Horseman and hero: who is Argentina's 21st century gaucho?

Gustavo Fitzsimions rides a horse during Tradition Day, aimed to preserve gaucho traditions and to honour the birth of Argentine writer Jose Hernandez, author of the country's national poem 'The Gaucho Martin Fierro'. Photo: AP

Riders in berets, espadrilles and traditional neck scarves stand out against a dust cloud enveloping a melee of hundreds of horses as they expertly herd the animals.

The riders are gauchos, deft horsemen who occupy a special place in the Argentine psyche, somewhere between legend and reality.