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Zuleta is as
famous for its horses and riding program as it is for its history and
hospitality. Riding has been a Plaza family tradition for over one
hundred years, and today Zuleta reflects this equestrian affinity by
boasting one of the most exclusive stables in Ecuador. Zuleta is also
known for its Zuleteño horse which is a unique mixture of
Spanish-Andalusian, Thoroughbred and Quarter horses. The outcome of
this cross-breeding is a gentle, calm and robust Andean horse with a
perfect disposition for trail riding.
The
breeding at Zuleta started right after the Second World War, when Galo
Plaza brought to Ecuador a spectacular Quarter Horse from the famous
King Ranch in Texas (www.king-ranch.com),
named Pleasant Venture, son of Bold Venture. This stallion was crossed
with the mares and as his blood was strong, the out-coming foals
retained many Quarter horse qualities. The stallion who followed was a
beautiful Pelé, a son of Pleasant Venture and Mincha, a Thoroughbred
Race horse. More thoroughbred influence came from Cordobés, a pure
Throroubred stallion owned by Luz Plaza, not in terms of quantity, but
his few foals were truly great and had some international success in
jumping competitions.
In
1975 the first Andalusian Stallion was added to the existing stock,
which was now a mixture between Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse. His
name was Espartero and he changed the blood line of the Zuleteños
significantly. As Zuleta´s horses where difficult to handle and easy to
excite fast runners up to that date, the Andalusian influence made them
noble, gentle and calm. Espartero had a great blood line which produced
some remarkably pretty foals, lots of which were sold to clubs in Quito
for dressage - this turned Zuleta into a renowned breeding stable in
Ecuador. Breeding during these times, though not pure bred animals,
produced strong and intelligent horses, nice movers and on top of this
animals beautiful to look at. So when Esparteros daughters reached
breeding age, the family decided to add more Andalusian blood, and
Alvaro Ponce bought bright white Diamante from Costa Rica. He and
Esmeraldo, another white, great looking Andalusian from Spain made the
Zuleteños what they are today: Gentle, noble looking and reliable
riding horses who are able to perform well, but who also offer an
absolute beginner a pleasant and safe ride.
Horseback riding tours
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