I was always interested and attracted by the deep and empathic relationship between the gaucho and the horse. Also by the historical evolution of that relationship, particularly here in Argentina. I could spend hours and days sharing with both the different moments and circumstances. Their activities on the field, farms and roads, their loyalty and personality. Even so, photographing them is not so easy, if we want to get the real and natural moments. It's kind of a private moment.
"The gaucho would be nothing without a horse." – Anonymous
The gaucho is a very complex figure, a very difficult character to define, who has passed through many eras since his appearance in the central Pampas of quiet all America on the beginning of the 16th century, with the arrival from Europe of the first ships that brought immigrants, as well as the horses, which did not exist here before.
Thus, an equestrian culture was born throughout the American continent. The gaucho is the "criollo", son of the European immigrant and of this equestrian culture. The gaucho is a Pan-American individual, found north, center and south of the American continent. Creoles are different throughout America, just like horses (if we can say so), mainly due to the different geographical, climatic and environmental conditions, as well as the characteristics of the different immigrants.
The southern criollo horse became the vital tool of the gaucho, it was all he had in this world. If his horse got lost or limped, the gaucho, who used to cross alone with him through the immensity of the Pampa, lost his beloved tool, was left completely alone, and even died of loss and sorrow. Then he even lost everything except the old prestige that was exalted by harshness and loneliness. The gaucho-horse link was always fundamental and amazing.