Costa Rica’s horse quality is renowned. The Costa Rican Criolla is small and sure footed, a big contrast to the large American saddle horses. The Criolla is a cross between several Spanish breeds (the Barb and Arab primarily) and the Peruvian stepping horses. Many reach only 12 to 14 hands. They are not particularly beautiful. But they have hearts and spirits that defy their size.

And they have the very special gait, the paso or Criolla gate, that makes seven hours in the saddle as comfortable as in a car, but awakening your soul as well.

Centaura's horses are very different from rental horses in Costa Rica. We've selected our horses for gait, behavior, and spirit.

Treatment of our Horses

We treat our horses with respect, and maintain our horses with the quality options that ensure longevity and good health (it makes sense to protect our investment, and it makes us feel good to reward good service with good care. The difference in treatment of horses is very obvious once you see horses used in rental operations).

Some very basic treatments and outward signs of respect for the animals by Centaura include:

Centaura’s horses are regularly tested for Equine Infectious Anemia. This fatal disease is rampant in Costa Rica, exacerbated by a lack of testing.

We medicate against ticks and other parasites.

Our horses have shoes, often with rubber inserts.

Bridles have pads to eliminate nose nerve damage; good saddles which are well designed to remove sore spots

Horses receive food supplements, not only“pasto” (grass)

Horses are curried and cleaned before and after riding.

Centaura horses get regular veterinary inspections.

Centaura horses go on vacation a lot -- in lush pastures, running free, with shade trees and shelters and clean water

FITTING THE RIGHT HORSE TO YOU

When you are with Centaura you will be riding one to three different horses throughout your stay with us. You'll get to trust your mount. We will give you a horse appropriate to your size (we have a gelding standing 16 hands, and many of our Paso mares are only 12-13 hands). So when you call us, let us know your height and weight, plus your riding experience, so we can decide which horses are best for you.