Dom Roque Francisco Rossi (president of the "La Tacuara" Association in San Nicolás, Buenos Aires) and José Ledesma have set off from Buenos Aires. Their intention is to recognize and publicize the traditions of the various areas which they will cross on their horseback journey.

They left at the end of May 2001 with 7 horses (6 mestizos and one pure-bred Criollo), but at Santiago del Estero Fiador was struck down with colic, and so the Criollo was replaced by Loretano.

They are traveling with two pack-horses with southern saddles (variation on the recado). The three other horses allow them to alternate mounts. The names of the horses are: Carancho, Ya verán (Rossi's nephew's horse), Perico, Loretano (Fiador's replacement), Forastero and Islero who are carrying the packs.

Rossi tells how he named the horses only after having assessed their abilities, when he gave them the name of their most obvious one. The exception was Loretano, whose name comes from Loreto (Santiago del Estero), the region where he was found.

This journey should be known and recognized for the tradition in which it is undertaken. The men are wearing the local costumes in all the areas they are visiting, and gaucho costumes in the main.

So, good luck to Roque Francisco Rossi and José Ledesma, gauchos like those in days gone by.

They will return from JuJuy province at the end of August in a lorry.