Marcha De Resistencia Brazil

What is the Marcha?

The “Marcha de Resistência” is one of the LONGEST endurance competitions

in the world. It takes place every year for competitors in Brazil and a few other

South American nations. The event takes place over 15 days during the winter

and covers 750 kilometers. Gauchos race their highly trained Criollo horses

in order to secure breeding rights for the horses which proved extraordinary

endurance and stamina.

How does it work?

Our team provides horses for the Marcha, and we are a relatively new operation. Therefore, we are offering 4 spots to foreign riders who want to come and test their endurance skills, and get introduced to the Criollo breed and the gaucho culture. In 2019 we had an off-competition rider, Krystal Kelly from the site Equestrian Adventuresses, who decided to come after seeing some pics of mine in a page. We decided to start a small business, but then came the Covid and we had to cancel. Actually everything was cancelled. But one rider was already booked, Sarah Cuthbertson from Canada. She kept the decision of coming, and then in 2022 she made history, riding Almirante to 2nd place in the geldings category (see her testimonial at the end). This year we had 4 riders, Sam Jones and Helen Davey from Australia, Jamey Altman from Virginia, USA, and Damyan Serovic from Guatemala. The prize went to Damyan this time, also riding my gelding Bolicheiro.

Why do we do this?

This race is unique in many aspects, but first thing is that you will be competing among, and against, the local competitors, and mixing into their culture; you will experience the food, the parties, the music; you will buy the clothes and even ride on them (the “bombachas” or gaucho pants are a very comfy riding gear). We aim to promote equestrian sports while adding value to local culture. Not many women can be seen riding and competing against men in Brazil. We had the hope that by opening up this race to international riders around the world we would give the local girls the encouragement, motivation and support to get in the saddle; and it seems to be slowly working, because besides Sam (Jones) and Helen (Davey), this year some local girls entered (not the whole race, but it is a beginning!). That is also because we LOVE our criollo horse breed. We’ve seen their capabilities and hope to share our love for our magnificent breed with the world! Finally, our Motto is the same in the Marcha as it is for any endurance competition: “To finish is to win.” You will not win any prize money (there are awards however should you place). This event is not meant to be won at the expense of others or our horses, but to revere and honor the amazing endurance capabilities of the horses!

 FAQs

  • Marcha 2024 in Brazil will be in the town of Santa Vitória do Palmar, state of Rio Grande do Sul. The distance from the state capital, Porto Alegre, is 502km. It makes border to Uruguay, and is at the Atlantic ocean shore. Plus, it ́s in the neighborhood to the Reserva do Taim, a nature reserve where many migratory birds can be spotted, as well as many capybaras and other small mammals.

    Marcha 2024 will be from June 8th to June 22 nd. Make sure you can arrive at least 2 days in advance, and your departure should have a similar interval.

  • Prices for 2023 are as follows

    Competitor:

    $1000 Deposit required when/if your application is accepted

    $4,500 Due by December 15th, 2023

    $5,000 Due by March 15th, 2024

    Total Cost: $10,500 USD

    Crew Member: (Non-Rider)

    $500 Deposit

    $1,250 Due by December 15th, 2023

    $1,250 Due by January 15th, 2024

    Total Cost: $3,000

    This price will cover your accommodation and food expenses.

    Refund Policy

    Since the majority of the fees is to cover horse training expenses, we can refund up to 20% of your paid fee. You have the option to insure it or name another rider to replace you and pay the remainder.

  • The team consists of six horses available for lease, four or five of which will be leased to international riders, the others will be ridden by local team members who ride alongside where suitable and will help you with pacing and to understand the competition.

    Horse Share:

    In the event that two riders are happy to share one horse and thereby compete in only half of the race, a horse share is possible. It is up to the two riders sharing the horse to divide the riding sections based on their own preference and fitness levels and is not up to the responsibility of the organizers. This means that at any time you can choose to sit out while your teammate rides that leg. Locals competing in the Marcha can also have a horse share so you will most likely not be the only competitors in the event on a horse share basis.

    $500 Deposit

    $2,500 Due by December 15th, 2023

    $2,500 Due by March 15th, 2024

    Total Cost: $6,000 USD

    *As there are limited number of horses, horse share will only be offered in the event that there is a horse available from Full Competitors and that another Horse Share participant is on the wait list.

  • Included:

    • Transfer from Porto Alegre to location of the Marcha and back

    • Accommodation during Marcha

    • Food (some of it is provided by the Marcha commission) and drinks, except alcoholic.

    • Horse: Feel free to choose your preference in advance. The costs

    include the training, shoeing, vetting, and transportation of your horse to and from the competition. It also includes the cost of your groom and jockey who is in charge of getting your horse fit for the competition.

    • Horse Tack: All saddles and equipment for the horse will be provided (brushes, hoof pick, bridle, traditional saddle, sheepskin, etc.)

    • Race entry (the Criollo association provides the vets and stewards since this is an official breed event).

    • Crew – although we are offering opportunity for people to come and crew for our team, there will be a local crew to assist you and help show you and your international crew members the correct way of preparing your horse in the traditional tack.

    • Driver and interpreter throughout the event. The majority of the competitors and staff of the Marcha DO NOT speak English (Portuguese is the main language, however most people here apeak and understand Spanish). The last Marcha we saw our riders communicating with aid of the cell phone app, and that made things easier.

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    • NOT Included:

    • Flights to and from Porto Alegre

    • Visa (many countries do not need a visa for Brazil, if you are staying less than 3 months)

    • Insurance

    • Accommodation in Porto Alegre or any of the main flight hubs (São Paulo and Rio), if needed.

    • Other Personal Equipment

    You do not need a GPS, since you leave and arrive at the same place every day. A cardio (Garmin, Polar or similar) is recommended so you can easily stick to the pace of the controlled speed loops.

    • Clothing

    Please assess weather forecast before you embark. In June/July, it is cold. It is wintertime in Brazil so you need to bring a good coat and a raincoat. You can always go shopping for the gaucho clothing and buy a poncho, during your stay. As a foreign competitor, you do not need to use the gaucho outfit to compete, but we can be your “personal stylists” if you want to.

  • Bolicheiro

    He´s young, 7 years old, but you have to respect him because he is twice finalist of the Marcha (2022 with Adriana/Henrique and 2023 with Damyan Serovic from Guatemala), and also placed 2 nd among geldings in 2023. He was doing roping and was offered to us. He has the same good gaits as his mother, Boemia who we rode in 2021; good pulse and plus, is a very calm horse, steady on the trail, even though he’s only 7!

  • Almirante

    Almirante is twice a Marcha finalist, he achieved 1 st  place among the geldings in 2021 and 2 nd in 2022 with Sarah Cuthbertson from Canada of Ride Like an Athlete). In 2023 was ridden by Helen Davey from Australia. He has also smooth but powerful gaits, and is as tame as a pet! He is very experienced and lives up true to his name “Admiral”

  • Ferrari

    Ever dreamed of being on board a Ferrari??? She has the speed, energy and comfort of the vehicle, add to this the sheer stamina and power, and off you go! Not forgetting to mention that this one has the spice, so if you like forward horses, this is your horse! She has also an impeccable bloodline of endurance champions: her mother won ten in a row 80km competitions. Ferrari completed in 2023 her first Marcha,.

  • Buena Sorte

    Buena Sorte is 12 years old, and she is already a mature athlete: she was a finalist of the FICCC Marcha (International Federation of Criollo Breeders) in 2019, when she placed 9th. She was also Champion of the 2017 30km cycle. Plus, she´s qualified to FEI* 100km, and finished 2023 Marcha with Jamey Altman from USA, and he was in love with her. She is very calm, has the best gaits ever, and will for sure be an excellent choice.

  • Iguana

    Iguana

    Iguana is your youngest: she is 6 years old, but we have already ridden distance rides with her. No placement, but our aim was just to accustom her to the competition atmosphere, loading, noise, music, etc. She will be competing in the Marchita (mini marcha) at the end of September. We have great hopes on her as she has endless energy and a comfortable gait.

  • Aguardente

    Aguardente is on loan for us from Balula, the legend of the Marcha. We tried Aguardente because we wanted to partner with him, she is also half-sister to Almirante, but they have so different temperaments as the sun and moon. I nicknamed her “Taz”,. Although she did not finish Marcha 2023 (withdrawn at rider´s request), she had a good recovery after the race and we will give her another go.

Apply to Race

This form is a pre-application. Athletes that are under consideration will receive a complete application form by email. Pre-application through this form is required before November 15th

2022 Competitor, Sarah Cuthbertson, Canada

What did you find about the race

It is very difficult to summarize 15 days of riding in one short and sweet quote.  Having participated in many other international multiday races, I can say this was a truly different experience. Being able to compete with the gauchos instead of other international riders was incredibly humbling and confidence building all at the same time.  The race is pure competition, you are heavily watched, and the degree of difficulty comes not from the terrain or the horses, but the ability to find peace in your own mind.

about the horses

These horses are truly incredible. You have to experience them to believe that they are not just capable of completing the race, but get stronger every day.  I felt very safe with my horse the whole time, and when the competition picked up, he turned from a childs pony into a proper racehorse.

what are your thoughts in general about the reception

I was worried how I would be received as the first international rider, I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform well so that the gauchos would welcome me and look forward to welcoming more international riders.  However, the pressure was all self inflicted! Everyone was very excited for me to be there and THEY felt the pressure of impressing me.  Once we got that understood, we had a good laugh. While the language barrier was difficult for me, everyone picked up a few phrases in either language and a favourite seemed to be “Let’s Go Sarah!”. It was so encouraging!

about the gauchos

There is so much to be learned in watching these fabulous horsemen care for and compete their horses.  In this race, I got to see how it was really done instead of watching international riders try to figure it out. If you come in with an open heart and without ego, you can come away with so many new skills and the ones you already have improved.They have the perfect balance of love of their horses and competitive spirit”

2023 Competitor, Damyan Serovic, Guatemala

“It was a big adventure for me, since the day I arrived and met my horse Bolicheiro. I adapted easily to the daily tasks of catching the horse, saddling it after learning the gaucho saddle ways, stretching and warming the horse up, then going to the start and riding the loops. One thing I think was very important was the hotel with a large bed and a good warm shower to help relax at the end of the day. The performance of the Criollos amazed me, after 12 days of controlled speed, it is amazing how they tackle the free speed at more than 20km/h! And to finish the race with the horse in good condition and even win a prize, was very special, added to the emotion of everyone rooting for me at the roadside, and of crossing the finish line waving the Guatemalan flag (conveniently handed to me on the last km). Last but not least, the gauchos hospitality, the parties, the barbecues (best meat in the world) make the Marcha an experience worth doing again."

2023 Competitor, Helen Davey, Australia

“La Marcha 2023 in Brazil was a great experience. To be allowed to participate in such a local and traditional event was an honour and an incredibly rich cultural experience.

Prior to the event Adrianna kept me up to date with the horse preparations and was available for questions any time.  Once in Brazil, everything was taken care of for us from airport pick up to accommodation to cool sites to see. Having Adrianna and Angelica as translators was so important as we came across few English speakers.  Having knowledgeable english speaking hosts meant we learnt so much about our surroundings and the history of the places we went.  We had so many questions and they were always answered.

Once at La Marcha we got to meet our horses and I was most impressed with my horse.  I am a very light rider and my horse, Almirante,  had to carry a very heavy saddle which he did without any problems. Almirante was kind and stoic and took me out each day doing whatever distance and pace I asked of him. All the Criollo horses were calm and up to the task. Getting used to the saddle position with feet well in front of hips took some getting used to but it did eventually feel comfortable, as did the Criollo trit trot that also took some getting used to.

Being with the gauchos and their families was a great experience and they were so incredibly welcoming.  They included us in their groups and barbecues like great friends.  And the barbecues  were fabulous!  Carne, carne, and more carne (meat, meat, and more meat). Wow, do they know how to cook meat and there was never any shortage of it.

Overall it was a great cultural experience and I certainly enjoyed La Marcha. ”