The equestrian tradition in Costa Rica dates back to the time of the Spanish Conquistadores. They brought horses to America, and left a legacy of high quality and elegance behind. We are proud of that tradition.
Costa Ricans have a special bond with horses, to the point that we have developed a breed of our own: the "Caballo de Paso Costarricense" or Costa Rican Paso Horse.
Every year, during the Year End celebrations, we hold what has come to be known as "El Tope" (or freely translated, The Gathering). El Tope is a "very Costa Rican" horse parade, imagine watching thousands of horses prancing down narrow streets, just a few inches away from you.
The bloodlines represented during El Tope include some of the most outstanding Andalusians in the world.
The parade is open for anyone and everyone who wants to participate. Thus, you'll see some of the most beautiful purebreds side by side with ... hummm, gently put, others that are not so pure.
OK, some are not even horses!!! But nobody wants to stay home.
But others are among the best examples of quality and beauty.
Topes are held everywhere in Costa Rica, every little town has one. However, two stand out, the Tope Nacional that takes place in the Capital City of San Jose; and the one in Palmares. The pictures we display here belong to the "Tope de Palmares".
Horse breeders and riders come to Palmares from all parts of Costa Rica.
We really hope one day you can enjoy a live Tope in Costa Rica. It represents a lot of what "ticos" are: fun-loving, friendly and open to all, rich or poor.
