The Long Riders' Guild

Equestrian Apprentice Sought in Peru

The Long Riders’ Guild receives messages from all parts of the world. People write to seek advice, to share their plans or to establish contact with members of the international equestrian travel community.

For example, one person recently wrote to say that she had ridden in Iceland, China and Crete. The inspiration for her journeys, she explained, had been derived from reading the Long Riders’ Guild website. She wrote to say, "Since early childhood I have dreamed about long horse treks, being inspired from the Long Riders Guild."  

Thanks to the far-sighted vision of a unique horseman, a new type of equestrian opportunity has been created, one that would allow a young person to participate in a unique apprenticeship amidst the legendary equestrian culture of Peru.

Not many people can truthfully claim that they have helped save a nation’s equestrian heritage, customs and horses from becoming extinct. Eduard van Brunschott is such a rare individual.

As the 20th century came to a close, Peru’s famous Paso pacing horses, as well as the traditional training methods used for centuries, were both in peril of either being forgotten or allowed to disappear. “Eddy” launched an effort to rescue the nation’s horses, their equipment, and traditions from an uncertain future.

His initial effort began in the 1990s when he established an equestrian tour business known as Perol Chico. Eddy used Peruvian Pasos to carry the visitors who soon began arriving at his hacienda from around the world. In addition, he employed Peruvian horsemen, who kept alive the nation’s traditional equestrian skills. Finally, in an effort to protect indigenous history, Eddy made sure to take his mounted guests along the trails which the Inca had travelled on.

Horses and equipment, trails and tradition; Eduard van Brunschott made it his life mission to guarantee that Peru’s unique contribution to horse-human history would never again be threatened.

But this was no mere money-making enterprise. As the concept of equestrian tourism began to spread, some people had no hesitation in employing underfed or ill horses. Not Eddy. His horses were always in beautiful condition and were a picture of pride to Peru.

His vision extended beyond his own nation and helped influence events further afield. When the Long Riders’ Guild began to form its strict code of equestrian ethics, Eddy was one of those we consulted. That code, which is now used by Long Riders around the world, had its origins in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

In the intervening years Eddy has worked hard to preserve Peru's equestrian heritage. He recently contacted the Guild and explained that he is interested in ensuring that this rare and valuable knowledge is preserved for posterity.

“Through the Long Riders Guild we think we can reach serious horse people who are motivated to learn and be part of our real life with horses."

Eddy went on to explain his idea of a unique equestrian apprenticeship.

I am writing because I would like to propose an opportunity for younger people to learn more about high mountain equestrian travel. I would like to share my experiences and knowledge with younger people who are planning a long ride. We have a nice guest house here at the ranch where they can stay. We will teach them to trim and shoe a horse, how to condition and train a horse for high altitude rides, how to read the trails and all the fine details about limitations and the technical aspects of high mountain trail riding. In exchange we want them to help us with our horses and the commercial rides for at least a three-month period. Sort of a win-win proposal,”

What Eddy has in mind is a good system that helps the local economy, keeps alive local traditions, educates young travellers, which protects the horses, and helps a local company grow stronger. For more information about this unique proposal, contact Mr. van Brunschott at Perol Chico.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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