Santiago Ruiz

Riding with Alfonsina Maldonado
Age: 35
Weight: 72 kg
Height: 1.80 cm

I have been passionate about horses for as long as I can remember. Throughout my life I was always in contact with them in an occasional way, until at the age of 12 I began having daily contact with horses, a relationship that shaped my path from then on. What I love about horses is everything: breeding, handling, breaking, training, and competition. For more than 20 years I have owned Criollo horses, enjoying not only the daily work but also long trail rides with friends across different regions of Argentina.

For the past 7 years, I have been traveling the world working professionally with horses. I have mainly worked with polo horses, although I have also worked with racehorses and, to a lesser extent, show jumping horses. Each of these disciplines has allowed me to expand my knowledge, adapt to different working systems, and continue growing as a professional.

My relationship with horses is based on respect, observation, and daily commitment, understanding that each horse is unique and that true progress comes from dedication, patience, and passion.

Why I signed up
I was invited by Alfonsina Maldonado to join her team, and I immediately accepted the challenge. What attracts me most about this race is its spirit: 400 kilometers on horseback through a wild and remote landscape, where adventure, self-reliance, and constant effort are part of the journey. It is a demanding challenge that undoubtedly offers great personal growth.

What motivates me the most is the message of resilience and perseverance that Alfonsina represents, as well as the opportunity to discover another part of my country on horseback. Although this is my first time competing in a race of this kind, I am fully committed to giving my best and leaving everything out there.