Rodeo Duo to Retire After 7 Years with Las Vertientes de Riñihue

A Seven-Year Run Concludes: Fernando Alcalde and Diego Ordóñez to Compete Separately After National Rodeo Championship

After seven seasons of partnership, Chilean rodeo riders Fernando Alcalde and Diego Ordóñez are preparing for their final run together as a collera (team) at the Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo. The duo, representing Criadero Las Vertientes de Riñihue, have enjoyed significant success, including a fourth-place finish at Rancagua in 2023 and a victory at the Clasificatorio Sur in Osorno in 2022. This year’s championship offers a chance for a grand farewell at the Medialuna Monumental, though logistical challenges are prompting a shift in their individual careers.

Securing a Spot in the Campeonato Nacional

Alcalde and Ordóñez recently secured their place in the 77° Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo with a second-place finish in the Segunda Serie Libre B of the Clasificatorio Zona Sur in Los Angeles. Riding Las Vertientes de Riñihue Reina and Así Es La Vida, the pair accumulated 24 good points, earning them a coveted spot in the national competition. The achievement comes after a season marked by horse injuries, making their qualification all the more meaningful.

A Partnership Built on Mutual Respect and Shared Success

Ordóñez expressed gratitude and contentment following their qualification, telling Caballoyrodeo.cl, “Estamos contentos, veníamos con mucha fe, son unas yeguas muy buenas.” (We are happy, we came with a lot of faith, they are highly good mares.) He acknowledged the challenges of the season, including horse injuries, but emphasized the strength of their partnership and the quality of their horses. Ordóñez further highlighted the extraordinary nature of his collaboration with Alcalde, stating, “Gracias a Dios tengo un compañero extraordinario, con quien hemos tenido siete temporadas muy buenas.” (Thank God I have an extraordinary partner, with whom I have had seven very good seasons.)

Logistical Shifts Prompt Separate Paths

Although the pair will compete together one last time at the Campeonato Nacional, logistical considerations are driving them to pursue individual paths moving forward. Alcalde explained that commitments related to his family, work in Talagante, and established equestrian arrangements will lead him to compete independently in Talagante next year. He affirmed his continued support for his partner, noting that Ordóñez will remain with Criadero Las Vertientes de Riñihue alongside his brother-in-law. “Por un tema de logística, por mi familia y por mi trabajo…voy a correr allá el próximo año,” Alcalde stated, outlining the reasons for the change.

Criadero Las Vertientes de Riñihue: A Family Legacy

Both riders are closely associated with Criadero Las Vertientes de Riñihue, a breeding program with deep roots in Chilean rodeo tradition. The criadero’s history dates back to 1975, but gained significant momentum in the late 1990s under the direction of Miguel Bas. M&R Remates details how Bas built upon his father’s initial efforts, acquiring key breeding stock and implementing a more focused selection process. The criadero’s success is a testament to the dedication of the Bas family and their commitment to the Chilean Horse breed.

The Significance of the Collera in Chilean Rodeo

The collera is central to the sport of Chilean rodeo. It represents a partnership between two riders who work together to steer a steer between three stakes (esquinero) in a crescent-shaped arena. Success requires not only individual skill but also a deep understanding and synchronization between the riders. The bond between Alcalde and Ordóñez, forged over seven years of competition, exemplifies the importance of this collaborative dynamic. The riders must work in unison to effectively control their horses and guide the steer, making communication and trust paramount.

Recent Successes and Future Prospects

The team’s recent achievements extend beyond their qualification for the Campeonato Nacional. CriaderoLasVertientesdeRiñihue’s Instagram page highlighted a previous victory with their collera, Las Encierras “El Pituto” and Coz-Coz “Afortunado,” winning the Caballos series with 25 points. This success underscores the quality of the horses bred by Criadero Las Vertientes de Riñihue and the skill of the riders who compete with them. While Alcalde and Ordóñez prepare to compete separately in the future, their legacy as a successful collera will undoubtedly endure within the Chilean rodeo community.

Alcalde expressed his satisfaction with the recent win, emphasizing the importance of the prize and the quality of the mares. He also acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new horse but expressed optimism for continued improvement. “Estoy demasiado contento, esta premiada era importante, son las yeguas del criadero,” he said, highlighting the significance of the victory for the breeding program.

The Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo promises to be a poignant event for Alcalde and Ordóñez, marking the complete of an era while celebrating a remarkable partnership. The rodeo community will undoubtedly be watching closely as they make their final run together, honoring their contributions to the sport and the legacy of Criadero Las Vertientes de Riñihue.