Independencia 2

Finding the best, true, Chilean horse (we certainly didn't know what the judges were looking for, because the judges all picked in the reverse order of us).

Demonstration of Mapuche control of their horses.

Chilean horse & huaso (cowboy) dancing with the Mapuche's (Indians from southern Chile).

Cueca (Chilean National Dance) on horseback.  Notice the white handkerchiefs the riders are waving around the horses heads, didn't bother them at all.

We had a great time watching all the horses in this program, made us homesick for ours.

Chilean Independence

Blaine finally got to see a Chilean Rodeo in real life.  This is what the rodeo consists of--hazing the bull until you can push him up on the padded wall with your horse.  This is the only event in the rodeo.  The object is to get all four feet off the ground and you are scored accordingly.

Blaine got a good picture of Presidente Pinera, the president of Chile, when we were at the Parque Padre Hurtado celebration last Saturday.  The ponchos are the ones worn by the huasos, cowboys, of Chile.

These beautiful little girls are Alicia (the younger) and Laura Ovalle, all dressed up for the ward Independence day fiesta in their cueca (Chilean national dance) dresses.

Training in Parral

Blaine is teaching the doctrine of the Perpetual Education Fund to the leaders of the Parral District, about 3 hours south of Santiago.  We love these teaching moments where our spirits are renewed as the leaders finally understand the blessing the PEF can be to their congregations and the individuals within.