Trust

"I think silence plays a huge role in allowing us to be with our inner selves, and that’s where insight is."

- T.A.
Descriptive Text

A hazy dawn rises over the campsite. Rain threatens but the sun persists. A herd of feral horses gallops along the horizon, while gaucho dogs run alongside them. Bundled under their ponchos as the rain begins, the riders push up a grassy slope. Elsewhere, the shadow of a man walking with a white cane appears along a sunlit path.

Each day brings new pain...and perseverance brings joy. The unpredictable weather, difficult terrain and long hours in the saddle only increase the riders’ resolve to overcome the odds. The adventure becomes a true demonstration of how individual character can build community spirit. Sunrises soon begin to blur into sunsets. Conversations dissolve into contemplation. Fear fades, confidence rises, spirits soar.

The criollo horse.

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A breed native to Argentina, the Criollo horse is compact, strong, sure-footed, hard-working, loyal and good-natured. These are working animals, bred to climb and ride for hours on end. As with people, each horse has a unique temperament, and it must adapt to its environment...and rider.

  • A Gaucho’s horse rests atop a high ridge that overlooks the Laguna Negra lake.
  • Close-up of a horse’s head as it faces another treacherous climb.
  • Close-up of a horse’s hooves advancing along the rugged terrain, step by heavy step; mountains rise in the distance.

The relationship that develops between rider and horse is a fundamental element of this story. On the trail, as in life, people depend on each other. The horse/rider partnership is unique due to the shared responsibility for survival. Both rider and horse must read each other’s cues, understand each other’s fears, and trust each other’s judgement.

Most of this communication is unspoken and rooted in trust. A horse can’t count on a blind rider for direction, or for him to shift his weight in anticipation of obstacles. Furthermore, a blind rider can’t protect a horse from an unseen danger, or even lead him to water.

Under these conditions, the safety of both rider and horse is compromised, unless they work together to overcome stressful circumstances. In order to survive, they must develop a nuanced physical and non-verbal dialogue of intention.

Next: Vision