Hípica in San Juan del Sur

In Nicaragua, the term "hípica" is used to refer to an exhibition performed by riders on their best horses, travelling along various routes.  It is a Nicaraguan equestrian tradition and hípicas are held in every major town or city in Nicaragua, generally in conjunction with a religious (Catholic) holiday of some sort.  Think of a party on horses.  

Mary is on the white horse closest to the white car. This captures the festive atmosphere of the Hípica.

Every year in San Juan del Sur there are two hípicas – one in June and one in December.  This year Mary was able to participate.  She was expecting a parade around town and for it to be over in an hour or so.  Little did she know that it would be a five hour event!  But you might ask, “Why would it take so long just to walk around our tiny village?  Because walking was not exactly on the menu.   I’ll explain.

In Nicaragua, most of the indigenous horses are direct descendants from those brought by the Spaniards when they colonized Nicaragua in the 1500s.  They are smaller than typical American horses and they dance!  Yes, horses dance!  And dance they did at the hípica last Saturday night!  Think of Dancing with the Stars on horses while partying!

Mary and friend Samara riding together. Notice the color coordination of horses and riders.

The entire village turns out to watch.  A local police car leads the event blocking traffic.  Behind that is a pickup truck with huge speakers playing loud and festive Nicaraguan music at about 120 decibels and small groups of horses and riders.  About halfway back there is a marching band complete with trumpets, trombones, tuba, and drums.  

The parade marches about a block or less and stops while each set of riders dance on their horses for a minute or two.  Fun fact:  They put the most spirited horses up front (and many of them are said to be “spirited” with pharmaceuticals).  Riders drinking beer while dancing their stoned horses in close quarters with others… What could possibly go wrong?

Mary and Monarca before the start of the hípica.

Oddly, nothing.  It was a blast.  I walked along the parade route taking pictures of the event and mainly of Mary and Monarca (her 7-year-old mare).  When it was over, Mary even won a trophy.  I told her it was for Best Gringo Rider.  She says it was for participating in the event.  Either way, we had a great time and hopefully she can do another hípica next December.