are internationally famous for their presence and taste.

Province of Jujuy - Along this province you will find amazing places which will have an everlasting impact in your memory. Located in the north-east region of Argentina, it borders on the west with Chile along the Cordillera de los Andes; on the north with Bolivia, and on the east and south with Salta. The special climate of this province makes it mainly attractive and capturing. The Southern Tropic crossed it and has a subtropical humid climate. As it is the best choice for active tourism, especially for equestrian one, travelers can visit places which are accessible only on the saddle of a horse.

The province of Jujuy offers a few valleys and a breath-taking landscape of immeasurable beauty. The many different views which are constantly changing the landscape will take the traveler from the different shades of the “Cerro de los Siete Colores” in Purmamarca, to the welcoming Tilcara and the vastness of the “Quebrada de Humahuaca”. We will be travelling along time through colonial buildings, pebble stone streets and its history shown in museums. Jujuy is a place full of colours, history and culture, and once you are there, you become part of its appearance. It is a province worth visiting along all the year.

Province of Córdoba - The province of Córdoba is located in the central region of Argentina. It is the second biggest province in its extension and the first touristic place inland. It is known by its name La Docta, as it was there where the Jesuits priests founded the first university in the country. Since then, Córdoba has been an icon for its culture, the development of knowledge and the cradle of great philosophers and scientists of the time. It is also famous for its main valleys and hills such as: Valle de Traslasierra and Altas Cumbres, where we encounter a mild climate, special for tourism and equestrian activities. Its breathtaking landscapes, its numerous rivers, valleys, mountains, pampas, to name just a few, make Córdoba a remarkable place of natural beauty. This province holds one the World Heritage sites: Jesuit Block and Jesuit Estancias of Córdoba, named by the Unesco. The “Road of the Jesuit Estancias” witnesses the presence and activities performed at the Society of Jesus along the XVII and XVIII centuries. Their presence can still be seen today.

Córdoba has everything: natural beauty, wonderful landscapes, culture, art, history and its people who are well-known for their sense of humor. This is the ideal place for practicing outdoor sports. Córdoba offers the traveller the possibility of going through different geographies and enjoying nature life. Córdoba cuisine offers mainly a wide variety of meat, embutidos (spiced minced meat stuffed in hot casings) and jams.

GM: All of the tours sound amazing. What is your favorite Ampascachi trail to ride?

LP: Personally I do not have a favorite tour, all are unbelievably beautiful, I think you should choose the one that best suits your expectations, and our travel consultants are specialists in finding the most suitable for you, you just have to consult our local representative, we have representation in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and the United States.

GM: When is the best time of year to book a riding holiday?

LP: From March to November, the weather is optimal, in any of our routes.

GM: What does horsemanship mean to you?

LP: Today it is my job, but at the same time my passion. I promote Argentina, my country, and I promote this activity all over the world. For my horsemanship is Equestrian Tourism. In Ampascachi, we love Equestrian Tourism, but let me tell you what this activity is for us. It is a very rewarding activity, in addition, it offers us the possibility of giving us the pleasure of disconnecting from the world, traveling along roads and getting to know landscapes. Equestrian Tourism is an activity that combines the love of horse riding with the interest of visiting different regions, provinces and countries, allowing us to know other cultures.

Connect with Leonardo…

https://ampascachi.com/en/index.html

Gina McKnight is a freelance writer from Ohio USA. www.gmcknight.com