As in Europe, horse plays a great part in many cultural and outdoor activities. But here, he still is involved in everyday's work with cattle.The most suitable breeds for this purpose are Criollo and Quarter Horse.

People practice dressage, jumping, etc... using the same breeds as in Europe. Western style riding also has its enthusiasts with Quarter Horse and Apaloosa breeds.

When the towns were smaller, at a certain time of uruguyan history, the gauchos were the prominent figures of the time. They were not only "cow-boys". They were colonists, farmers and breeders, pampa trappers, sometimes bandits, soldiers, liberator of their country, gladly poets, playing guitar, and always riding horse and freedom lover. "Freedom or death" is Uruguay's motto.

The gaucho's fiestas are called "criollas" (say crioja). They last from one to five days and attract not only people of the countryside, but also people from the towns, who rediscover the spirit of the old times. There are different activities : equestrian games, dressage (the gaucho way), rodeo (without girth, without anything), lasso, parade with all flags and costumes (1500 to 2000 riders, even 3000 at the "Patria Gaucha" in Tacuarembo), auction sales of horses, etc... In a jolly atmosphere you can enjoy gaucho's food specialities, mainly grilled carn. Some people ride hundreds of kilometers to participate these events. People who love gaucho's traditions and want to preserve it form associations called "Sociedad Criolla" and organise such events.

Apart from Criollas, riders members of these associations organise other equestrian meetings :

- endurance races :

- 750 Km in 15 days, with a 95Kg minimal load (rider and saddle), without provision of food for the horse, only grass (may/june)

- 2500 Km in 40 days, from the town of Florida to the 19 capital towns of the regions of Uruguay (november/december)

- endurance races as in Europe : 30, 60 or 120 Km.

- horse breeding shows throughout the country. There's a great willing to maintain the "Criollo" breeding pure.