Martin Tata has been showcasing his unique bond with horses
through performances to tourists from around the world. Born and raised on a
ranch in the traditional gaucho-town of San Antonio de Areco, around 110
kilometres outside of capital Buenos Aires, Tata has lived and worked amongst
horses his entire life.
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There is no whip in sight, no shouting or loud jabs. Not
even a firm hand on the reins. And yet Martin Tatta somehow persuades his
beloved Milonga to join him in acrobatic feats, from handstands to other poses
that even the most understanding horses rarely display.
Through soft touches, gentle coaxing and a few tender
nuzzles, it seems Tatta can sway his steeds to do just about anything. In San
Antonio de Areco, a bastion of Argentine gaucho culture outside the capital of
Buenos Aires, the 33-year-old Tatta is known as “the horse whisperer.”
Eleven years ago, the horse trainer’s way of “breaking”
horses without aggression caught the attention of a local rancher, who
encouraged Tatta to perform for tourists. Since then, he’s travelled the world
displaying the special skill he has with horses.
Tatta insists anyone could do this, if they were to be
patient and gentle enough. But veteran horseman Alberto Nally, who at 70 is one
of the most experienced gauchos in the community, says no other gaucho has such
a gentle touch. “It hardly looks like
he’s even trying or doing anything — that’s why it’s special,” Nally said.
“I’ve seen other trainers using their reins and pulling the horse’s head back
and forth, but Martin, no. He is steady and soft when he works with them. He
has a gift. He was born with it.”
Muchas gracias, Ariel
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