Horses and nature in La Barra: Jesús Giraud’s emotional bonding workshop
At Casa Quetzal, in La Barra, photographer Jesús Giraud created a workshop where children bond with horses through respect, emotion, and presence. An oceanfront experience combining nature, learning, and sensitivity.
In an area of green hills just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, Casa Quetzal presents itself as a refuge where countryside and sea coexist in balance. There, in La Barra, Maldonado, photographer Jesús Giraud runs a singular program: a horse-relationship workshop designed especially for children.
Surrounded by a small herd that grazes freely, Giraud offers an experience that goes far beyond learning to ride. The focus is on the encounter, on shared time, and on the chance to build an authentic bond with an animal as noble as it is imposing.
“My name is Jesús Giraud. I’m a photographer and I love horses, the countryside, and the sea. At Casa Quetzal I keep this small herd, and besides trail rides, I run a horse-relationship workshop, mostly for kids,” he says.
Horses as teachers of the present
The program invites children to get to know horses from multiple angles: observing how they behave, understanding how they communicate, and working up the courage to relate to a being weighing over 500 kilos. That first approach, often colored by fear, turns into a deep experience of self-discovery.
“Bonding with such a large being means first losing your fear. And once that happens, kids start connecting with their emotions, with their own limits. That’s where the horse does something you can’t really explain: they’re magicians, they’re teachers,” he reflects.
For Giraud, horses act as an emotional mirror. “They’re hypersensitive beings. What strikes me most about them is that they truly live in the present. And in the bond with children, that becomes very clear.”
A setting that enhances the experience
Located in Maldonado, in the La Barra area, Casa Quetzal sits within a privileged natural setting. The quiet of the countryside, the closeness of the sea, and the constant presence of the horses create the ideal backdrop for a genuine connection with nature.
“Having these horses here, right next to the sea, is something I really love sharing with people, especially with kids. Seeing how they enjoy the present, nature, and the horses is what gives me the most joy today,” he says.
center top no-repeat
Jesús Giraud with one of the horses at Casa Quetzal, in La Barra. Connection, calm, and respect are the foundation of the workshops he runs for children in contact with nature.
Jesús Giraud with one of the horses at Casa Quetzal, in La Barra. Connection, calm, and respect are the foundation of the workshops he runs for children in contact with nature.
https://modopunta.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Jesus_baja.m4v#2982
Postcards from Casa Quetzal
A visual tour of the grounds and the dynamics of the equine-bonding workshops, where learning happens at nature’s own pace.
center top no-repeat
2980,2979,2975,2976,2974,2973,2972,2971,2970,2969,2964,2963,2958,2961,2959,2957
A road that came from far away
Born in Buenos Aires, right in the heart of the city, Giraud always felt a strong pull toward rural life. His first connection with horses came through an uncle who bred racehorses and used to take him to the countryside and the racetrack. That experience marked the start of a relationship that never stopped.
Over the years, and after settling in Uruguay, that passion deepened. The arrival of his son Delfín, also a horse fanatic, gave it a new push. “I said: I’m going to buy a first horse to reconnect with them. Then came a mare, another one, a stallion, the foals… and that’s how the herd came together,” he recalls.
A relationship without violence
That daily coexistence raised new questions for Giraud about the traditional way of relating to horses. “A certain rural way of doing things always bothered me, a more aggressive treatment, as if the human being were above the horse,” he explains.
That search led him to explore natural horsemanship techniques and methods based on patience and connection. Through his work as a photographer he met trainers who worked without violence. “That opened up an amazing world for me, full of passion, love, and constant learning. That’s the place I now relate to horses from, and the place I share this experience from.”
Workshop format and schedule
The workshop runs flexibly and is tailored to each group. It takes place on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, in morning or afternoon sessions depending on the weather and the kids’ availability. Groups are small and are often put together spontaneously, at families’ request.
“Some parents call me and we put together a group for that same weekend. Other kids already come regularly, every Saturday at ten. It’s very day-to-day, very close-knit,” he says.
Beyond the structure, the core stays the same: offering a space where children gain security, confidence, and an authentic connection with nature.
An invitation to connect
“Feeling like I’m planting a little seed of love for horses, for the countryside, and for nature in these kids is the most valuable thing,” Giraud sums up.
Anyone looking for a different kind of experience in Punta del Este, away from the fast pace and closer to what matters, will find a sensitive and transformative offering at Casa Quetzal.
Jesús Giraud’s horse workshops are open to families who want to give their kids time for presence, respect, and a real connection with the natural environment.
Location and access
Casa Quetzal is located on Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza
Inquiries for workshops
You can reach Jesús Giraud via Instagram or WhatsApp +598-099-364-674
