Meet the Horses of Vieques

Over the years, Esperanza Riding Company has collected a small herd of beautiful, island-born, Paso Fino-related horses. Each horse exhibits his/her individual character, look and gait; just like people! As you will see below, and in person, this is a very well-cared for, happy crew of steeds. Affectionately known as “the kids” they certainly do act accordingly!  The Paso Fino Association sums up why our kids are so cool: “The Paso Fino Horse reflects its Spanish heritage through its proud carriage, grace and elegance. With its lively but controlled spirit, natural gait and presence, and responsive attitude, the Paso Fino is indeed a rare and desirable equine partner.” So very true!

Pepe’

A gentleman in all aspects.
Pepe’ is a blast to ride with his high head-set, smooth paso and beautiful, snappy knee action. You won’t be left behind!

Fred

At first glance Fred may appear to be a bit grumpy, but that’s just his macho style. When you hop in the saddle, his ears go up and he’s ready to take you right to the front of the pack. He loves his job!

Zorro

Just can’t resist this tall, dark and handsome man; a sweetheart to us ladies and a dream to ride. Once my personal mount, he now joins the ranks of our most reliable, gentle and smooth client horses. My loss, your gain!

Joe

Not your average Joe, that’s for sure!
An old soul with character to spare, he’ll show you the ropes with quiet enthusiasm.  I’d venture to say, the most trustworthy horse in the herd.

Rescate

The right guy for just about anybody, “Rescue” (English translation) was about 200 pounds under weight when we took a chance on him. Now he can pass for a pregnant mare! You won’t find him far from Joe, his best buddy. Maybe it’s because they look alike?

The Dude

If you’ve seen the movie, you know who
I’m talking about; Jeff Bridges in “The Big Lebowski”. Super chill, quiet eyed, “I’ve got this” type of personality pretty much sums him up. The Dude abides.

Rosco

The white guy that would just as soon be brown. When the mud is available, he'll be diving into it. More than once I've wondered who that light-brown horse is over on yonder side of the pasture. Let's just say that he knows how to get the morning off by being so dirty!

Rico - Just love his color!

A very handsome fella with the most beautiful brown/orange eyes you can imagine. I dubbed him "Rico Suave" quite immediately upon meeting him. He's pretty independent and competitive, so he likes to be near the front of the line.

Payaso

A horse couldn’t have a more appropriate name. “Clown” (English translation) is just that. He’s multi-colored, (a buckskin with tall white stocks and black points), and has a comical, sassy personality to match. He might be a bit smaller than some, but he makes up for it in attitude!

Chico & Whitey

The smallest members of the family, these laid back guys take great care of our smallest clients! You will rarely see one without the other in the pasture; usually picking on horses twice their size. Napoleon syndrome, perhaps?

Cerajero del Pilon

“Locksmith” (English translation) is the only purebred Paso Fino of the fleet. He is characteristically short strided with a lope smooth as butter and has a head full of beautiful Paso mane!

Willy-T

What a sweet man with a great attitude. He’ll give you a quick-paced, yet easygoing tour of the island. I swear your ride won’t be as debaucherious as his namesake; The Willy-T of Norman Island, BVI. For those of you that have been there, you know what I’m talking about.

Avispon “Abby”

He’s a spunky one – his name means male bumble bee or hornet and is pronounced ‘Abby-spone’. Don’t turn your attention off of him; before you know it, he’ll be biting the stirrup or nibbling on your shoe (while you’re in the saddle).
His shenanigans don’t stop there…

Torombolo – Guide Horse

Why the long face? He was born like that; the big man in a little brown suite, with the juice in the trunk. He’s a handful, but that’s what our ladies like to ride!

Dorado

He’s the only guy that’s not a Paso Fino related horse on the farm; Quarter Horse/Tennessee Walking Horse. I found him on a cattle ranch on the main island of Puerto Rico and couldn’t resist this big, smooth-gaited, young man. We believe he was named for his big, fish eyes (Dorado is Spanish for Mahi Mahi).

Red

A favorite mount among our guides as Red loves to keep things interesting. No two rides on Red are the same; one day the water is delightful and the next it's out to get him. Aside from his delightful inconsistencies, his smooth gait and upbeat manner are his more charming attributes.

Carlitos

A sweet and laid back gentleman, Carlitos shines as a mount for all types of riders. His amicable nature and upbeat work ethic make him an MVP in this herd. Him and The Guy are bestest friends.

Macho

The oldest of our homebred colts, Macho is the spitting image of their father, Uno, that was my faithful handful of a guide horse in the early years of ERC. He's strong, steady and smart. I look forward to him filling his daddy's shoes.

Guinness

A big, beautiful black & tan fella that aims to please. While discussing name ideas among our guides, we all agreed he looks like a delicious glass of Irish Stout. Side note about his photo: Early on in his days at ERC he jumped this vine-covered fence to join his new herd, well before I had planned to make full introductions!

Guapo

The middle child with beautiful blue-ringed eyes sets himself apart by being the most laid back of the three. Pretty sure he was born an old man, but we'll see as we get him under saddle!

Fuego

The youngest of three boys, Fuego is most like their mother, Karolina, the fiery redhead. Spunky, sassy and bossy too!