Los Caballitos

The song 'Los Caballitos' by Cri-Cri, also known as Francisco Gabilondo Soler, is a playful and vivid children's song that captures the excitement and energy of horses rushing to their meal. Cri-Cri is a beloved figure in Latin American culture, known for his children's music that often includes whimsical stories and characters. The lyrics describe a scene where both large and small horses ('los grandotes y los chiquitos') are eagerly running towards the stable ('caballeriza') because their meal has been served. The alfalfa is described as fresh and green, likened to emeralds, which adds to the imagery of a bountiful and enticing feast for the horses.

However, not all the horses make it to the meal without incident. The song introduces a horse with a callus ('un caballo con un callo') that becomes inflamed from running, and a capricious colt ('un potrito caprichoso') that throws itself on the ground, adding elements of humor and a touch of realism to the otherwise idyllic scene. These incidents reflect the playful nature of the song and the diverse characters and behaviors found among the horses, much like the diversity found in children's personalities and actions.

The repetition of the chorus, where the horses are called by 'Doña Paja,' emphasizes the communal aspect of the meal and the gathering of the horses. The song's simple and repetitive structure makes it catchy and easy for children to sing along, while also teaching them about rhythm and rhyme. 'Los Caballitos' is a charming example of Cri-Cri's ability to create a musical story that is both entertaining and educational for children.